Competing for the greater glory

  • Published
  • By Darnell Gardner
  • 452 AMW public affairs
MARCH AIR RESERVE BASE, CALIF. --  Staff Sgt. Caroline Hayworth, photographer, 4th Combat Camera, March Air Reserve Base, Calif., placed first in the 2012 National Physique Committee Oklahoma Championships, Open Fitness category, held in Tulsa Okla., June 9.

"When I compete, I am not doing it for personal gain; I am not shooting for a prize or anything like that. When I step out on the stage, I am giving it 100 percent for God because He gave me this talent," Hayworth said. "Therefore, despite my rankings among others, or trophies I may or may not get, it really does not matter, because my reward is using the gift that God has given me to accomplish my goal...doing the very best I can at everything I do!"

Hayworth's background is in power-tumbling, a sport similar to the floor routine of gymnastics.

"I choreographed a 2-minute routine that combined strength elements, such as one-handed and handstand push ups and flexibility moves that included break dancing and back flips."

One of the more challenging parts of Hayworth's routine sent the crowd into a cheering frenzy. The move started out in the fully-extended handstand position. Once balanced, she slowly lowered her body downward, keeping her torso and lower body straight, to a holding position roughly six inches off of the ground.

"Everyone asks me, how in the world did you do that?" Hayworth said. "To which I respond...practice."

Hayworth went on to say that is something that applies to all aspects of your life. If you want to be good at something...do it. Step out of your comfort zone and apply yourself.

"I was extremely nervous during my performance, but it turned out flawless! Having never done that well in practice, it was without a doubt a God thing," she said.

She has been a member of the Air Force for six years, which began as a member of the Air National Guard. Hayworth later transferred to the Reserve specifically for the opportunities in the 4th Combat Camera Squadron.

"Initially, I joined the Air Force to earn my right to vote," said Hayworth. "I now plan on staying in the military for awhile because I want to be that chief or senior master sergeant that has been there and done that so that I can properly mentor those placed under my supervision."
 
Hayworth explained that one of her passions in life is to maintain and continue to build on her overall physical, mental and spiritual fitness, however, another one of her passions is taking photos.

In the past, she has conducted photo work for various businesses and universities and most recently, deployed to Louisiana to support multiple units while they trained at the Joint Readiness Training Center in preparation for their deployments.

Hayworth's commitment to serving her country also extends to serving in her community. In her off time, while studying for her National Strength and Conditioning Association certification, she volunteers with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) as a high ropes and rappelling instructor.

"Everyone has a weakness and a fear. For some that fear is competing, for others it is physical activities, and for the majority...it's height," she said. "What I want these youth to understand when they face their fear is that God doesn't care whether they finish first, second, or third, but that they have given the activity 100 percent of all that they were given."

Hayworth has come to find out that her military service goes hand-in-hand with her personal goals and aspirations.

"It's a personal responsibility to take care of yourself, inside and out, especially in the military...people depend on you...other lives depend on you."

Before she went out on stage she posted the FCA competitors creed on her Facebook page, which can be found at www.fca.org/teamfca/competitorscreed.lsp. "If there was ever a true reflection of my heart at the exact moment of competition this creed is it."