Athlete Spotlight: Shellane Demarest- Center Stage Competition Jewels
ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT: The Power Of Perseverance
In this Athlete Spotlight feature, Shellane Demarest shares the experiences, challenges, and lessons that have shaped her journey, offering a reminder that strength is built both on and beyond the stage.
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BEGIN YOUR FITNESS OR BODYBUILDING JOURNEY?
My Mom always told me not to lift anything heavy because I would get big muscles and look like a man. But deep down inside, looking strong and fit appealed to me. Because I was a tomboy as a child, I was always playing outside. I was taller than most of the girls in my neighborhood, I played a lot of sports such as football, baseball and wrestling. have a weight set or even a set of dumbbells so I used whatever I could around the house such as 20-pound rice bags or climbing trees.
HOW HAVE YOUR LIFE EXPERIENCES SHAPED THE PERSON AND ATHLETE YOU ARE TODAY?
Life will throw the nastiest curve ball just when you think you have things all worked out. On June 5th, 2025, I lost my father. I was two months away from competing in my first bodybuilding show since 2003. I almost quit because the grief took everything out of me. However, I dug deep down inside of myself and thought about how my father supported me in everything I did. He would not condone quitting, especially not this close to show day. He may not have been sitting in the seats in front of me, but I felt his presence that day.
That experience taught me that the mind is such a powerful muscle. One has to believe in themselves that anything is possible if they only believe.
WHAT ACCOMPLISHMENTS ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF BEYOND TROPHIES, PLACINGS, OR TITLES?
Not only am I the first in my family to achieve both bachelor’s and master’s degree, but I did it after the age of 50.
WHAT DOES STRENGTH MEAN TO YOU TODAY?
Strength means more than what the barbell says. It means having the courage to try even though everything else is telling you no.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO WOMEN WHO MAY BE FACING DIFFICULT CIRCUMSTANCES OR SELF-DOUBT?
Do not allow anyone to tell you it can’t be done. Maybe not by THEM, but YOU can achieve anything if you put your mind to it.
WHAT KEEPS YOU MOTIVATED WHEN LIFE BECOMES CHALLENGING?
As an Army veteran, discipline is what keeps me going. Motivation is connected to a feeling. If I don’t feel like it, then there’s that chance I may not do it. Being disciplined means, it gets done- no excuses.