Aug. 29m 2006

Hello Everyone!

I am back from Arlington, TX ... after competing at the Europa Super Show. What a weekend. I can't tell you how excited I am to have qualified for the Ms. Olympia. For those of you who haven't heard, I ended up placeing 3rd and that was good enough to qualify for the Olympia.

I must admit, after seeing the competitor list, the line up was quite intimidating. There were several women from Europe who ventured abroad to compete as well. It was just such an exciting exeperience. I had no idea how I would place and could only hope to get one of the qualifying spots.

With only one weight class, I was one of the smaller competitors and conditioning was going to be key for me. I knew that i was in the best shape of my life with striations in my glutes and lines in my hamstrings, but my lack of musculatity next to the rest of the girls was going to put me at a disadvantage. It really would just be a matter of what the judges are looking for at that particular moment.

Again, you never know. Other competitors get upset with the placings, but we have to remember it isn't the competitors FAULT where they place, the judges decide everyone's fate. Bodybuilding remains a subjective sport.....at any time, any show, any moment the outcome could change. I am just happy to have accomplished my dream... to stand on the Ms. Olympia stage.

I plan on competing at the Atlantic City on Sept. 22 and then the Ms. Olympia the following week. It migth seem crazy, but since there are so few opportunities to compete, why not take advantage of a show so close to the Olympia.

I am going to enjoy the journey with now worries about how I place... that is irrelevant. I am just so happy to be a part of such a spectactular event.

I can't wait.....

I want to thank Mimi and Amanda for being there for me. They were so supportive and reassuring during the whole weekend. When I doubted myself they brought back that inner voice that told me I could do it. They are two very special people in my life and were there for me the entire weekend and weeks prior. I can't thank them enough.

Colette