No stranger to big muscles, Mary admits to having dreamed about becoming a pro bodybuilder one day. "When I was little, I'd watch Cory Everson compete on television. I'd get up in the middle of the living room and start posing." But others noticed her naturally muscular body. "People would comment on my little muscles back then, which developed from my gymnastics."

Mary did, in fact, compete in bodybuilding, winning the Aloha Classic in the mid-'90s, but soon realized fitness was a better goal for her. "After I saw Mia Finnegan [the first Fitness Olympia winner in 1995], all I wanted to do was compete in fitness. I guess the biggest reason was because I had the gymnastics background, but the look is more appealing to me as well. Another big reason is that I enjoy performing. With fitness, you can put more into your routine and play to the audience."

Making dreams come true
Eager to do well and determined to succeed, Mary follows her heart, her passions. She credits her mom, who passed away three years ago, for encouraging her to take chances and enjoy life. "I just take one day at a time and every experience for what it's worth. Life is an adventure, and you just have to live it. Don't take anything for granted, because you never know."

At the age of 27, Mary admits to being proud of how much she has accomplished in her life already. "My first fitness show was in '97, and I won my first pro show the next year. It just demonstrates how sometimes you have to follow your heart. I know there will come a time to move on, but I'll feel it when I get there. This is where I'm supposed to be right now."

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