Page 20 - Masala Lite Issue 162 June 2024

LIFTING
20 COVERED

EXPECTIONS

Follow bikini athlete RADHIKA METTAKHUN as she defines the intersection

of strength and femininity.

BY GRACE CLARKE

I think bodybuilding is a form of art - your
body is a canvas; weights are your brush
and nutrition is your paint. Could you provide some details about your personal background? Have you always
led an active lifestyle?

Growing up, my parents encouraged me to explore a variety of extracurricular activities.
n the realm of female bodybuilding, pervasive misconceptions often label it as Swimming, golfing, and ballet became lasting interests, with ballet being my pursuit for
unfeminine, associating muscularity with a loss of femininity. These stereotypes 12 years, marking the beginning of my journey in the world of competitive art. I believe
suggest that a muscular physique makes women appear ‘big’ or ‘unattractive,’ the long list of activities were what kickstarted and shaped my discipline growing up.
contrasting with the idealised image of femininity as ‘small,’ ‘supple,’ and ‘sculpted.’

Such notions stem from societal pressures shaped by the male gaze, imposing narrow What does a typical weekday look like for you?
standards on what a female body should look like. However, body diversity encompasses I run my life similarly during my off-preparation and on-preparation days. The only
a spectrum of shapes and forms, and female bodybuilding, far from detracting from difference is the intensity of my gym sessions and diet, managed alongside my work
femininity, actually celebrates and accentuates the feminine figure. schedule. Closer to show day, my day starts early and extends late. I wake up at 6.30am
and hit the gym by 7.15am for morning cardio and weight training. From 10am until late
Radhika Mettakhun, a 28-year-old bikini athlete, exemplifies this paradigm shift. As evening, I’m at the office or making off-site visits. On more intense days, I fit in another
a pioneer within the Thai-Indian community, Radhika has turned her initial interest in gym session around 7.30pm or enjoy dinner with family or friends. By 9 or 10pm, I’m
bodybuilding into a hobby with a passionate full-time pursuit. Achieving prominence usually prepping meals for the next day, sometimes even preparing breakfast for my
through competitions, she embodies resilience and dedication. I had the privilege of family. I aim to be in bed by 11.30 pm to ensure I get enough rest.
meeting Radhika at the Benhanced Performance Center in Sukhumvit Soi 24, where her
warm demeanour welcomed me into her world, offering a glimpse into her journey and How does it feel to be a pioneering figure in the Thai-Indian community as a bikini
the transformative power of embracing strength and femininity in tandem. She spoke athlete?

to Masala further about identity, self-worth, and the power of a good support system. I feel very honoured. I stand by expressing and being your true self without any compromise.

When did your journey into bodybuilding begin? In my community, there’s an emphasis on concern for others’ opinions when pursuing

less conventional paths. However, I believe as long as your actions don’t harm your loved
During my university years in Vancouver, being around driven individuals and bodybuilders, ones, external judgement shouldn’t hold sway.
I found weight training to be a refreshing escape from the structured routine of college
life. The moment I enter the gym, my personality transforms. I like the person I become Did you experience any personal apprehensions before deciding to pursue this field
there – strong and confident, embodying the qualities I always aim for. competitively?

Four years ago, I competed for the first time at the Muscle Beach Natural International Not at all. I knew I wanted to do this, and it was quite hard to muster self-doubt when I
Show in Los Angeles, California. Though it started as a bucket list goal, I placed first in my am this blessed with overwhelming support from the people I love and care about.

class. It was a proud moment, but I chose not to tell my family and most friends, thinking Have you experienced any pushback or misunderstandings about being in such a
they wouldn’t understand. I still recall the nerve-wracking Greyhound overnight bus ride non-typical field for someone in the community?
from San Francisco to LA, surrounded by strangers, fearing I wouldn’t make it to the show.
In fact, there are several common misconceptions about our lifestyle. One frequent
During college abroad, I balanced a typical student life with an intense gym routine, even assumption is that we spend endless hours at the gym, when in fact, our sessions
commuting an hour for 6am bootcamp classes three times a week. It was surprising that typically last a maximum of 1-2 hours, not counting cardio. Another misconception is
no one questioned my extreme commitment. When I finally told them the truth three that we avoid carbohydrates, when they are crucial for fuelling muscles and lifting heavy
years later, they were completely understanding. That competition experience from weights effectively.
four years ago shaped my self-discipline and dedication, elevating the standards I set for
myself in various aspects of my life. While some may think our diet consists solely of chicken and broccoli, there are numerous
protein sources and greens available, and sticking to bland foods isn’t sustainable. Many
Could you expand upon what exactly a ‘bikini athlete’ is, and what the process for believe being on a diet plan is miserable, but it can be enjoyable if approached creatively
competitions is like? with foods you love.

I think bodybuilding is a form of art - your body is a canvas; weights are your brush and Additionally, some categorise bikini athletes as models, but our focus and requirements
nutrition is your paint. The challenge is: how do you facilitate the results within the given are distinctly athletic. Contrary to the idea that we have no life, balance is essential;
competitive standard with the genetics you were born with?
although bodybuilding is an individual pursuit, having a coach provides guidance and
Women’s bodybuilding competitions are commonly categorised into four categories: Bikini, oversight. Lastly, if someone claims they can’t give up their favourite foods, they might
Physique, Figure, and Wellness, with each category having distinct judging criteria. Bikini not be suited for this sport, as our dietary choices prioritise muscle fuel over indulgence.

competitors are judged by symmetry, and balance of muscle shape and size. Judges look Entering this sport, I’ve mentally braced myself for the fact that many may struggle to
for the hourglass figure or the ‘S’ shape, with a particular emphasis on shoulder muscles, grasp the concept. I often overlook comments that seem critical or aimed at bringing
a small waist, and very well-proportioned glutes.
me down, choosing instead to give the individual the benefit of the doubt that their
The duration of show preparation varies based on an individual’s background, including perspective is likely based on their own understanding of what the sport might be.

their weightlifting knowledge, eating habits, overall lifestyle, and mindset. Successful Could you share with us what your support system is like?
preparation, typically lasting from five months to two years, hinges on the ability to
make significant lifestyle sacrifices, maintain extreme self-discipline, handle isolation, Having a great support system first requires you to be open to who you truly are as a
and possess strong willpower. person. That process involves a significant investment of time in self-discovery. If you
communicate your personal choices clearly and genuinely to the people closest to you,
What or who inspired you to pursue competitive bodybuilding as a full-time hobby? support should come naturally from their end. I am very blessed to have continuous

As cliché as it sounds, my coach Khun Nittaya Kongthun inspired me to take competition support from the people I care and love. Some jumped right in with my idea of competing,
more seriously. An IFBB Pro Bikini Olympian, she’s ranked #1 in Asia and Top 20 globally while others took a bit of time to understand it. Regardless, all of them want the best
within five years – and she’s Thai! I wanted to emulate her beauty, success, and powerful for me and never stopped believing in me.

mindset. The only way to see what’s possible is to believe and go for it.
Apart from my incredible parents, I couldn’t navigate through months of rigorous
While Nittaya initially inspired me, my deepest inspiration will always be my parents. My training without the unwavering support of my brothers. Their calm presence has been
dad embodies an unwavering commitment to giving 110 percent in everything he pursues, a constant source of strength since the beginning. Whether it’s selecting restaurants that
prioritising effort over outcomes. Meanwhile, my mum is a pillar of unconditional support accommodate my dietary needs, accompanying me on lengthy walks to meet my daily
and logical guidance, constantly giving without limits. They are the perfect duo I turn to, step goals, or patiently enduring my mood swings after exhausting days, their support
especially on the toughest days of competition preparation. has been invaluable.

MASAL A LITE ISSUE 162 - JUNE 2024