From the time she was a bit woman, Tanji Johnson Bridgeman knew what she was going to do when she grew up. A self-described military brat, her father served within the United States Army, and that meant shifting all over the world for his profession. She appears to be like again at her childhood fondly as a result of it meant her father was capable of transfer away from Georgia, and he was the primary to take action.
“He was raised in the hoods of Atlanta by his grandmother because his mother had him when she was 16,” mentioned Bridgeman. “He grew up in a bad neighborhood and in poverty. He went on to become the one that set the example because he got out, and he had a family with kids that were educated.”
Bridgeman proudly shared that she was fortunate her father served they usually had been capable of journey to Germany, Korea, Louisiana, and different locations earlier than retiring within the state of South Carolina. As for Tanji, after taking Junior ROTC courses in highschool, she selected to serve within the United States Air Force, following within the footsteps of one in all her brothers. Aside from serving her nation, it laid a basis for her to go to school if she selected to. Her
“My dad had said that I had a coupel of options. I could earn a four-year scholarship through the ROTC program, or you could be like your brother and get a full ride, straight up appointment through one of the military academies,” she mentioned. After her dad steered the Air Force, she took that recommendation.
In 5 years of service, Bridgeman would obtain a number of honors, together with the Air Force Achievement Medal and the National Defense Service Medal. She recalled that her proudest second in service got here whereas she was deployed to England throughout the Kosovo disaster within the late 1990’s. As a lieutenant, she was chargeable for over 200 servicemembers and eight planes that had been ready to assist troops that had been in motion.
“It was a moment that you realize that you’re a part of something way bigger than yourself. Our mission was to provide refueling for the fighters who were going over into the danger zone. We were in that support role overseas. I just remember how important I felt to be a part of something really important.”
After her navy profession concluded, Johnson pursued one other ardour – health. With her expertise in cheering on the Air Force Academy as a basis, she took that dedication to the very best degree as nicely by turning into an IFBB Pro within the early days of the Fitness Division. Johnson not solely competed, however she was very profitable as knowledgeable athlete. She had gained 11 professional contests and graced the Olympia stage on quite a few events. She completed in second place on the Olympia in 2011 and 2015. Her profession spotlight could also be when she gained the distinguished Fitness International title on the Arnold Classic in Columbus, Ohio in 2013.
“I will never forget that moment because I was crying. Arnold (Schwarzenegger) came up to me and asked why I was crying. I took the microphone and told him that I had waited ten years for him to come shake my hand.”
While it took a decade for that second to be created, Bridgeman mentioned she wouldn’t change a factor. She noticed her health profession evolve in an identical manner that she developed within the Air Force Academy.
“It’s the cream of the crop that go into the Academy. So, you already think that you’re all that and a bag of chips, but they break you down. Then, gradually, they build you back up. I see my fitness career the same way. I got my pro card quickly, but then it took that long for me to have that Arnold win.”
Bridgeman is now not lively as a competitor, however she nonetheless serves the bodybuilding group as a frontrunner, particularly within the Pacific Northwest. While she was competing, she had began transitioning into selling reveals as nicely. She now owns and runs the Tanji Johnson Classic, which has turn out to be a prestigious beginner title within the NPC. Johnson not solely desires to repay the trade for the way it has helped her, however she desires to make it higher for future rivals.
“I love what the industry has done for me in terms of personal growth, how it has helped me as an entrepreneur, and really how it enhanced my life,” she shared. “When there are things that happen that aren’t always positive, you can abandon it or be the light. I want to be the light. I’ve always been one to do something about change.”
Bridgeman has been staying in form herself, coaching with dumbbells, body weight, and different methods which can be exterior of a fitness center. She will not be competing, however she is aware of the significance of well being and health as she will get older. WIth November being National Military Fitness & Wellness Month, she hopes that she will be an instance to different veterans that can even ensure that to enhance. She believes that begins with discovering one thing to be captivated with if you transition from navy service to the following part of life.
“That right there can be a struggle for some people because some people don’t even know what they are going to do. If they don’t find the same sense of self-worth or value, it can be difficult,” she said. “After my aggressive profession ended, I gave myself permission to be light with my physique and take the time to see what bodily health would appear like for me post-retirement. We as servicemembers must have that self-love and take those self same steps so we’re be capable to deal with ourselves for these we love.
Bridgeman additionally desires to see future servicemembers be at their greatest within the years to come back. As a former Admissions Advisor for the Air Force Academy, she was vested in assembly folks that wished to affix the navy. Those which can be going to serve might be following in footsteps she helped set up.
“When people are waiting to find out who they want to become, that waiting time is very important. They can waste it or be productive. Those young people can come in the military and serve short-term, which can be a way to transition. I had thought I would be a lifer, but then I developed a passion to become a professional athlete, and I pivoted into a career that I’m very proud of. That option is still there for young people as well.”
Follow Tanji on Instagram @officialtanjijohnson .