The Status Fitness Cover Contest is in full swing and the response from the athletes involved has been positively overwhelming. To get a better idea of what the contest means I decided to talk to last years winner Melissa Morrison. This girl worked hard throughout the preliminaries and the finals, making a real push in the last week to narrowly win.

Melissa, it's been a year since you competed in the Status Fitness Cover Contest. Once again we have an incredible group of ladies vying for the prestigious opportunity to grace our cover. What most impressed you about the group you participated with?

It was a tremendous experience. I met so many beautiful women who all had unique stories. It was fun to learn more about them all. I know many, myself included, developed friendships and are still in touch and supportive about each other's goals and ambitions. That was what touched me the most. What impressed me was this contest is legit. I worked hard and got to see firsthand all the opportunities that came from entering the contest. I felt everyone involved were a team and together we raised attention that benefited us all.

What went through your mind when you first decided to enter the Status Fitness Cover Contest?

I had never seen anything like it so when some friends told me about it and that I should enter it, I looked more closely into it and was impressed. I knew it had merit and integrity so it was something worthy of my time. When I entered I was a little nervous since I didn't know what to expect. After a couple days in the preliminaries, I started to see the response from my friends and people I didn't know. Even other girls in the contest started messaging me on Facebook to encourage me and support me so I would do the same for them. Some close friends started support groups for me and solicited votes from all their contacts and friends. When I saw the momentum build I became even more excited. I want to say to those thinking about entering, go for it, you only have something to gain.

What were your thoughts on the contest as it went on and you qualified for the finals?

From the start I knew this was well organized. I received regular email updates, welcoming me into the contest, updates along the way and information regarding the finals. It impressed me with the care and attention the Status staff, especially Asha, gave to each person involved. I had a few questions along the way and they were always answered quickly.

What thoughts would you like to offer those participating?

Have fun! That is the bottom line. Truth is, it's a great opportunity to promote yourself and others. There's nothing else like it in the industry. When everyone works at this, it really brings attention that benefits everyone. I know a number of girls last year that were contacted by companies solely because of the contest myself included.

How did you feel about the finals?

I was excited to be in the finals. Part ways through I started to give up when I saw others so far ahead of me in votes. My friend Robyn told me I couldn't give up so I pressed on again. I'm glad I did. I received enough votes from the photographer judging panel that I edged out two amazing girls. It was so close. I was so nervous and couldn't believe I won in the end. I was shocked when Status Fitness Editor-in-Chief Rodney Jang called me to notify me of the win.

What was your first reaction when Rodney called you?

He likely thought I was crazy. LOL I started to say OMG, OMG, OMG. I couldn't believe it. I literally had to sit down to finish the conversation with him I was shaking so bad.

What are your thoughts on winning the cover of Status Fitness?

First, I have to say, Status Fitness is a leader. The entire cover contest idea was genius and the decision to take the contest to the social media was brilliant. Status Fitness is known across the industry to showcase the top athletes in fitness, the UFC and the NFL on their covers. To now be a part of that elite group still feels unreal. It was a career changer for me. The number of congrats and messages I received was unreal. I'm still getting them today. When I go into different places people are recognizing me and asking me to sign copies of my cover. I never would have imagined. Because of my cover, I have been contacted by at least a dozen companies interested in me as a spokes model. I was thrilled when Core Synergy contacted me and offered me a contract. They only sponsor top athletes so it went without saying that I was interested in them and their product which I did wear before I signed.

That is great news Melissa. Congratulations. Any last words you'd like to offer the ladies in the finals right now and those entering the 2012/13 Status Fitness Cover Contest?

Like I mentioned earlier, have fun and work hard. So much good can come from this contest. It definitely is legit!! I learned to network and brand myself and it has paid off big time. I know there are girls in the finals that will achieve their goals and will see themselves in this great magazine. I wish each of you the best and I can't wait to see who wins this year.