Wendy Lindquist
Some things just seem to go hand-in-hand, like bread and butter. Such is the case with The Emerald Cup and Wendy Lindquist.
For Wendy's first show, we need to go way back to 2003. The question isn't so much if Wendy will be competing in Emerald Cup – for the record, she plans to hit the stage in 2015 – but what category she will enter.
So far, her resume boasts bodybuilding, figure and fitness (she has a gymnastics background). Looking ahead, it's likely that we'll see physique added to that resume. Not much you can tack on after that, except... bikini?
For her 2014 Emerald Cup appearance, Wendy walked away with a special award presented by promoters Brad and Elaine Craig, honoring her many years competing in this event.
It's not much of a stretch to guess that the Emerald Cup is Wendy's favorite show.
Q. Looking back at all the Emerald Cup shows, what are some of the highlights for you?
A. Definitely winning my class in 2011, as I didn't expect it and had no idea where I stood based on the call outs. It was a delightful surprise to win! Also, this last year winning the Inspiration Award, as that was also very unexpected!
Q. Do you have a favorite after show Emerald Cup meal?
A. You'll find me at Cheesecake Factory for calamari and a ginormous salad, all the while nibbling on the chocolate stored in my purse!
Q. What are some of the changes that you've seen over the years with Emerald Cup?
A. With bikini and men's and women's physique being added, it's definitely grown in numbers. Women's bodybuilding has had its ups and downs in terms of numbers, but we are still going strong despite the apparent desire to extricate it from the line up.
Q. Will you be there for Emerald Cup 2015 and if so, what division?
A. Yes, for both bodybuilding and physique. Bodybuilding because I'm a bodybuilder at heart and have been from the start. Also because I'm stubborn and will go down with women's bodybuilding waving my white flag.
Physique because I realize I can't be competitive in an "open" division of bodybuilders, and because I'd like to be able to "compete" in a class of like competitors.
Q. What are some of the biggest improvements you've made over the years?
A. My shoulders used to be my weakest body part, so I'm really proud of how far they've come (though they could still be bigger of course!). My legs have also developed deeper and deeper separations each year, which I'm also very proud of.
But most of all my attitude is my biggest improvement, as I've grown a lot emotionally and mentally in the past 14 years of competing, and I've learned that there will always be someone better than me, and that so long as I gave it my 110%, then I can have no regrets stepping on stage, as the rest is out of my control!
I also learned a long time ago not to complain about my contest prep, or expect my friends and family to cater to my needs or not eat certain things in front of me, as it's my choice to do it, and no one else should have to suffer with me!
For the record, Wendy is 35, 5-3 tall and weighed 128 pounds for her Emerald Cup appearance. Off season, she weighs about 138 pounds. She placed 7th at the 2014 Emerald Cup.
Wendy on Facebook
Wendy's website
Inspirational Award Presentation on YouTube