Kim’s going from strength to strength

Eight years ago, when Peninsula resident Kim Parrott’s personal trainer suggested she enter a local bodybuilding competition, she laughed at him. “I told my trainer there’s no way I’m ever getting on stage wearing a teeny tiny bikini,” Kim says. “In the end I decided to do it and won, then returned and won again. I then entered a competition in Canada, my birth country, and won over there. It kept escalating and I thought ‘I actually really enjoy this’.”

Last November, Kim returned to Canada to compete in the Ultimate Fitness Events international bodybuilding competition. Before COVID interrupted events around the world, Kim was a two-time title holder of this competition, being crowned UFE World Champion Pro Physique in 2016 and 2018.

Kim’s dedication to her sport saw her set up a makeshift home gym during lockdowns, and the hard work paid off when she reclaimed her title in the 2022 UFE competition in Canada. Kim won gold in two categories – Pro Masters Physique and Pro Physique – and silver in both Pro Masters Figure and Pro Figure. Kim’s mum Shirley says: “The look on Kim’s face when her name was announced said it all. All the hard work, long hours, missed social events, getting her steps in even while at work, meal prep, every sacrifice had paid off. She had achieved what she set out to do and we couldn’t be prouder.” In addition to the medals Kim received, she came home with two tiaras that regularly appear in her social media posts as reminders of her success.

Kim started going to the gym to strengthen her back after being diagnosed with scoliosis. “I’ll always have scoliosis but with all the training I’ve been doing my back is stronger than ever. The scoliosis flares up occasionally, but I’ve got a great team: a physio, a myotherapist, and a chiro who all help keep me aligned.”

When Kim isn’t training and competing, she works as a paramedic in the Frankston area. “This is my 16th year as a paramedic. I work shiftwork – four days on, four days off. I love my job; it has its challenges like every job, but it’s something different every day. You can go to five chest pains in a day and they’re all different. You get a glimpse into people’s lives and you know you have some sort of impact, whether it’s small or large. It’s a very rewarding job.”

If improving your fitness is on your new year wish list, Kim’s advice is: “Start small and get used to the changes. Don’t think everything has to change 100 per cent today. People ask what motivates me. I just do it. I don’t give myself the option not to train or not to go for a walk. You have to do it for yourself, know what your goal is, and be willing to take the time to achieve that goal.”