I have heard the horror stories of what the guys go through and I know that it must be worse for the females. I never competed. I was always "too fat" but I have friends who told me numerous stories about guys basically being gay prostitutes in order to get contracts etc. Not my cup of tea. I only know one pro female and she was in the masters division when she went pro so who knows if its different up there. Also, her hubby is retired special forces...that may have something to do with it too LOL.