IFPA Pro Qawnana Crockett Interview

Finishing second in a Pro show is obviously very impressive. Now try throwing in developing food allergies six weeks out that makes you revamp your whole diet. Now how impressive is it? That's what Qawnana Crockett did, and somehow she brought what was her best package yet to the stage. Qawnana looked amazing and beautiful as always, and me being a big vein freak, check out one of the pictures and you will notice...... a glute vein. Now that's just cool.




Q: First Qawnana, thanks for taking the time for another interview.
A: Thank you for the opportunity.

Q: For those who may not be familiar, can you tell a little about yourself.
A: Well, I wear many hats, but mom and family woman is at the top of the list :)
I'm a fitness professional, Drug free Pro Figure competitor, Fitness model,
Competition prep coach, and a professional makeup artist to name a few things.

Q: You just competed and did very well. Can you tell people what show you did an how you did.
A: I competed in the IFPA Pro Bowl in Richmond Va on 5/7/11. I placed 2nd out of 15 phenomenal pro figure woman.

Q: Were would you rank this show as far as personal achievements?
A: Considering a few challenges I had to take on, I have to say this show was by far my best showing. I have had some great accomplishments with this sport
But it isn't always about placing 1st. It was important that I grab the bull by the horns and look and feel my personal best for this show and I did just that.

Q: How do you decide which shows you want to do?
A: Several things go into play. Vacations, my kids are athletes too, so I share the time and we cycle through the year our events.


Q: What do you feel you most improved for this show since last time on stage?
A: Coming in leaner without loosing mass and looking "flat" or "stringy"

Q: How did the prep go leading up to it?
A: It was going well and then I hit a snag at 6weeks out. I developed some major food allergies and had to avoid the foods (90% of my meal plan) and revamp
my entire diet. Like I stated though it was a snag. It was my job to decided how big of a snag it would become.

Q: Did you do anything different this time around?
A: In my first interview I stated my plan was to lift heavy all the way to show time, so I kept my word. It wasn't easy some days, but I needed to keep the course.

Q: Was there anything about this prep that you want to change next time?
A: Just tweak my training style a little (again) lol!

Q: Whats the hardest part of the prep process for you?
A: In the past, it was setting boundaries and not feeling bad about it. I no longer have that challenge, so I would have to say it is ALWAYS the many bathroom breaks.


Q: When a show gets closer to you get excited or nervous or what?
A: Both! It's crazy because I am equally nervous as I am excited so sometimes I get nauseous and have to go sit down somewhere lol!!!

Q: What about those last couple minutes before you get on stage?
A: Oh man, those are the worse! I get real nervous right before they call my name and number (head spinning nervous) and then it goes away as soon as I take my first step on to the stage.

Q: When on stage do you try and read the judges reactions at all or just focus on what you are doing?
A: I briefly acknowledge the judges, but I stay focused on what I came to do, we don't get a lot of time on stage so I don't want to make any mistakes if I can help it.


Q: Where there any competitors you have seen lately who impress you?
A: Actually yes, I am still floored by the two ladies that competed in the Pro open category at the show who were over 50! One of those ladies even placed in the top 5! That was beyond impressive to me.

Q: How important is support from family and friends during the prep process and competing?
A: It's extremely important. We need them not to take it personal when we go into our own mental universe. This is not a easy sport to be a part of and as competitors, we really want to pull out all of the stops. If you don't actually compete, it is not really that easy to understand but just knowing we have the support and respect of family and friends is plenty.

Q: What is a typical day like for you during contest prep?
A: I don't do anything (except eat) before sending the kids off to school. Once they are gone, I either hit the gym or workout in my home gym. Once I'm done training myself, then I work with others, teach classes, work events etc.. Gotta put yourself first sometimes :)

Q: I always ask what the biggest misconception is about competitors. This time I will ask, what is the biggest misconception about you?
A: The main misconception about me is that I weight 110-115lbs. I'm not even close! I don't even remember the last time I weighed that. Past that, I'm not really sure. I'm so busy staying productive that I guess I have never really made time to figure it out.

Q: Any plans for other shows this year?
A: Yes, I do plan to compete again later in the year. I'm looking forward to seeing what improvements I can bring to the stage this time.

Q: Finish this sentence. In five years Qawnana Crockett will be__?
A: Sending one of my kids off to college, still involved in trying to motivate and inspire people on and off the stage, competing in the masters division (if I am still competing).

Q: When you are done competing, how would you like Qawnana Crockett the competitor to be remembered?
A: Driven, Humble, A good sport, and down to earth. This is one of the first conversations I have with figure competitors when they show interest in competing. I think being remembered for who you are is far more important than what you placed. My kids know that I feel strongly about this with them as well.

Q: Anything I missed you want to talk about?
A: I'm surprised you didn't ask me what I ate when I stepped off the stage lol!!!! Well, I had a Krispy Cream moment with some of my fellow competitors, boy was I on a sugar high afterwards! LOL!!!

Q: Anything you want to plug or promote?
A: Yes, as I stated earlier, I do contest prep, posing lessons, and I also do professional makeup for those ladies looking to look flawless in the face on stage.


Q: Anyone you want to thank for helping you get ready for this show?
A: I actually want to give a huge thanks to all of my family, friends, co-workers, and members of my gym that gave me positive words, came out to show support, and kept my spirits up during peak week.

Q: Qawnana, again, thanks so much for doing another interview. Any last words before you go?
A: Thank you so much again for doing this interview. "Work with what you have, not against it".