The primary school teacher took on the world two weeks ago in the 2013 Arnold Sports Festival in the US and performed so well, she earned herself an IFBB (International Federation of BodyBuilding and Fitness) pro card.

She joins an elite list of 10 Aussie women now competing at the professional level.

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"There were girls from as far as Russia and Trinidad. You got about 10 seconds to wow the judges, it was the toughest stage I've graced so far," Mrs Prior said on her return from the 2013 Arnold Sports Festival (named after Arnold Schwarzenegger).

She placed fourth in her division out of 23 competitors.

"I got back on the Tuesday and flew to Melbourne on the Friday where I won my IFBB figure professional qualification at the Fit X pro-qualifier in Melbourne last weekend.

"Only national champions can enter that comp. This was make-or-break as there is only this one line-up in Australia where you can earn a pro card.

"To hear my number called out was a massive mixture of elation and relief. It's been a long hard road and to finally achieve my dream was surreal."

Just an hour after her, win it was back on stage with the world's top athletes for the Fit X pro show.

"When I hit that pro stage at night in front of thousands of Aussie fans, it wasn't nerves I felt - but a feeling of home. This is where I belonged. The joy was unbelievable."

Her daughter Myalee was even more excited - she had no doubt her mum would bring home the brass.

"She was overjoyed to get her new trophy, and my husband, Lucas, after a big hug, asked with trepidation 'So what now?"'

He had good reason to ask.

"To compete at the Olympia [bodybuilding's Olympics] is no longer a dream," Mrs Prior said.

"I think I might make that goal happen too."

The Warrawong Primary School teacher will be at Aussie Supps Shellharbour tonight from 6pm to 8pm to meet customers and give advice about training and nutrition.