In Kottayam, Kerala, a 23-year-old lawyer named Gratzia J Vettiyankal is breaking gender stereotypes and redefining the world of bodybuilding. In a society where women building muscles and showcasing their physiques often face stigma, Gratzia is making waves by achieving success in a field traditionally dominated by men.
A Fitness Journey That Transformed Into a Passion
Gratzia began her fitness journey at the age of 20, initially hitting the gym to lose weight and maintain her health. What started as a routine for physical fitness quickly evolved into a deeper passion for strength training and bodybuilding. As she immersed herself in her workouts, she found a newfound love for pushing her body’s limits.
Redefining Identity Through Bodybuilding
Determined to break free from societal constraints and redefine her identity, Gratzia dedicated herself to a rigorous training regimen. Her unwavering commitment and hard work began to pay off when she won a gold medal in the District Arm Wrestling competition in 2022 and later clinched the Miss Kottayam title in 2023.
Overcoming Criticism and Following Her Passion
“In a field where men predominate, it’s common for women to be discouraged from doing almost anything. Without giving much attention to the criticism and negative remarks that society slaps on us, one should always follow their passion. Everyone has the right to pursue what they love, and no one should feel guilty or ashamed about doing so,” Gratzia told Open Digest.
Balancing Law and Bodybuilding
Balancing her legal career with her passion for bodybuilding, Gratzia practices law at the Ettumanoor Family Court and is preparing to pursue an LLM course at NIMS University in Jaipur. She believes strongly in the importance of physical fitness for women, emphasising that they are just as capable of being strong and athletic as men.
Support from Family and Friends
Gratzia attributes her success to the unwavering support of her family and friends. Her parents, Joy Joseph, a retired professor, and Molly George, a psychologist, have been her pillars of strength. “My parents, friends, and coaches are my true supporters. They have given me the confidence and strength to be what I am and chase my dreams. Apart from pursuing higher studies in LLB and building a career as a lawyer, my dream is to compete in national and international bodybuilding competitions,” she said.
Gratzia J Vettiyankal’s journey is an inspiring example of breaking barriers and pursuing one’s passion against all odds. Her story encourages others to challenge societal norms and strive for their dreams, no matter how unconventional they may seem.
