CANADIAN PHYSIQUE ALLIANCE JAN/FEB 2020 ISSUE | Page 82

EDDIE DE MELO It was in September of 1998 when I first stepped on stage and competed at the McKenzie Challenge. At the time I had a great trainer and IFBB Pro workout partner that didn’t let me slack off. I had all the pieces to set me up for success and did very well. This included winning my first show and winning the overall in 1998 as a middle weight. I recall being so nervous waiting to be called out and step out into the bright lights, watching family and friends cheer me on. When my name was called, I took a deep breath and stepped on stage; my emotions changed. I felt an overwhelming elation and rush going through my veins and had a blast showing what I worked on over the past 16 weeks. I got the bug and wanted more. I continued to be successful as years went on.