KUALA LUMPUR: Dr Aiesha Asmadi, a 40-year-old respected doctor and top-ranked female bodybuilder, embodies the belief that cancer should never define anyone.
She has overcome it twice and continues to inspire others with her unwavering positive mindset.
Dr Aiesha's journey, from battling breast cancer at ages 21 and 26, to becoming a silver and bronze medallist at the National Amateur Body-Builders' Association Universe competitions in 2023 and 2022, respectively, speaks volumes about her resilience and unwavering determination to face any challenge life presents.
"When I first battled cancer, I searched for a Malaysian role model — someone who could provide a symbol of hope — but I found no one to guide me on how to live after such an ordeal.
"At that time, I was very weak from chemotherapy and radiotherapy, with scars covering my body from major surgery. However, I met Mohd Ermi Dzulkifli, my trainer and now chairman of NABBA Malaysia, at a commercial gym, and despite feeling terminally ill, weak, and ugly, I pushed myself to move forward.
"Now, looking back, I barely recognise the old cancer survivor I once was; I have come so far," she said.
Dr Aiesha was speaking at a press conference to officially announce the selection of two exceptional Malaysian athletes — herself and Mohd Ismail Ahmad — to represent Malaysia at the prestigious NABBA Universe 2024 competition in Birmingham.
"Abang Dzulkifli told me that if I come to the gym every day and stick to my diet, I can become an athlete, even if I'm not the best, genetically.
"Talent isn't everything; it's about our attitude and willpower, and during my battle with cancer, there was no pre-workout as powerful as willpower," she said, wiping away tears as she reflected on her emotional journey to success.
Now, she hopes to win the gold medal in the women's over-35 category at the NABBA Universe 2024, breaking the stereotypes associated with being a woman in a sport traditionally dominated by men.
"When I started my bodybuilding journey in 2011, after I was diagnosed with cancer, it was still a taboo for females and as I entered the weight room for females there were only one or two other women there and they were only lifting tiny weights.
"With the support of Abang Dzulkifli, I felt less self-conscious about lifting heavy weights, and that's when I began to build my muscle formation; after two years of consistent training, I saw a drastic change in my physique," said Dr Aiesha.
She added that she realised "many women can benefit from strength training beyond competition level", as they can become "recreational athletes who enjoy the bodybuilding lifestyle without the need to compete".
Dr Aiesha also noted that she was "lucky to begin her bodybuilding journey as a woman during the rise of social media", particularly Instagram, where more women emerged in the digital space to promote strength training.
"As a medical doctor and cancer survivor with a background in exercise and sport medicine, I cannot stress enough the importance of women building muscle, as it is essential for weight management.
"This focus on muscle strength is vital for longevity and resilience, helping women live longer and healthier lives," she added, expressing her hope that other women would join her in pushing the boundaries in the world of bodybuilding.
Later, in an exclusive interview with the New Straits Times, Dr Aiesha shared how bodybuilding motivated her during her battle with cancer.
She explained that feeling misunderstood during her illness drove her to seek answers, leading her to discover that bodybuilding helped her stay aware of her physique, strength, and health.
This structured lifestyle allowed her to monitor her body's performance, hold herself accountable, and maintain healthy habits, all while "aiming to reduce her risk of cancer recurrence".
As October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, she offered words of wisdom and hope to women facing the challenges of recovering from a cancer diagnosis.
"When I look back at my journey, I remember being in a dark place, feeling trapped in a deep black hole with no way out, but I want others to know that they can save themselves and that there's always light at the end of the tunnel, as my existence as a two-time cancer survivor serves as a symbol of hope, encouraging everyone to keep showing up.
"When you feel lost, look at me as a symbol that you will get better, and you will, because you have hope; the moment you lose hope and optimism is the moment you truly lose.
"If you have hope and optimism, you have everything; my journey with cancer began with a victim mindset, but I transformed it into a hero mindset.
"You can be a hero in your own story," she concludes, her eyes shining with hope that women everywhere can overcome tough times just as she did.
Both Dr Aiesha and Ismail will compete in the NABBA Universe 2024 on Nov 3. Ismail will take part in the men's Classic Under-85kg category.