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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
World
Susie Beever

Woman transforms into champion bodybuilder - and lifts heavier weights than men

A young woman taunted mercilessly as a teen for her skinny arms has had the last laugh at bullies after scooping several medals for her strong physique.

Thai national Rawiwan Toha would receive endless jibes growing up in her home country about her ultra-lean body.

Comments on her legs left her miserable and ashamed of her body, shrouding herself in baggy clothes despite the country's tropical climate.

Fed up with feeling insecure, Rawiwan headed to the gym after feeling inspired by female bodybuilders she had seen in a news article, and says she's now lifting heavier weights than her male pals.

“Seeing these physically strong and powerful-looking women inspired me," she said. "It seemed like they had another level of confidence, they had power over their bodies – and that really spoke to me, it made me feel excited."

Rawiwan, nicknamed 'Miaow', had already tried running to build up her strength when she began taking motivation from women posting clips online of them lifting weights.

The London-based bodybuilder has claimed titles in several UK competitions so far - namely Pro Bikini and Pure Elite's UK Overall Champion - and says she has no plans of stopping.

Miaow now has a team of four coaches and follows a strict training and dieting regime, sometimes curbing her water intake in the direct run-up to going on stage.

"The training is tough, but I fell in love with it," she said. "There are no such things as days off, you are always working on yourself.

"I have four different coaches, and my eating plan is super disciplined – the only seasoning I can have on my food is salt. There are times when I have to skip water and dehydrate to achieve extra muscle definition for competitions."

Miaow added: "I saw my goal and I went for it, I made my body into what I wanted it be – strong and powerful. I feel empowered not just physically but also mentally.

"My friends and family have seen my whole personality change – I am happier, more confident, and outgoing."

Looking back at her younger years, Miaow is in disbelief at her journey.

"I was a sensitive teenager and hated any attention being drawn to me. I’ve always had a healthy appetite, but I didn’t seem to put on weight.

“I am sure there were guys judging me those first few months, this skinny woman at the gym. But now, I am lifting heavier weights than most of them and have bigger muscles than they do. They ask my advice now."

The bodybuilder now uses social media such as TikTok, Instagram and content creator platform Social Ikon to inspire others to take up weightlifting.

“I want to inspire others that we can achieve huge our goals together."

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