When I made the decision to compete at USS Nationals, it was based on two specific reasons: the events looked challenging and more in line with traditional strongman and to qualify for Pro Women Worlds. Pro Women's World competition was intended to refocus the title of "pro" with winning money, not a "card." Don't get me wrong, two of my training partners received "pro" status this year and I'm thrilled for them. Technically they will be pro once they compete in Florida this August at Strongest Woman in the World, which provided very few details and transparency on the front end with retroactive qualification for most. Athletes eligible for pro status are required to compete in this show in order to secure the pro status. These athletes will still be eligible to compete at amateur nationals this year and pro status will go into effect in 2017. Nothing about the process has been clear or timely for athletes. At this point the situation appears to take on the idea of leaping now before knowing what is at the bottom of the pit below but is a very exciting and long overdue change in the system.

The pro thing is long overdue for women. The initial pro cards ended right before my first competition and it always felt like a gaping hole allowing the sport to grow for women. There has never been any movement for the women and on the male side it would be like competing against Brian Shaw, Big Z, and whoever else year after year and expecting a different outcome. Athletes cannot develop with the limited opportunities and competitive tiers and people lose interest. On the other hand, I support the idea of the true intention of "pro", which is to earn money for competing rather than paying more with restricted competitive opportunities. I remember the incessant forum battles and bashes that if someone was paid as a strongman, his integrity and character was somehow flawed for being referred to as "pro." There was loud and crass name calling, attacks and insults while calling for a system and structure within the sport. In the end, when individuals are exempt from the very system they demanded and ridiculed others for, there is a significant problem. Perhaps the women's pro division will be the very answer needed to align and ensure a transparent system for all.

In addition, World's Strongest Woman is returning this year, which has always been the true pinnacle in the sport. The qualification process was very similar to past practices, submitting information and hoping for an invite. Supporting transparency, there was then a qualifier (max log, max DL and farmers) which should have been stacked DEEP with females competitors attempting to qualify for the true big show. Unfortunately things didn't pan out that way and very few high level women showed up to compete and earn their spot at WSW.

2016 is proving the be an exceptionally pivotal year for women in strongwoman. Who knew all of these opportunities would hit all at once? Perhaps once the dust settles this year, transparency will rule in 2017 so that competitors can make thoughtful decisions for themselves and their families. There are a lot of opportunities now available. Without full transparency, many outcomes will be determined by luck of the draw: being at the right contest, living in the right spot to make last minute plans to compete, etc.

OK, not sure where that came from, I was just trying to catch up on my log and fill in all the gaps over the last week. Then Satan took over my fingers. Really in short, I support transparency. I support knowing the rules on the front side, so there are not guesses, questions or unclear processes. I don't care what the rules or processes are, as long as there is equal information and access for all athletes at the same time. USS Pro Women's worlds offered that: plenty of notice how to qualify, education and support for athletes, prize money and finally an opportunity for the women to shine. While I worked and trained hard to earn my spot at Pro Women's Worlds, in the end I made a tough decision not to compete and pursue a different path for the remainder of 2016. Now I suppose that's going to be it's own entry. Dang it.