Personal Bio
RESIDENCE: Ancaster, Ontario
BIRTHPLACE: Toronto, Ontario
HEIGHT: 5 foot 7
OFF-SEASON: 135 pounds
COMPETITION: 124 pounds
YEARS COMPETING: 4
OCCUPATION: Corporate Office
Administrator
MM: WHAT WERE SOME PERSONAL
CHALLENGES THAT YOU HAVE HAD
TO OVERCOME ALONG YOUR JOUR-
NEY TO SUCCESS IN FITNESS?
RACQUEL: I’m very thankful
that I’ve been given more than a
few opportunities in the fitness
industry and appreciate every
single one. The truth is though,
that I often feel like the token
black girl; I can clearly see that
sometimes I may just be needed
for the diversity factor. I see
discrimination and know that
exclusion exits and plays a role
in some believing I should not
be given the opportunities that
others may believe I’m entitled
to. I’m very thankful to my fam-
ily and friends and supporters
who continue to encourage me
every single day.
MM: WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE
OTHER BLACK WOMEN TO KNOW,
WHO WANT TO GET INTO FITNESS
AS A CAREER OR TO COMPETE?
RACQUEL: I have encour-
aged, and will always continue
to encourage, black women to
enter the fitness industry or to
compete. It’s an extremely re-
warding sport. I consider myself
a true athlete and love what I do.
As with any sport, it takes a lot
of dedication, time and commit-
ment, and it can be very reward-
ing. I would encourage people
to step outside of their comfort
zone and take risks and compete
on bigger stages; do what you
feel comfortable with. The CPA
is an amazing organization and
there’s so much assistance to
help you every step of the way
if needed. I would encourage
women to reach out to other
successful black athletes and
talk to them – ask them what
they recommend. There’s never
harm in getting a little advice!
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