I didn't fall off the planet after '96 Jr. Nats

[knett]

Hey everyone!  I didn't fall off the planet after competing.  I just felt like the judging was getting confusing and inconsistent.  I gave it my all for that show and opted not to due the Nationals, in spite of strong encouragement from Bev Francis's husband and others.  I have no regrets dropping out of the sport.  I think I enjoyed lots of support and coverage considering I never even won a major show, not even a state level show.  I have the fellows at WPW to thank for that.  I got pregnant/married later in 1996 after the Jr. Nats.  I have 3 children, still married (still got my 6 pack as well).  All the elements are still there to compete, just don't feel like putting the hours in to do it or the risks healthwise to compete on a high level.  Enjoyed the time.  The 90s were the best in those days.  I'm doing well & flattered that my images are still being used (&hopefully not abused).  Glad I didn't do anything stupid back then with videos or images....that crap never goes away.  Cheers to all...good luck to those who still pursue the dream and those that support it.

-Karen Netterstrom, '96 May/June WPW cover, '96 Jr Nts, 2nd heavywt.

[Warhawk Overdrive]

Glad to see you. It's good to see a few of the ladies come back to say "hey"

[sentdab]

Your '96 physique was and still remains among the most impressive. Congratulations on your three children. Best wishes. See you around!

[adamstar]

Welcome to Saradas Karen. It's great that you are a part of it. I saw you on T.V. at the '96 Jr. Nats. You are spectacular and gorgeous. Best wishes to you. 

[Phaedreaux]

Thanks, Karen, for checking in and giving us the update!

[knett]

Thanks for the kind words!  Kudos to any woman who attempts competing.  It's a brutal & subjective sport.  Too bad the Ms. O isn't as respected as it once was.  The real action happens at pro qualifiers.  Makes me sad to see how little attention is paid nowadays to the competitors.  There are some really good/ pretty girls out there.  I'm in awe of the longevity of those that I used to directly compete with...Christi Wolf, Lesa Lewis, Denise Masino & others from the mid 90s!  All I can say is "oww, my friggin back" (getting out of bed in the morning).  Strong as an ox back in the day, but paying for it now.  Like a retired linebacker...

[john540]

-Karen Netterstrom! 

Welcome, pleased to have you here! 

[Timmon]

Hi Karen. great to see you here!
I agree it is sad the women competitors do not get the respect they deserve, especially as they train as hard or harder in many cases than the men. Unfortuntely, it appears that the women get a hard time from some "fellow" male competitors as well as from outside the sport, so it is no wonder there is always the risk of self destruction.
All credit to the few women who keep at it, and thanks to you for being one of those pioneers from the golden age of FBB!

[javert]

The 90s were the best in those days.  I'm doing well & flattered that my images are still being used (&hopefully not abused).  Glad I didn't do anything stupid back then with videos or images....that crap never goes away.  Cheers to all...good luck to those who still pursue the dream and those that support it.

-Karen Netterstrom, '96 May/June WPW cover, '96 Jr Nts, 2nd heavywt.

Hi Karen,
Awesome you've joined us on this board! Just a quick question regarding your comment, would you say there was a lot of pressure on fbbs to do more erotic photos/videos? I mean this was pre-internet and have noticed alot of mainstream fbbs have done vids under pseudonyms rather than use their real names, (eg: with wpw's sister company ray martin which specialized in "muscle worship.) The male side of the sport doesent seem to be sexualized at all to the extent fbbs are....in fact I would say no other sport is! I mean all athletes have great bodies but you dont see sprinters or volleyball players being asked to make videos of themselves in sexy gear all oiled up.
What are your thoughts on this, do you think it takes away credibility from fbbing as a sport or does it help support the industry? What was it like back in the 90's scene amongst you and your fellow competitors? It would be really interesting to hear your insights and opinion on this!
thanks
-Javert

[knett]

The 90s were the best in those days.  I'm doing well & flattered that my images are still being used (&hopefully not abused).  Glad I didn't do anything stupid back then with videos or images....that crap never goes away.  Cheers to all...good luck to those who still pursue the dream and those that support it.

-Karen Netterstrom, '96 May/June WPW cover, '96 Jr Nts, 2nd heavywt.

Hi Karen,
Awesome you've joined us on this board! Just a quick question regarding your comment, would you say there was a lot of pressure on fbbs to do more erotic photos/videos? I mean this was pre-internet and have noticed alot of mainstream fbbs have done vids under pseudonyms rather than use their real names, (eg: with wpw's sister company ray martin which specialized in "muscle worship.) The male side of the sport doesent seem to be sexualized at all to the extent fbbs are....in fact I would say no other sport is! I mean all athletes have great bodies but you dont see sprinters or volleyball players being asked to make videos of themselves in sexy gear all oiled up.
What are your thoughts on this, do you think it takes away credibility from fbbing as a sport or does it help support the industry? What was it like back in the 90's scene amongst you and your fellow competitors? It would be really interesting to hear your insights and opinion on this!
thanks
-Javert

Pressure?  No pressure.  The women are adults to make thier own choices.  It was made known to me that there was plenty of "work" out there if I so chose.  I don't know why so many fbb do it.  Attention I suppose & money.  I think its a disgrace, especially when some of them have children (grown children or not).  They aren' thinking of the long term.  Artful nudity done in a creative way is beautiful, but porn is a major skeleton that can come back to haunt you later in life.  I came from a very good, well educated family and I was raised better than that.  What would my family think?  How can I explain this to my parents?  What if one day I have children and their friends tease them with old internet pics of their porn mom?  I always considered that at 25-26 years old.  Fbbers have done it to themselves.  Obviously there is a strong demand for it, otherwise so many wouldn't do it.  Bodybuilding is a very shady culture full of "mentally unhealthy" people.  Its a subculture full of illegal activities.  I know I'll probably get blasted for my opinion, but FBBers are a "fantasy character".  They are over the top superhero looking.  Some should capitalize on that, but their self-respect suffers.  As long as they can separate the fantasy character they are projected to be with the person they really are in life, then it can work for them.  I personally find the porn an embarassment to the sport.  And there are men bbdrs who do porn as well.  I knew a few top (straight) men who would do "gay"stuff for money.  Shame

As for other athletes in other sports...sure playboy comes knocking on the door...so do it, but the porn thing for them usually comes as a result of some drug problem they are trying to support.  The huge difference is sponsorship.  Name one company that sponsors a female bodybuilder to the point it pays for her lifestyle to keep her coming back to the stage?  I

[Bobt]

Thanks for returning Karen and hope you keep re-appearing from time to time. I agree with you on the Porn issue in female bodybuilding. If it's done artfully and in good taste that's one thing but a lot of it is just utter garbage and it not only looks bad on a forum such as Saradas but it makes the bodybuilder look EXTREMELY bad and cheap and that is very sad.

[EI9]

 Hi KAREN

     I Just want to that I admired Your legendary career to the fullest and you were back then awesome and still is today. its great people like you that I'm always be a proud fan and supporter of women's bodybuilding. Hope that you have read this letter in knowing that you got a new fan in me that still sees videos of you in your past muscular glory. Keep doing what you been doing and Godspeed!

[Special1]

I wanted to add, Karen Netterstrom is legend! Beautiful is over used, esp. in schmoeland - but Karen was actually quite a beauty. Of course, when you add the body to the face, the effect was amazing. As for abusing pictures, well that is for me to know!

I often wonder how men are so lucky that they actually meet and court such women. I wish I had met a young bodybuilder years back and saved her from a life of overusing steroids. But no one can actually do that. Good sense comes from background and from within.