You're all winners: here's what the reader cover-model contest taught us - Editorial

When we first thought of having a Reader Cover-Model Contest, we figured we'd get at least a respectable response. Instead, it was tremendous! Thousands of you sent your pictures and stories, so many that the mail in deputy editor Carey Rossi Walker's cubicle was overflowing into the hall. The MUSCLE & FITNESS HERS staff stayed late several times, sitting on the hallway floor to open each envelope. We were simply amazed -- at your stories, your physiques and your commitment to fitness.

Choosing the final 10 women to send disposable cameras for the final stage of the contest proved to be much more difficult than we imagined. After looking through all the entries -- reviewing them three and four times -- the few were finally chosen. These included the two finalists you'll meet on page 110 and the following incredible women (pictured on page 14):

* Full-time mother of two and Marine Corps veteran Susanna Casey from San Diego, who submitted her photos only four months after the birth of her second child.

* Lexington, Kentucky, resident Natalie Hunt, who overcame as a child the life-threatening illness Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome, which scarred her lungs and left her with severe asthma. Today, she competes in fitness contests.

* Jenna Bellamy of Blacklick, Ohio, who kicked her "junk-food junkie" ways last March to diet and train for her first figure competition, where she placed fourth.

* Marshall, Michigan, resident Tam Hampton, who balances being a single parent to her 6-year-old daughter with training for fitness competitions, owning her own business and finishing her degree.

These women are just a few stellar examples of all of you who are so passionate about life and fitness that you continue to strive to be your best. The staff of MUSCLE & FITNESS HERS wish you continued success in the pursuit of your dreams and hope that we can continue to be a part of it.

COPYRIGHT 2002 Weider Publications
COPYRIGHT 2003 Gale Group