Starting her 2024 bodybuilding season with an early warm-up show, Lucy Garland is celebrating unexpected victories and finds inspiration in the support of others.

Competing at Hulk Armageddon, where she was the previous year's champion, Lucy took on an early preparation match.

She initiated her season six weeks ahead of schedule, knowing she would not be completely stage-ready.

Still, she believed it would be beneficial to compete in one event before the official start of her bodybuilding season.

Lucy GarlandLucy Garland (Image: James Lineham Media)

Sticking to her established routine, she continued her fasted cardio and training, without any change, right up until the day of the show.

Much to her surprise, hard work paid off when she won the Bikini Masters category.

She also found unexpected success in the Open Bikini class, placing third amidst rumours of her deserving a higher standing.

But to Lucy, merely placing was more than she had anticipated.

Offstage, she encountered something far more rewarding than trophies.

Several fellow competitors approached her and expressed their admiration, even telling her that she had inspired them to compete.

One such interaction was a backstage encounter where a fellow contestant confessed she was inspired to compete after seeing Lucy's victory in the Herald.

Lucy found these comments far more meaningful than any accolade and was humbled to see how her actions had encouraged others.

She said, "If I can help, inspire, support anyone, it gives me so much pleasure, joy and happiness."

She further stated that these interactions had reinforced her belief in the supportive spirit within the bodybuilding community, despite its individual nature.

Outside of competition, Lucy works full-time at Royal Mail in Sidmouth and trains at Ultrafit Sidmouth.

She encourages fellow enthusiasts to get in touch with her on Instagram or Facebook (Train.smart.with.lucy).