Sunshine Coast bodybuilder Kristy Graham-Kumabe set to go ‘Hulk’ mode

A Sunshine Coast mum once teased for her physique in high school is going “whole Hulk” as she eyes a global bodybuilding title having started lifting after her third child.

A mum-of-three who battled back from major abdominal surgery is vowing to go “whole Hulk” as she eyes off a major global weightlifting title after being teased for her physique at school.

Maroochydore bodybuilder Kristy Graham-Kumabe was crowned professional natural physique world champion at a global natural bodybuilding event, The 2022 INBA PNBA World Championships, in Italy in June.

Mrs Graham-Kumabe, 37, who recently took up lifting, said she wanted to push her body to the limit and was eyeing another global event, The Pinnacle Pro/Am Natural Olympia in Las Vegas later this year.

“I’m going whole Hulk,” she said.

Mrs Graham-Kumabe said she had always been sporty but had barely touched weights because she used to get teased in high school for her ability to build muscle easily.

Maroochydore bodybuilder Kristy Graham-Kumabe. Picture: supplied.

But in 2019 Mrs Graham-Kumabe said she started strength training with a personal trainer at Muscle Hut, Warana as she recovered from “pretty extreme” surgery after having the last of her three sons.

She said she soon fell in love with fitness, decided to embrace her natural ability to build muscle, and became determined to lift professionally and compete on stage.

“When I do something, I do it 120 per cent,” she said.

Mrs Graham-Kumabe, who lifts weights for up to four hours a day six days a week, said she has several awards, including three Australian titles, after beginning competing only 15 months ago.

Maroochydore bodybuilder Kristy Graham-Kumabe. Picture: supplied.

She said her secret to success was her mindset of wanting to empower herself to support others.

She said she was a better friend, wife, and mum because of her training.

“If you don’t feel good about yourself, you can’t give to others,” she said.

She was also motivated by her children, and her passion to achieve extreme results naturally and healthily.

While her children and husband were her number one supporters, she said her biggest challenge was having to sacrifice quality time with them to invest in the sport.

Originally published as Sunshine Coast bodybuilder Kristy Graham-Kumabe set to go ‘Hulk’ mode