Tonya Fines (44) is determined to achieve all her dreams.
“I moved to New Zealand three years ago from Canada to give myself and my family, Brock (15), Paige (14) and Reid (12), a brand new life.
I wanted to be adventurous and thought moving to a new country would give me the change in life I desired. I had heard so much about how beautiful New Zealand is – I knew it was the right choice.
Soon after arriving, I was diagnosed with cervical occulta spina bifida, but that hasn’t stopped me chasing my dreams and making the most of our new situation.
Tonya won local competitions before taking to the world stage and placing fifth in her age class.
After spending my life as a competitive dancer, practising everything from ballet to hip-hop, I decided to train and compete in women’s fitness and figure competitions.
In May, I qualified and travelled to the World Championships in Spain. Representing my adoptive country, I finished fifth in the 40-plus competitive class. It was an amazing achievement as the odds were stacked against me.
I was a true underdog. I was 44 years old, starting over in a new country where I knew no-one and had no friends. I felt invisible and had three teenagers to raise. Being in the top five worldwide still hasn’t sunk in.
From left: Paige, Reid and Brock have been a huge support to their mum.
I was in the perfect position in my life to move. Financially, I was stable and my children were in their teens, not babies any more. Although I knew the change would be hard, I didn’t expect to be diagnosed with spina bifida soon after arriving.
It was discovered after a routine check at a chiropractor. The rare condition means some vertebrae overlying my spinal cord are not fully formed and remain unfused and open.
I was unaware of it for a long time. I was used to having the odd niggle from dancing, but didn’t realise the severity of it. I’ll have it for the rest of my life.
Unlike most forms of spina bifida, mine doesn’t affect my immune system. I’m lucky I have a strong physical core and am otherwise fit and healthy – it’s helped control the condition and minimise the pain.
I wanted to be involved in a sport that would challenge me. My trainers said my body was perfect for figure competitions. Despite my condition, it has responded well to exercise.
I designed my training around my spina bifida to get the best results, without causing injury.
I started to compete on stage and loved it – I was hungry for more! After winning local competitions, I represented New Zealand on the world stage, and that fifth placing proved it’s possible to succeed – even when you are faced with huge obstacles.
For the past year, I’ve also been a motivational speaker to small groups of women in the Bay of Plenty. I’m a nutritionist and personal trainer, helping others reach their goals.
I want to stand up and remind women of their greatness, their strength, their inner fire. We’re creatures far more powerful than we often give ourselves credit for.
We often get caught up doing things for others and giving little pieces of ourselves away, to the point where we feel empty and unable to achieve much. I know: being a mother to three teens is a real challenge.
Tonya was a competitive dancer before she switched to competing in women’s fitness and figure competitions.
Every day is an exercise in time management, but I have great children who help me immensely. I’m really lucky.
I’m not a superwoman – I’ve got people in my life who give me the support I need.
At the end of the day, as long as my children are clothed, fed, happy and warm, then that’s all that matters.”
Quick fire:
My best physical attribute is… my back. I was a dancer for 23 years and my back is really well developed.
The best present I’ve received… is a letter my son wrote me for Mother’s Day to say I’m a great mum.
My biggest sacrifice has been… time spent as a mum, as I haven’t been as social as I would like to be.
