Friday, June 17, 2005

Hey Everyone!
TGIF!!
And only 1 more day 'till I leave for Florida...

I wanted to see what you all think about something....In case you all haven't already heard, the promoters of the Ms. Olympia have decided to move it into the expo for the finals instead of having it in the main venue with the Mens, Fitness, and Figure...This is upsetting to those of us one day aspiring to step on that stage as well as those who already compete on it...


Bill Dobbins has written up a critique of the move too. Check it out and see what you think....Just click on that white writing to see it.....


Here is my take on it....For those of us who compete, and who strive to turn pro and compete at the pinnacle of our "sport", it leaves a lot to think about....If we are being alienated and ousted to the sideline at the biggest show we have, well where are we supposed to aim to compete??? On a stage at an expo? The number 1 female bodybuilding show in the world is a sidelined event. Amazing. I compete in Strongwoman and am also a Pro Powerlifter, and in no other sport are females sidelined.It kind of makes you take a step back and ask if its all worth it....If we aren't even wanted in our sport, then where can we show what we work so hard for...

Now mind you, I love working out...I love being strong, but the only reason I maintain the level of muscularity I have is because I love competing. Would I rather be 125 pounds and shredded, be able to fit into normal clothes, be in awesome shape and have a body most women would kill for??? YES! I am not ashamed to say that. I have friends who compete along side of me and guess what??? A lot of them feel the same way....But my love for being onstage is what drives me to build my muscle. I believe it does for them too! I realize what I am is not socially acceptible, but I accept that to do what I want to do....

5 years ago I could have done really well at any figure show~just go back to my transitions area, scroll down the page, and follow the link to the yearly transitions...see for yourself....But there was no figure division then. I worked with a gymnastics instructor for 3 days a week, private lessons, for almost a year, and I still couldn't do what the fitness girls did. So, in order to compete, I went into bodybuilding. Now look where that competitive outlet is going....

Now, take a look at my situation...how would you feel? This is very upsetting to me....Some say take a step in another direction and go into figure...but come on now....I have worked so hard to get where I am....could you imagine starting all over after being at my level????


Phew...I had to vent. Don't get me wrong, I love what I do, but it makes you think.

Well all, enough venting...I am going to run...I leave you all with the pics of the day!

Enjoy!

'Till next time,
Keep pumpin' hard!!!
XOXO
Heather Lee