What was the fate of Rachel McLeish - a girl who was known in all the "rocking chairs" in the 90s

The beginning of the 90s was marked by a real sports boom in our country. Gyms, which were called "rocking chairs", opened in any suitable and not very places. They decorated these makeshift fitness clubs with posters, among which Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jean Claude Van Damme were sure to be among them. The fair sex, most often, was represented by images of Rachel McLish (Rachel McLish) - the most popular bodybuilder of the 20th century.

Rachel McLeish became the first female bodybuilding icon, destroying the myth that a bodybuilder is unnatural and ugly. This woman's life is like an exemplary American success story, but behind it lies hellish work, pain and complete dedication.

The champion was born in Harlingen, Texas, USA on June 21, 1955. Rachel was seriously engaged in ballet from the age of 7, and at school she was a member of the cheerleader team. But after enrolling in the Pan American University, the girl decided that dancing was not the best way to realize herself and began to play sports.

I must say that McLeish has always had a good example in front of her. Her father was engaged in athletic gymnastics until his old age and looked youthful and fit. Maybe that's why, among all sports, Rachel chose bodybuilding. There was a fitness center at her university, but the student couldn't afford a subscription there. Then McLeish finds an elegant solution — he gets a job in the gym as a manager.

Given the opportunity to train for free, Rachel began to build the body of her dreams. Her specialty echoed her passion - McLeish received a diploma with a degree in physical education. In 1978, she opened the first health club in South Texas.

In 1980, 25-year-old McLeish could consider that her life was a success. Her business was thriving and constantly expanding, and her body aroused the envy of girls and the delight of guys. Rachel opened two more gyms and got to know many iconic bodybuilding figures.

In the same 1980, a young athlete and entrepreneur decided to perform as a bodybuilder for the first time. She applied to compete in Atlantic City and won! Immediately after the triumph, Rachel began to prepare for the most important world championship of that time — the first Miss Olympia competition.

McLeish had 20 competitors at the championship, but it was immediately clear that she would win. And so it happened — she became the first in the history of "Miss Olympia". Rachel's fame immediately skyrocketed — her photos were featured in all sports publications, a fit girl was invited to a TV show and star in advertising.

But Rachel is not used to resting on her laurels and continued to work on her body. The result was the second Miss Olympia title won in 1982. There were other lower-ranked competitions. And at all competitions, McLeish took only prizes.

The champion made the decision to retire from professional bodybuilding in 1986. It must be said that McLeish has always been a supporter of natural training and categorically rejected steroids. She realized that she would not be able to keep up with the new generation of athletes who use hormones. Rachel left with honor, having finally won several high-profile victories.

Having stopped performing, McLeish continued to train actively. She discovered cinema and from 1984 to 1986 played several minor roles in action films. In addition, she wrote two fitness books that immediately became bestsellers.

Now Rachel McLeish is alive, healthy and continues to train despite her far from young age. She lives with her husband, producer Ron Samuels, in Palm Springs, California.