I am Mari Asp born June 8, 1975 to Paal and Jorunn Asp in Lillestroem Norway. Starting at a young age I began training gymnastics and ended up traveling the world competing internationally as a young girl. My parents were very supportive of my gymnastics and as a result I became National champion by the age of thirteen. Once my ability to be competitive in gymnastics was gone I felt like I had no purpose and sought out to become good at something else....it was suggested I try "powerlifting and "fitness' competitions"...within a short time I became the Norwegian Powerlifting champion.

After a few years as a powerlifter, I decided to try Fitness. Although I worked hard.... Getting in shape for a Fitness competition takes a lot of discipline, but it didn't give me the challenge I wanted. I am not into the "all pretty" look. I like it when the competition day is the biggest challenge, not just the preparations. ....So Powerlifting became the epicenter of my life....I found the strength I already had from gymnastics was just waiting to be used ....as I trained more and more, I became stronger and stronger.

At this point in life I was an adult and I had people around me that were hoping I would "grow up" and all this competition stuff would go away ....so I could get to the business of having kids and working 9-5 like everyone else. I married a nice man and quickly realized I was not ever going to be a "good wife" as long as I was thinking of competing. Feeling this was not fair to this man, I filed for divorce, packed my bags and headed straight for Venice beach California. There will ALWAYS be people telling you what what you cant do....remember to say hi to them when you get back.....chances are they will still be right where you left them. I have since set numerous American Bench-Press records and developed a pretty good fan base. I've worked out with a lot of the biggest names in bodybuilding and powerlifting and found friendship in people driven by the same types of things...I particularly liked doing "Strongman" and strength type events and got experience in that world with some really driven cool people like Odd Haugen, Ed Coan, Charles Glass, Mike O'hearn, Lou Ferrigno. For a little girl from Norway ...this was a big deal to me. I payed close attention to what they said and took any opportunity I could to learn from them. I also payed close attention to who was trying to bring me down and kept as much distance as i could. Life gives you a small window to play with in my sport....if you aren't focused and protective of your time....you won't be a champion...this I know.

I currently live in Carlsbad, California. 2007 was a year of fixing injuries for me. I had 2 shoulder surgeries, and 1 ankle surgery. All those years of abusing my body caught up with me.

I am a very happy girl right now with a group of people around me that are very supportive. I look forward to recovering completely and to get back at the business of competing and breaking more records.