Post Competition Interview: Jill Bunny

• Name: Jill Bunny


• Age: 30


• Category: Bikini Tall


• Competition: Arnold’s Amateur 2016


• Placing: 1^st Place Bikini F / 2^nd Place Overall

What steps did you have to do to your body to get it ready for stage?

Coming off the Olympia UK show back in November, I didn’t have a lot of time to make significant changes to my physique, nor did I need to after getting the judges feedback.  What I needed to do was keep my look and come in a bit “thicker.” The food stayed relatively the same and the dial in was nothing extensive with no long drawn out hours of cardio or massive drop in food intake because I kept lean.  It was all about little changes to bring in the final package.

What was your goal for the competition? 

My goal was to bring my best package to date; both physically and mentally, while proving to myself that I was more than capable of coaching myself.  And yes, of course I wanted the Pro Card; I am competitive! But more over, the competition was for me and to leave the stage at my prime and having the ability to retire by choice, rather than being forced to with respect to my MS.

How did you feel during your prep for stage?

Just like any prep, it had its ups and downs. Coming off the Olympia with a win in November and cover shoots in December; didn’t leave me with much of an off season. This effected me both mentally and physically going into this show. The pressure of coming off 2015 with 2 wins at the Arnolds and Olympia was a lot of to take in…. If I allowed it to.  At times I felt anxious;  “Am I going to bring a package worthy of another win?” “Will I disappoint my supporters if I don’t win?” “Can I coach myself?” Sure, these thoughts came into my head here and there, but I easily snapped out of it and kept asking myself my “why” and the reason I was competing.

From Dec-Jan was the worst part of my prep. In all honesty it was the worst any prep has ever been. My MS was full blown, and my personal life took a huge turn. In addition, I lost contact with my best friend and coach due to personal reasons. This literally destroyed me as he was my rock and was with me every show for the past 4 years. I knew no one could replace him. After a few days to gather my thoughts and a plan of action… I told myself I WILL TRAIN, I WILL BE MY OWN COACH!

One week later, my life picked back up, things fell into place and I had the RIGHT people back in my life. I felt alive again and with MS under control (for the most part) I was ready to prove to myself that I can get ready for the show of my life! It was the best thing I could have ever done for myself.

What was your least favorite part of the prep? 

The least favorite part of the prep was pushing the limits of my body while trying to control my MS symptoms. The worst part was not being able to feel my legs and not being able to walk up the stairs in my house. I wanted my body to look its best, and as a result my MS was getting worse and my eye sight diminishing.

What was your favorite part of the prep?

My favorite part of the prep was spending the last few days leading up to the show. The work was done, and I was finally able to sit back and live in the moment and spend it with the ones I love. I was holding onto every moment as I knew it was my last. From the Netflix in the hotel, to spray tan / hair and makeup, to the waiting backstage… it was all just a dream come true.

Did you have a moment of weakness? If so, when and why?

The weakest moment I had was in January when I had some personal situations to deal with. I felt like I hit rock bottom with my health, personal life and fitness career.  Trying to calm down, I had a bath and literally needed to be picked up out of the bathtub. My MS crippling and blinding me, I felt that I had nothing left in me and was going to let all my sponsors, fans, team bunny girls and family down. I spent the day in bed, feeling sorry for myself. I then woke up the next day and thought… HELL NO, I am not going down without a fight and I am going to go for what I want. January 10^th, was the day I did just that…. And my life has NEVER BEEN BETTER!

What was the best thing about your journey to the stage?

The best thing about the journey was realizing my purpose was indeed to be on stage. A stage that has a mic, just like the ones we compete on. However, I know see that my stage entails me to pick up that mic and use my voice rather than my body in order to tell my story. My life’s purpose involves the stage; in multitude of ways.

What was your favorite food?

My favorite food is my breakfast: 8 egg whites, ½ cup oats and ½ cup berries

9. Tell us about your suit choice & the experience

Colleen McConnell from The Crystal Suit is just outstanding. She has a vision, and I just leave it up to her. I told her that I either wanted to go back to black or do a silver. I left it up to Colleen and she went to work! Colleen knew this was the last suit.. so she went to town and left nothing unfinished! It truly was a masterpiece! She also made a second suit bottom that was a bit larger, just to be safe. Sometimes judges want a more covered bottom. Luckily, the small one past with flying colors!

On the day, what did it feel like getting ready, and stepping on stage? 

It felt like what my wedding day should feel like. The hair and makeup and tan made me feel like a million bucks. The stage was my “aisle” where all eyes felt like they were on me.. just like a bride. I also got my “YES” with the win!

Did you feel prepared and ready physically & mentally?

I have never been better prepared for a show then I did for this one. This was the first show I prepped completely on my own and felt confident that I did everything correctly.

Was it everything you expected?

It was everything I expected and more. I had no pre conceived notions going into the show. I didn’t allow the expectation to win cloud my mind.  I went with my best friend and lived in the moment. The cheering from the OPA, friends, and fans was so heartwarming. There wasn’t a moment of stress. Everything went to plan, and the girls backstage were all so welcoming.

Anything that you want to add about the whole experience?

Live your dreams ladies. You never know what tomorrow will bring or what circumstances will change. If you want to compete, do it! But do it for yourself! This was the first show that I went in it for myself, with no notion to win. As soon as you stop chasing a “Card” or a trophy… the real win will come! On March 5^th, I won. Why? Because I lived in the moment. I never thought of the future, or what could I have done better. I took the time to open my eyes and embrace the entire weekend. I left that stage a woman, with a new feeling inside... and I wish I could explain it. But sometimes, there are no words to describe it.