Security clerk takes 5th place at championships

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Rob Hazelett
  • 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  Maintaining a healthy life style and sticking to a strict diet paid off for a security clerk who placed 5th at the Natural Tulsa Bodybuilding, Figure and Fitness Championships in Tulsa, Okla., June 23. 

Crys'Dawna Gisselberg, 509th Security Forces Squadron, said although she has been working out for years, the intense training for the competition took seven weeks. 

"I was the rookie in a tough competition," the North Ridgeville, Ohio, native said. "All the other women had done shows before, so I was happy to place." 

The North American Natural Bodybuilding Federation sponsored the bodybuilding championships, which had 23 female participants. Mrs. Gisselberg participated in the figure portion and was judged in two rounds: symmetry and presentation. 

"I was glad to be in good enough shape to be up there," she said. "I also didn't fall on my face, so that's always good." 

Mrs. Gisselberg said her favorite part of the event was the people she met, and admitted each contestant shared a similar bond. 

"No one really understands what you go through unless they do it," she said. "It was nice to meet people who knew how tough it is to prepare for a show." 

She has been here since March 2004 and has been married to her husband, Staff Sgt. Leif Gisselberg, 509th SFS, since September. 

Sergeant Gisselberg recognized his wife's achievements accordingly. 

"I am extremely proud of her," he said. "She has come a long way and is a positive model for everyone who meets her. 

"With her working and going to school full-time, she is proof there is no excuse for not accomplishing your goals," he added. "All you need is the dedication and motivation within yourself - I need to get on her program!" 

Mrs. Gisselberg's aspiration to raise the bar has been noticed by those around her at work. 

"I'm very proud of Crys'Dawna," said Rick Hofsommer, 509th SFS, who has known her for two years. "She was totally dedicated to making a good showing at this competition through intense workouts and strict adherence to a 1,000-calorie-a-day diet. She has excelled as a student, and recently received her associate of arts degree with Honors." 

She has also assisted co-workers with the benefits of healthy eating by giving advice on the proper food groups, said Robert Bonk, 509th SFS, who supervises Mrs. Gisselberg. 

"She is a very motivated individual, who always strives to do the best at anything she does," Mr. Bonk said. "It is a notable achievement for her in her first competition, which she has sacrificed a lot sweat, pain and time in training for. We are very proud of her outstanding achievement." 

Now that she's completed her first competition, she has already started training again for another show in August in Springfield, Mo. 

She said her diet has had a huge impact on her training. She has a made list of things she can't eat, including dairy, fruit or anything made with flour. 

Her inspiration to compete comes from working out as a hobby. 

"I have always wanted to do it, and I didn't want to be one of those people who say I'm going to do something and then not go through with it," she added. 

She believes she can motivate others to do the same. 

"It's a lot of hard work, but if you have the drive and determination you should go for it," she said. "Nothing is impossible because your work always pays off." 

Besides working out in her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and friends, and playing softball and volleyball.