PORT NECHES — 29-year-old Kimberly Cao’s second home is the Powerhouse Gym in Port Neches.
That’s where she increased her workout regimen after Cao was blindsided by Tropical Storm Harvey.
"We lost everything, had to evacuate in the middle of the night in flood waters. My dog, I was literally pushing him in a plastic bin until we were able to get to a boat to safety."
Tropical Storm Harvey wasn't her only hardship.
Kim's father was involved in an accident that required emergency surgery and her boyfriend broke up with her.
Cao says those events happened within the same week.
"All of these independent situations happening at once is extremely overwhelming, I wasn't prepared to handle them. I just didn't know the correct way or the type of emotions I'm supposed to be feeling and I didn't want to be susceptible to negative thoughts," Cao said.
She pushed those emotions out of her mind and dropped 34 pounds in eight months.
The final reward was placing first in the open bikini division, and second in the novice bikini division at the Southeast Texas championship of bodybuilding.
Cao says the positive results at the competition were unexpected.
"It was very overwhelming, I feel like my family was more excited for me because they've been on this journey this entire time with me, it was very rewarding," Cao said.
The greatest reward is overcoming life's obstacles, she said.
"I feel super empowered, I feel that I cannot be defeated by the situations or tribulations that come across, but I can control how I react to them, and bodybuilding has been a very positive outlet for me," Cao said.
Cao has qualified for national competitions. Cao says her family is back in their home after Tropical Storm Harvey.