2020 'Miss Bikini Olympia'

Janet Layug | Biography

Former Resident Nurse

• By Reena Chikanbanjar
• Update : March 29, 2022

---

Janet Layug is an American bikini fitness model most recognized for winning the International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness (IFBB) Pro Bikini titles multiple times.

Who is Janet Layug?

A health and fitness enthusiast from a very young age, Janet Layug initially began her fitness journey by doing workouts and progressing independently. She also won a few swimsuits and beauty pageants on the way along. With immense love and passion for health and fitness, she then briefly pursued a nursing career before launching her fitness career. 

While working as a resident in Lakeland, Layug learned about the Flex Bikini Model Search Championship. She subsequently decided to pursue her passion for fitness professionally and participated in the show. After that, she made up her mind to hire a personal trainer to make the career shift.

On her website, she disclosed that, before hiring a trainer, she mostly had a good idea of what to do, but she wasn't confident in her craft yet, and she needed a support system. Later she admitted that working with an experienced coach was the best decision she ever made.

Layug then made her professional debut in a fitness competition in 2013. Since then, she has won the IFBB Pro Bikini titles five times. She also made up to top-five finishes fifteen times during her professional career. 

Her dedication to her physique might have been attributed to her working on her dad's farm, as her dad had a garden in Florida, where they grew vegetables. She did a lot of active labor there that one wouldn't think a young girl would do. "I think growing up in that manner helps build character in you at a young age. You learn a lot", she said to The Menace Podcast. 

In December, the fitness model's triumph at the 2020 Olympia in Orlando, FL, changed her career course onstage and offstage. According to her, since winning the Olympia, she felt like she had hit the ground running with an incredible amount of opportunities. 

How old is Janet Layug?

Born on 29 December 1988, Janet Layug is 32 years old as of 2021. 

Layug was born to a Filipino father and Polish mother in Portsmouth, Virginia. Her parents, who both served in the Navy, moved to Florida when Layug was a child. Her father, a Navy retiree, turned 76 years old in April 2021.

As of 2022, she has only disclosed the presence of her elder sister Monique. 

She graduated from Lake Gibson High School, where she played soccer and served as a cheerleader. After finishing high school, she attended a community college, where she received a nursing degree. She also went to the University of South Florida, where she obtained her registered nursing degree. Then she briefly worked at Lakeland Regional Health Medical center.

Modeled at Hooters

While still attending nursing school, Layug worked as a waitress at Hooters in Lakeland, Florida. Due to her photogenic looks, she was featured in several Hooters calendars. In 2014, Hooters named her the 'Miss Hooters International.' Hooters later featured her on the cover of the company's calendar in 2015. 

'Miss Bikini Olympia' Champion

In 2014, Layug competed in the Bikini Olympia for the first time. She placed second in the competition. She returned to the competition the following year, but she again placed second. Both times, she placed second behind fitness model Ashley Kaltwasser. However, she said she didn't give up and kept participating in the Bikini Olympia. She placed second for the third time in the competition in 2019. Finally, she became the 'Miss Bikini Olympia' champion after winning the competition title in 2020.

Recurring 'Arnold Classic' Wins

Layug made her Arnold Sports Festival debut in 2014. Since then, she has won the 'Arnold Classic Australia Bikini' title twice, in 2015 and 2019. On 27 May 2021, Layug shared that she competed in the Arnold for six consecutive years in an Instagram post, as she again won the 'Arnold Classic Australia Bikini' champion title in 2019 with her family there to witness.

Also Read About - Karina Elle - Age, Bikini Model, Von Moger & Height

First Bikini Model With A Show

Layug also started her show, Battle of the Bodies, in Fort Lauderdale, FL, on 31 July 2021. As it was the inaugural show, she thought it to be pretty special because she became one of the first bikini champions with her own show.  

"It's such a special show for me because so many people have been a part of my journey, and now I get to be a part of so many other people's journeys. I'm so blessed that I've had this opportunity to have this show and this event", she expressed in an interview with BarBend on 16 February 2021. 

She also shared that her show would have all the divisions for the NPC (National Physique Committee) as this was an NPC National qualifier. Likewise, she announced that there would be an IFBB Pro League Bikini Show as well. 

Layug Did Not Defend Her 2020 'Bikini Olympia' Title 

Before the 2020 Olympia title, Layug announced that she would not be defending her 2020 title and proclaimed that she did not opt to leave the arena. 

"I feel like I have so much ahead of me," Layug told Muscle and Fitness in a 2020 interview. "My personality is the type to take something on and go all the way with it. And then after reaching a goal, it's like, 'Okay, I want to do something else. What more can I do?' That's how I feel now. I always stay hungry."

Furthermore, she explained that she loves competing; however, there were many other opportunities in the fitness industry. "There's so much more than just showing up and competing," she justified. 

Layug On Fitness And Dieting 

For Layug, it's indispensable for everyone to educate oneself on health, wellness, training, and eating better. According to her, that's what embarked on her fitness journey, and she learned so much about herself and her health during her preparation along the way. Moreover, she knew about her work ethic and remaining resilient and persistent. 

"When people talk about competing at bikini or any other division, you learn so much more than anything physical. There's so much mental that you can apply in your daily life as well.", Layug said to the Goss Club. 

Who is Janet Layug's Husband And Daughter? 

Layug has been married to a former professional baseball player Lance Davis. The couple has a daughter, Briley Sage, who is active in tennis and gymnastics.

Layug gave birth to her daughter at the age of 20, when she was still at nursing school in 2008. Therefore, as of 2022, Briley is 13 years old.