March 2000 – Excerpt from Natural Muscle Magazine
by: Glen D. Cunningham
Linda Aubin-Cvik in her stunning version of a side chest pose
The handshake is firm, the smile full, natural, and the eyes bright, full of hope and promise; much like her career. Linda Aubin-Cvik is smiling a lot these days. She is the reigning Canadian Women's (Natural) Bodybuilding Champion. Her presence radiates with what might be described as "championship qualities". Her movements graceful, the words flow easily, honestly. Her demeanor is marked by an overall smoothness that seems to settle those around her. She seems at peace with who she is. Make no mistake this is no "awe shucks" woman but neither is she consumed by airs and pretense. No, this is not a person who is wrapped tightly within her own ego. It might be said that Linda possesses that most unique attribute that really cannot be explained; rather just admired. It is that rare gift that God preserves for his "special children", the one that is reserved for the precious few in our midst who have chosen to lead... it is called class.
However, Linda Aubin-Cvik just might be the best-kept secret in women's bodybuilding! She does not hail from the recognized "Meccas of Bodybuilding" in the Sun Belt communities at the fringes of the boardwalk of Venice Beach, California or the highly-heralded Gold Coast of Florida. Nor does she come out of the highly-profiled "dungeons of the Apple" or the "hot bed" steamy ironworks of Pittsburgh, Pa. nor the Canadian media center, Toronto, Ontario. Instead, Ms. Aubin-Cvik hails from the great plains of the Canadian West where low-profiled training is the generally accepted role of its bodybuilding community.
You drive through the streets of Edmonton and a sign reminds you that this is the "City of Champions". You get the feeling that the sign is not posted for its bodybuilding warriors. No, the working phrase for those in the "iron game" would be the highly telling one-liner; "Bodybuilders have a difficult time creating a household name for themselves... even in their own households." However, there is one star in the making who is ready to change all that. Linda Aubin-Cvik appears ready to bust out of the box of obscurity that has enveloped her career. Plainly stated, she is simply too good not to be noticed!
Linda moves with the distinct deftness of the well-coordinated athlete as she sits down, straddling a bench–obviously, she is, "at home" in the gym–and looks up as if to say "fire away". Her eyes dance with enthusiasm as she talks about her bodybuilding career. "I love it!" She proclaims. And why not, when you're top-of-the-heap. "I'm not just referring to the competitions or the fact that I won the title," says the Canadian champion. "I'm talking about my everyday training. I really enjoy my workouts and I like what they do for me. I train all year but I am only on stage for 60 seconds."
"I don't just train for the competitions," she repeats. "I train for what it does for my health and fitness levels. You really do have to enjoy the journey." She smiles broadly with cultured, sparkling, teeth that could light up a coal mine. Linda might not be "theatre" but she sure has stage presence! She breaks into an exuberant laugh and throws her hands out in a palms-up position that tells of her "take it or leave it" attitude that appears to be her hallmark. She is not about to make any apology for her Love of the Game. Undeniably, this is one athlete who has found her niche!
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