After starting off with 500,000 women, the Ms Health & Fitness competition is down to its final 84 women. And a Nashville local is one of the last women standing.
Katie Roberts, a Spring Hill resident, is the leading vote-getter at the time of publication in Group 11. Of the 12 semifinal groups, the person in first place advances to the finals.
Semifinal voting ends on Thursday at 10 p.m. CST.
The competition is put on by Hers magazine, and a portion of the proceeds will benefit Homes for Wounded Warriors.
Participants advance through the rounds by getting votes. Voters are allowed either a free daily vote or a “warrior vote,” where $1 equals one vote to support their chosen participant.
The overall winner gets a two-page spread in the magazine and a $20,000 reward.
“I just loved the cause behind it,” Roberts said. “Supporting the Wounded Warriors foundation. I just have so much respect for the men and women who have served and are serving.”
Roberts said she has a number of medical issues, including stage four kidney disease, endometriosis and postpartum anxiety. Despite that, the Spring Hill resident hopes to inspire others and show that people aren’t defined by those obstacles.
“Fitness is a real passion of mine,” Roberts said. “I have found that as I took care of my health and really focused on that, it makes such a difference. Aside from it being my passion, I thought this was a great avenue for me to help others on their journey.”
If Roberts makes it through the semifinal, the final voting period starts Friday and ends on Aug. 9.
“Honestly, I never even thought I would make the first round because of the competition that was in front of me,” Roberts said. “These other women are amazing women.”
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