Sport
18 May, 2026
Bodybuilding win
MAREEBA local Carol Chong is now officially recognised as a professional bodybuilder after winning an amateur competition earlier this month.
Carol Chong was over the moon when she picked up a first and two second placings at the International Natural Bodybuilding Association (INBA) Australia Nationals show in Brisbane recently.
She placed first in the Figures Masters category, which earnt her a pro card and advanced her to Professional National Bodybuilding Association (PNBA) Elite Pro status. She also placed second in the Figures Classic and Figures Tall Open categories.
“The win meant the world to me. I’ve worked so hard for a lot of years,” Chong said.
“It was a really amazing experience, I was on so much of an emotional high when I was awarded my pro card – that’s something that I’ve been working towards for a long time.”
Chong said she had been bodybuilding for around seven years now, carrying out her training at Furious Fitness Mareeba where she’s been a member for about 10 years.
“I’ve competed within that time frame as an amateur competitor too. So I’ve just been working my way and placing in my categories, and it took me about three years to become a pro card holder,” she said.
She said she was also proud of the fact that she is the only First Nations woman in Far North Queensland who’s won a pro card.
“I’m trying to inspire and motivate my mob too – to take up the sport, get healthy, and try to get them to aim for longevity in their health,” Chong said.
“So that’s what I’m trying to convey as well, and to show them they never know where it might lead them. Because my fitness journey has led me to where I am now – I’m now no longer considered an amateur competitor, I’m a professional and a pro card holder.”
Chong will continue to train and look to compete at more shows in the future, particularly at professional national and international events.
