Courtney Babilya

My passion for health and fitness is fueled by helping women reclaim their athletic identity at any stage of life. As a mom returning to gymnastics in her 30s - after being told I'd "peak" at 14 - I want to show women that hard work in the gym can mean more than building a dream body...it's about building your dream life. I have an autoimmune disease as well, so I want to inspire women to question the limits that society has placed on them and to never accept defeat.

My favorite way to stay fit is through gymnastics training and strength training. I go to gymnastics practice 2-3 times per week, then lift in my garage gym twice per week as well - always with my two little boys in tow, who know that women are strong and fierce athletes. I'm known to practice my handstands at the end of every lift, because if you're not having fun, what's the point? The gym is way beyond sets and reps - it's an outlet for personal expression.

$20,000 would sponsor my season as a competitive gymnast and allow me to compete on the national and world stage. It would also allow me to take 3 months to build a platform for other adults looking to return to gymnastics. I plan on creating strength training programs that re-acclimate the adult body to the specific demands of gymnastics while helping to prevent injury. That way, more and more women + mothers can see what their body is capable of WITHOUT feeling limited or intimidated.