Yesenia Perez, a resident of Cutler Bay for 14 years, was presented with a proclamation from the Town of Cutler Bay on Nov. 18 to honor her accomplishments.
Devoting her life to sports, including 11 years to gymnastics, earning more than 200 medals and 30 trophies and achieving a spot on the 2008 national gymnastics team, Perez recently received national qualification as a body builder after winning first place in both Figure and Fitness categories in the Fort Lauderdale Cup Bodybuilding Championships. She also won overall.
Perez graduated from Coral Reef Senior High School in 2010 and attended Florida International University. She chose to pursue a career as a firefighter/paramedic and devoted two years of studies to achieve the certifications and diplomas needed to reach Fire Standards and Training Certification. She currently is working toward obtaining her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at FIU’s College of Nursing and Health Services.
Perez was excited about the proclamation from the town council, presented in the council chambers.
“It was wonderful to have that recognition,” Perez said. “I’ve been doing bodybuilding for four years. I’ll be competing in Ohio in March. I’ve already started my preparations. I have to schedule my day. It takes a lot of discipline.”
When asked what advice she had to offer, and if she would recommend body building to those interested, she said, “It’s a healthy lifestyle. It requires you to make a schedule and follow it. You stay fit. Obviously you don’t see results right away, but if you stay committed and be patient, it will pay off.”
