Strong women stay young

IT has been a great year so far Tina Nubib, having recorded remarkable achievements across various platforms.

The 46-year-old Bidayuh from Siburan feels that she has earned her reputation as an ‘Iron Woman’, but she still wants to do more.

“I have been doing bodybuilding training since 2014 and throughout the years, I have achieved many things.

“However, I have been doing this for my own accomplishment. Now, I want to share my experiences with other women; to encourage them to make their own accomplishments.

“Thus, I have made a slogan that signifies this: ‘Strong Women Stay Young’.

“Catchy, isn’t it?” said the certified fitness trainer when met by thesundaypost.

‘Raft safari outing’

Just recently, Tina and her friends entered the Padawan Raft Safari 2024, which was an entirely new experience for all of them.

“Although I joined the event 10 years ago, I considered it as my first time too because so many things have changed since then,” she said.

Tina’s raft team, named after her slogan ‘Strong Women Stay Young’, comprised Winnie Clement Jackoi, Ong Shih Ling and Nurul Maisarah Chieng Abdullah, with Dency Flenny Augustine Gawin acting as their photographer.

“It was truly a new experience for Ong, Winnie and ‘Momo’ (Nurul Maisarah’s nickname),” she said.

“Maybe it was the best, or the worst experience, or in between, for us,” she laughed.

Nonetheless, it was a memorable outing for them in that they stuck together in overcoming all the obstacles throughout the 15km river route from Kampung Semadang to the finish line at Kampung Git in Padawan, near Kuching.

Strong Women Stay Young placed 16th among 23 teams in the Raft–15km Women’s Open, having clocked one hour 40 minutes and 25 seconds.

“I think if there ever was the ‘Clumsiest Team Award’, we won it!” Tina laughed again.

“But seriously, we never gave up. We’re determined to reach the finish line. Deep down, I kept telling myself: ‘I must get our team back home safe and sound to their family; I want to see my family too’.

“It was truly an experience that we learned many things from, and surely, we want to do better next year.

“Going forward, I would want to bring in more women participants for the Padawan Raft Safari.”

‘One woman to another’

Talking more about her ‘Strong Women Stay Strong’ mantra, Tina said she had always wanted to get more women to be more proactive in taking better care of themselves.

“Ong is a fellow women’s physique athlete; Momo is a strongwoman athlete and also a certified bodybuilding judge; while Winnie and Dency started off as my clients.

“To me, they are all superwomen. We help, motivate and inspire one another, and thus, I see it as our obligation to help, motivate and inspire other women as well.

“This is what I do as a fitness trainer. Before, I highlighted my achievements on my Facebook wall; now, I post my clients’ achievements.

“I believe that when we stick together, we all benefit,” she stressed.

Just recently, Tina arranged for a special photoshoot featuring herself, Winnie and Dency.

“That session was more than just getting all dressed up for the camera. It was a simple pat-on-the-back for us, having achieved our goals for the year.

“Though, I admit that it was really fun to get all dolled up and pose,” she smiled.

Achievements

Tina made her competitive debut at the International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness (IFBB) Singapore National Qualifier 2018, where she placed first runner-up in both the Women’s Masters Figure and Women’s Figure Newcomer categories.

Her first major win was at the Dennis Worldwide Classic 2019 Pro/Amateur – Singapore 2019, where she clinched the Women’s Figure Fitness title, and was adjudged the ‘Overall Women’s Figure Champion’.

Her last competition before the Covid-19 pandemic struck was at the Mortal Battle-Multinational Pro/Amateur in Singapore in 2019, where she finished second runner-up in the Women’s Figure Pro Overall category.

However, it was in 2022 when Tina’s ascent began to gain significant momentum, when she engaged Tyson DeWees as her coach.

Hailing from Millersbug, Pennsylvania USA, DeWees is a certified personal trainer well-versed in the sports of bodybuilding and powerlifting, and is also a martial arts practitioner.

Under his guidance, Tina emerged the champion of the Women’s Open Body Beautiful competition at Mr Borneo 2022, held in Papar, Sabah.

DeWees remarked: “This victory was not just a testament to her physical prowess, but also highlighted her commitment to fitness and bodybuilding.

“Her success in this competition had set the stage for her future accomplishments, demonstrating that Tina was a formidable competitor with a bright future ahead.”

Year 2023 was a standout period for Tina, marked by a series of notable achievements that further established her as a leading figure in the fitness world.

She clinched the second runner-up position in her age group (Women’s 44-49) at the Spartan Race International, held in Miri in May that year.

She secured the first runner-up spot at both Mr Kuching 2023 and Mr Sarawak 2023 events, reinforcing her status as a top contender in division and state-level competitions.

Her crowning achievement for the year, however, was winning Mr Malaysia’s Model Physique Championship – a title that celebrated her exceptional physique and modelling prowess.

As Tina entered 2024, her performances reached new heights, with remarkable achievements across various platforms.

At the Sarawak Closed Powerlifting 2024, Tina was victorious in the Women’s Master 1 Under-52kg Class, setting a state record and demonstrating her strength in powerlifting.

Her victory in this category highlighted her versatility and strength beyond traditional bodybuilding.

At Mr Sarawak 2024, she took second place in the Women’s Fitness Model category, continuing her strong presence in this segment.

At the ‘Throne Ultimate Fitness Challenge’, she secured a spot in the Top 6, showcasing her competitive spirit and dedication to maintaining peak physical condition.

Legacy and impact

“Tina’s journey from local competitions to national and international acclaim is a testament to her relentless drive and commitment to excellence.

“Her achievements not only highlight her exceptional physical abilities, but also serve as an inspiration to many aspiring athletes and fitness enthusiasts.

“Tina’s story is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved through hard work, determination, and an unwavering passion for one’s goals.

“As Sarawak’s Iron Woman, Tina continues to break barriers and set new standards in the world of fitness and bodybuilding, solidifying her place as one of the most influential figures in Malaysian sports.

“I believe her future endeavours are eagerly anticipated, and her impact on the fitness community will undoubtedly be felt for years to come,” said DeWees.

For Tina, she only wants to see women stick together and lift each other up.

“Our Padawan Raft Safari adventure and our arranged photoshoot session are just a few ways for us to forge teamwork, understanding and unity with one another.

“We already have people judging and doubting us; why should we, the women, do that among ourselves?

“Like my slogan, ‘Strong Women Stay Young’ – we’re already strong, now let us all help one another to become even stronger,” said Tina.