Nicole Nagrani was the inaugural Bikini International Champion in 2011 and is determined to shake Arnold’s hand once again in the winner’s circle. The champ is back to share her journey to Arnold and what keeps her motivated. She asks herself,”How bad do you want it?” She’s coming off a win at the Sheru Classic in INDIA and is determined to move up from her third place finish at the Arnold last year. Find out what keeps this full-time college student on pace en route to her third trip to Columbus.

Nicole Nagrani – 2013 Bikini International Contender

Hi! I’m Nicole Nagrani from Daytona Beach, Florida. This will be my seventh year competing. YES SEVEN! This will be my fourth year competing in the Bikini division. I can’t believe this is my third trip to the Arnold!!

I can’t wait to step foot on that Arnold stage this year! After winning the Inaugural Bikini International in 2011, and taking third this past year, I am definitely going back to regain my title! Taking third last year was really hard on me after winning both the Arnold and Olympia the previous year.. even though I know that might sound crazy. Believe me, I know what an honor it is to even take the stage at the Arnold, let alone be ranked as one of the top competitors in the sport, but its such an ego blow when you feel as if you’re untouchable and you find out otherwise. I needed that though, I needed to realize that I was taking my success in the sport for granted. But most importantly, I realized that my position as an icon for women around the world is the most important part about this sport. Titles come and go, there’s always going to be someone that ends up being better than the last, but the impact you have on someone’s life by inspiring and motivating them to accomplish their own fitness goals, is by far the most rewarding. So this year, when I go back, no matter what place I take, I want to be my best. I say this every show, but I think I accomplish this every show. I’m happier and happier with my physique every time I take the stage. And I hope that this year when I take the stage, I am still considered an inspiration to competitors around the world and lead by example that achieving your goals is possible!

The Sheru Classic in India was my last show. Just one week after the Olympia, I flew to India and won the IFBB Bikini division! I am half Indian, so winning in this country was really great! The Indian fans were really rooting for me and I think I was able to show them that no matter your background, ethnicity, or race, anyone can eat healthy and train hard to obtain their ideal physique. People in America definitely don’t realize how easy it is to have access to the education and accessories necessary to lead a healthy lifestyle. In India, fitness is really starting to catch on, especially with the women, but the idea of exercising and watching your diet is foreign to most. I’m glad that our group of competitors could travel to India and have an influence on the people to workout and become healthier. Not only did we influence the Indian people, but everyone on that trip embraced the culture and wanted to learn about the people. We wore the traditional Indian dresses, the sari, and we traveled to local markets and temples to really get a sense of what life was like in a foreign country. It truly was an incredible experience and the memories I have will forever be very special to me.

What keeps me motivated for the first show of the year? Well, I think this question all boils down to… HOW BAD DO YOU WANT IT? When I train for a show, it’s like this switch is turned on in my head and I don’t focus on anything else besides my goals. Most of you know I am a full-time student, but I recently graduated from Stetson University and I have gotten a job doing research in the meantime until I hear back from medical schools. Among this and many other personal things, my life has changed drastically in the past few months. I’m trying to get my life straight because I feel like my head is everywhere, but when I hear the word Arnold, its like nothing could possibly stop me from dominating this show prep. We all have excuses as to why we aren’t motivated, how there’s so much going on in our lives, how we have no time and this list goes on and on. But when you really want something, when you are passionate about achieving a specific goal, you will do it. I know for me, its not like I know what motivates me, the way I look at it is that their is no other option than to be motivated. I am already motivated, and something must really go sour for me to choose the option of being unmotivated.

And C’mon… its the ARNOLD were talking about here!!!!! Who wouldn’t be motivated?!?!?

Until next time,

Nicole Nagrani

Follow Nicole on twitter at @NicoleNagrani and like her Facebook page.

For more information on the Arnold Sports Festival visit www.arnoldsportsfestival.com and use #ASF2013 in all your tweets.