If you have ever visited the Doukhobor Dugout House, located near Blaine Lake, then you would probably recognize Brenda Cheveldayoff, the founder of the historic site; however, when she’s not teaching visitors about the Doukhobor people while wearing attire from the olden days, Cheveldayoff adorns a whole different look.
Eight years ago, the 61-year-old was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, and from that moment forward, decided to change her entire lifestyle and began going to the gym regularly and eating healthier.
“At that point, I had never walked into a gym. I was the person that thought you had to look good to go in there and I didn’t know how to use the equipment. It was intimidating, but my health scare was enough to change that attitude. If that hadn’t happened, I would have likely stayed 190 pounds and continued doing the same unhealthy things I had been doing up until that point,” Cheveldayoff said.
As she began to see changes in herself and feel better, Cheveldayoff decided to up the ante, and began to challenge herself even more by participating in bodybuilding competitions approximately four years ago.
From bodybuilding competitions, Cheveldayoff went one step further and began competing in pageants, which, prior to the Covid pandemic, saw her win a regional title within the province and then onto winning at a national level. These accomplishments earned her a spot competing in Ms. World International, which was originally scheduled to be held over two years ago; but due to the pandemic was postponed. During this time, Cheveldaoff’s title was deferred; however this past August, she finally had the chance to represent Saskatchewan in the international competition.
Despite some “travel drama” Cheveldayoff arrived in Miami, FL on August 20th and remained there for the next eight days going through rigorous days of competing that began as early as 4am and until 11pm at times.
A total of 77 women competed in the competition, which Cheveldayoff explained consisted of competitors that were younger than her. Throughout the competition, judges look at a wide variety of categories when choosing the winners; such as community involvement, volunteerism, your health and fitness lifestyle and more.
Prior to the Miami trip, Cheveldayoff had the opportunity to meet with Premier Scott Moe and Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan Russ Mirasty, as well as sharing her story with others at various events in Saskatoon and surrounding areas, one of which was the Women Empowered Show in Saskatoon this past April.
“My life has changed a lot since I made the decision to make changes. A lot of women my age aren’t exercising enough or eating properly and I know what that’s like because that was me. You don’t have to be in body building, or compete, but it is important to take care of yourself. For me, I compete to keep myself grounded and it helps me set goals and be accountable. It is only myself I am hurting if I don’t show up, so it pushes me,” Cheveldayoff stated.
At the end of the competition, not only was Cheveldayoff honoured to be crowned with one title, but was shocked to receive two – one for her age category and the other for fitness.
“I was told that they believed I deserved the fitness category because of the work I had put into my fitness journey. I am looking forward to seeing pictures and videos from the competition because it was all so busy, but I am so grateful for the opportunity. I had the chance to meet like-minded women from around the world, which was incredible.”
Now that she is back in her home-province, there is no time to rest, as Cheveldayoff has plans to compete in the 2022 CPA Golden Prairie Cup Natural Championships, which will be taking place at the end of this month in Saskatoon. Typically, athletes take 16 weeks to prepare for a competition; but Cheveldayoff intends to push herself in order be in shape and hopes that she will be ready in time.
With her Coach at Martensville’s Forged Fitness behind her, and an unending dedication to her health journey, this is likely not the last time we will see Cheveldayoff return a champion!
