DeKalb bodybuilder finishes strong at Ms. Olympia

By Ashley Luthans

Making it to the Olympia is the ultimate goal for many bodybuilders around the world, and Hunter Henderson is no exception.

Henderson, from DeKalb, Missouri, earned her spot in the bodybuilding competition last month and competed on the international stage on Oct. 11. She finished in 13th place, and said she’s grateful to have made it so far within her first year of bodybuilding.

“This is where we’re starting,” Henderson said. “We’re starting as the 13th ranked best female bodybuilder in the world … And that’s amazing, that’s amazing.”

This is not the first big challenge Henderson has faced in her life. She also battled and beat cancer as a child.

Henderson said she plans to continue training and hopefully return to Ms. Olympia next year.

“So the plan right now is to take about a six-month off-season-ish,” Henderson said. “I would do a pro show later next year to qualify for the 2025 Olympia.”