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Date of Birth:
7/4/77
Born/Grew up in: Oklahoma City
Current Residence: Oklahoma City
Marital Status: Married
Height: 5'3"
Weight: 122 lbs.
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My name is Stephanie Knowles and I am a figure competitor, personal trainer, and teacher in Oklahoma. I began training in 1999 and competed in my first figure show in 2001. My wonderful husband, Justin, first introduced me to bodybuilding and figure after we graduated from the University of Central Oklahoma. We were both always involved in sports and wanted to find something to keep us in shape after we were finished competing collegiately. He played baseball and I played softball.
We moved to Norman and began training at Sooner Fitness where I met trainer/bodybuilder Tommy Brown. He encouraged me to try a figure competition and I agreed. We only had eight weeks and I had no idea what kind of discipline it would take to compete in this sport. After eight weeks of intense dieting and training, I competed in the Oklahoma Figure Championship and brought home a 2nd place trophy. I had such a feeling of accomplishment when I walked across the stage. The judges told me I needed to work on my back, and I couldn't wait to get back in the gym to get started.
The next year, Justin and I moved to Moore, OK and joined BodyTech. Owner/Trainer Howard Huddleston has encouraged and supported me throughout my entire training. I am so grateful for such an amazing environment in which to train. The people at BodyTech are so special to me -Ryan and Alyssa Tyson, Jackie and Darrell Little, Carri Ledford, Sherry Smith, Tim and Shannon Young, Dave and Annie Johnson, Jill Smith, Jennifer Jenkins, Lori Brooks, Dana and Jesse, Joey and Ashlee, Mark Russell, Q, Bren Baldwin...the list goes on and on. These people have been an inspiration and such a support system for me.
Last year I competed in the Iron Games along with my husband and we both won the overall championships in figure and bodybuilding. Five weeks later, I went back to the Oklahoma, promoted by Eileen Luis, and took home the overall in figure. Howie encouraged me to try Junior Nationals in Chicago and sponsored me through training, supplements, entry fee, etc. I couldn't have done it without his continual support. I placed 7th in the B class and made a goal for myself to go back the next year and make the top 5 in my height class.
In tuning up for Juniors this year, I competed at the Orange County Classic and placed 2nd. In June, Jill Smith and I went to Chicago for another go at Junior Nationals. With the help from my husband, Justin, my physique was the best it's ever been. I came in much fuller and just as hard. I was ecstatic to hear my name called out for the third place trophy at a national level contest. It was an awesome experience and I'm looking forward to seeing what God has in store for me next!
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