Student takes up bodybuilding

Following in her father’s footstep, Joyce Cooper, pictured, for the first time competed at the national body building championships in Port Moresby and won gold in the 58kg category.
The 14-year-old Chimbu lass is the daughter of veteran body builder Kenny Copper, who represented team National Capital District
She was also the runner-up for Miss PNG. “I watched my father compete in the sport and I grew to like it, so I joined bodybuilding.
Cooper, who is doing Grade 8 at Coronation Primary School in Port Moresby, started training last year.
“I had to discipline myself to stay away from sugary food like cakes, sweets, while concentrating on my diet,” she said.
Cooper said she had to manage her time juggling bodybuilding and school work.
“I am the eldest in the family and naturally, I wanted to follow someone I look up to and that was my father,” she said.
“I hope to represent the country in bodybuilding.”