12.20.2004:Lena Johannesen Interview and Gallery
Monday, December 20, 2004 at 13:04 complete interview femalemuscle.com:
NEW GALLERY AT SHEMUSCLE.COM
By Rob Wilkins
Growing up in Oslo, Norway, International Federation of Bodybuilding (IFBB) Pro Figure star, Lena Johannesen enthusiastically participated in soccer, basketball, and various aerobic activities. At nine years old, Lena was a competitive swimmer and focused on this activity until age 16. During the early 80's, looking for a new physical challenge, Lena turned to weight training and joined the same gym as her mom, who coincidently was one of the first woman bodybuilders in Norway.
Lena cultivated a real love for developing her body and began competing in bodybuilding competitions. In 1995, she switched to fitness and placed 5th in the Norwegian Championship. In 1996, the IFBB held a Pro Fitness competition in Norway with the top five athletes from the recent Norwegian championship receiving a special invite to compete. Some of the leading stars in fitness such as Mia Finnegan, Dale Tomita and Saryn Muldrow competed for the title. Lena came in 4th place barely missing a qualification to the Fitness Olympia.
"I was very excited to be able to compete with the girls I had only seen in the fitness magazines. During the competition I was very nervous but found the girls to be very friendly and helpful," commented Lena.
"I was fortunate enough to receive an invite to compete at the Arnold Classic in '97. I received 10th place," she said. "A month later, I received 2nd in Prague and qualified for my first Fitness Olympia where I came in 3rd! Boy was I happy!"
