Heather Foster facts for kids

Heather D. Foster (born December 20, 1966) is a famous Jamaican American professional bodybuilder. She is known for her strength and amazing routines.

Heather Foster's Early Life and Education

Heather Foster was born in 1966 in Kingston, Jamaica. She has two brothers and one sister. When she was two and a half years old, her parents moved to Jamaica, Queens, New York City, New York.

Growing Up with Sports and Music

Heather was always a very active child. She loved playing outside, especially stick ball, basketball, and racing against boys. She was very involved in sports throughout her school years. She competed in high school and college track & field. She also played junior high, high school, and college basketball.

Her father encouraged her, her sister, and younger brother to play in their church's basketball league. Heather also studied classical piano for 10 years. She performed in many concerts as a young girl. She sometimes played piano for church services and gospel group events.

High School and College Achievements

Heather attended Bayside High School. She joined the school's chorus in her second year. Her teacher noticed her talent and encouraged her to audition for New York State Voice. She was one of only 300 students chosen from high schools across New York.

While in high school, her church choir won the McDonald's Gospelfest. This gave them the chance to perform at the famous Apollo Theater. Heather sang lead parts in two performances there. After high school, Heather studied physical education at City College of New York. She also studied physical therapy at LaGuardia Community College.

Working as a Physical Therapist

Heather has been a physical therapist since 1991. She worked for nine years at a well-known place. There, she focused on sports injuries and helping people recover. She also has experience helping older people and children. Heather often gives talks about health, fitness, and training. She shares her knowledge with many different people.

Heather Foster's Bodybuilding Career

Starting as an Amateur Bodybuilder

In 1990, while at the City College of New York, the college held its first bodybuilding competition. Heather's friend, Lyndon Brown, was looking for female participants. Heather wasn't interested in bodybuilding at first. She was already muscular from playing basketball and track. She didn't want to wear the special two-piece outfit needed for the competition.

However, Heather eventually agreed to compete. She learned the seven main poses and created a routine to music. On the day of the competition, she was so nervous. She wore sunglasses on stage and asked for the lights to be dimmed. She placed second in the heavyweight class. She did this without lifting weights before the competition! She then competed in a few natural bodybuilding contests. Later, she switched to National Physique Committee contests. In 2000, she won the NPC Nationals and became a professional bodybuilder.

Becoming a Professional Bodybuilder

In 2001, Heather made her professional debut. She won the heavyweight and overall titles at the IFBB Women's Pro Extravaganza. This win qualified her for her first Ms. Olympia competition. At the 2001 Ms. Olympia, she placed 7th. She had to stop competing early because she was sick.

In 2006, she won her second professional contest at the IFBB Pro League Southwest Pro. She didn't compete in 2008 and 2009 due to an injury. At the 2010 Ms. Olympia, she placed 6th. This was her best finish at the Ms. Olympia. Her coach was fellow bodybuilder Derrick Brown.

Her Impact on Bodybuilding

Heather's routines became very famous. Even eight-time Mr. Olympia winner Ronnie Coleman hired her to create his routines. A sports website called Flexonline said his routine at the 2006 Mr. Olympia was "arguably the best routine ever seen." Heather also helps other bodybuilders. She creates music, voice-overs, and choreography for them. She also trains them and helps them get ready for contests. She is also a judge for bodybuilding competitions. Many people see her as a very talented and natural bodybuilding star.

Contest History

• 1992 NPC Atlantic States Championships - 3rd (HW)
• 1995 Eastern USA - 1st (MW and overall)
• 1995 NPC USA Nationals - 4th (MW)
• 1996 NPC USA Nationals - 1st (HW)
• 1996 NPC Nationals - 6th (HW)
• 1997 NPC USA Nationals - 5th (HW)
• 1997 NPC Nationals - 2nd (HW)
• 1998 NPC Nationals - 7th (HW)
• 1999 NPC USA Nationals - 3rd (HW)
• 2000 NPC Nationals - 1st (HW and overall)
• 2001 IFBB Jan Tana Classic - 4th (HW)
• 2001 IFBB Women's Pro Extravaganza - 1st (HW and overall)
• 2001 IFBB Ms. Olympia - 7th (HW)
• 2002 IFBB Jan Tana Classic - 4th (HW)
• 2003 IFBB Ms. International - 5th (HW)
• 2003 IFBB Night of Champions - 6th (HW)
• 2004 IFBB Night of Champions - 3rd (HW)
• 2004 IFBB Southwest Pro Cup - 3rd (HW)
• 2005 IFBB Europa Super Show - 5th (HW)
• 2005 IFBB New York Pro - 2nd (HW)
• 2006 IFBB Europa Super Show - 1st
• 2006 IFBB Ms. Olympia - 12th
• 2007 IFBB Sacramento Pro - 7th (HW)
• 2007 IFBB Atlantic City Pro - 5th (HW)
• 2010 IFBB New York Pro - 3rd
• 2010 IFBB Ms. Olympia - 6th
• 2011 IFBB Europa Battle of Champions - 16th
• 2011 IFBB Ms. Olympia - 12th

Best Statistics

• Bench press - 315 lb (143 kg)
• Bicep curls - 45 lb (20 kg)
• Biceps - 17+1⁄2 inches (44 cm)
• On season weight - 150–165+1⁄2 lb (68.0–75.1 kg)
• Thighs - 27 inches (69 cm)

Heather Foster's Personal Life

Heather currently lives in Jamaica, Queens, New York City, New York. She also sings for the New York City Master Chorale.

See also

In Spanish: Heather Foster para niños