“Consistency is the real proof of your standard: succeeding once, then doing it again.”

Just a week after Wallachia Warriors, I stepped onto the stage at Balkan Grand Prix 9 in Sofia, the fourth competition of my first season in bikini fitness.

This was one of the most intense and physically demanding experiences of my entire preparation. Peak-week preparation and dehydration began on the very day of the preceding competition in Romania. Early the next morning, I had to find a gym for my first peak-week workout, before we immediately set off back to Bulgaria.

Everything happened at an exceptionally fast pace, with minimal recovery time, constant monitoring of my condition and complete focus on the process. Moments like these develop an athlete's true resilience.

Despite the demands, I managed to take the stage in excellent condition and perform consistently against strong competition. Interestingly, I achieved exactly the same placings as in the spring edition:

• 🥇 1st place – Masters
• 🥉 3rd place – Open Class C

This competition felt different emotionally, too. I now had the confidence and composure of someone who knew what to expect on stage. What mattered most to me was that I had maintained my position and standard despite the exceptionally short time between competitions.

Beyond the results, this appearance brought me new connections, meetings with wonderful athletes and coaches, and even stronger motivation to develop in the sport.