By Carol Courtney Anglin

Nancy Lewis is an IFBB Ms. Olympic, Atlantic City and New York Pro Championship contender.  She won 1st Place in 1988 NPC California and then, after a 4 year break, won the 2002 Jan Tana Classic.

As we talked about life as a professional athlete, she stated, “It’s fulfilling, but not easy for women.   It’s common place to be automatically judged by our looks.”   We are aware that people call us mannish looking, but what is mannish looking?  These days men have hair and nails that look better than ours.” she laughs.  But she understands the thinking, “Even internally women face discrimination.   It was one of the reasons why I took a break; I spoke out when a male counterpart was making derogatory remarks in print.  I thought it was extremely unprofessional, but I came back because I love what I do.” 

Nancy is now back and ready!  New location, new job but she decided to keep her existing training team.  “We are stronger than ever and all on the same page.  I am 100% muscle and nutrients.”  “People have the misconception that I look like this all year long.  I look like this when I train and take it to the extreme.  However, I am always fit and ready to throw on a bikini and head to the beach anytime of the year. Besides, people like me, let’s just say, people like me will not fade into a crowd.”  She laughs.  

When I asked her if she ever wants to be married and have kids she answered.  “Although I am happily single, I want what any women wants.   I would like to find that significant other.”  But she spoke of the lifestyle challenges of having a family.  “Right now, I’m alone so I’m #1 in my life.  I can go wherever the opportunity is without answering to anyone.     

But there is even more to Nancy Lewis.  She works full time for a police department in the animal control division.  She says, “This time around training is not as easy as in the past because I have a job.  I have had to learn how to multitask.  I am every woman; I have to do it all to stay on top of my game.  But I don’t mind because animals are my second passion. Working and seeing animals in shelters half dead and under socialized; my heart goes out to them.  Cat fostering is an essential part of my life.  Right now I have six cats, two dogs, and I always wanted a horse and so I have one of those too.  My animals keep me level and balance me out.”

If you had to say anything to encourage people it would be, “Do whatever you want to do and don’t spend time worrying about what others may think.  Time flies while we listen to unproductive talk.   I have no regrets.  I was chosen to follow this path and have been tremendously rewarded for being obedient.”