From a successful modeling career in Sydney to working as a flight attendant in Bahrain and embracing new opportunities in Cyprus, this adventurous New Zealand-born woman has built a life defined by travel, reinvention, and resilience. Having overcome anorexia in her younger years and more recently faced the physical and mental challenge of recovering from a serious shoulder injury, she continues to demonstrate remarkable strength and determination. At 53, her long-standing commitment to fitness, health, and personal discipline remains central to her lifestyle and inspires her outlook on aging. Her message is simple yet powerful: pursue your dreams, take chances, and never allow fear to leave you with a lifetime of “what ifs.”
Here is the Q&A session we had with Kelly Daymond.
Kelly Daymond As Cover Story Interview – August 2026 Magazine Edition
How do you introduce yourself?
I was born in New Zealand and left at the age of 19 to live in Sydney- without ever having visiting it beforehand. I was signed to a Modeling Agency shortly after arriving and was featured in numerous magazines as well as undertaking TV work.
An opportunity arose in the Middle East to become a flight attendant in Bahrain so I left Sydney after 13 wonderful years. Flying was an amazing experience as I love to travel. It enabled me to visit many amazing destinations and experience different cultures. After 4 years in Bahrain I left to live in Cyprus where I continued to model, work at entertainment events and it was there that I began entering fitness competitions.
Struggle – What hardships have you gone through in life?
As a young girl I went through struggles with Anorexia. I believe that the main reason behind it was the fact that I was going through a lot in my personal family life. My eating was the only thing I felt I could control at the time. Thankfully and with some help I managed to recover before I did long term damage to my body.
What do people usually not know about you?
I’m a bit of a dare devil. I’ve done the Great White shark dive in Cape Town – scary but amazing. I’ve also skydived and lived to tell the tale! Oh, I’m also 53 this year.
What sets you apart from others?
The fact that I keep myself very fit and have had the discipline to stick to a fitness regime for many years separates me from many these days. Unfortunately people still don’t realize the importance of keeping fit and healthy and its benefits as you age.
What are your upcoming major events ?
I am currently working on getting my upper body strength back as I had a fitness setback late last year. I dislocated my right shoulder, a major injury, that has been challenging to recover from mentally and physically. With professional help I’m slowly building up its strength and range of movement so I hope to be back close to normal soon.
What expert advice would you like to give?
My main advice to give, is if you have a dream or desire to do something -just go for it! Don’t put yourself in a position where you look back in years to come with regrets and “if only “
Your social media handles and website links?
- Instagram: @kelsdaymond
- Facebook: @kdaymond
Phikon Mathews is an entertainment journalist at TheCelebrity.Online Magazine, covering the latest developments across film, television, music, streaming, and celebrity culture. Passionate about storytelling and pop culture, Phikon delivers timely news, exclusive features, and engaging commentary that keeps readers informed and entertained. With a keen eye for emerging trends and a commitment to accuracy, the work highlights the personalities, performances, and moments shaping today’s entertainment industry. Whether reporting on Hollywood premieres, global music sensations, or viral celebrity headlines, Phikon brings fresh perspectives and compelling narratives that connect audiences with the ever-evolving world of entertainment.
