Natasha Edwards - February Fury part 1

It's 6:30 PM. Twenty-one-year-old Natasha Edwards is an explosion of excitement and nervous energy waiting to happen. It's easy to see why her coach Lara Toma describes her as a "fireball."

Arriving in jeans that hug her frame so tightly it looks as if they were painted on and a top that shows off her muscular bikini competitor physique, Natasha Edwards seems tailor made for this gig. Tonight, sporting a tiny bikini that accentuates the muscles and curves of her 38-26-38 physique, she'll make her debut as a ring girl.

There's a list of names at the front door that includes Natasha Edwards. These are the ring girls working the February Fury event. But the ticket takers ignore her name. Instead, they're waiting for "the special girl with the muscles that will be performing in a bikini tonight." That puts a smile on Natasha's face.

Natasha goes to work within minutes of her arrival. Video interviews, promo photos and preparing for her solo performance in the ring; after that, meeting the ring crew, media and her fellow ring girls.

On paper, 90 minutes looks like a comfortable stretch of time; in real time at the venue, each minute races by, chasing the preceding one until the clock exhausts its allotment of 90 ticks.

It's 8 PM. Showtime. MC Olesha Karringten steps into the ring, microphone in hand. "Ladies and gentlemen, your attention please."

But it's not a fight that starts the proceedings; it's Natasha Edwards.

Stepping into the ring wrapped in a black bikini that strains to keep her taut, curvy body encased in the fabric, Edwards exudes a mix of confidence, power and sex appeal.  

How many in the crowd are hoping for a timely wardrobe malfunction?

Strutting around the ring, the bikini competitor hits a few biceps flexes that elicit shouts of approval from the fight crowd. MC Olesha continues with her introduction. When she booms out Natasha's stats, the 38-26-38 measurements gain an approving round of applause from the crowd. As Natasha describes it, her sweeping curves and hard muscles form the perfect combination of "murves," hashtag parlance for muscles and curves.

After an interview at center ring, Olesha asks Natasha to demonstrate what she does on stage at a bikini contest. Natasha obliges, hitting her mandatory bikini poses and throwing in a few extra twists and turns to show off her chiseled physique. The fight crowd approves.

February Fury stretches out until 11:30 PM. Throughout, Natasha lives up to her "fireball" reputation. Each time she steps into the ring, she feeds off the energy of the audience and shows no signs of slowing down. 

At the end of the evening with the ring coming down around her, she's still going strong, posing for promotional photos with a clamor of media rushing to get as much with her as they can. Edwards is ready for more, but it's the ones behind the cameras that run out of energy first. February Fury finally comes to a close for "the special girl with the muscles that will be performing in a bikini tonight."

Watch Natasha Edwards in the ring

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Click part two of our Natasha Edwards February Fury coverage.

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Vancouver Pro/Am & Expo 2015 - Jodi Boam, IFBB Fitness Pro

What are your stats?

I'm 28, 5-2 tall, 108-110 lbs onstage and 118-123 lbs offseason.


How did you get started lifting weights and training? 

I was a national-level gymnast up until I was 17 when I was forced to retire. From there I decided to start weightlifting just to stay in shape. I quickly realized I need to remain competitive somehow and be able to work toward a goal and perform as it's truly what I'm passionate about. That's when I was introduced to fitness through great friends and coaches. From that moment I've never looked back. It's my true calling. 


Were you athletic growing up?

Very. Since I was very young, I was in gymnastics, swimming, dance, etc. I quickly became a high-level competitive gymnast and trained up to 30 hours a week for nearly 10 years. Best thing I ever did and I still miss those training days. 


How old were you when you did your first show? 

Just turned 19 when I first hit the stage in an OPA Fitness event. 


What inspired you to start competing?

Just the need to be competitive and my passion to have a goal to work towards. Being very active and an athlete, this sport was the perfect fit for testing my discipline, dedication, work ethic and will power. I love the challenge both mentally and physically. 


What are your goals as a competitor?

Currently, my goal is to qualify for the Olympia in 2016 for women's physique. This would be a huge accomplishment for me considering I'm coming from the fitness background and working my way up. End goal - top Olympian. 

Where can we see more of you? 

Facebook

Website

See Jodi's slideshow on YouTube.

Make sure you check out the Vancouver Pro/Am & Expo show on July 9 & 10, 2016.

Meet Ring Girl Natasha Edwards

Twenty-one year old Natasha Edwards definitely turns heads when she walks into a room. When you fill out a bikini with measurements of 38-25-38 and you mix in some hard muscle, it makes for a package that gets noticed.

As Natasha says, "I have days where I prefer to cover up, but that's not often! I've worked extremely hard to be in the shape I am today. If you've got it, flaunt it!"

Underneath the sleek exterior is a young woman driven and motivated to reach her goals, both as a fitness model and bikini competitor. Best summed up in the words of her coach, Lara Toma (custombuilttraining.ca): "She's a fireball!"

Occupation At the moment I'm getting my personal training license and will be a health and wellness coach. I would love to make a difference and help people change their lives for the better.

Fighter nickname if you stepped into the ring The Beautiful Danger.

Favorite female fighter "Rowdy" Ronda Rousey.

I want to be a ring girl because As a young girl, I always looked up to ring girls. The energy they give off, their ability to pump up the crowd, and of course because they were gorgeous! I never imagined that one day I would be able to do the same. When the opportunity was presented to me, I truly felt blessed and I couldn't say no!

Stats Age 21, 5-6, 135 lbs, 38-25-38.

You would be surprised to know that I'm a diehard Harry Potter fan. Always have been; always will be. I was at opening day for every movie and always on the waiting list to receive the movies as soon as they came out! Every few months I still do a marathon of all the movies.

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Natasha will be one of the featured ring girls at the upcoming February Fury event taking place Friday February 26, 2016, Fraserview Hall, Vancouver, BC. Phone 604.435.7777 for your ticket.