For those of you wondering what the differences are between competing as an amateur and as an IFBB pro, Jamie Collins is a great resource for answers. She won her bikini pro card in 2016 at the USAs and is in the middle of her rookie campaign in the IFBB. So what changed for her?
“A huge change was the routine that the bikini pros have. I had been doing Nationals shows for a few years, and we’re usually allowed 10 seconds onstage. So to go from 10 seconds to 60 was a big change.”
Something that is common backstage at all shows is the camaraderie between the bikini athletes, which Jamie is proud of. “Everyone gets along backstage, and we cheer each other on. Every pro in some way paid their dues to be at that level. Yes, we each want to win, but we’re all pretty equal backstage.”
While she was on her journey to attaining pro status, Collins had two role models. “My biggest influence was Nathalia Melo. I loved everything about her and to this day would love to meet her. To me she had beauty and grace with just enough classy sexy onstage. I love her harder, conditioned look and her confidence onstage. Another one will always be Justine Munro. There aren’t a lot of blondes competing on the pro stage, so she will probably always be my blond crush. [Laughs] I’d love to meet her one day and tell her thank you for representing the blondes.”
