Nicole Tovey believes missing out on the final at the Arnold Classic Europe helped propel her to a pair of podium finishes at the EVLS Prague in the Czech Republic.

Tovey placed third in the bikini open and second in the masters class in Prague last weekend, finishing ahead of several competitors who reached the finals at the Arnold Classic in Barcelona the previous week.

The Australian, who represents Bermuda, said she felt “more determined and focused” after her setback in Barcelona, which was a larger competition than in Prague with more than 1,500 competitors.

“While the result in Barcelona was disappointing, the categories were huge and it was very easy to get lost in the crowd on stage,” she said.

“My masters category had 45 competitors while the open class had more than 35. With that many people on stage, the eye of the judges will naturally be drawn to those they know and are familiar with.

“I took the opportunity to speak to judges, get some feedback, learn more about international competition in general and figure out how I can stand out in the crowd for next time.”

Tovey’s podium finishes in Prague served as a welcome reminder that the reversal of fortunes can be swift in a sport as subjective as bodybuilding, where the margins between success and failure can be minimal.

She said she was encouraged that the winners of both her categories in Prague secured their IBFF pro cards as she continues her own pursuit of reaching the paid ranks.

“Barcelona made me more determined and focused on doing well in Prague and it paid off,” said Tovey, who finished fifth in both of her classes at the Olympia Amateur in Marbella in June.

“A few extra days of rest in between helped me to bring an even better physique to the stage than the week before and I’m very proud of my showing.

“While the categories were less crowded, many of the competitors were the same people I competed against in Marbella and who were also in Barcelona the prior weekend.

“I placed ahead of some of the competitors who made finals in Barcelona, so it just goes to show that you can’t let one bad competition dissuade you.”

Tovey will now take a well-deserved break after a hectic period of competing and plans to return to the stage in March at the Arnold Classic Ohio, where she came third in her class last year.