Michigan's Diana Sesto

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Ralfe Sean 16 December, 2008 02:49:00

Diana Sesto from Michigan becomes a real competitor during 2008

Diana began to compete, but after her last place finish in 2007, Diana did not give up. She focused on 2008 by taking second place in the tall class division at the Great Lakes Ironman in June. She stuck with her training program and entered both the Natural Michigan in July and returned to the Mellissa Frabiele in August, taking tall class wins in both shows.

Contributed by MichiganNPCnews.com

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Diana Sesto

Submitted by MichiganNPCnews

Diana Sesto’s figure career did not start out as well as she had hoped. As her first show she entered the 2007 Mellissa Frabiele classis in June of 2007, and finished dead last in a class of 8 competitors. This 22 year old from Clinton Township did not give up; she dug in and trained harder with her eye of the 2008 figure schedule. You see failure was in athletics was something she was not used to. Diana had excelled in sports at Chippewa Valley High School. While in high school she competed in 3 sports, Basketball, Volleyball and track. She continued her volleyball and basketball career at Macomb Community College, where she was captain of both teams, and made their hall of fame as a basketball player. She was also a member of the 2005 Modonna University Volleyball Team that went 47-0 and was ranked 3rd in the nation. So you can understand that completing and excelling in athletic events come natural to Diana.

So there was never any doubt Diana would get back into the gym after her last place finish in 2007. She focused on 2008 by taking 2nd place in the tall class division at the Great Lakes Ironman in June. She stuck with her training program and entered both the Natural Michigan in July and returned to the Mellissa Frabiele in August, taking tall class wins in both shows Determination leads to a victorious year in 2008

How long have you been training?

I started training when I was in fifth grade and starting in 6th grade I would wake up at about 5am before school to train in my room every morning. I would do crunches, push ups, tricep dips between my bed and dresser. Basically anything I could create and think of to enhance my body. Bigger faster stronger was the moto I lived by once I realized how gaining muscle strength and speed allowed me to advance in any sport than the rest of my teammates and components I began to take it to the next level.

Have you always been health conscious?

I've always been health conscious and intrigued by the human body. I started drawing at a young age and my favorite thing to draw was always a physique of a muscular body. What is most fascinating to me is how I can manipulate any part of me into any shape I want by applying training and dieting. It's not an easy process in trying to perfect a symmetrical shape and this is by far the hardest sport I've ever competed at. Although I may be the only one on stage to present the final product of my body on the day of the competition, it really does involve a team of people to guide, train and provide support throughout the weeks of preparation leading up to that day to get me there.

How did you know you wanted to compete?

I can remember the day I was working at the gym when I was 19 years old. I had just signed with Madonna University to play volleyball and I came across a magazine with a picture of Amanda Jo Savell (my prayers are with her). I read up on the sport and a week later I had called the Madonna coach and told him that I did not want to play and I was sorry for the inconvenience but I wanted to start training to compete instead. After a long conversation he had talked me into playing and after 4 months of a wonderful season I ran home, bought a couple books and started the process. I've been training ever since and I grow to love it more and more each day that goes by.

Do any of your friends compete?

Yes in fact my Boyfriend Casey competes. I’m so blessed to have him in my life. He is not only encouraging but just such an inspiration to me as well. To have someone understand what it takes to compete with all the time and dedication is really something I’m grateful for. The best part is getting into my side pose quarter turn only to find him off to the side with a thumbs up at the curtain smiling and cheering me on backstage. We are both such competitive people and being able to share this is important. A friend once told me that Bodybuilding is not just a hobby…it’s a way of life. “We” love what we do and that’s what makes it so much fun!!

Are you going to compete again?

Oh for sure, in fact we are currently debating over which shows would be best for me to do next season. I would love to do two if can and I’m hoping to compete in one of them at the next level to see what it’s like and be able to experience that level of intensity and competition. Doing a national show would be a dream come true for me. I would like to do the Flint/Midichigan or Ironman Great Lakes show again. Those shows are both well run and fun to do. Christine Hardy is the one who is currently helping me out and guiding me through this process and what she says goes. We met at the gym I work at and after seeing me train and hearing that I was cutting for a show she pulled me aside and basically has been a big sister to me through out all of this ever since. Her heart is bigger than life it’s self and to have her in the final weeks, backstage and even now is more than I could have ever hoped for.

Born/Raised In: Clinton Township, Michigan.
Current Residence: Michigan
Height: 5'10" Contest Weight: 151 lbs.
Off-Season Weight: 160 lbs.
Current Occupation: Personal Trainer
Favorite Healthy Food/Meal: I love Oatmeal and Whey!
Favorite Cheat Food: Chocolate and Vino!