Linda Cusmano 2009 Off/Pre and ON Season

**Italianangel** · August 9th, 2009, 08:48 AM

It is funny, I have been avoiding my mom too, she was being very abusive the past few weeks, looking for so she can say mean things and has been drinking again.........the past 2 months she has caused so much trouble when she ran out of her drugs, being abbusive adn mean to me and the unsupportive prick I live with.
wtf is in the water, why is it that those around me wish to see me fail or subconsciously do this?
I do not get it. I know my mom is not typical......if you ever heard the cindarella story? Well similarity except I asked around and she really did give me birth, she is my birth mom, but that is about it..........
Its just funny, but it seems no matter what, I have been put forth and challenged no matter what I do........I see these people as steel doors who tryto stand in my way.............wihch only angers me or makes me work harder but I still don't get why, I would never do this to someone........I would never do to them what has been done to me.....I don't understand and don't want to sit here playing victim but it just is confusing to me I guess.
maybe the universe feels if I am not challenged I won't do my best?
I have to admit and be a bit of a cry baby here but I wonder what it would feel like to be that girl I see who wins the show who was being all waited on hand and foot and told over and over how they are going to win and how good they look and have those around them cheering them on, cooking for them, taking them to do things, asking if they need anything and ready help at the drop of a dime......how does it feel to compete with out someone trying to mess with your mind or emotions for months before hand? To try to be understanding and just acknowledge how hard you are working and trying and rather than put you down, pump you up?
I don't really need all that, I am so used to just competing and no one caring or asking how I am doing or whatever......but at least if you just leave me alone.....fine ignore it but don't try to hurt me. Don't tell me how I could have done things better when its too late or just talk out your ass because you feel like it when you are actually not helping or contributing.....just mind frrrking me.
so many lines have been crossed, deal breaking lines.
I can just imaging how well i could have done all these years with the right support, that saddens me so much. I am not flicking in the face of my accomplishments........I appreciate them even more because of how much harder I hve to work to get there compared to those on stage beside me............but I cannot help but cry over the time and opportunities lost because of the sabotage.
I feel like I may do well and still do but can you imagine walking on stage after months of this compared to months of 'your rock, y ou will do well, can I help, what can i do to make this easier?'
and I probably would ask for nothing still but yet....just to have that from the person who is supposed to be closest to you. and its so hipicritical to be so good some ways and soooo bad others. this is the same man who helped me survive anorexia....this same man is teh guy who said so many mean things to me, things I won't repeat here.
Well, whatever, I just keep repeating its not my problem and focus....I have to focus. Its almost 6am I beter get some egg whites and maybe grab a coffee this morning instead of my tea, I think I can afford that splash of cream.

Linda

**Option1** · August 9th, 2009, 09:05 AM

Wondered what you were doing up so early when I saw the time of this post.

I don't have much to offer except sympathy at your plight and a suggestion that you focus the emotions all this trauma is generating into your workouts at this time. Use the workouts as a release, a catharsis, by converting the emotional fires into physical effort. It may only be a temporary relief, but that's better than no relief at all.

Clearly, it's so very hard to try and progress while all this is happening in your personal life. However, I'd also suggest that the time for decisions is after you get the comp out of the way where you can then focus on resolution, whatever that resolution may be, in the cold light of day. Keep in mind, as you get closer to this competition, as you put so much of yourself physically, mentally and emotionally, into it; then there's every chance you're not seeing everything as clearly as you might otherwise.

Having said that, I've always been a big believer in supporting a partner. If one of you is striving for something that is so very important to them, then (in my ideal and idealistic world) the other should be doing everything they can to support achievement of that aim. It does sound like you're not getting that, which is unfortunate. However, there's always two sides to every story, it's just that at the moment it sounds like you're not in a position to discover or resolve whatever that other side maybe.

So end result, is as I said at the start, not a lot of help for you, but a lot of sympathy. Hang in there, I'm so sorry you're having to go through all this at the moment.

Neil

bluebird · August 9th, 2009, 11:05 AM

Wow, so sorry to hear this. I don't really know what to offer other than if this had been the first time you posted something alluding to your husband and mother's sabotaging your efforts, then I probably would have suggested you roll with it for awhile. But, this seems to be a circuitous event, happening everytime your contest preps come around (and that means at least twice a year from what I can remember).

It seems your mother is totally dependent on you and your husband most probably resentful of the time you spend on her care. I don't know what it's like in Canada, but perhaps it's time to get a case worker in regards to your mom's care. It's obviously taking a toll on yourself and your relationship with your husband. And I'm not suggesting tossing your mom to the state, I'm just suggesting that there may be health professionals who can better address her problems.

We all wish the best for you, Linda. It's very sad to hear about your state of affairs especially when you seem so very vibrant on the outside.

**Italianangel** · August 9th, 2009, 12:21 PM

I am up, clearing my mind and thanks for the well wishes.
option is so right, I cannot deal with any decisions other than what to eat and what to do to get leaner, focus on tannning, leaning, scrubbing, prepping........I guess with the years of experience in being 'sabataged' I am become a pro at getting over it fast and moving on............not forgetten, not forgiven and will be handled........AFTER Saturday.
I guess I was just really pissy because of having to go through this and this is the best place to vent......you guys here are always so - ready to hug me! and as I read those posts this is how I feel and thank you cuz this is all I really need and am so thankful to find support somewhere.......
they talk shit about the net and I get that but if it were not for ths forum, the net, I would have not had somehwere to vent and then be able to read these posts of good will, instead I would be brewing and brewing and feel more alone...............
so am putting my positive energy cap that was swiped off my head -BACK ON MY HEAD AND WELDING IT ON! this is a big deal, not just to me but a big deal in the sport.........I have worked too many years toward these goals so at this point unless those fires head to Vancouver, the competition will go on so it will take some big ass forces of mother nature to hold me back......
I am even more determined today than ever = with bulgy fish eyes, I barely cried but boy for someone as dehydrated as I am, my eyes are darn swollen......
Thank you for letting me come her to be........to just be me, just be, no judgment, no criticisms, just support - I may not have it in my 'real world' but my electric world is all support, nothing but and it is the support I am using to ride...........YOU GUYS HAVE HELPED ME GET THROUGH THIS YEAR AND NOT FAIL!
Well i am getting a migraine, gone througn a ton of advil this week..........although normal for me to be sore and get those migraines right now......I still say this whole ordeal did not help and because of the sensitivity of my body right now regardless of contest prep I have to focus on keeping peace inside my mind too so avoid cluster migraines. But I am getting one now so I am going to deal with it and will be back today to check here since it will help me get through today and this week......thank you all soooooo much for being here for me!
HUGS!

**gYmgIrL** · August 10th, 2009, 11:42 PM

Angel you are SO strong and SO driven and such an inspiration to everyone! only you could pull such positivity out of this! I'm so glad we could all help you to feel this way if you only knew how much you've helped all the people you've touched over the years then you'd know that we couldn't possibly ever not be so ready to hug you!

I know I only know you over the internet but you're always the one I talk about in real life and this just adds to my proudness to know you even as little as I do.

You are so amazing!!

**lizzyb** · August 11th, 2009, 02:23 PM

Ooh Linda.....so sorry you are having to be stretched yet again!! Sounds pretty intense. I'm not even gonna attemp to figure your man out...he is what he is and that's that.
How wonderful it is for you to be able to gather the tools needed to get the job done....so what if you gather your strengths and supports from us folk on the net.....not all peeps on the net are creeps either.
I think that you are going to stand out this year.....I mean look at you girl!!! You are bringing a totally different package to the stage and you have worked your a$$ off for it too despite EVERY shortcoming you have faced through your own physical limitations and the ones set upon you by family and personal choices.....you are still able and doing it......tune out the crapp if you can, go to your happy place ALOT and deal with this issue ASAP when the job is done.......history has a sad way of repeating itself.

shellbel · August 13th, 2009, 06:26 PM

I am so sorry that you are having such a hard stretch right before your show. I cannot relate to what you are going through with the contest prep but i can relate to people in your life not really being supportive of your goals/lifestyle/profession that you are working so hard physically and mentally for - they can be really harsh and bring you down bigtime. Just remember that these are YOUR dreams and goals and that you deserve to pursue them - I hate to advocate doing anything out of "spite" but keep on pushing and let your results speak for themselves. I have had to just learn to do it for myself and let others think what they will positive or not. YOU CAN DO IT!

**Italianangel** · August 14th, 2009, 10:35 AM

Love to you all, been focused, am lean, mean, dark and ready to kick ass.
I know my routine very well, been leaning, healing, and carbing up, I am sitting at about 6% now.
water is going......I AM READY.
I hope to be the underdog that comes in shocking the crap out of everyone looking fuller, bigger, leaner, darker and better than ever!
I am tired and ready to eat and be normal again too!!!!!

My latest news covereage:
Metro - Building up to contest

**tooncesthecat** · August 14th, 2009, 01:01 PM

I nearly cried reading your previous posts, probably because it hits really close to home for me. But you are here, ready to kick some ass as a symbol of how you have, and continue to survive! You are soooo strong and even now, as you feel weaker than ever, you are already a testament to fortitude! Now find peace within to carry to to personal victory!!!

**lizzyb** · August 14th, 2009, 09:31 PM

Oh I have every faith that you are gonna kick ass tomorrow girl!! You will be taking them by storm........!!! I can't wait to be hearing your results.....Best wishes and most of all.....

KICK SOME BUTT!!!!!!

**Italianangel** · August 18th, 2009, 11:38 AM

Hey, I am tired.
I did not make top 5.....I think. I did not at the show but now the results listed are a bit confusing.
They have me in 6th place yet my score is that of 5th place, but I was not called for 5th at the show.

Based on 6th placing I decided to take a year off. I need a break.

I am qualified to do BCs for the next 2 years and I have to do them again in order to qualify for Nationals so I will do BCs in 2011, and then if I make top 3 I can do nationals that year (top 5 if that year BC is host city). I have no idea where they will be in 2011 but I know next year they are in Ontario. IF I had place top 5 this year I MAY have gone out to try but based on being 6th I don't think I will bother since I would have to do the BCs again too and just need a break. I used to take a year off more frequently but then because my contest frequency dropped I did not take a break sine 2003 I think....maybe 05 too? so its time. I am taking 2010 off.

I am going to work toward 2011 over the year, my suit will be sponsored and I have a choreographer to work with toward the show who can help me work around all my health issues. I am also considering working with Mike Davies from Fitness Factory because he seems to really know how to get the girls to IFBB and has a super long list of pros he coaches. I am really serious about going in at the 2011 and taking it all, I want first, I want overall especially if that year I have to travel to the show. There are other girls who also have this goal so.....its also a very tough class.
I also think maybe the support from Mike or a coach would be what I need incase crap happens again pre contest next time with lack of support at home to help keep me focused you know?

Sylvia Trembley took first place and overall - this is for my division of short which is the more challenging of the fitness classes.......... Allison Ethier got 2nd and she is doing the North Americans so she should get her pro card there. Jodi Baum got 3rd and she was phenominal, I kinda thought she may take first....she is something to watch a perfect fitness package!
Christy Kearney got 4th and she is the lady who got first at the BCs and beat me there and the last few years actually.....with Sherry Beaudreau Jensen as 5th place.......we were close in scoring......I was close to top 5.
Most of these ladies have compete 3 or more times and each time they crawl up a placing or 2. I was lucky here and jumped from 11th last year to 6th.....now I want another jump to 1st for 2011.

My fear now is to not get too big but not stay too small. A few people have suggested I do a better job to condition my lower end, legs.....so lets get a gander at the pics and then I can see better what I need to do.
I have developed a lot in the last few months with my new diet and everyone has noticed it, I competed these last 2 shows at 120 both times even so I was leaner for nationals.

I will post some pics and such when they are available and update my placing and score should anything change but basically from wining scoring I have a ways to go, the winners score around 28-33 points, I was at 73....so that gives me a lot to work for, the lower the score the better.
Time for a new thread soon.......and with my time off from competing I will be able to poke about the rest of the board more often and get more caught up with emails, online stuff, business and paper work.
Linda

**lizzyb** · August 18th, 2009, 03:45 PM

Congrats on your hard work and your MUCH improved placing from last year....wowzers!! Maybe it is not where you wanted to be in terms of placing, but hey reward yourself where rewards are due....you've made great improvements since last year and it really shows too!!

Kudos to you in your decision to take some time to recallibrate and outsource in the areas you know you need the extra support in near crunch time.....I'm sure that alone will make all the difference in the world for you....to have that coaching/support just for YOU, what a great gift to give to yourself, I say!

**tooncesthecat** · August 18th, 2009, 08:29 PM

Great job Linda! I also think some time off to recharge might just produce spectacular results. As for Mike Davies, he is THE MAN. Went to a seminar he gave at last year's Arnold Classic. He is so brilliant! A friend of mine, Tina Durkin, trains under him. She does so from a distance (she lives in Virginia) but comes to Columbus once in a while to check in with Mike personally. He has her in the best shape of her life (5th in last year's Arnold, qualified for this year's Olympia). Another girl from my gym here in Dayton drove up with another guy who is getting ready for the Mr. Ohio comp. Mike Davies had bootcamp that Sunday and they did legs. Two of the guys had to run to the br to puke. Kiind of gross, I know, but she said he kicked their asses. I think he can do the same with you

**gYmgIrL** · August 19th, 2009, 08:02 AM

Holy crap!!! You jumped from 11th to 6th!! AND you're fighting with freaken Titans! You're a Titan!!! To come top 6 in such a freaking high caliber of competition is just amazing. I know I say this every time but you are SO my hero, I'm finding it so tough just to stand up next to girls from Perth! And you've worked so hard and come so far and had so much trying to hold you down and you totally stomped on all of their faces and said "If I say I'm kicking ass, I'm kicking ASS and theres NOTHING you can do to stop me"

You are so awesome

I gotta take a leaf (or two or three!)

xxx

05stangman · August 19th, 2009, 09:26 AM

Linda, I'm SO glad to hear that you did so well! I was just reading the thread, and I'm sorry that I missed all of this before and could not offer my support when you needed it. I'm currently deployed to Iraq an dhave been quite busy the last couple of months, but I'm back on the net and hopefully will be for a while. The reason I would like to show you my support, is that I have followed your advice (through Toonces) about dieting before I went on leave. It had been an uneventful deployemtn for a while and in January I found myself weighing in around 200lbs, that's the heaviest I have ever been, so I decided to do something about it, and set a goal to be down to 175 by the time I went on leave (May). Well, I did allright for a while, but not until I asked for help on this forum did I get really good results, and the best advice came from you and Toonces (thanks, man!) Anyway, I hit the beach late May at an even 172, and all the hard work and dedication was certainly worth it, and this could not have been possible without YOU! So, if you ever need anything, anything at all, don't hesitate to ask, I'll be right here. Thanks to you and all the great people on this site!

**Italianangel** · August 23rd, 2009, 04:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 05stangman

Linda, I'm SO glad to hear that you did so well! I was just reading the thread, and I'm sorry that I missed all of this before and could not offer my support when you needed it. I'm currently deployed to Iraq an dhave been quite busy the last couple of months, but I'm back on the net and hopefully will be for a while. The reason I would like to show you my support, is that I have followed your advice (through Toonces) about dieting before I went on leave. It had been an uneventful deployemtn for a while and in January I found myself weighing in around 200lbs, that's the heaviest I have ever been, so I decided to do something about it, and set a goal to be down to 175 by the time I went on leave (May). Well, I did allright for a while, but not until I asked for help on this forum did I get really good results, and the best advice came from you and Toonces (thanks, man!) Anyway, I hit the beach late May at an even 172, and all the hard work and dedication was certainly worth it, and this could not have been possible without YOU! So, if you ever need anything, anything at all, don't hesitate to ask, I'll be right here. Thanks to you and all the great people on this site!

yah toonces rocks!!!

**Italianangel** · August 23rd, 2009, 04:20 PM

Thanks gg and all of you. I am definately hungrier now and still a bit confused on the results page showing our results.
go to cbbf.com and check out the results for fitfig nats 09 and you see me in 6th row placing yet my score shows that of what 5th would be........is that a typo and they meant 69 for the 5th place? Is it a typo for mine? I wrote in but no reply........its been days, I never get reply from them.
If I was 5th......do you realize the implications? this means I missed the whole night and the limelight that comes with, the pics the rep, and the word is still that the top 5 is who they have listed and in pics......I would then not only be out all that but a trophy and this would or could affect my contest decisions for the next few years.........so I am ASSUMING its a typo because how could such a huge mistake occur?
more later, new journal.....still working on my thoughts.

**Italianangel** · August 26th, 2009, 11:32 AM

considering these gals all have their other halves there cheering and taping them and on and on......I guess I did pretty good considering I was under fire with sabotage at home between my mom and him getting all weird a few weeks out............as usual. Sylvias beau is a bb, he did her diet and training and so on.......can you imagine her support???? I guess I should get over it and stop being so envious and angry, my situation is what it is and has been and I have more support now here than I have in my whole career......I just have to stop blaming all these uncontrollable factors for my loss........

I got the sorry, the letters and he is still sucking up to this day but I am insisting he go to cognitive behavior therapy..... a friend of mine did and she says they help those who are not aware of their actions and how they affect others, help them be more aware........its a good start.
He does not know this yet and if he refuses he can pack. I have been baking, recovering, eating.....resting and brewing.

This was the winning routine......not her best effort, not her best moves or work.........it was sloppy for her.....but she won it all. I thought I had more strength but she was 2nd last year and has been at these nationals longer. She is super nice, the floor apparently was slippery , all the gals complained, I did not have an issue because I worked on the stage closer to judges where there was I guess no slip.
I heard they like to see you come back a few times and make you work to get up in placings. I was 11th last year my first time, this year 6th, but my score from 5th who was 55 pts, then me 73pts....I need to find out why I am so much father out from 5th, we are similar in bodies.......
Again though this is a third of the score though as far as I know........
Funny enough she is also dealing with back and osteo issues........seems a few of us old gals in fitness are. so I need to figure out how to get my score down to 28 or so.....thats a lot to drop off......and when dealing with cbbf, its like talking to a lawyer, no info, just lots of words.......like pulling teeth to get a straight answer.

Sylvia trembly

YouTube - Sylvia Tremblay CBBF National 2009...

there were 3 of us or more with Indian themes or bollywood.

Then this girl got 3rd last year and 2nd this yr, she is a major gymnast......but I kinda thought this was ‘same ole’ but whatever.....I am not a judge right? They are great routines don't get me wrong.......
Allison or Alison Ethier.

YouTube - 2009 CBBF Canadian National Fitness and...

this is the winners of all the categories.....and top 5s or 3s only, you can barely se me in behind the girls....the figure are all very manlike.......check out the faces on some of the ladies.....this is why I wonder if I should bother with figure in this federation......yeah I look like my dad but.......
2009 CBBF National Fitness & Figure Championships

this is the gal who got 5th, she has actually placed better in the past but the year she placed better were less competitors plus she is back from a year off after having another kid.
sherry beaudreau jenson

YouTube - 2009 CBBF Canadian Nationals Fitness...

.......they say these are strong routines both this one and the 4th place gal - the holds I suppose? But I had both holds and flow and skills but I guess I was not good enough compared to these ladies but now to figure out why???? Sometimes I think they say those routines are strong just because of the placing - was my routine not better.....????

I will see if I can get jodis routine, she was 3rd and I thought and a few pals, that she was going to win, her back is bigger than all of us, shes best gymnast of all top 5 hitting lights with her feet as she flipped........almost anyway, and she got 3rd.......she was my hero that night, watching her was like amazing, she also has such a nice tude, very quiet etc......
She is in the top 5 pic in the link I showed you where they show all the tops......

I would love to get a hold of her routine to show you, I told her to post it.....

I contacted Mike Davies and am going to send him pics.

I only have the routine stuff I posted, I bought video from BCs and pics, nothing yet, also pics from nationals but no routine and of course I had no one there so no one taped it for me or took pics.........maybe one of the gals who taped these has it and I can ask but somehow I doubt it.

I have only gained 5 lbs, softer and only trained one day since contest. I am recertifying right now and have a course to complete by end of month to recertifiy ACE, then by end of Sept BCRPA and have to do cpr/ffa end of month too. Then by end of year I have to do 2 more courses, all at home and online, to renew my ACSM health fitness specialist which is their elite trainer equivalent, allowing me to work with risky and unhealthy people.
These are the courses, they rock and with one I got a bosu.....woohoo! funny though in looking at the course and book I can add 100 more exercises I do on that thing! I need to write one of these course thingys in the future! I could have wrote this book and made it much more advanced too!!!
I have done joints, neck, hips, knees, back and the winning sport nutrition on this site was a great course even for any of you who just wanna learn, of course its laymen, not like dieting for contest or anything, much more conservative but very good!!
so here are the ones I am doing this time around:
Kinetic Anatomy
Welcome to DSWFitness: Continued Education for Fitness Professionals
another good back one, the book for this which I have to read is like a college text book, 3 inches thick, hard cover and beautiful!
Low Back Injury Prevention and Rehab - perfect for me personally too
Welcome to DSWFitness: Continued Education for Fitness Professionals

and this came with my bosu, my brand new bosu
BOSU Integrated Balance Training (with BOSU® Balance Trainer)
Welcome to DSWFitness: Continued Education for Fitness Professionals

I was also seeking courses with around 2.0 (20) cecs each, I need 60 for acsm which is like 6.0, 2.0 for ace which is like 20, and 16 for bcrpa which is like 16, each org is a bit differ but they have the list of which equal what etc etc.

well I had my mind full of stuff to write today but I am just - unable to organize my thoughts still......been catching up on home stuff, orgnaizing, clients away, some sleep in days to 7 or 8 am.....I should post the recipes I made.......and tried chicken cacciatore first time or at least since I was like 12.......eating eggs benny 1-3 times per day......ahahahah, seriously.

When I went to dairy queen they read my metro article and gave me free sundae but this week I have not been in there.
I made all these and have been eating them!
I am also working on site revamps and thinking of twitter and a few of those as per my webguys suggestions.
I have to get online and market more again too to pick up online clients. I have picked up a few new ones and still have a good crew but could stand a few more in the mix.

Yup I have a list of duties and projects waiting for the go.
OKay the cookies and stuff......
No-Bake Chocolate and Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars and more delicious recipes, smart cooking tips, and video demonstrations on marthastewart.com
these were delish and easy
These were okay to me, others loved them:
Chocolate-Coconut Cheesecake Squares and more delicious recipes, smart cooking tips, and video demonstrations on marthastewart.com

These were worth the work and effort, delish:
Cowboy Cookies and more delicious recipes, smart cooking tips, and video demonstrations on marthastewart.com
so these below are to DIE for, just amazing:
Black-and-White Cheesecake Squares and more delicious recipes, smart cooking tips, and video demonstrations on marthastewart.com

I keep recipes from mags n stuff, my mom gets all the martha stewart mags etc so I view them when she is done with them, get a pile of them and go through and tear out what I want to try, also for my vision board I get some pics or words.........I have recipes I pulled from veg mags from like the 90s still in a pile to try, I try what I feel like so some sit.....some may never get tried but whatever.........

see, scattered thoughts all over the place!

Linda

**Italianangel** · August 28th, 2009, 07:54 AM

I was looking at some other shows which pass through here and I think 'dang it' the competitors are so much less hardcore and if I were to come into those shows looking as I did a few weeks ago I would be doing so much better in placings but I guess that is why I left and went this route, to challenge myself. Its so hard going from.....umm....elementary school - kinda like, to going into highschool.....you know what I mean? You are top dog then suddenly you are having to work harder than you ever have just to achieve that same level although I guess the status's don't compare, obviuosly - 2 years at it now and taking next year off so hopefully 3rd year will be the charm. I jumped 5 spots so maybe I can jump5 more into first for 2011.
2010 will be motivating, with us having the olympics, ufc working very hard to do a show here feature gsp next summer and also the soccer cup coming up too! I know I will be all itchy to compete next year but I have to stay strong and hold onto my beans til 2011.
I have been very lax in my website in waiting for web updates etc and my web guy being very busy - he works for peanuts - I pay him peanuts so........anyway, nex
t year I am going to stay tighter year round and be more diligent in updating photos on the site.
My solid 6 pack is slowly softening........this part sucks, but I only trained once since show so I have to get back into the gym again, been waiting for the color to wear off......its mess if you sweat in it! I mean you get most off in showering but the stain takes 2 weeks to sluff off and you should not wear light colors......and its summer....we have had some hotter days, some...not many. I used the jan tana stuff this time and it worked well actually but does not come off at once like the cream.
I am only 5 lbs up on weight and feel okay, a bit stuffed because I am eating heavier foods, not much but from fish to egg benny......
Linda

**lizzyb** · August 28th, 2009, 01:51 PM

Eggs benny

That's true eh? It's gonna be pretty busy out in your neck of the woods next year....are you gonna try to get in any of the events at the Oly's or other events? How cool to be soooo close to all the action