Former Thatcham TA fighter scoops awards at Miss Galaxy Universe comp

Far from her tomboy roots, having served in the Territorial Army in Iraq and now running her own personal trainer and pilates business, mum of four Sarah Pennicott swapped trainers for stilettos and strutted her stuff down the catwalk at the final, held in St Albans on October 20.
And she did not come away empty handed, being awarded ‘amazing achiever’ and ‘outstanding performance’ awards, despite it being her first time gracing the stage.
Mrs Pennicott, aged 37, began the competition with a vigorous fitness circuit which saw her lift half of her body weight in a bench press, as well as one minute stints at sit-ups, push-ups and other endurance muscle exercises.
It was this round of the competition that she was most confident about, with high-energy workouts a daily occurrence for the personal trainer.
“It was extremely hard but I loved every minute of it,” she said.
It was the prospect of the afternoon’s judging that daunted her, being required to ditch her usual tracksuit for bikinis and glamorous ball gowns, despite claiming to not have owned a pair of high-heeled shoes prior to the competition.
“Walking on stage in my bikini and high-heels was a challenge, but I really enjoyed it,” she said. “I gave the audience a few cheeky smiles and a wiggle, I felt proud of my body.”
Having never entered a beauty competition before, Mrs Pennicott revealed it was the nature of Miss Galaxy Universe, which claims to cater for all women with no age limit, that attracted her to the event. Although initially intending to only enter the fitness section, meeting the other beauty contestants gave her the confidence to compete.
“There are so many different shapes and sizes, none of us girls are the same,” she said. “Being a personal trainer I was worried about being all girlie, wearing a dress and bikini, but I overcame this with the support of the other girls.”
Despite not winning in her categories, entered in the newcomer, yummy mummy and fitness champion rounds, she was proud to overcome personal challenges.
“I wasn't expecting to win anything. Just having the confidence to go on stage was what this was all about for me,” she concluded. “My sashes are going to be framed, I'm very proud of these. I can't wait for the next competition in May.”