December 1, 2002

Sandra Wickham: All About Balance

• Name: Sandra Wickham
• Height: 5’ 4"
• Residence: Vancouver, BC, Canada
• Competitive level: CBBF National
• Website: www.sandrawickham.com

"Fitness is ALL about the overall package. I think that you have to learn to balance every aspect of competition training: physique, posing, costumes, routine, beauty and stage presence, to be successful," says top-ranked Canadian champ, Sandra Wickham.

And, not only does this B.C. competitor have great advice, she also follows it.

During her past six years in the fitness stream, Sandra has established a name for herself through self-promotion, training other fitness competitors and winning well-respected fitness shows like her most recent success in the Medium class at the 2002 CBBF Canadian Fitness Championships.

Sandra admits that, although the thrill of the national victory was an amazing experience, and one she wouldn’t trade for the world, she knew she was in for some stiff competition.

"I even told people that with the competition being so tough, if I placed in the top three I would be as happy as if I had won the whole thing," she says.

Sandra says she’s worked very hard to get to where she is today and doesn’t take anything for granted.

"To say that I don’t have an extensive gymnastics background is an understatement! I have NO gymnastics or dance background," she says. Sandra's athleticism stems from her previous involvement with track and field. Back then, she started weight training to improve her performance and progressed to fitness from there. "I was a self-professed gym rat!" she says.

Needless to say, she knew it would take more than her previous track-and-field training to win fitness shows. "It took me quite some time to stop being 'bitter' about not having a [dance or gymnastics] background…" she says. "While I was in University, snowboarding in Whistler and backpacking through Australia, they [competitors with fitness-related backgrounds] were working their butts off in the gymnasium or dance studio. Now it’s my turn to put in the time and make the sacrifices.

Sandra says her newfound skills have paid off in more than one way. Now, aside from being able to put on a highly entertaining and skill-packed routine, Sandra can relate to and teach other fitness competitors who also do not have an extensive gymnastics background. "I have had to learn everything from scratch, and that makes it easier for me to pass on those tips and tricks to new girls," she says.

Sandra has some great advice for other fitness competitors without extensive dance or gymnastics backgrounds.

"My advice to other girls who are not former gymnasts or dancers is not to let that stop them! Just because someone can do a tumbling line does not mean that they are going to have the best routine! Fitness routines need quality strength moves, overall body flexibility, original moves and a high level of entertainment. All of these can be achieved without being a former champion gymnast. There are so many things that you can do to improve your routine."

And anyone who caught Sandra’s version of the Little Mermaid at the 2002 Canadian Fitness Championships knows full-well this fitness veteran follows her own advice. From the costume to the music to the choreography, no one can argue the routine wasn’t original, entertaining and a definite crowd-pleaser.

Sandra admits she had a source of inspiration for that particular performance. Sandra’s best friend and number-one fan is her mom who lives in Bermuda, and she dedicated the routine in part to her mom. "We both love Disney, so doing the Little Mermaid theme was partly for her, and I also managed to work in 'Footloose' -- one my mom's favorite songs," she explains. Sandra’s mom flew to Winnipeg to catch the show. "It helped me get more excited about performing my routine knowing that she was out in the audience probably smiling, tapping her feet and cheering with enthusiasm."

Aside from her refined stage presence, Sandra is also very efficient at staying in the spotlight off-stage. Over the past years, she’s made a name for herself as a very business-savvy competitor. She’s appeared in international publications, produces a regular newsletter and has even designed her own website (sandrawickham.com). She says all of these marketing tools have allowed her to develop and maintain a strong relationship with other people in the industry. It has also helped her career as a personal trainer. "Starting up my website and learning website programming was a great experience and has led to many opportunities," she explains. "It has been a great way to meet new women interested in competing in fitness and has definitely benefited my personal training business. I now train girls from across Canada and the U.S." Sandra would also like to thank her sponsor BioX for their support throughout the 2002 season, and their continued support in 2003.

So what does the future have in store for this positive, upbeat and very energetic fitness icon? Sandra is preparing for the 2003 CBBF Canadian Fitness Championships and has her eye on a pro card. She admits there will be a lot of pressure and stiff competition to maintain her placing at the 2002 show, but says most of the pressure will be self-inflicted.

In the meantime, Sandra says she would love to hear from other fitness competitors. You can contact her directly at contact@sandrawickham.com. "After all, we need all the support and camaraderie we can get in this sport!" she says.

...Denyse Johnson
denyse@seriousaboutfitness.com

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