Nicole Tovey hopes it will be a case of third time lucky when she competes at the Arnold Classic in Ohio this weekend.

Tovey, who earned a podium finish in the bikini open class last year, will make her third successive appearance at the annual sports festival at the Columbus Convention Centre.

She admits that bettering her previous third place will be a difficult ask but feels in better physical shape and mentally tuned in to achieving another top finish.

“Improvement on last year’s placement will be tough but there are two spots up for grabs,” said Tovey, who will take part in the open and masters divisions.

“I feel like it’s attainable and that’s what I’ll be aiming for. Many of the same girls will be there, including those who placed ahead of me last year.

“I’m definitely in better shape both mentally and physically than this time last year.”

Tovey missed out on the final of Arnold Classic Europe in Barcelona in October last year but had two podium finishes at the EVLS Prague in the Czech Republic — third in the bikini open and second in the masters — a week later. She believes all of her experiences on stage — both perceived successes and failures — will play to her advantage in Ohio.

“I started prep a little early for this competition to make sure the holiday season didn’t throw me off track,” said the 40-year-old, who is a lawyer at Taylors in association with Walkers.

“I’ve worked hard to bring an improved physique to the stage this year. I learnt a lot last year and I feel I’ve put those lessons to good use.”

Winning a pro card will again be Tovey’s chief objective and a slight relaxation of the International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness rules have improved her chances.

“I feel like I’m inching closer and I’m determined to keep going until I get it,” said the Australian, who will be representing Bermuda.

“Last year there was a slight relaxation of the IFBB rules in that if you achieve first place in your height class [as opposed to having to win overall] in two qualifying international competitions, you’re also eligible for the pro card. It’s still a tough ask, but it does make it marginally more attainable.”

After the Arnold Classic, Tovey will turn her attentions to the Australian Arnold Classic in Melbourne two weeks later. It will be the first time she has competed at home.

She will also be entering Australian Arnold Model Search, which includes an online photographic round before a live round showcasing fitness and evening wear.

“It’s a relatively new event for the Arnold festivals and not something I’ve done before,” Tovey said. “I’m looking forward to branching out into another category, showing a little personal flair and soaking up a new experience.”