| Focus December 1, 2003
Still a Champion
Special guest editorial by Sandra Wickham,
2002 CBBF Canadian Medium-Class Fitness Champion
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British Columbia's
Sandra Wickham is the 2002 CBBF Canadian Medium-Class FItness Champion.
(photo May 2003 by D. Dave Paul) |
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Winning my class at the 2002 CBBF Canadian
Fitness Championships in Winnipeg and then dropping to fourth place in 2003 in Edmonton
was devastating, to say the least. There is no doubt that my physique was "off"
in Edmonton and I had major problems with my routine that day. After the competition I was
in tears -- tears because of my placing and tears because I was upset by the thought that
I had disappointed all my clients, sponsors, and fans back home. They all had such high
hopes for me and I felt that I had let them down.
Although, after the show in Edmonton, the thought of
switching to figure had crossed my mind, I knew my love of the routine round would keep me
in fitness. Having no gymnastics or dance background, I had come too far to turn back. By
the time I was on the plane home from Edmonton, I had gotten over my disappointment and
was planning for next year’s routine.
It was the sheer love of competing that brought me to the
decision to compete at the 2003 CBBF National World Qualifier in Hamilton, two months
after the Canadian Championships. No, I didn’t win my Pro Card in Edmonton, but I
definitely wasn’t going to quit or sit back and pout. I am still a national champion
and always will be. I compete because I love it, and when I’m "on,"
I’m good at it. I was definitely eager to redeem myself in Hamilton and show that I
was "off" in Edmonton. I also loved the idea of competing in Hamilton –
it’s where I went to University. My university roommate was there, and, for the first
time ever, my Dad made the short trip from London, Ontario, to see me compete.
After that competition I was in tears again. This time not
because I was upset with my placing, but tears because I knew I had done a very brave
thing to get back up on stage and show what I was made of. And tears because I knew, once
again, that this is the sport that I love passionately and that I was meant to do.
The greatest thing I learned from this experience is that I
am supported and respected one hundred percent by those who are following my career. I
returned home from Edmonton and nothing had changed. There was no disappointment or loss
of respect, and they continued to treat me like a pro, because to them I am one. I also
learned this season not to underestimate myself, and that I am no longer satisfied to be
just a "contender" at Canadian Championships. As my boyfriend, coach, and
biggest supporter says, "we’re not training for second or third place,
we’re training for the IFBB Pro card." So we are taking all the right steps to
make that happen in 2004. We’ve hired a professional choreographer who works with the
top Fitness Olympia competitors, and we are talking to many of the professional
competitors about their contest preparation -- dance classes, gymnastics classes, and a
new approach to my training and dieting are all going to help me reach my goals. I know I
am destined to compete in the pro ranks. After the leap from sixth place to first at 2002
Canadian Championships, it shouldn’t be a surprise when I go from my fourth place
finish in 2003 to winning my Pro Card.
Most importantly, though, I have learned over the years
that you have to put your faith in the judges’ decisions, and that they will choose
the best person to go on to the professional ranks. So, when the judges feel it is my time
to move on, they will reward me with my Pro Card. My job is to show them that my time is
now. Expect great things from me in 2004.
...Sandra Wickham |
