Colette, As most everyone knows, I don't go on forums, chatrooms or message boards, but in this case I'll make an exception. And I promise to make it short. I gotta tell ya, I feel VERY uncomfortable about Lisa Aukland soliciting funds to purchase some kind of gift for me as recognition for my 30 years of covering women's bodybuilding. A simple thanks is more than enough as far as I'm concerned. The memories that I will take with me when I have covered my last contest and completed my last photo shoot are worth more than anything that can be bought with donations. I've been truly blessed when I think back to the amazing group of women I have had the opportunity to meet and get to know over the years. I even married one!!! I love every woman who has taken those brave steps to challenge their physicality, no matter whether it's in bodybuilding, fitness, figure, or any other sport for that matter. My wish has always been to help see that women (no matter what their age) at least get an opportunity to fly like an eagle and receive fair recognition for those efforts. After coaching women's track & field for 12 years, and now with nearly 30 years of watching the evolution of women's bodybuilding and its sometimes rollercoaster journey through the past three decades, I am more convinced than ever that the female spirit is unique. All I have ever wanted to do was illustrate to the best of my ability (through the written word and photographically) just how much passion, conviction, sincerity, and care these women possess. That's plenty enough as an award of recognition for me. In fact, it's been an honor. Earlier this year, promoters Brad and Elaine Craig presented me with a beautiful ring for 25 consecutive years of covering their Emerald Cup in Washington. It was a classy gesture of their appreciation, and not really necessary. But I was touched by the thought.....just as I am touched by the desire for Lisa Aukland to feel compelled to make my 30 years of covering women's bodybuilding something special. But as for the proposed donations, I can't stop them, obviously. Hugs all around would be fine. In fact, a couple bags of trail mix to get me through the next round of compulsories, quarter turns, and break-neck fitness routines would be fine. A final note, I first met Carla Dunlap (who would become the 1983 Ms. Olympia) in 1978 at the Synchronized Swimming Nationals in Los Angeles. I suggested she try women's bodybuilding as her physique had all the qualities I thought would make a great competitor in this new sport. Years later Carla pulled me aside at a contest we were co-emceeing and said, "I've always wanted to thank you for being instrumental in taking my life down a different road. I'll always be grateful for that." No donation needed. Two years ago Adela Garcia mentioned to me at the Arnold Classic as I sat at the athlete's meeting......"You know, everyone I talk to has a special story about you. You've really helped a lot of women." No donation needed. At the 1991 Ms. Olympia, Gregory Hines (bless his departed soul) told me I had a great job. I jokingly said, "Yeah, but I wish I had half your money." His reply? "Steve, I love what I do, and I KNOW you love what you do. We're both rich." No donation necessary. Lastly, when Lisa Aukland first told me of her idea (and donations were never mentioned at the time), she said, "you have a gift, and it's time you were recognized for it". No donations necessary. So you see, I'm rich. Gregory Hines told me so. Trail mix anyone?
- Steve Wennerstromhttp://forums.musculardevelopment.com/showthread.php?t=12888
