Lauralie Chapados has been among the most successful competitors in the Bikini division for several years. Since turning pro in 2017, she has earned several championships, including three Bikini International titles at the Arnold Classic. The one title that eluded her was the Bikini Olympia.
That changed on Oct. 12, 2024, when Chapados won on the Olympia stage and became the Bikini world champion. The CELSIUS athlete from Canada had prepared for that moment for quite some time and is ready to embrace the responsibility that comes with it.
Chapados spoke with BarBend in this exclusive interview about the win in Las Vegas, what being Ms. Bikini Olympia means to her, and how she hopes to represent the division.
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Note: the interview below has been lightly edited for readability.
BarBend (BB): What are your thoughts about the 2024 Olympia?
Chapados: I’m just now starting to grasp the thought of winning the Olympia, but I can only say it has been incredible. I don’t know how people feel after climbing Mount Everest, but this was my Everest for the last 10 years of my life. Thinking about the transition from contender to champion and what comes next has been interesting.
BB: What made the difference this year to push you to the top?
Chapados: I made listening a priority. I listened to the judges, my trainer, and my coaches and applied what they said. I didn’t think about it too much. I just went and did what I was told I needed to do.
There was no emotion, and it was very strategic. I will never do less, but I have tried to do too much more. I think that was the big key for me.
BB: What were you thinking as you and Ashley Kaltwasser waited for the final result?
Chapados: Even though it appeared favorable to me after pre-judging, I had told myself that I would be very happy for whoever won, regardless. I would be at peace whether it was Ashley or Jasmine [Gonzalez].
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Even when they called my name, it didn’t hit until Jenn [Dorie] and Tyler [Manion] held my hands up in victory. I saw my whole life go in front of my eyes — even my 17-year-old self watching the Olympia and saying I would be up there. Then, everything came back, and it was like, now I am Ms. Olympia.
BB: How does it feel to win in the Bikini division, which is one of the most competitive?
Chapados: It is sweet that I have been in the top five but have seen many champions earn their titles. That is an incredible blessing, but defending it in 2025 will make it very sweet.
My goal is to do what they say is impossible: going back-to-back at the Bikini Olympia.
BB: Bodybuilding is considered an individual sport, but many of the best have teams behind them. Who in your corner helped you be at your best on contest day?
Chapados: I have a lot of help from many people. First and foremost is my partner, Aldo Paredes, who I go to for training advice and moral support. He’s right beside me 24/7.
I also work with my coach, Kim Oddo. He is the reason why I have been so successful. He’s much more than my nutritionist because he has been supportive.
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Of course, my family, the IFBB Pro League, and NPC have also been there. Lastly, my sponsors, including CELSIUS, are also important to me.
BB: You are also the reigning and defending three-time Bikini International champion for the Arnold Classic. Will you go for number four in Columbus in 2025?
Chapados: That is TBD for now. We will see.
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Featured image courtesy of CELSIUS.
