by Christopher Annino
In the sport of Body building the athletes are chiselled titans carved out of the very Old School Iron no nonsense gyms that they are from. It takes dedication, discipline and drive of someone who super human to compete. But the strongest athlete in the world can always be at the mercy of what life will throw at them. Nationally ranked NPC Physique competitor Nikki Lee was diagnosed with cancer over a year ago.
Nikki Lee originally lived in Mystic but moved to New Hampshire at a young age. There she obtained an interest in athletics. Always being outgoing, Nikki was the first female amateur wrestler in the state of New Hampshire. Wonder Woman is one of Nikki’s hero’s growing up embodied Empowered. Nikki then trained to be a pro wrestler by Pro Wrestling Legend Ox Baker. Nikki was a success on the Indy Pro Wrestling circuit. However, Nikki decided to focus on earning a college degree and raising her children.
Despite her busy schedule as a trainer and founder of “Empowered” Nikki took time to help those in need. Nikki volunteers her time at venue’s to teach proper nutrition, she is also heavily involved as a youth coach. As a result of her service in the community Nikki was the 2014 recipient of the Connie Durfee memorial Award. Nikki has gained many friends over the years because of her kindheartedness. Therefore, when her diagnoses was made public, local celebrities such as Diana Lozowski, WWE Legend John Callahan, Roxanne Mathena, Walter Bad News Swan, Jeff Wade, Richard Cyr, Dawn Whitham, Kevin Hogan and Janet Peckinpaugh got together to help her financially. A community awards variety show was established through the CT Hall of Honor and it was hosted by The Resident Newspaper but held at the Mystic VFW. The money raised helped Nikki financially during her treatments. Nikki is now cancer free, and to show her appreciation to her hometown. Nikki Lee is stepping back into the ring for a Pro Wrestling Event and variety show to help benefit two local military veterans at the Mystic VFW. Nikki will be tagging with U.S. Champion Rescue 911 and together they have formed Tag Team “911” and they will be going against “The Outlaws” for the VPW Tag Title “when I found out these two veterans were in need I felt obligated to get back in the ring to help them. I was told once by New London strongman Joseph Mugovero “everyone has strength, but what makes you strong is when you use it for good” and I want to help these two war hero’s. “Thank you from the bottom of my heart Alexis Ann from The Resident Newspaper and The Mystic VFW for hosting my fundraiser. You helped me when the odds were against me and empowered me to beat cancer,” said Nikki Lee.