Heather Foster facts for kids

Heather D. Foster (born December 20, 1966) is a professional bodybuilder from Jamaica and the United States. She is known for her strength and amazing routines.

Heather Foster's Early Life

Growing Up in New York

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

Heather was always a very active child. She loved playing outside more than anything. She enjoyed games like stick ball, basketball, and racing against the boys.

Sports and Music Talents

Sports were a big part of Heather's life. She played competitive track & field in high school and college. She also played college basketball. Her father encouraged her and her siblings to play in their church's basketball league.

Heather also had a talent for music. She studied classical piano for 10 years. She performed in many concerts as a young girl. She even played piano for her church and for some gospel groups.

High School and Singing

At Bayside High School, Heather joined the chorus. Her teacher saw her singing talent. They encouraged her to audition for New York State Voice. She was one of only 300 students chosen from many high schools. She scored an amazing 99 out of 100!

While in high school, her church choir won a big competition. This gave them a chance to perform at the famous Apollo Theater. Heather sang lead parts in two of these performances.

College and Career

After high school, Heather went to City College of New York. There, she studied physical education. She also studied physical therapy at LaGuardia Community College.

Since 1991, Heather has worked as a physical therapist. She spent nine years helping athletes recover from injuries. 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 Journey

Starting as an Amateur

In 1990, while at the City College of New York, Heather's college held its first bodybuilding competition. Her friend, Lyndon Brown, asked her to join because they needed more women. Heather wasn't sure at first. She didn't want to wear a two-piece bathing suit on stage.

Heather was already very muscular from playing basketball and track. Even as a child, she was strong. Eventually, she agreed to do the show. She learned the seven main poses and put together a routine. On the day of the competition, she was so nervous. She wore sunglasses on stage and asked for the lights to be dim. She placed second in her weight class. She did this without lifting a single weight before the competition!

After that, she competed in a few natural bodybuilding contests. Then she moved to National Physique Committee contests. In 1999, she got injured. She couldn't compete again until the 2000 NPC Nationals. At that competition, she won and became a professional bodybuilder.

Becoming a Professional

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. This was the IFBB Pro League Southwest Pro. She didn't compete in 2008 and 2009 because of a health issue called osteitis pubis. In 2010, she achieved her best result at the Ms. Olympia, placing 6th. Her coach was fellow bodybuilder Derrick Brown.

Famous Routines

Heather's bodybuilding routines became very well-known. Even eight-time Mr. Olympia winner Ronnie Coleman hired her to create his routines. Flexonline, a bodybuilding website, said his routine at the 2006 Mr. Olympia was "arguably the best routine ever seen on an Olympia stage."

Heather also helps other bodybuilders. She creates music arrangements, does voice-overs, and choreographs routines. She trains people and helps them get ready for competitions. She also works as a regional judge. Many people see her as a very talented and natural bodybuilding star.

Contest History

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

Impressive Strength and Size

Heather Foster has some amazing statistics from her bodybuilding career:

• Bench press - She could bench press 315 lb (143 kg).
• Bicep curls - She could curl 45 lb (20 kg) with each arm.
• Biceps - Her biceps measured 17+1⁄2 inches (44 cm) around.
• On season weight - Her competition weight was usually between 150–165+1⁄2 lb (68.0–75.1 kg).
• Thighs - Her thighs measured 27 inches (69 cm) around.

Heather Foster's Personal Life

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

See also

In Spanish: Heather Foster para niños