First the world, now the universe

BEN WATSON/North Shore Times

RIPPED: Browns Bay bodybuilder Naera Johnson, 48, could have a ???universe??? title by the end of the year.

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Back after a two-year ban, Naera Johnson is a body-building world champion.

Now she’s looking to land a Miss Universe title.

On March 1, 2006, Johnson, 48, was handed a two-year suspension by the New Zealand Federation of Body Builders after a clenbuterol-related anti-doping violation.

"I was taking a fat-burning supplement under bad advice," says Johnson.

"In retrospect, I shouldn’t have taken it."

Three months after the ban’s expiration, Johnson is keen to put the controversy behind her and began doing so last month when she won the physique class at the Ms World championships in Eretria, Greece.

The win gives her a shot at November’s universe championships in Mumbai, India.

"I really want to end the year in a positive way," she says.

Staggeringly, Johnson’s first involvement in the sport came after her 40th birthday.

"I’ve been bodybuilding for about seven years now," she says.

"I started as an aerobic instructor 15 years ago and just wanted to try something different.

"Age doesn’t stop you in body building, though it is harder to build muscle later on in life."

After twelve months of gym time, Johnson was ready for her first stage appearance.

"I entered an International Natural Body Building Assocation novice competition in Takapuna in 2001," she says.

"I won and it just went on from there."

The 48-year-old can now easily bench press her bodyweight.

Despite carrying such muscle bulk, Johnson says she doesn’t attract too much day-to-day attention – until she leaves her Browns Bay home.

"In Greece I was stopped by people in the street just asking if they could touch my arms," she says.

"People are interested and it’s a sport that’s becoming more and more popular, but I still think it’s misunderstood."

Aside from working full- time and preparing for the univese championships, Johnson is also doing her bit to help develop the sport.

"I’m currently helping five women, ranging from early 20s to 40s, to get ready for their first competitions.

"It makes you look good and feel good about yourself and anyone can get involved."

- © Fairfax NZ News