Norwich Care Home Manager Wins World Body Building Competition

A manager of a residential care home in Norwich is following in the biceps of Arnold Schwazenegger in becoming a World Champion as a body builder. Emily Carrasquillo from Black Swan’s Laurel Lodge care home on Ipswich Road in Norwich can usually be found managing the care home which supports 31 residents and nearly 40 staff. But outside of work, her passion is fitness and body building, taking part in competitions with her fiancé and the support of her coach Brad Whymark.

In August 2023, Emily qualified for the British Finals at the UK Ultimate Physique regional competition in York by winning the overall competition and gaining her Pro Card. At the British Final, she also took first place which came with an invite to the Mr/Miss Universe 2023 competition run by the World Amateur Body Building Association (WABBA) at the Palau Firal i de Congressos de Tarragona” competition in Barcelona in which she competed against some of the best physiques in the world.

Incredibly, Emily beat all the competition, coming first for Team GB and being crowned Miss Universe Figure 2023 in the Miss Shape 163cm+ category.

Emily performed her routine wearing an individually created bikini, encrusted with a sparkling crystal Black Swan Care Group design, reflecting the Norfolk-based care group who sponsored her for the event.

After the event, Emily talked about her passion: “It’s incredible, I just can’t really believe it. To be crowned Miss Universe is just amazing. My passion for bodybuilding began about 7 years ago and this year’s competitions couldn’t have gone any better.

“Obviously, there’s been lots of hard work – I start training at 3.30am and then go straight to work at Laurel Lodge care home. I’m very grateful to Black Swan for sponsoring me and supporting me to combine my passions of being a care home manager and a bodybuilder.”