A FEMALE bodybuilder from Northwich who goes to the gym 14 times a week has shone at a European championship.  

Tracy Hogg, who lives in Winnington, travelled to Stadthalle Erding theatre in Munich for the Drug Free Athletes Coalition’s contest on Saturday, October 28, where she was placed third overall in her category.

The NHS physiotherapist put herself through gruelling training and dietary routines to prepare for the finals to ensure she’s lean enough for all her hard-won muscle to stand out.  

Now this season’s over, the mum-of-two says she had a couple of weeks eating all the stuff she’s missed, as there’s only a short window before work starts again ahead of next season.  

Northwich Guardian: Tracy Hogg on stage at the Stadthalle Erding theatre in MunichTracy Hogg on stage at the Stadthalle Erding theatre in Munich (Image: Karl Morris)

The 48-year-old, who is originally from Liverpool, started bodybuilding seriously just four years ago as a way of combatting low mood and other perimenopause symptoms.

She competes in the female masters' category, which is for competitors over 40, and said she was ‘over the moon’ to be placed so highly among so many outstanding athletes.

Northwich Guardian: Tracy Hogg with partner and weight lifting coach, Nigel Collyer Tracy Hogg with partner and weight lifting coach, Nigel Collyer (Image: Tracy Hogg)

“She show was absolutely amazing,” Tracy said.

“With the level of the athletes there, I wasn’t really expecting to be placed.  

“Being in a different country, it was a totally different atmosphere, with athletes from all over Europe.

“I was also there as part of the British team, so the camaraderie was fantastic. Everyone got on so well. We had a brilliant laugh.

“I celebrated straight away with a whole box of Lindt Lindor, then afterwards, the whole British team went out to an Italian restaurant where those who could properly pigged out.

Northwich Guardian: Tracy Hogg tucking into a well-earned burger after the show in MunichTracy Hogg tucking into a well-earned burger after the show in Munich (Image: Tracy Hogg)

“That went on for a few days, but I’m back on my diet now for next season. But as I’ll be bulking, I’ll be having about an extra 1,000 calories a day to help me grow more muscle tissue for next year.

“The next goal is the world championships, but I will still be competing in the British and European competitions in 2024."

Northwich Guardian: Tracy is already back in training, and has upped her calories by 1,000 a dayTracy is already back in training, and has upped her calories by 1,000 a day (Image: Karl Morris)

Tracy actually qualified for the world championships this year, but as they take place in Sydney, Australia, she decided it was too far to travel without sponsorship.

She currently looking for a sponsor, which she said would help her massively.  

“The goal is to be bigger and better next year, and to go further again,” she added.

“Each year I’ve got better and progressed, and I’ve got to keep that up.”