A young woman born without hands and feet has proved even her disability won’t stop her from competing in a bodybuilding contest.
Vanessa Calafiore, from Melbourne, has shared a glimpse into her gruelling workout routine as she trains ahead of the IFBB Victorian State Championships.
Despite having no limbs, the 28-year-old aspiring bodybuilder astonishingly uses her strength to lift weights in the gym.
Vanessa Calafiore, from Melbourne, has been training ahead of a bodybuilding competition
And with just weeks left to train, Ms Calafiore revealed she will be competing in the bikini bodybuilding category on October 8.
‘I’m competing against the normal average human being whatever normal is. There’s no special disabled division or anything,’ she told 7 News.
‘When I train upper body they’re like, “what is that chick doing right now”.’
But to take part in the competition, Ms Calafiore needs new prosthetic legs – setting her back $7,000 each.
‘I didn’t know it was going to be this expensive. I was surprised,’ she said.
The 28-year-old – who was born without hands and feet – will compete in the bikini category
But to take part in the competition, Ms Calafiore needs new prosthetic legs – setting her back $7,000 each – as she sets up a fundraising page in an effort to raise money
The woman has set up a fundraising page in an effort to raise $14,000 – as the community rallies behind her.
‘I am hoping to raise enough money so that I can get new prosthetic legs made for the competition as my current prosthetic legs are not the same design,’ she said.
She revealed her new legs could take up to five weeks to make – as the competition is just six weeks away.
But despite this, her determination has proven that anyone can go above and beyond to achieve anything if they set their mind to it.
The 28-year-old aspiring bodybuilder astonishingly uses her strength to lift weights in the gym
‘By competing I hope to shine a little light on how if you believe in yourself anything is possible,’ she said.
‘Even someone like myself with no hands, no feet and chronic pain can achieve anything.
‘Preparing for the competition has definitely had its challenges but I’m determined to make it.
‘Now I just need the new prosthetic legs to shine a little brighter and put my best foot forward on stage.’
To make a donation, please visit Vanessa Calafiore’s GoFundMe page.