A WOKING woman has finished second in an international bodybuilding competition in Italy. 

Kim Valente, founder of the popular Squat2Fit fitness group, was runner-up in the Women’s Open Figure Class of the International Bodybuilding World Cup in Turin.

“I competed against some of the most talented athletes in the world and was in a very competitive line-up,” said Kim.

“Such a great result in my second season in bodybuilding has given me the motivation to continue competing on the international stage. It is simply overwhelming.

“I’ve been fortunate to have a brilliant coach, Steph Noble, president of Proprep Coaching, guiding me all the way. 

“And with the support and encouragement of my sponsor Annabelle Egar, owner of BikiniLove and Lucky Pants, I’m kitted out in the most fabulous bikinis and I’m able to look and feel my best each time I step on stage.”

Kim’s rise in bodybuilding competition has been meteoric. She entered her first competition as a bodybuilder only in May last year and finished the year representing Great Britain in the world championships Los Angeles in November.

A personal trainer, Kim was a distinguished track-and-field athlete but decided on a change of disciplines when her competition plans were thwarted by the pandemic.

She decided to set herself a new challenge, one that would test her versatility as an athlete, and entered a bodybuilding competition.

After taking a well-earned break, Kim plans another assignment on the world stage.

“Having won my class in toned figure at the Physical Culture Association qualifier in May, I’ve been invited to compete at the British finals in October.

“Then I plan to end my season at the UFE (Ultimate Fitness Events) World Championships in Toronto, Canada, in November.”