Sport
31 August, 2026
Local bodybuilder goes pro in second season
A LOCAL bodybuilder has wrapped up an extraordinary season, recently bringing home nine gold medals, one silver, one bronze, and two professional bodybuilding cards.
Shani Harper-Wiggins, a 43-year-old mother of three, personal trainer, nutrition consultant and owner of Built by You with Shani in Mareeba, amassed a total of 11 medals and earnt two pro cards in just her second season of competition.
Harper-Wiggins, who carries out her training at Furious Fitness Mareeba, competed in three major championships over consecutive weekends recently.
The first was the IFBB Queensland State Championships on the Gold Coast, where she won gold in Masters Figure and silver in the Open Women’s Physique.
The next was the IFBB Pro Qualifying Championships in Melbourne, where she again won gold in Masters Figure and then won bronze in the Open Women’s Physique.
The next event, the NBA Natural Bodybuilding Australia Winter Titles, was nothing short of a medal bonanza for the Mareeba bodybuilder. She notched up seven gold medals across seven different divisions, including Figure International and the Overall Figure title.
“My results at the NBA Winter Titles also earned me two professional cards – one in Figure and one in Figure International,” she said.
“Achieving professional status is something many bodybuilders work toward throughout their entire careers, so earning two pro cards in only my second competition season is an honour that still hasn’t completely sunk in.
“I designed and completed my own training, developing a physique the judges recognised for its muscular development, symmetry, and stage presence. Coach Chris Black, originally from Mareeba, helped to keep me accountable and consistent with my nutrition throughout the preparation.
“Competing in three shows in three weeks required our plan to be executed with precision. The journey required discipline, resilience and the determination to keep moving forward through significant personal challenges.”
She said the support of her husband Jarod and three daughters made the experience even more meaningful. She also hoped her achievements might inspire others.
“My youngest waved excitedly every time I appeared onstage and my eldest told the audience that she looks up to me and may want to compete herself one day. Those moments will always mean more to me than any medal,” she said.
“I hope my story reminds other women, particularly mothers and women in their forties, that age, motherhood, and life’s setbacks do not place an expiry date on their goals.”
