The 53-year-old only took up bodybuilding as a way of helping recuperate from hamstring reattachment surgery a few years ago, and is relishing competing in her new sport.

"It's pretty crazy when I look back on why I first started bodybuilding," Davies said.

"I have always been sports-minded and loved the idea of doing something different.

"When my coach Hayden Perno, who rehabilitated me from the hamstring surgery suggested it, I thought 'why not?'

"I have always believed in training to the best of my ability and after training for a while he set me a challenge of competition.

"At first I had no idea of what he meant when he said 'let's get you up on-stage', but it sounded like a good challenge.

"So 15 months ago we set out for me to gain around 10kg to reset my metabolism, and once I had done that it was a matter of stripping back and building more muscle mass.

"Physically I love a good challenge and this one was certainly one I was up for."

When it came time for her first competition, the South Coast Australian Natural Bodybuilding titles in Wollongong on April 26, she admits to having no expectations.

"To win first place in my category (Tall Figure) was a huge thrill - in fact I was absolutely stoked," Davies said.

"Then to win again at the ANB Championships in Sydney as the Ultra Masters Figure Champion was even more incredible."

However, unfortunately her progression has now been put on the back-burner for the time-being.

"I must admit it has really lit a flame of ambition in me, and although the win qualified me automatic entry into the nationals this year, I am scheduled for shoulder surgery in June - an injury which I have managed to juggle during the lead-up to this year's competitions, but it is now critical that I have the shoulder fixed.

"So my next challenge is to make sure I fully recover from the surgery and focus on next year's competitions, and try to qualify for the national titles in October 2016."

Davies said she couldn't have done it without the support of her coach and family.

"Hayden set the plans and knew exactly what we had to do and when. I know it's a bit clichéd, but I really couldn't have done it without him. I look forward to the next year and the recovery from my next surgery and the build-up for next year's nationals.

"The kids have also been great support, always encouraging me to keep going forward."