SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST!

The curvy cast away is proud of her body

It came as little surprise to Hannah Gough that her

Survivor New Zealand teammates questioned her physical capabilities because of the way she looked. In fact, she expected it!

The curvy, confident and fiercely fit pin-up model and power-lifter – who was exiled to Redemption Island on the TVNZ 2 show last week – has spent years proudly defending her size and fighting body stereotypes.

But Hannah wasn’t always this brave. As a teenager, the kindergarten teacher from Whangarei was so ashamed of her figure, she developed an eating disorder.

“I was severely bullied at high school to the point where I would purge myself to lose weight,” confesses Hannah. “I was a student rep at a private school where my parents were on the board, so there was a lot of pressure on me. I felt so alone. I didn’t dare own any swimsuits or dresses, and always wore clothes that were two sizes too big to try to hide my body.”

Five years ago, however, Hannah was introduced to the Northland Nightmares – Whangarei’s female roller derby team – and her life changed forever.

“The coach said to me, ‘We want you,’ and that was the first time I’d truly ever been accepted for exactly who I am,” says the 27-year-old, who wants to use her own experience to influence others.

“I’ve found my voice. I want to show the world you can be fit, healthy and strong at any age. Beauty and strength comes in all shapes and sizes.”