by gene x hwang - November 2002

At the 2002 Nationals in Dallas, TX, there were a large number of competitors and one of the more striking was the 5'8", 155 lb. Linda Cancel. With her streaking red hair and full muscle bellies, Cancel surprised many who may not have seen her competing on the National stage before (2002 was her first year).

Of course the Northern Californian didn't make it to that level without the help of many others.

The road to competitive bodybuilding was one that Cancel probably never considered if it weren't for her support group and friends. Her good friend Brenda Williams started her on a weight training program in 1993. Prior to that she had never lifted a weight before.

"Back then, I was a cowgirl, and owned five horses - they were my only form of exercise. Brenda and I worked together and our friendship quickly blossomed. She was in great shape and she was always eating, and always eating healthy. I started asking her questions, learning that she had a fitness background. One thing led to another, she offered to help me with a workout program and we were soon training three to four days per week. Thank goodness for her, because I had no idea what I was doing!"

Well, you couldn't tell that from seeing the heavyweight on stage now. With a well put-together package that helped her to win the overall at the 2002 Sacramento (and subsequently qualified her nationally, where she placed 8th her first time out).

"Right now my immediate goal is to compete at the Nationals in Dallas on November 23rd and make the top five. Where I go from there - either I turn Pro, or I compete at the National level for the next two years while I am qualified until I get that Pro Card," Cancel adds with determination.

With the off-season upon us, Cancel's training stays the same for the most part. Although she doesn't like to train heavy, her husband and training partner Doug, pushes Linda to go as heavy as she can in order to add muscle to her already impressive frame.

There are some changes though to her routine, like backing down on the cardio from two sessions daily to one.

"I want to add in some Yoga for flexibility, and I plan on doing some spinning classes to help ward off those fat cells that like to come sneaking back in."

All of that leads to Cancel staying in good shape year round.

"The response to my physique is all over the place. My immediate family has never seen me compete. They have seen the change in my physique over the years, but I am not sure they understand how hard this sport is, and what it takes to get ready for a show. The feedback I get from strangers and other gym members is positive. They see Doug and I in the gym day-in and day-out. I get the occasional roll of the eyes from a stranger, but in general it is always postive," Cancel adds.

Luckily Cancel has Doug to train with as well as support her in every other way.

"Before I met Doug, I was never supported or encouraged to get involved in a sport or activity. I always doubted myself and never believed I could succeed. I did not feel I was a natural at bodybuilding, and I have learned how to be disciplined over the years. Slowly, with the help and encouragement of my husband I am getting better and better and I am starting to believe in myself and that I can do it!"

That's quite some positive praise, and there is more for him as well as others who have helped her on her way to the National stage. Cancel is very humble and has remembered those who have supported her.

"My role models are my husband Doug and my good friend Molly Welch. Doug has been competing since the 1970's. He is so knowledgeable about the sport, training methodologies, and nutrition. Best of all, he is a Sports Chiropractor so when I have some aches and pains, he gets me back on track. I decided I wanted to compete after meeting and watching my friend Molly Welch compete at the Masters Nationals in Pittsburgh, PA. I knew that I wanted to look like her. I met Molly in 1998 and did my first show in 1999," says Cancel.

Now, three years later, she's on stage but is only focusing on her next show. Future plans remain open, and Cancel sees nothing but more work, moving and improving her physique in a positive direction.

Always gracious, Cancel ends the interview with thanks to Doug, her son Greg, Brenda Williams, Molly Welch, Hans Hopstaken and Lana Battagello for all of their support and always believing in her.

Believing in her though is something that's not so hard considering what she's already accomplished

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