NEWMAN — Newman native Katherine Pagni closed out her Ms. Health & Fitness campaign this week, thanking supporters after falling short of securing the top spot needed to advance in the national competition.
Pagni, a 2004 Orestimba High School graduate and former U.S. Marine, said the experience — which took her into the Top 15 — became far more meaningful than she expected because of the community that rallied behind her. “My Ms. Health & Fitness journey has come to an end, and I’m incredibly grateful for how far I was able to go in this competition because of all of you,” she said. “Watching friends, family, and people from my community come together to support me was honestly the most special part of this whole experience.”
Pagni entered the competition as a leap of faith, sharing her story of rebuilding strength and confidence after overcoming an eating disorder. Throughout the contest, she highlighted the discipline she developed during her decade in the Marine Corps and the training routine she maintains today — six days a week in her garage gym, four days of running through Zunna Training, and supplemental CrossFit and kickboxing classes.
Though she did not advance, Pagni said the journey reaffirmed her commitment to fitness and her hope that her story inspired others. “Fitness is what makes me happy and confident, and my goal is to stay consistent,” she said. “If somewhere along the way I inspired someone to chase a goal, take care of their health, or believe in themselves a little more, then this journey meant everything.”
Pagni also thanked local businesses that supported her, including Sweet Escape Spa and CrossFit Patterson, as well as Westside Connect for sharing her story.
With the competition behind her, Pagni is turning her focus to a full slate of upcoming athletic events. She plans to complete the CrossFit Open 26.3 workout this week, run the Modesto Half Marathon on March 22, the Santa Cruz Westside Half Marathon in April, attend the 2026 Naked Training Retreat in Southern Utah in May, and compete in the Rock Tahoe Half Marathon in June.
“Honestly, seeing everyone come together and support me like this meant the world,” she said. “I’m just really grateful to be part of such an amazing community.”
