BY SCOTT HADDOW
In the last year, Greater Sudbury's Aleisha Hart has become one of the best and most renowned figure and fitness models in Canada, and now she's poised to become a top international star as well.
Hart, 31, started in the industry just four years ago, but through steadfast dedication to the strict demands of the sport, she has climbed the ranks and is now the best in Ontario.
Hart just recently won the women's short division at the 2008 Ontario Figure and Fitness Provincial Championships in London.
Hart's stage presence, combined with her physique, allowed her to beat out 16 other worthy competitors.
The win allows Hart to compete at the Canadian National Championships, which will be held in New Westminster B.C. From Aug. 14 to 18.
The recent provincial title also has opened more doors for Hart as she was invited to compete in the Arnold Schwarzenegger Amateur Classic in Columbus in March 2009.
The wild ride Hart is on right now also takes her to Cleveland from Aug. 28 to Sept. 1 for the North American Championships - an event she qualified for after winning the 2007 Natural World Qualifier event.
The big shows coming up in August has Hart stoked about meeting her ultimate goal, which is to become a professional athlete in the sport.
"I'm at the top level now and I'm trying to get my pro card," the Lasalle Secondary graduate said. "These events in August are both pro card-qualifying events. I can get my card if I win, but only if I win."
The provincial title meant the world to Hart, who gives up an extraordinary amount of her time to prepare and keep her mind and body in peak shape at all times.
"This sport is my passion...it gives me the energy and drive to succeed in all that I do, from being a mother to an athlete," Hart said. "I was so emotional when I won...I wanted to win that event."
Hart's phone rings off the hook non-stop with agencies and publications lining up to get her services as a fitness model.
Hart is an Elite Serious About Fitness model and has done photo shoots for the publication's cover. She will also be featured in an upcoming issue of Ultimate Nutrition magazine.
In two weeks, Hart will go into Zebra Studios as she was hired as an international swimsuit model for the company's calendars for 2009.
Hart walks a fine edge to be at the top of the fitness mountain. It's a long, hard climb to the top and a journey that requires athletes to drain their tanks on an emotional and physical level.
Hart follows a strict diet every day of the week as well as cardio workouts five times a week and weight training five days a week. She successfully juggles a full time career as a sales representative with Northern Ontario Business, her competitions and training and being a mother to five-year-old Ty.
"I have no idea how I do it, but I do it," Hart said. "If you put your mind towards something, you can do anything. I have a lot of early mornings and late nights. I also get a lot of great support from my family and friends. It's very rewarding."
