Young Gunz - Shannon Thompson

This is our first feature in a series we're calling Young Gunz that will put up and coming competitors in the spotlight. To kick things off, 19-year-old figure competitor Shannon Thompson.

"Hi. My name is Shannon Thompson and you should follow me because I want to inspire other young women to overcome their weaknesses and follow their dreams and passions."

Let's start with your stats.

I'm 19, 5-8, 135 pounds competition and 150 pounds off-season.

How did you get started lifting weights and training?

I struggled with anorexia in my early to mid-teens and became an avid runner to burn massive amounts of calories, but I was much too weak to run the distances I was running and an injury stopped me from running when I was 16.

I began lifting weights to build up strength so I could run again and I fell in love with the weight room and have never looked back. 

How long have you been training? 

I've been training for almost four years, but I've only really decided to become serious about bodybuilding in the last year or so. 

How old were you when you did your first show? 

I was 17 for my first competition. 

Shannon Thompson

What inspired you to start competing?

I admired the drive and dedication of other competitors I followed on social media and I wanted to see what my body was capable of. 

If you could change one thing about your physique, what would it be?

Either a wider back or leaner legs.

What do you think is the strongest part of your physique?

Definitely my shoulders. I'm very proud of this as they used to be one of my weakest points. 

What is your profession?

I'm currently unemployed, but I'll be going to college in September for a bachelor of  sports and fitness leadership.

Shannon Thompson

You have all your expenses covered to spend your perfect day. What would you do?

I would spend the day in New York with my mom shopping, eating tons of interesting food and seeing a Broadway play. 

Your home is burning down. Family and pets have all made it to safety. You have one chance to go back in and save just one item. What do you save?

I feel kind stupid saying this, but I would save my cell phone. 

If you could look into the future and see yourself at age 50, what would you want to see?

I hope to be an IFBB figure pro, an inspiration to many people with a happy family and a beautiful home somewhere in British Columbia. 

Where can we see more of you?

Instagram

Model Mayhem 

See Shannon on You Tube. 

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