There is no feeling that compares to months of dedicated preparation coming to a climax of a sparkly bikini and heels, a dark tan, perfect glam, and the ability to show your hard work to a panel of judges, a large, raucous crowd, and over 20,000 online eyes seeing the resilience and determination that turns an everyday gym-goer into an elite athlete.

The Shawn Ray Hawaiian Classic saw over 120 competitors, two IFBB level divisions, and seven NPC divisions, bringing together competitors from all over the world including the United States, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand. The highlight for us was watching CEO and Founder, Kathleen Ferguson crush four categories with grace and enthusiasm during her debut as a bodybuilder. 

The Shawn Ray Classic

The Hawaiian air carried something extra on November 8th, 2025. A mix of anticipation and unmistakable pre-show electricity that only bodybuilding can create. The Shawn Ray Hawaiian Classic descended on the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Resort & Hotel, bringing together competitors across IFBB Pro League and NPC divisions. Sponsored by Mutant supplements, this year’s event marked a milestone: Structure Creation Consulting alongside Tempus Media House provided the first-ever livestream on YouTube, where over 20,000 fans watched athletes and their supporters command the stage.

Among the sea of tanned, oiled physiques was our very own, Kathleen Ferguson—first time competitor, mother of three, and my CEO and friend— about to step into the spotlight for her debut show. Meanwhile, I stood backstage, four years removed from my last competition, now playing “coach” to someone whose dedication had reignited something I thought I may have shut the door on. 

For anyone in the bodybuilding world, you know that Shawn Ray is bodybuilding royalty. Referenced in the New Encyclopedia of Modern Bodybuilding by Bill Dobbins and Arnold Schwarzenegger, Ray authored the Shawn Ray Way on Bodybuilding and graced the cover of Flex Magazine more than any other competitor in the publication’s history. His reach extended to ESPN, where he co-hosted the Flex Magazine Workout for five years and served as a commentator for bodybuilding competitors for eight years straight. 

Ray’s contributions to the sport stretch across decades. In 2006 and 2007, he promoted the Shawn Ray Colorado Pro/Am Classic Contest-Expo in Denver. He produced Fitness After 40, and now is the host of the Shawn Ray Hawaiian Class, a show that’s known for its beautiful host site and impressive line up of IFBB and NPC competitors. This year’s lineup featured IFBB Pro League Divisions including Men’s Physique and Women’s Bikini, as well as NPC Fit Model, Bikini, Figure, Men’s Bodybuilding, Men’s Physique, Classic Men’s Physique, Fit Model, and Wellness, with classes including True Novice, Novice Open, and Masters. The event honored Ray’s commitment to providing a platform where every competitor—regardless of experience level—could showcase months of disciplined preparation.

Coming Home After Four Years Away

I competed in the bikini division for three years before walking away. After winning a competition, I put bodybuilding on hold, unsure if I’d ever return. The timing needed to feel right, and for a long time, it didn’t. This marked my first real return to the sport besides casually watching a friend compete. The energy, the glamour, the lifestyle—I’d missed all of it.

Watching Kathleen’s journey stirred something dormant. She dedicated herself completely while building our startup at Coach360, raising three kids, and somehow never dropping a single ball. I’ve yet to see two Kathleens in the same room, but given everything she accomplishes, a clone wouldn’t surprise me. Helping her prepare for her stage debut reminded me why bodybuilding feels like home.

Bodybuilding can be frustratingly subjective. Judges’ scorecards can baffle even the most seasoned competitors. But fundamentally, this sport pits you against yourself. Bringing your best package to the stage after months of dedication creates a pride that transcends placement. Watching Kathleen illuminate that stage with phenomenal presence, a beautifully conditioned physique, and poise through FOUR rounds of prejudging—no easy feat—filled me with admiration. Anyone who’s held a bikini pose for more than twenty seconds understands the physical and mental stamina required for one round, let alone four.

Kathleen’s stage experience sparked something in me. When I walked away in 2021, I couldn’t determine if the door had closed permanently or just needed time. Spending that weekend alongside her motivated me to check in with where I stand now. I can’t definitively say the door remains open, but her debut inspired thoughts about assembling a Coach360 team. Taking the stage beside her holds major appeal.

During the finals round, emotions almost overwhelmed me. Nostalgia crashed over me, prompting reflection on who I was during my competition days. Deep empathy followed, I remember every feeling, every nerve, every moment of vulnerability mixed with strength. Watching these women execute with beauty and grace created an unmatched sensation. Those who know, know.

Final Thoughts

The stage holds a peculiar magic—it strips away pretense and demands authenticity. Whether you’re a legend like Shawn Ray building a legacy or a first-timer like Kathleen Ferguson stepping into the lights, the bodybuilding platform asks the same question: did you show up as your best self? That question transcends trophies and placements.

Sometimes distance provides clarity about what matters, and sometimes watching someone else’s courage reminds you of your own. Kathleen’s debut reflected her dedication and mindset that anything is achievable when you put heart and hard work into the endeavor. Whether I step on stage again remains uncertain, but the Hawaiian Classic reignited a conversation I’d assumed was finished. Some doors close permanently; others just wait for the right moment to swing open again.

About Elisa Edelstein
Elisa is a curious and versatile writer, carving her niche in the health and wellness industry since 2015. Her lens is rooted in real world experience as a personal trainer and competitive bodybuilder and extended out of the gym and on to the page as a writer where she is able to combine her passions for empowering others, promoting wellness, and the power of the written word.