At the 2023 Bikini International contest, Lauralie Chapados defended her crown, besting three Bikini Olympia champions, including the reigning Olympia champion Maureen Blanquisco. Blanquisco ranked second in Columbus, OH, ahead of Olympia champion Jennifer Dorie in third and three-time Olympia champion Ashley Kaltwasser.
Kaltwasser’s Olympia reign lasted from 2013 to 2015. While she hasn’t won the biggest prize in bodybuilding since then, Kaltwasser has been remarkably consistent in pro shows while competing at an even more impressive frequency.
On March 7, 2023, Kaltwasser took to her YouTube channel to share why she chooses to compete at the rate that she does rather than take an off-season to put on more muscle. Check it out below:
One of the most common inquiries Kaltwasser receives on social media regards why she doesn’t take a longer off-season to prepare for the Olympia. Kaltwasser addresses that question two-fold. First, she batted the assumption that the Olympia is the only show worth preparing for. While the Olympia is the biggest bodybuilding show of the year, it’s not the only show that Kaltwasser cares about.
I don’t want to put all of my eggs into one basket only for it to not show any improvements.
Secondly, Kaltwasser finds she is the most motivated with a show approaching. Training for a contest eight months out, for example, is a strain on her mindset that she doesn’t enjoy contending with. The “FOMO” (fear of missing out) on not competing in other pro shows throughout the season is something that would constantly be top of mind.
I’m still making improvements, slowly but surely.
Kaltwasser doesn’t consider her legacy in the sport to be weighted solely on her Olympia performances, but her performances across pro shows throughout her career.
I can maintain really well. That is my advantage.
While she’s still at the height of her career, if Kaltwasser were to retire tomorrow, her results thus far would cement one of the greatest to ever compete in the division.
Ashley Kaltwasser’s 2022 Pro Show Results
According to NPC News Online, the Bikini International was Kaltwasser’s first pro of 2023. In 2022, she competed on a nearly monthly basis and was dominant. Here are her results:
- 2022 Bikini Olympia — Third Place
- 2022 IFBB Nevada State Pro — First Place
- 2022 Arnold Classic UK — First Place
- 2022 IFBB Sasquatch Pro — First Place
- 2022 IFBB Patriots Challenge Pro — Second Place
- 2022 IFBB Mile High Pro — Second Place
- 2022 IFBB Toronto Pro Supershow — First Place
- 2022 IFBB Pittsburgh Pro — Second Place
- 2022 IFBB Wasatch Warrior Pro — First Place
- 2022 IFBB Golden State Pro — First Place
- 2022 Bikini International — Third Place
- 2022 IFBB Legends Pro — First Place
In 12 pro contests in 2022, Kaltwasser never finished off the podium.
