Shaping up at 21 to win fitness title

GOING extra smile . . . Liberty shows off her bikini body

2 More Image(s) In Gallery

A DOBCROSS woman has muscled her way on to the international fitness scene by lifting a Miss Galaxy Universe Europe title.

At just 21, making her the youngest competitor, Liberty Baxter-Cox clinched the "Best Newcomer" in the female fitness shows staged at Brooklyn Bowl in London's O2.

Liberty - who trains at Heavenly Bodies, owned by Kate Linsall, also a past Miss Galaxy Universe Europe title winner - endured tough fitness tests such as sprints, squats, push-ups and bench presses and turned on the glamour for the bikini and party wear rounds.

The event is the biggest all-female fitness and beauty pageant in Europe.

Not only did Liberty win "Best Newcomer", she came second in the beach body section, 10th in the fitness challenge round, which, according to organiser Sarah Donohue, is the most gruelling part of the show, and was awarded fifth position overall.

"Liberty cleaned up at the O2," said Sarah.

"I've never seen a performance like hers from someone so young.

"Girls come in from all over Europe for this competition. There is no tougher event, especially because of the type of diet to be able to maintain a great look whilst having to build strength and energy."

Liberty, who has just gained a first-class degree in psychology from Huddersfield University and is planning to start her masters next year, said she was stunned by her success in her first bikini fitness event.

"I worked hard for it and because I was also finishing off my degree at the same time as training you have to compromise a bit, so I couldn't believe it when they called out my number to say I'd won 'Best Newcomer'," said Liberty, a former Delph Primary and Rishworth School student.

"It was a title I had my eye on but didn't think I had a chance. I'm so chuffed.

"It's strange because I didn't know who Sarah was until I entered the competition, then I found out we'd come from the same village. Must be something in the water!"

Liberty said she had always been into sport and when she started university she began looking for something to fit around her studies and the gym seemed perfect.

After getting into training at Heavenly Bodies she began to pursue bikini fitness, which is a softer form of body building to give tone and definition.

"Once I saw the changes happening to my body, it spurred me on," said Liberty.

"It's not the military-style training some chose to do but it is all about being lean and having definition. It's a personal thing but I want to make sure my shape stays in proportion, and as long as I'm enjoying it I'll carry on."

Liberty is now eyeing titles in the UK Ultimate Physiques Northern Championships, in York, in September, and Sarah's Miss Galaxy Universe World Championships, in Leicester, in November.

"I really enjoyed the competition so I'd like to do more," she added.

"When you're in training it takes over your life. There's certain foods you've got to eat, your moods aren't the best and you get very tired, but that feeling when you're on stage is just the best."