AN Ardrossan woman has qualified for an international bodybuilding competition despite only taking up the sport just last year.

Stephanie Smith, who owns SLS Fitness in Ardrossan, came second in the National Amateur Bodybuilders’ Association’s (NABBA) British Finals on June 4.

The 26-year-old’s success in the competition means that she will now go through to NABBA’s Universe Finals in October, an event that brings together the best amateur and professional bodybuilders and figure competitors in the world.

Stephanie told the Herald: “To get to the British Finals was amazing. I was the only Scottish female there, which I was surprised about. To get second place was amazing.

“Everyone’s saying that all my hard work’s paid off. I started in January last year but didn’t really train until this year started.

“I’ve been training for this for six months. It’s only when you’re competing that your diet’s strict. It takes over your life!”