http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/homepage/abox/article_1851036.phpCypress P.E. teacher goes for Ms. Olympia title
Instructor will compete this weekend in Las Vegas bodybuilding contest.BY JAIMEE LYNN FLETCHER
The Orange County Register
CYPRESS – She remembers setting foot in the gym for the first time – a skinny girl with little confidence in her physical strength.
Squatting under a 20-pound straight bar, her legs shook and she woke the next morning to the dull pain of muscle fatigue.
MaryJo Cooke Elliot, 31, is a far cry from the fitness-challenged girl she was eight years ago.
She will compete this weekend in Las Vegas against about 25 other women in the most prestigious bodybuilding competition in the world – Ms. Olympia.
"Stepping out on that stage is achieving one of the greatest dreams you can achieve in this sport," Elliot said. "The Olympia is such an honor."
The term "bodybuilder" doesn't come to mind looking at Elliot – every muscle in her body is toned, not bulging, and she maintains a soft femininity in her look.
She will compete in the figure category, introduced to Ms. Olympia in 2003. The women are evaluated on muscularity, balance and definition.
Competitors have to place in the top three in a professional show during the season to qualify for a spot. Elliot, who turned pro in 2006, has qualified twice this year, taking second in the Colorado Pro and the California State Pro.
Her road to Ms. Figure Olympia has been grueling – filled with unforgiving training schedules and a strict nutrition program.
She strength trains twice a day and fits a cardio routine in at 4 a.m. every morning. She also trains in Temecula twice a week to work with her trainer, Kim Oddo.
"Every goal I've ever set in life, I've taken steps to achieve it," she said. "I am 100 percent self-made."
Surrounding herself with positive influences, such as her manager and trainer, has helped push her along the way.
Her greatest mentor is her husband, David – the man who introduced her to fitness.
"If there is one person that has been a role model in my life, it's him," she said. "That's where I get my strength."
"I am just so impressed by her," David Elliot said. "I just support her 100 percent and help her with whatever she needs."
Although bodybuilding is a passion for Elliot, it is not her entire world.
She teaches physical education and serves as the athletic director for Lexington Junior High in Cypress.
She brings the lessons she has learned through her fitness journey to inspire her students and build their self-esteem.
"I teach them about persistence – that there is nothing wrong with failing because you get to get up and try again," she said.
Her students said they look to emulate Elliot's positive outlook and determined attitude.
"I think it takes a lot of will power to do what she does," said Chesli Civitelli. "It's encouraging."
The kids also agree that they wouldn't mind one day having Elliot's physique and fitness know-how.
"I want to be really buff and have abs of steel too," said Montana McLead, 12. "I'm working on it."
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Go ! go !go !you can do it !!
