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And the winner
is...Stacey Cravens! In a span of seconds, Stacey Henley
Cravens, a 5'5" 113-pound blonde from Manchester,
Tennesee became the Fitness America National Champion
on Dec 1, 2001 in Las Vegas. Her journey to the top began
a number of years ago, and she has experienced both incredible
highs and a few disappointments along the way.
Since childhood, physical activity and personal fitness
have played and important role in Stacey's life. The middle
child of three (older brother Brett and younger sister
Leslie), she participated in cheerleading, ran track,
and took gymnastics and dance lessons throughout her elementary,
junior high and high school years. She continued her education
at the University of Tennessee, graduating with a degree
in Marketing in 1994. While attending the University of
Tennessee, Stacey was a four time All-American and captain
of the Volunteers' cheerleading squad.
"I got involved in fitness training after graduating
from college," Stacey says. "I missed the high
of competing, saw the Fitness America competition on ESPN,
and decided to give it a shot. I participated in my first
competition in Atlanta, GA in the spring of 1998."
Within two years, Stacey not only was competing but also
was winning with regularity. Included in her trophy case
are the 2000 SNBF Nationals, the 2001 New York & Midwest
regional qualifying events, and the 2001 SNBF Atlanta
Championships, along with the 2001 Fitness America National
title.
Although 2001 had a sweet ending for Stacey, it certainly
didn't happen by accident. She spent the better part of
the year training and competing in numerous regional and
national events, from New York and Miami in the summer
to Atlanta and Minnesota in the fall, before landing in
Las Vegas to claim the national title at the Fitness America
Championship.
Prior to Stacey's victory at the SNBF Atlanta Championships,
she learned a valuable, although difficult, lesson at
the 2001 Fitness Universe Pageant in Miami. "My biggest
disapppointment happened at the Fitness Universe competition
in June, just 5 months before the Fitness America Pageant.
I was judged down in the physique round for being too
vascular and lean." She attributes her rebound from
that disappointment to her fierce determination to succeed
and a positive mental outlook. Approaching the Fitness
America competition, Stacey again was confident and determined.
"I felt very ready and I know the mental aspect of
competing is very important. I always go to fitness shows
pumped and ready to give it my all."
Stacey credits much of her success to the guidance and
support provided by her fitness coach, Jeff Hale, and
her mother Vivian Henley.
"Jeff has played a big role in my success as a fitness
competitor. He has been my gymnastics coach since I was
young and has always pushed me to my fullest potential.
Also, my family, especially my mom, has been there for
me and supported me 100%. She has always encouraged me
to reach my goals and has given me the faith in myself
to be the very best I could be."
Stacey anticipates another full schedule of competition
this year, although she has resolved to find a balance
between work and family in order to spend time with her
husband of 7 years, Chris, and their "baby,"
a Shitzu named Payton. Stacey is going to be doing a number
of guest appearances around the country, including hosting
the Fitness America Nationals in November!
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Age: 31
D.O.B. May 6th
Height: 5'5"
Weight: 115
Measurements: 34C-25-35
Residence: Manchester, TN
PRINT/FILM WORK:
• Featured in Oxygen, Natural Muscle, FITNESS RX, Ironman,
and FIT Magazine for fitness accomplishments
• FITNESS RX August 2002 Edition.
Article about my workout schedule and the Fitness America
Win!!
• Oxygen Magazine-October Edition 2002
Workout layout " 28 Days to a New You!"
• Co-host at the 2002 ESPN Fitness Universe Competition
airing in Sept. on ESPN and ESPN 2.
• Featured in Oxygen April edition 2002
for Fitness America National Coverage
• Celebrity guest at the 2002 "ESPN Navy Fitness
Challenge"
• Special Guest on the "Berman and Berman
For Women Only Show." Aired in July
• Model/Spokesperson for Dan Read Cosmetics
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