“I’m Not Special or Different”: After Battling Cancer to Compete Again, Superwoman Bodybuilder Makes an Emotional Confession

One can say that life is like a river flowing through many twists and turns. There is always an element of unpredictability lurking around the corner. The challenges can affect any aspect of life; health, wealth, peace, prosperity, and happiness. It is a true adage that -Health is Wealth. However, any major health scare can turn someone’s life upside down, especially if it is a debilitating and destructive disease like cancer.

Nevertheless, many inspiring people have beaten all odds to become healthy again. Not only have they fought cancer bravely, but they also came back strong in the bodybuilding sport. One such strong woman is Joanne Sheppard, whose story of strength and resilience needs telling.

Joanne Sheppard fights a major curveball to make a comeback to bodybuilding

Fitness trainer Joanne Sheppard posted a two-year apart reel on Instagram. On the left side of the collage, one could see her doing pushups in the hospital while fighting cancer. While on the right side, she was posing in a bodybuilding competition.

She wrote on the post: “2 years apart ❤️ 2 years I had just finished my chemo following surgery for ovarian cancer ❤️ look at the women in both pictures they look very different don’t they but they are the same woman ❤️”.

She looks different in both pictures, but her strength and resilience are the same. Even during her illness, she kept herself fit. She further mentioned, “I’ve had major curve balls in those years but again you keep going 🙏 my training has been my salvation during those years.”

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Her dogged attitude during hardship and commitment to bodybuilding is a lesson for all. If she can do it despite her struggles, so can others. She suggests women power through, especially when the going gets tough. The Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist shared a beautiful message with her followers. She says, “Life throws ALL OF US curve balls .. experiences that make us sad angry frustrated hurt …. And you cry … brush yourself down .. flex a bicep .. and keep moving forward ❤️❤️❤️ keep posted for the big one 🙏🙏🙏🙏”.

She further wrote, “No excuses I’m not special or different to any women reading this in there living room right now … I’m NOT… I’m just willing to try …. And that’s all you need to do … Be willing to try …” Sheppard fought through this, but she was never alone. Her friends, family, and some bodybuilding colleagues were always beside her during her tough time, and she also thanked them in the post.

Sheppard’s close ones were present to support her

Bodybuilding is not only a performative sport appealing to vanity. It also has many emotional and well-being benefits that go beyond mere spectacle. It gave her the willingness and drive to fight her battles. In the post, she also thanks her support system for always being there for her.

She thanked her children, her husband, her parents, her best friend, and her older sister for their support. She gave a shout-out to her trainer, Neil Anderson, and posing teacher for the bodybuilding competition, Andi Magee. Their emotional sport helped Sheppard bring her best foot forward post-recovery. She was the winner of the Best Health and Fitness PT 2023 Local Women in Sports Award.

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It is critical to have emotional support to take one through the highs and lows of life. A great coach can help manage negative feelings arising out of situations beyond someone’s control. Channeling the power in a positive direction is one of the greatest contributions of fitness and bodybuilding. There is a lot to learn from the story of Joanne Sheppard. She is a lesson in never giving up. Her thoughtfulness in appreciating all the people in her life who have contributed also shows what a great person she is. What do you think about her story? Share with us.