It is no secret I have become a big fan of the Bikini division. It is because of people like Angelique Costa who show Bikini competitors train and work just as hard as any other competitor. Angelique took the stage at Team U and looked the best I have seen her look. Her improvements were obvious and I have a feeling we are going to continue to see big improvements from Angelique all the way till she earns that Pro card.
Q: Angelique, thanks for taking the time out to do a second interview.
A: Thank you so much for the opportunity Jason. What you do to promote women in this sport is invaluable.
Q: For those who may have missed the first interview, can you tell a little about yourself.
A: Originally from Long Island, N.Y., I have lived many places to include various locations in the NY Metro Area, several locations in Florida, Poland, and two locations in Germany. I currently split my time between Florida and New York as I work as an Airport Planning Consultant for a firm that has offices in both States.
I grew up with the help of charitable donations of food and clothing from various community groups and made the best of what little I had with a vivid imagination. My upbringing taught me many of life’s valuable lessons at an early age; never take life for granted and invest in a good education.
I am a firm believer in the known phrase of ‘if you do not have your health, you have nothing’ which is so true. When my father had passed due to renal cancer and was buried on my 16th birthday, I knew then that I would dedicate my life to helping others and living the healthiest lifestyle I possibly could in order to defy genetic linkages and live a life of quality and not disease.
Today, I possess three University Degrees and three professional certifications all dealing with different aspects of aviation. My highest degree thus far is a Masters of Business Administration in Aviation (MBA/A) and I am in the midst of the application process for a PhD in Aviation at my alma mater, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
Q First I must say congrats on your 7th place finish at Team Universe. I thought you looked incredible.
A: Thank you! Team Universe was the only national show I competed in last year and my physique has markedly improved since then.
Q: As a show itself what did you think of it?
A: The show was stacked with gorgeous fit women of an extremely high caliber. In my opinion, this show brought the toughest competition of any show I have done to date and I am proud to have held my own on stage.
Q: How confident were you going in?
A: I was pretty confident going in but not from the standpoint of looking at others. I was confident in the fact that I had truly brought my best overall package to the stage that day and if it was meant to be, it will be. Having confidence in yourself is crucial to the way you present yourself on the stage. Stand up, show your hard work, and be proud!
Q: After pre-judging how were you feeling about your chances?
A: After pre-judging I basically knew I was not in the top five by the way the call outs went however, I did not feel as if I was far off from belonging with the top five. Having a sense of belonging on stage with the caliber of women I was up against made me feel humble and appreciative for what I did achieve that day.
Q: How did you feel about the overall package your brought to the stage?
A: I felt amazing knowing how far I have come in the past 9.5 months since Team Universe last year.
Q: What part of your physique would you say was the one you have improved the most the last year?
A: Leaning out my abdominal region.
Q: Was there one aspect of your physique you thought could have been better or you want to improve on?
A: I would like to continue rounding my glutes and improving my overall conditioning.
Q: Did your prep go as smoothly as hoped for?
A: Prep this year was the absolute hardest I have been through since I started competing in 2008. It was more difficult because I hired the expert guidance of Shannon Dey and Team Bombshell for this season to bring me to the next level. Even as a personal trainer myself, I know that one must never stop learning and if there is an expert in something, you should seek their advice if possible. I trained, dieted, and did my cardio like never before, and it was extremely tough at times. Thinking of my overall goal however; brought me through each day.
Q: Is there a point in the prep process where you say "O.K. I am ready"?
A: I believe there is a point where a competitor believes he or she is ready but can always use fine tuning. The great part about this sport is knowing that everyone is looking to improve on what they have and we all step on stage knowing there are always new challenges ahead.
Q: Anything about the prep process that you can say you want to do different next time?
A: For the next time, I want to make sure I get plenty of sleep the days and nights before, choose a spray tan provider that will actually be at the venue during the show (for Emergency touchups when it gets too hot), and bring a blanket to lay down on.
Q: After a show like that, are you mentally drained at all?
A: A show of that size is not only physically draining but mentally draining as well. Since my division tends to go on stage very last, it is hard to keep your excitement and energy up for the 6 or 7 hours you spend back stage prior to actually competing. This is why it helps to have friends back stage and a comfortable resting area to relax.
Q: The week before a show like that, what were you thinking about? Nervous or excited, or what?
A: A week out, things come in to perspective. I get more excited than nervous! Since I have competed in 11 shows prior, I know what to expect and that is what made it more fun. I was excited to connect with old friends and new faces I had met via Facebook or Sioux Country in person.
Q: How about those last 5 minutes before you hit the stage, what were you thinking about?
A: I think about my presentation, how my suit-tan-hair-makeup looks, how bad I really want to win an IFBB Pro card, how I am going to go out there and have fun no matter what happens, and how much I love competing.
Q: When you are on stage did you try and read the judges reactions at all or just focus on what you are doing?
A: When on stage I am always looking at the judges and I let the motions that I have practiced just take place and flow naturally. I do read judge’s reactions but oftentimes their facial expressions are so mixed, it does not necessarily translate to what they are writing on paper.
Q: What’s the first thing you ate once it was over?
A: Honey Oat Bread from the Cheesecake Factory
Q: Was there any other competitors you noticed who really impressed you?
A: There were many stunning women at the show across all divisions. In figure, Jillian Reville, Marcy Porter, Gennifer Stobo, Holly Beck, Ann Titone, Tiana Gonzalez, & Charmayne Jackson. In bodybuilding, Kristen Fonscea. In bikini, Stephanie Bella, Laurel Machado, Kristal Martin, Vanessa Campbell, & Summer Taylor.
Q: Anyone you got to meet or see for the first time that you were excited about?
A: Yes! I had the opportunity to meet for the first time; Marcy Porter, Stephanie Mule, Rebecca Staggs, Genie Sammons, Sandra, Ali Moyer, & Kristal Martin.
Q: How important is support from family and friends at a show like this?
A: For every competitor that shines her best on stage alone; there are many people in the audience, online, near, and far that have supported her throughout her entire journey. These supporters are invaluable as they help a competitor celebrate when she wins and comfort her when she does not do as well as she had hoped. I truly believe many women will never step foot on stage because they are lacking the support they need to go out there and give it their best shot.
Q: Have you decided when you will be on stage next?
A: Yes, I will be doing many other National-level shows this year and I am currently consulting with my coach as to which are the best ones for me.
Q: Anyone you want to thank for helping you in the process?
A: C-Dro Reno, Steven Pecora, Shannon Dey, Team Bombshell, Sioux Country, World Gym-Ronkonkoma, Bev Francis Powerhouse Gym-Syosset, Robbie Durand-Muscular Development, RX Muscle, and all my friends and fans.
Q: Anything you want to take this time to plug or promote?
A: Please Visit and Join my Facebook Fan Page: National Level NPC Bikini Competitor Angelique Costa, for all the latest updates along my journey as well as interactive health discussions.
Q: Angelique, again congrats, I really thought you looked great. Any last words before you go?
A: I am extremely grateful for all those who have and continue to support my journey to the stage. To succeed in this sport is to understand the true competition is with yourself and not others. If you are the best possible you, you have already won. This sport is one of endurance and determination. If you want it bad enough, you will do whatever it takes for however long it takes. It is a true passion that is not about winning a trophy, but the person you become along the way. I choose the path of humility, elegance, and integrity. I choose to bring others up with me, to help inspire and encourage, and to help others believe in themselves. Anything is possible; one just has to believe wholeheartedly they can do it.
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