I'm glad you've decided to see me through this quest. First, I thought I'd begin by telling you a little about myself. Later we'll discuss my training and nutrition regime. Hopefully you'll pick up a few tips along the way...and feel free to share your own knowledge.
So here we go!!
My name is Sue Champagne. That's my married name even though I'm no longer married. It's such a lovely surname and easier than my maiden name, L'Ecuyer, so it was a no-brainer to carry on with it. I was married to Larry Champagne from 1987 to 2005. Larry was once a big name in bodybuilding as a competitor, trainer, choreographer and promoter. We'll get back to him in a moment.
I'm 53, born on September 18, 1958. My roots are from Montreal though I've lived in Ottawa and Aylmer for as long as I can remember. I've never had kids of my own, not because I didn't want any, it just never happened.
When I was young, I skipped phys-ed class as much as possible...my teacher should see me now! I've tried many sports. Ball sports were no good because of a lazy eye and I was simply too small for most team sports. As a teenager, I took up horse-back riding and became quite a good English-style rider...until I developed allergies. Finally, I discovered weight training when I was in my 20s.
In 2003, I started ballroom and latin dancing. I love to dance! I'm nowhere near professional and have no desire to compete. It's a fun, social activity for me and it's introduced me to many new friends including the man in my life, Ed Binggeli. Ed is my biggest fan and supports me 100% in my journey.
Just a few words about my work experience. Over the years, I traveled the world and eventually quit my job with the federal government to open a chain of home decor stores with my husband. It was called Art Beats International and it was in operation from 1995 to 2008. It was relatively successful until Home Sense arrived!!! Upon closing the business, I spontaneously moved to San Miguel de Allende, Mexico and took on a house-sitting job. After a couple of years of living in Mexico, I was ready to settle back into life. So here I am still settling in. Recently, I started a new job working where I dance, Arthur Murray Dance Studio. Contact me for a free introductory lesson with one of our amazing instructors (had to throw a plug in there!).
And now, a brief description of my involvement with the fitness industry. It will all tie into the world of figure competition later.
I started going to the gym for a couple of reasons. Firstly, I wanted to lose some weight without looking like a breeze could knock me over. Secondly, I wanted a bicep (yep, just one would do) so that the next time I went to a drunken party and found myself arm-wrestling, I could at least flex a muscle without being laughed at. One day in early 1980, my friend Sue Gagnon took me to Vic Tanny's for a floor class (that's what they were called back then). In the corner of the women's gym were some chrome dumbbells. I picked them up and started pumping. There was a girl there named Diana Keiller who inspired me. She appeared to know what she was doing and showed me a few exercises. Off I went. I was addicted.
In 1981, a fellow by the name of Norm Grey, an Ottawa Rough Rider, encouraged me to compete in bodybuilding. It only takes a little nudge to get me moving when I hear a good idea. There was a poster on the wall of the locker room announcing the upcoming Mr. Ottawa. Yes, that's right, it was called Mr. Ottawa. I wrote the number down off the poster, walked over to a pay phone and called Mr. Larry Champagne.
Sue: Hello Larry, I'd like to enter the Mr. Ottawa.
Larry: Oh sorry sweetie, it's a bodybuilding competition for men.
Sue: What do you mean? Are you excluding women from the competition?
Larry: Not intentionally. I just haven't heard of any women training in the Ottawa area.
Sue: I'm training...at Vic Tanny's...in the animal room. {Chuckle from the old timers!}
Larry: Tell you what, how about you come to the show as a guest poser?
Sue: You're on! Could I get a ticket for my mom and dad to came watch?
Was I really going to do this? You betcha! The event was at the High School of Commerce Auditorium in April 1981. Larry announced me as a 98 pounder determined not to get sand kicked in her face. As the curtains opened, I saw standing at the podium my future husband! We didn't meet again until two years later in 1983 when we were both voted onto the executive of the Ontario Physique Association (OPA), then in 1987 we married on the same stage where we met.
I continued on to compete in many bodybuilding events. I was the first woman to win the Ottawa Bodybuilding Championships in 1982 (they had to rename the event). Here's a list of achievements:
1981 - 1st Northern Ontario, 7th Ontario, 4th Eastern Canada, 7th Canada
1982 - 1st Ottawa, 4th Ontario
1983 - 4th Ontario
1984 - 5th Ontario
1985 - 1st Eastern Ontario, 1st Ontario, 2nd Eastern Canada, 3rd Canada
As you can see, it took me several attempts to finally win the provincials. I am no quitter!
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| Helping Rita Boehm prepare for her division during the 1985 Canadian Bodybuilding Championships |
It was a personal choice to stop competing, but I wasn't going to walk away from the sport I loved. I remained involved for 15 more years as a promoter, executive, judge and newsletter editor. I held the position of Vice President for the Ontario Physique Association for many years. In 2000, Larry and I made a decision to fully commit to our business. It was a tough call to make when I contacted Ron Hache to officially resign from my duties.
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| Receiving an outstanding service award from the Ontario Physique Association (OPA) in 1995 |
Tune in again to find out what happened next..........
