In Part 1 of this interview, Dona Oliveira talked about her past and how she got into the sport of bodybuilding. In Part 2, Dona opens up about her decision to retire and what life has been like since the day she left the stage.
What was the 
deciding factor for you to retire from the sport and how important was the Industry/bodybuilding in regards to who you are/who you have become?
After my poor placing in the 1990 Ms. Olympia, I re-evaluated my priorities. My personal life prior to that competition was challenged. The stability of a training routine was non-existent at that point and for the first time in my bodybuilding career, I lost my focus. As they say, hindsight is 20/20. If I had a coach, they would have persuaded me to “bow out” that year. I also could predict that the sport was changing in a direction I could not see my physique following. There are always positives that are gained from difficult situations. This was one of them. I am in love with “bodybuilding”. I was not in love with the idea of building my body to another level. I was given unsolicited advice on how to stay competitive in that field but was unwilling to compromise my values and my health. The decision to retire was bittersweet. I was given the opportunity to pursue other goals, but I held onto the dream that maybe one day, someday, I would compete again.
Over the last 25 years, what have you been up to?
After retiring from competitive bodybuilding, I received my Graduate Degree in Nurse Anesthesiology and have worked as an anesthetist for the last 21 years. It has and continues to be one of my best career decisions. Over the last 25 years, I have consistently continued my “off-season” bodybuilding training. I have not stopped. I have maintained my physique as if I were planning on competing again. The gym has been my second home since age 19. It keeps me sane. I am self-defined through bodybuilding and couldn’t envision my life without it. Bodybuilding has and always will be “who I am”.
You have made the decision to end your retirement and make a comeback in 2014. What lead to this decision? What will you be competing in? Have you selected your comeback show?
Returning to competitive bodybuilding was an easy decision based on the fact that over the years, I’ve maintained my physique. I was relatively apprehensive since I haven’t stepped on stage in 25 years! I’ve been eagerly and patiently waiting for the sport to step back, explore the future in Women’s Bodybuilding and make changes. Of course, I was praying that it came sooner than later. Last year, when the Women’s Physique Division was added it offered me the perfect opportunity to step on stage once again. I competed in the 80’s when women still had a “physique” look. This is my comfort zone.
This is why I competed many years ago. I’m sure there are those who can’t believe that someone who hasn’t competed in a quarter of a century would consider a crazy idea like this! This decision is two-fold. First and foremost, I’m doing it for myself. I am goal-driven and want to prove to myself that even at my age, my body will respond to the pre-contest preparation and I can stand on stage in the best shape of my life. Second, my desire is that if I can inspire just a few women, any age, to take a brand new look at themselves, I’m hoping they realize that weight training is ageless. You don’t have to begin at age 19 but you have to begin. Consistency, continuity with a few lifestyle changes will change your life.
It would also be great to bring back some of the fans of women’s bodybuilding who remember the “look” of the 80’s. Many people, fans, family and friends have commented to me over the years that they wish women would go back to the more “feminine” physique/look. Kudos to the NPC/IFBB committee. You done good.
I will be making my comeback in the Wings of Strength, Tampa Pro Championship on August 7-9, 2014. I will be in the Women’s Physique Division, of course! Yea!
What was your training like post show and throughout your retirement?
As I stated above, training has never changed since my retirement. I’ve adapted my lifestyle and career around the gym. I never went on vacation without knowing first if there was a gym. I have a timeshare in Aruba and other than the wonderful beaches, beautiful weather and great people; it has a fantastic hardcore gym. I couldn’t be without one.
I have dabbled in cycling and am a certified spin instructor/personal fitness trainer. I found that spinning on a continuous level leaned my physique to the point where my weights became counterproductive. I stopped teaching spin after a couple of years. My diet has always been “clean”. I’ve maintained my weight over the years, never letting it get out of control. I stay fairly lean with the thought that it wouldn’t take 3 months to prepare for a competition.
I always stress to other competitors not to look at “off-season” as an excuse to pack on the pounds. If your body is on a constant roller coaster of dieting, eventually it will stop responding to a strict pre-contest prep. Your skin will begin to lose its elasticity and it will be difficult to regain that condition that once came so easy. Bodybuilding is a lifestyle and I’ve always considered what you eat as 75% of how you will look.
How will you prepare yourself for your comeback and will you be working with a coach/trainer/team?
This is one aspect of my bodybuilder preparation that has changed dramatically from the 1980’s. So much knowledge regarding nutrition and training styles have been gained since that time. It amazes me when I look back at how we prepared for a show many years ago. Interestingly, we still looked great!
Throughout my bodybuilding career, I never utilized a coach for nutrition, training or posing. I relied on myself. Occasionally my training would provide me with what we thought was sound advice. Hence the reason I was not consistent in some of my showings. F
or the Tampa Pro, I’m working with a coach and my training partner, who by the way is also my fiancé, confidant, motivator and best friend.
As a female competitor who has been in this industry for many years and has seen the changes, especially when it comes to the female side of the sport, what advice do you have for females who are thinking of competing or are newer to the sport and industry?
The best advice I can give to any woman thinking of competing is to be true to yourself, your ethics and your values. Do not let anybody sway you in a direction you feel isn’t in your best interest. I always say, “If it feels wrong, it is wrong.”
Be realistic about your goals and the direction you want the sport to take you. With success comes adversity. You have to have “thick” skin at times. Most important, compete for YOURSELF only. You are the only person who can make YOU happy. Believe me, if you compete solely to satisfy the likes of others, you will be miserable. If you decide that competition is for you, do your homework. Contest preparation is one of the most difficult adventures you will endure. You will be making sacrifices. Close your eyes and visualize how you imagine your physique and how it will shine on stage. Believe in yourself. You will be a winner with or without a trophy.
What did you learn about yourself as a competitor over the years, when you were competing and then during your retirement?
While competing and during retirement, I learned that
I am a strong and confident woman who is capable of achieving any goal or dream I set for myself. The lessons of bodybuilding and competition have served me on the stage as well as in my career. I am a living example of “if you can see it, you can achieve it.” Don’t be afraid… chase your dreams!
Contest History:
1983 AAU Massachusetts State Championships - 1st
1984 NPC East Coast Championships - 1st
1984 NPC Nationals - 4th (MW)
1985 NPC USA Championship - 1st (MW and Overall)
1985 IFBB World Games - 1st
1985 IFBB Ms. Olympia - 17th
1986 IFBB Pro World Championships - 9th
1986 IFBB Ms. Olympia - 17th
1988 IFBB Pro World Championships - 1st
1988 IFBB Ms. Olympia - 6th
1989 IFBB Ms. Olympia - 12th
1990 IFBB Ms. Olympia - 16th
I would like to thank Dona Oliveira for taking the time for this interview and sharing her past, present and future within this industry and her life. Watch for Dona to make her comeback and return to the stage from her retirement at the Wings of Strength, Tampa Pro Championship on August 7-9, 2014 in the Women’s Physique Division.
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