FMS Hearts the WPD Olympians: Autumn

Relax. Physique is Lightweight, Middleweight and Light-heavyweight Bodybuilding in disguise, or at least that's what it has turned out to be, despite the complaints of some of the (less muscular) Physique women themselves. And until the IFBB/NPC bigwigs do see their plans to "tone it down by 10-15%" come to fruition, that means there's lots and lots of beautiful female muscle in the division, especially when the cream gather as they did in Las Vegas a couple of weeks ago. Yes of course we miss the Ms O, but that didn't stop us enjoying the Physique Olympia, and all this week on FMS we're going to be paying tribute to these spectacular, muscular women.

So relax, get comfy, and enjoy!

AUTUMN SWANSEN: (FINALLY) JACKED


Autumn was "just a tad bit excited" about making her Olympia debut

A former gymnast, Autumn Swansen (maiden name Autumn Edwards) was, from around 2009, a Fitness competitor who was good enough to get her pro card, but never came close to winning any professional shows. As recently as last year - and after a three-year break from competition - she finished 10th at the Chicago Pro. It proved to be a pivotal moment. All my feedback [from the judges] was like "We have nothing negative to say", recounts Autumn. "You're just in the wrong category".



Cue one impressive transformation - both physical and in terms of her career. Autumn unveiled her new look at the St. Louis Pro at the beginning of April, and returned to her Illinois home with the winner's cheque and her place at her first Olympia booked.



Before the show - "the ultimate" as she puts it - Autumn's smile seemed as wide as any of the women's (and there were some damn wide smiles around). [I'm] very very stoked, she told HD Physiques in a pre-show interview. Can't believe it's finally here, but it is!

And here is the interview in full. Watch how she rests on her arm throughout, and her tricep ripple and bulge as a result. Watch how she keeps showing off her abs by twisting just a little bit as she speaks. But for me though, the real treat is Autumn's deliciously dreamy Southern fried accent, which, for a boy who grew up in the suburbs of London watching Daisy Duke, is every bit as exotic and exciting as her marvellous muscle sexy body. I tell you, I could play this interview (or any interview with Autumn) with my eyes shut tight and still end up swooning all over the place. Really!



So, how did this Southern belle do on her Olympia debut?

Well, if the judges were looking for some athleticism, those ex-gymnast/ex-fitness competitor moves of hers were very much in evidence during her routine...




And it's fair to say that "the jacked look" she speaks of being such a fan of could certainly apply to the package she brought to the Olympia stage...




The verdict? 5th. Seems like that package is a winner.



Ain't she something - as they (probably) say in Kentucky.



Check out some of Autumn's preparation for the O in a meaty 15-minute arm and shoulder workout clip from NPC News Online here - she certainly does go hard. And if you want to hear more of that Kentucky brogue, the same channel has an interview clip with Autumn on her nutrition. And you can keep on swooning over Autumn through the off-season by following her on Instagram and Facebook as well.



Enjoy!