In this year's New York Pro contest, one competitor who many feel was overlooked was Italy's Claudia Partenza. At 44 years of age, Claudia presented a dense, ripped physique that seemed 
destined to take up residence in at least the top ten in terms of placing; however, this was not to be and for some crazy reason, Claudia placed 15th!
The very next day I shot a video with Claudia and promised her an interview with RX Muscle. So, in keeping with my word, here we go.
When you listen to the passion Claudia has for the sport and allow your eyeballs to navigate their way around the accompanying pics you may, like myself and many others, question her placing that day.
So, opinions and observations aside, let's get things rolling by finding out a little more about Claudia and her somewhat late introduction to the sport of bodybuilding...
Claudia, you came to bodybuilding relatively late in life after your second child, how did that decision come about?
"The gym provided me with an activity that did not have a strict time schedule to stick to and did not conflict with my duties as a mother. It also gave me a way of keeping fit after two pregnancies."
.How did your body respond to training in those early days?
"Since I had always been keen on sport, my body already had good muscle tone. Once I began weight training it just emphasized the muscle I already had."
Do you think that women have greater potential to build muscle as they age?
"I definitely feel that the longer you actually train the muscle the more dense it becomes. You also seem to be able to achieve a better overall condition."
Do you think that is due to natural hormonal changes?
"I am sure it does since hormones play a very large part in building muscle in the first place. I think, as far as women are concerned, they are also able to achieve a better degree of conditioning due to natural hormone changes."
What would you say to a woman who was in her 30's or 40's and just considering entering the gym?
"I would encourage her to get in there! She will definitely see results as long as she has the willpower, perseverance and determination to continue. She must also have patience as it takes time, but the rewards go beyond the physical. She will also become more confident and self assured.
Do you feel that keeping yourself in good shape physically alters the way you feel about your age?
"Sure ... ‘A sound mind in a sound body' as they say! A trained body also creates a different spirit, younger and more dynamic."
How did it affect your confidence and beliefs about what you can achieve in life in general?
"Improving my body certainly increased my self confidence. It is also very satisfying to know that I have achieved the aim I originally set out with. On top of that, improving each year gives me a greater awareness of my inner strength. It also gives me the courage to face the criticism and judgments directed at me by people who do not approve of the sport and this particular type of body."
What sort of diet philosophy do you have when it comes to macro nutrient ratios?
"I follow a diet high in protein, low in carbohydrate and moderate in fat."
What about supplements, do you take any nutritional supplements?
"I don't take a lot of supplements but I do take protein powders, vitamins and minerals...especially when I am preparing for a show."
What would you say the biggest mistake women make when they begin training is?
"They do not train hard enough because they are in fear of building big muscles. They do not understand that it is very difficult to gain muscle size and the fear of getting ‘too big' often stands in the way of their progress."
Living in Italy, how do people respond to you on the street?
"In most cases people look at me with curiosity and surprise and come to me with questions about food and
training like... ‘How much do you lift on the bench press?'
"Other than that I do get some critical comments from people who do not approve of how muscular my body is. I find that, in Italy, few people truly understand and appreciate the sport."
Have you ever considered moving to the US?
"Yes in 2007 when I became a Pro. I felt that it would be a good environment where I could improve my physique and increase my knowledge of the sport. What holds me back is the fact that I have two children and a secure job. At my age I would never leave a secure situation for an ‘adventure'!"
"My fiancé is always trying to convince me to move to the US though!"
Many people (myself included) think you were totally overlooked at the recent NY Pro. What are your feelings on your placing?
"I'd rather not comment. I think there are commercial and political considerations that go beyond the athlete's physical condition and that influences the decisions the judges make. I think I do not have the right qualifications to be a good commercial product and my result at NY Pro Show is a clear message from the judges not to come anymore because there is no place for me. I interpreted it this way!"
I am sure that is not the case Claudia. Just put it down to being ‘one of those days'...a road bump 
on your route to success if you will.
That being said, what are your plans for the future?
"This is the most difficult question to answer! Before the NY Pro I had projects and aims, now I do not know what to think and how to see my way clear, because this experience challenged my desire to continue competing. The world of competitive bodybuilding does not seem to accept me so probably my future involves continuing to eat and train like a bodybuilder. This is who I am and this is the lifestyle I choose to live!"
Well Claudia, I am sure that the readers of RX Muscle will back me up when I tell you that now is not the time to consider giving up competing. Sure, the results at the NY Pro were disheartening but I feel that acceptance and recognition are just around the corner.
From everyone at RX Claudia, the take home message has to be..."Keep Romancing The Dream" and it surely will come true
Find out more about Claudia by visiting her website www.claudiapartenza.com
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