IFBB Pro Angela Skeels Interview

Photo Credits:
Photo 2: Ron Avidan
Photos 3-5: Muscular Deveopment

Needless to say, 2012 was a great year for Angela Skeels. She ended the year by winning her IFBB pro card at Nationals. Not only did she win her pro card, not only did she win her class, but she won the overall, a tremendous achievement considering how many great competitors were on that stage. Angela is also someone I see making a big impact on the pro stage as the package she brought to Nationals is definitely that of a pro competitor.

Q: Can you talk about how you got started in the gym?
A: I have always been in sports ever since I was young so I have always been in the weight room. Up until college I learned a little more in detail about how weightlifting is beneficial and built my knowledge from there. After college I continued to be in the gym and learn more and more about weightlifting and fell in love with it.

Q: What made you decide to compete?
A: I had always wanted to. I remember looking at the fitness magazines and always saying "this girl is on the cover, there is no reason I cant be on the cover." The girls on the covers were competitors and I always thought I could do that.

Q: A lot of girls I interview say after competing the first time that it becomes addicting, was that the case with you?
A: Absolutely! Generally you know when you compete if you can do another one or not. I have grown up playing guitar and drums in a band with my dad from a young age so I also have a passion for the stage. Being able to do this fitness thing goes hand in hand and lets me be on stage and do something I love. It was perfect for me.

Q: At USA's you obviously didn't place where you would like, did you get down on yourself at all?
A: You know what? I didn't and I try not to get down. I know I did what I was supposed to do. I have specific goals and I fulfilled them and worked my hardest. The thing I love about this sport is you can always change things, always do things differently. It was disappointing that I didn't place but I did everything I was supposed to do in preparation and was not down on myself. The things I did that work I take for the next one and the things that don't work I tweak so it becomes to my benefit.

Q: The improvements you made by Nationals were incredible but where do you feel you were better?
A: I was better in Atlanta. For me I knew it was something I wanted to do so I just continued to find that drive and passion and get up every day with that motivation to complete the goals and I never lost sight of that and never let anybody outside affect my goals. I gave absolutely everything.

Q: Everyone hopes to win, but going in to Nationals did you feel it was a realistic possibility that this was the show you could get that pro card?
A: I knew in my heart it was. I just knew it. You have a feeling and I knew deep down. I tried to keep calm and cool but something inside me was saying this was the time.

Q: When you first realized you were now a pro, do you remember what went through your head?
A: Oh man, I just remember everything went really really fast. I'm sure I probably said a bad word haha. I remember from the moment I got off stage everyone was tugging at me saying "you need to go here, you need to go there, somebody wants to talk to you over here." It took a moment to sink it. Everyone wanted interviews and things and now I look at the interviews and say "what a ding-dong" because I sounded so ridiculous cause my mind was racing so fast. It was an incredible feeling, I was so happy and excited. I was sad my family couldn't be there, that was the main thing, I was sad my parents couldn't be there to see that.

Q: For you, does the pro card carry extra responsibility as to how you portray yourself in the industry?
A: Oh absolutely! I definitely want to carry myself positively. It is something I wanted so bad and I continue to say that I want to be a good role model. I want to set a good example and leave a mark where ever I am at. I want to make my coach proud and my family proud.

Q: Is there anyone you are excited to be on stage with?
A: I get to share it with all my fellow Oddo's Angels sisters and my favorite bikini pros. Amanda Latona is one of them. I've met her a couple times, that is exciting.

Q: Have you decided when to make the pro debut?
A: Probably in March. We will discuss that and make a final decision soon.

Q: Where do you need to improve for the pro stage?
A: Definitely continue to tone up. There is so much room for improvement. I see things in myself that I want to tone up more or soften a bit. That is what I love, keep working hard and it is amazing how it all comes together. Legs as always is something I want to trim up more.

Q: When you are in the gym do you get any of the attention or stares?
A: Oh yeah, it happens, it happens all the time. The gym I am in is a very small gym and they know what I am doing and am there to work and not mess around haha. I do from time to time get discouraged but that will happen anywhere so what can you do?

Q: If you could spend a day training with any person you have never trained with, who would it be?
A: Probably Ronnie Coleman. That would be cool.

Q: Anyone you want to thank?
A: I thank my parents for being at my side and believing in me. My coach Kim Oddo, he continues to push and motivate me. I am so proud to be an Oddo's Angel. All my Oddo's sisters for their support, we have such a fun time together. It makes it more fun. My make-up artist Susie Lynn, she is always by my side and at my shows. She holds it down for me and gets my mind right. My girlfriends for always being supportive. Also everyone who voted for me in your awards, it was so nice to see and be recognized.