Sunshine Coast bodybuilder Rebecca Vizi outlines Paralympic Games goal

A Sunshine Coast bodybuilder with bright pink hair and equipment to match wants to be a source of inspiration for others with a disability.

Sunshine Coast bodybuilder Rebecca Vizi (right) competing at the 2023 ICN Queensland State Championship. Picture: Supplied

A Sunshine Coast bodybuilder living with a disability hopes to be a source of inspiration for others, while setting her sights on a potential Brisbane 2032 Paralympic Games berth in para-powerlifting.

Competing with a pink walking stick, Meridan Plains woman Rebecca Vizi certainly makes quite the impression on the ICN (I Compete Naturally) bodybuilding stage in Queensland.

The 36-year-old is not your average competitor, she was diagnosed with a functional neurological disorder (FND) and arthritis in her right hip three years ago after falling out of bed.

Rebecca Vizi competing at the 2023 ICN Queensland State Championship. Picture: Supplied

In the aftermath of the diagnosis, she found herself struggling to get by and lost motivation.

“I just didn’t have many goals in place and I wasn’t able to get out of the house much,” Ms Vizi said.

“It has been challenging at times.”

To help manage her condition, she commenced exercising with her physiologist at O2 Performance, Kawana, which set her on the path to her bodybuilding journey.

Sunshine Coast bodybuilder Rebecca Vizi. Picture: Supplied

“I was finding that I was really loving my strength training and not long afterwards I found out about ICN bodybuilding,” she said.

“I then researched if I could do it with my walking stick and it turned out that I could.”

Ms Vizi hasn’t looked back and has been involved in bodybuilding for the past few years.

“I am really enjoying it, I did my first shows last year and I’m doing more this year,” she said.

“For me, it’s about doing what I’m comfortable with, finding out what I can do, and keep getting stronger, which I really love.

“I really love how it also helps not just your physical health, but also your mental health as well.”

Rebecca Vizi placed first in the Ms sports model physically challenged category at the 2023 ICN Queensland State Championships. Picture: Supplied

Outside of bodybuilding, she has also set her sights on representing Australia at the Brisbane 2032 Paralympic Games in para-powerlifting.

“I’m working on getting into para-powerlifting with bench press,” she said.

“As for a Paralympic Games appearance, it’s definitely on the cards, I have had a bench press test at the Sunshine Coast university and they are trying to get a training program going there, so they’re going to keep me informed about that.

“Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Hani Watson, the bench queen, has also been helping me out, she has been great.”

Most importantly, Ms Vizi hopes to be a source of inspiration for other people living with a disability.

“I just want to help to inspire others, so even if you use a mobility aid or not that you can still step on stage and shine.

“When you’re going through an injury or you live with a disability, it’s important that you find things that you really love and enjoy.

“You can be yourself and be proud of who you are.”