FitGems Nation EXCLUSIVE Interview with Jenny Hendershott

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Jenny Hendershott will be competing in an unprecedented tenth Fitness International. She won it in 2005, and has placed in the top five in every last one of them. With Adela competing in the Figure International and Kim Scheideler's retirement, Jenny has emerged as the odd-on favorite to win her second Fitness International title. I was able to get an exclusive interview with Jenny as she prepares to step on stage in March.

FitGems: If I’m not mistaken, you are competing in your tenth consecutive Fitness International! Man, that’s a lot of Arnolds ! How does it feel to compete in your tenth straight Arnold Classic?

Jenny Hendershott: You are right, 10 times!  I actually had NO intentions of doing this 10 times, ONLY 5.  But you know what I am so blessed to keep doing this and be healthy and happy while doing it.  I never dreamed this day would come honestly.  Its been an amazing and long journey but I am proud to say I have done it.

FitGems: You will be competing in your hometown of Columbus , Ohio . What does it mean to have your friends, family, and the city there to cheer you on, on a stage like the Arnold ?

Jenny H: The Arnold is a BLAST for me. So many family and friends get to come out and cheer me on.  Its really great to be able to share this memory with them.  I know its been a long journey for them also but they are super excited to see what happens after the Olympia win.  I hope to make them all proud once again and I love competing in OHIO.  Its a total blast for me. 

FitGems: The fitness world will have a major shakeup with Adela Garcia competing in Figure in this year’s Arnold and Kim Scheideler’s retirement from the sport altogether. How do you feel about both of these events?

Jenny H: You know I am super glad to see Adela come back and be on that stage. Her and I have been competing together a very long time.  It will be weird to not have her standing next to me but it will be great to see her back stage in that fun competitor mode she is always in.  Kim, I am sad to see her life evolve the way it has. She is a good person and I think just timing of some events have effected her. I would love to see her make a come back.  She really has endless potential.  I wish her my best and want her to know she will be missed.

FitGems: Who do you think will step up and become a major player in the fitness division?

Jenny H: Honestly, its anyone's game. Let the best shine through!   There are some girls who have been chasing me for years. I never take for granted that they are not working hard or don't want to knock me off the top.  I can't say I blame them.  This motivates me.  It will be interesting to see what happens. I know that there are some new girls who are coming aboard and they could shake some things up also.  Sit back and watch. 

FitGems: In all honesty, who besides yourself would you like to see as a future Fitness International Champion?

Jenny H: I honestly, hope everyone gets this chance. I know this is the easy way out for an answer but if you deserve it and you earn it then you should win it.  Everyone on that stage stands a chance.  BEST of luck everyone.

FitGems: You are the reigning Fitness Olympia champion. Will you use the same formula that you used to win the 2008 Olympia crown, or do you have something else in mind?

Jenny H: I am doing a little of both.  I am using the same system on certain things and changing things on other areas.  Right now its about balance and consistancy for me.  I always have surprises up my sleeve. 

FitGems: You are the only former Fitness International competing this year, which automatically makes you a top contender for this year’s crown. Where do you rank this Arnold with the rest of the fitness competitions, including the Olympia?

Jenny H: This is a tough one.  #10, the only girl to win it from the past. YOU know I am thinking ,eating , and breathing even more intensely then I did for the Olympia.  I want to Win this year and get this title back.  I have earned it and I have been patient all these years. Its exciting and as always challenging,  I am up for the CHALLENGE.

FitGems: I read on Issac Hinds’s blog, Hardbody News, that you are having your own show this year. May you tell us a little about it?

Jenny H: Super excited,  I wanted to do something to draw more women to the NPC and IFBB , bring in new fitness, figure and now bikini competitors .  The All Womens Weekend is going to be different and neat at the same time.  All info on the event is up on www.GetPhatPromotions.com ,  I hope many will come compete and support the show. SEE you all July 18th!

FitGems: Any parting words you’d like to leave for your fellow competitors and your fans going to see you at the Arnold in a few weeks?

Jenny H: Thanks, Thanks, Thanks,  I compete because I can!  I do the best I can and that's all I can do.  I just want my family, friends, Phat Campers, and Fans to know that I look forward to seeing them and hearing them when I am on stage.  I hope to win this one for them.  Thank you!

FitGems: Best of luck to you in the Fitness International, Jenny!

Jenny H: Thank you and thank you for your support.

For more on Jenny, check out her website at www.jennyh.com

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