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Archives for August 2008

Congrats to the newest IFBB Pros

August 30, 2008 by

Florida’s own Brandie Gardner achieved IFBB Pro status tonight by winning the overall Master’s Figure. Georgina Valenzuala from Mexico was the overall Figure winner & Natalie Waples from Canada won the other pro card. It’s proof that you can win and achieve pro status at a show held in the United States. Many time competitors say that other countries aren’t given a fair chance when competing in the USA. Tonight the two best women on stage won and they happened to be from countries other than the USA. Fifty-year old grandmother, Teresa Paschal from Alabama won the heavyweight and overall crown in the female bodybuilding.

As you can see I was a little off in some of my picks from prejudging and on with a few others. It’s the nature of the industry as everyone sees things a bit differently at times. This was a VERY well run show and the winners were well deserved. I was impressed with the figure winners and they are marketable on and off the stage.

Congratulations to everyone who competed and achieved their goals. Thanks to those of you who introduced yourself to me and told me you read this blog. I’ll see many of you next week in New York at the Team Universe.

Filed Under: Contest Results, IFBB

North Americans Prejudging Update

August 30, 2008 by

Prejudging just finished and wowzers did that take a long time. The judges and expiditors did a great job of keeping the show running quickly but when you have that many women in Open and Master’s classes for one and two piece rounds, it takes some time.

Some quick thoughts…

Women’s Bodybuilding:
I’m not a huge fan of women’s bodybuilding, that’s no secret. However things are changing lately in female bodybuilding that has me more interested. The women are starting to look like women again. The lighter-weights in this show exemplified what female bodybuilding should look like. I have Lori Steele winning the Lightweight class over Ana Sanchez and Maryann Glascock. Lori looked feminine, great shape and awesome conditioning. She could do give the bigger girls a run for their money in the overall. I have Kimberly Ferrell over Cheryl Faust and Johanna DeJagger in the middleweight class. Light-heavy class is tough. I have Diana MacPhee Cook in first, Michelle Brent second, Janelle Miller third, Jody Wald fourth, Tracey Toth fifth and Michelle Morrison in sixth. Heavyweight class I have Christine Sabo winning narrowly over Christina Rhodes followed by Janeen Lankowski in third. I have Teresa Nabors Pashchal in fourth, LaDawn McDay in fifth and Tammy Jones in sixth. Keep in mind these are only my opinions and how I saw the contest. They may or may not be in line with what the final results from the judges are. The heavyweight women started to show some physiques that were a bit over the top. The three lighter classes were great and some very good female bodybuilders in them. Overall I was very impressed with the female bodybuilders in this contest.

Figure:
There were a number of great competitors in the show but no one really blew my doors off and WOWed the crowd. There are some classes that were better than others. It looks like the NPC may need to revisit the height classes slightly at the end of the year as the B and C classes are loaded with women while the A and F classes are much, much smaller. Last year it was the direct opposite. It may be as simple as a 1/4″-1/2″ different to even things out just a bit. No biggie in the end though as the best always rise to the top no matter what class they are in.

Below is how I saw the various classes and where I would place them. Keep in mind this is just my opinion as I saw it and by no means is it how the end results will go in a couple hours.

A Class – Paige Oliver in first and second/third will be between LaVonda Ezell and Tiffany James Moody.

B Class – I had Elissa Schlichter besting Tiffany Procopio and Shannon Bennett in the two piece. The one piece Elissa seemed to fade a bit and I believe it may cost her that top spot. Ann Pratt will be in the mix for the top five as will Rosa De La Cruz. Who will win this class is up in the air as there was no clear cut winner in my eyes.

C Class – Georgina Valenzuela was a stand out in the two piece round and should win it easily. She was challenged by Emily Nicholson though in the one piece round. I had Emily in fourth in the two piece but had her winning the one piece. Georgina could win this class and make a strong case for a pro card tonight. Also in the mix is Amy Brown, Orah Bigio and Pamela Soper.

D Class – This was a tough one to judge but it could be between Terri Turner, Marie Ann Newman and Carrie Schindley. They all have strength and weaknesses but no one will receive straight first place votes, in my opinion. I like Terri Turner’s look but she didn’t seem as sharp as she was at Jr. Nationals. Carried Schindley could sneak out a win here tonight.

E Class – The show stopper in this class was without a doubt Natalie Waples from Canada. Great shape, nice muscle tone, good skin and very beautiful. I’d have no problem seeing her leave Ohio with a pro card tonight. Natalie Calland, Holly Powell, Lauren-Michelle Valentino and Sheri Fisher should be in the top five at the end of the night.

F Class – The smallest class of the show looks like Kim Tilden should take top honors. Pressing her will be Jennifer Hamilton, Brandie Gardner and Christina Dzieduszycki. I have Christian Hammond in fifth for this class.

Masters Figure –
A class will be Tiffany Procopio, LaVonda Ezell and Shannon Bennett. Who will win is tough but I’d give the nod to Tiffany on this class.

B Class – Ann Pratt, Elissa Schlichter, Daphne Bascom, Amy Brown and Jennifer Kline should all find themselves in the top five here. Who will win is a tough call. I had Elissa in the two piece round but Ann Pratt in the one piece round. We’ll have to see tonight.

C Class – I have Natalie Calland winning both rounds and taking this class. Second I have Marie Ann Newman. Others in the mix, Tanya Peale, Stacy Boles-Jordanoff, Betty Napier and Orah Bigio.

D Class – I have Caron Mahn winning with Brandie Gardner in second followed by Holly Powell in third. Who will prevail, we’ll have to see.

The finals are about to begin. Check back here later for more info. Bodybuilding.com should have the prejudging photos posted shortly so check them out there. If you want to be the first to know who turns pro and don’t want to wait by your computer. Sign up for MUSCLEPHONE.com to receive a text message with the winners. There is no charge for signing up.

Filed Under: IFBB, News & Features

Updates from Cleveland

August 30, 2008 by

The show is about to begin in Cleveland. Stay tuned for updates today through out the show. Photos will be posted here after prejudging.

I hit some morning cardio at the hotel gym and who do I see but top figure Olympian, Jenn Gates. Jenn was doing a circuit cardio session before this morning’s prejudging. She looks great and definitely on track to do well at the Atlantic City show. She’s here in Cleveland working the booth for JM Manion’s IRON SIRENS comic book. Ms. Figure Olympia Jenny Lynn is also sitting at the booth along with writer/co-creator Ian Ascher. Issue # 3 debut here and it is pretty kick ass. If you’re interested in ordering it you can do so here. I’ll post up some drawings and pages from the newest issue soon.

The airline lost Jenn’s luggage and it didn’t arrive until this morning. A reminder to all of you traveling you never know what may happen with the airlines. Pack your suits with ya if you’re competing. Now that I’ve provided my travel tip for the day, it’s time to get to prejudging.

Filed Under: IFBB

IFBB North Americans Kick Off

August 29, 2008 by

Competitors from across North American converged on Cleveland, Ohio this weekend. I arrived in Cleveland last night and met up with super star trainer Kim Oddo and one of his clients, Elissa Schlichter. The two made the trip from California, while I ventured in from Denver. We hit traffic a few miles out from the hotel and it turns out it was because of the NFL game taking place. GO BEARS!

Living in Denver, I get spoiled with no humidity and it is definitely a change in the weather for this cat. It’s a bit overcast but the sun is scheduled to appear this weekend. The hotel is old but nice. Everyone checking in received a handout explaining the rules, where to order photos, a schedule and info on a local gym. One thing of note was the direct mention of no shooting in the hotel lobby or on the grounds. The various physique photographers will have to get creative with where they shoot and you may end up seeing a number of hotel room photos from this weekend.

Two of the top figure pros are on their way in to work a booth for IRON SIRENS, JM’s comic book. Jen Gates and Jenny Lynn with both be in attendance. My Canadian figure pro, Debbie Leung is in town to check out the show after she trained with Mike Davies for a few days.

Stay tuned for more info throughout the show. The women don’t go on stage until tomorrow.

Filed Under: IFBB

Thursday Thoughts…

August 28, 2008 by

I’ve had this quote since I was a wrestler in high school. My coach at the time put together a booklet of sayings. This one still stands out to me years later…

Winners vs Losers
When a winner makes a mistake, he says, “I was wrong.”
When a loser makes a mistake, he says, “It wasn’t my fault.”

A winner works harder than a loser and has more time;
A loser loser is always ‘too busy’ to o what is necessary.

A winner goes through a problem’
A loser goes around it, and never gets past it.

A winner makes commitments’
A loser makes promises.

A winner says, “I’m good, but not as good as I ought to be.”
A losers says, “I’m not as bad as a lot of other people.”

A winner listens;
A loser just waits until it’s his turn to talk.

A winner respects those who are superior to him and tries to learn something from them;
A loser resents those who are superior to him and tries to find chinks in their armor.

A winner feels responsible for more than his job;
A loser says, “I only work here.”

A winner says, “There ought to be a better way to do it.”
A loser says, “That’s the way it’s always been done here.”

Filed Under: News & Features

Olympia News – Three more competitors… OUT

August 27, 2008 by

Three more women will be absent from the Olympia stage next month. Fan favorite Adela Garcia had to withdraw due to an injury and now three more will join her on the sidelines.

Who? Who? Who?

Fitness:
Shannon Meteraud despite making a comeback in fitness and qualifying for the Fitness Olympia will miss the big dance. She was forced to switch to figure at the Europa Super Show due to a knee injury. Shannon missed qualifying for the Figure Olympia by one place at that show. Her knee has not recovered and will keep her out. Best wishes on the injury.

Figure:
Two women who qualified for the Olympia at the end of the 2007 season will unfortunately be missing in Las Vegas. Mary Jo Cooke and Michelle Flake have both been battling health issues that will keep them away from the Olympia stage. Look for Michelle to take the stage in Sacramento and Kentucky to defend her titles, later this year.

It’s an unfortunate set of circumstances that will keep these women away from the pinnacle of their sport. It’s a reminder that you never know what tomorrow will bring. Make the most of today. Join me in wishing all of them well. Thanks to JM Manion for the updates on the three women.

Filed Under: News & Features, Olympia

Teresa Anthony in newest FLEX magazine

August 27, 2008 by

Pick up the new issue of FLEX magazine with Jay Cutler & Dexter Jackson on the cover. The issue has a feature on IFBB Figure Pro Teresa Anthony. The photo that ran was taken at the Pittsburgh Pro Figure show where she qualified for the Olympia. Props to FLEX for featuring the women more this year.

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Teresa Anthony featured in the newest FLEX magazine.
Filed Under: News & Features

Europa Figure Photos

August 27, 2008 by

Individual photos of each competitor are featured on the homepage of IFBBpro.com. The ladies continue to be featured on the site and thanks to Mr. Ben Weider and Tony Blinn for their continued efforts online.

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Bernadette shines at the top.

Filed Under: IFBB

Monique Minton on your desktop

August 27, 2008 by

You may recognize this image as it was posted on here a few weeks ago. NPC competitor, Monique Minton is one week out from returning to the stage in hopes of nabbing a pro card. She finished third at the NPC USA Figure Championships last month behind Rachel Cammon and Alicia Marie. Can MoMo find victory in the Big Apple? Highly possible considering the top two in each class will achieve IFBB pro status. Fans of the Texas beauty can visit Bodybuilding.com where she is featured as the “Wallpaper of the Week.”

Props to my man Grif at Bodybuilding.com for doing a great job with the image.

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Monique Minton has her sights set on New York next.

Filed Under: News & Features

Wednesday Weirdness

August 27, 2008 by

Weird yet amusing. Vintage schmodome at it’s finest.

Filed Under: News & Features

Sandy Williamson Recognized

August 26, 2008 by

Ed and Betty Pariso recognized Sandy Williamson for her dedication to the sport. Sandy was busy tallying scores and was caught off guard when they called her on stage to accept her award. She graciously accepted however despite the prompting of myself and IFBB Pro Judge Johnny Tuman there was no speech. 🙂 Congrats Sandy and very much deserved.

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Betty, Sandy and Ed at the Europa Super Show.
Filed Under: IFBB, News & Features

Ruth Silverman showing Hardbody some love

August 26, 2008 by

I like to bust Ruth Silverman‘s chops about a number of things. She usually turns and walks away or tells me to shut up. It’s all in good fun.

Ruth has covered the women’s side of the industry for a number of years for IRONMAN Magazine and before that she worked with other publications. The new issue of IRONMAN magazine (October 2008 – with Eric Broser on the cover) arrived in my mailbox yesterday. I alway flip towards the back to check on Lonnie Teper and Ruth’s columns. Ruth showed not only some of the ladies you’ve seen featured on hardbody.com some love but also a mention to yours truly. Props to Ruth for running the photo of Lenay Hernandez and giving this rising star some ink.

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Opening page of Ruth’s IRONMAN column.
Filed Under: News & Features

ReZults Gym the place to workout in Cleveland

August 26, 2008 by

Promoter Dr. Gary Udit has thought through every detail of this weekend’s North American Championships. When I asked Gary if he had any recommendations for a gym this weekend, he was three steps ahead of me.

If you’re attending the event in Cleveland this weekend and looking to get a work out in the place to be is ReZults gym. The folks there were kind enough to offer a discounted guest day pass rate. In order to receive this discounted rate you must provide proof that you are staying at the Renaissance Hotel (the host hotel) or attending the 2008 IFBB North American Bodybuilding Championships. When you check into the host hotel there will be a letter with complete details. If you’re not staying at the host hotel, simply show proof that you’re in town for the event.

Rezults Downtown Fitness
1500 West 3rd Street, Suite 550
Cleveland, Ohio 44113

Website: www.rezultsdowntown.com
Phone number: (216)-771-6900

Hours of operation:
Monday-Thursday – 5:30am-9:00pm
Friday – 5:30am-8:00pm
Saturday – 9:00am-5:00pm
Sunday – 1:00pm-5:00pm

Filed Under: IFBB, News & Features

Europa Fitness Photos

August 25, 2008 by

Some individual shots of each fitness competitor are on IFBBpro.com. Thanks to Tony Blinn for the continued coverage of the females in the industry.

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Filed Under: IFBB

Optimum Nutrition purchased by Glanbia

August 25, 2008 by

News in the supplement world:

Ireland’s Glanbia, the food production group, is bulking up – literally – with the acquisition of Optimum Nutrition, a US manufacturer of fitness supplements.

Glanbia, which is the largest producer of cheddar cheese in the US, will pay $315m (£170m) from its own resources to acquire the privately owned debt-free company, adding muscle rejuvenation products to its cheese and animal feed range.

“This represents forward integration at its simplest,” said John Moloney, Glanbia’s chief executive, explaining the logic for the deal.

“When you make cheese, you get whey as a by-product, and over the years we’ve been developing the extraction of interesting sugars and proteins from whey. Over a 10-year period we’ve been selling whey protein ingredients into the nutritional health and wellness sectors, and these guys [Optimum] have been customers.”

Illinois-based Optimum produces mostly whey-based protein products as well as vitamin supplements and diet bars, used by bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts to assist in muscle growth and recovery.

Last year, Optimum had revenues of $185m and $32m in operating profit. Its products include Nitric Boost and Mega Fat Burner tablets.

“It’s convenient protein for a convenience age,” said Mr Moloney. “You could cook up six chicken breasts or just take one protein shake.”

Under the deal’s terms, Optimum will remain free to source whey from a variety of different producers.

The shares closed up 6 per cent on Monday at €4.60 in Dublin.

Filed Under: News & Features

HardBody Photo of the Day: NPC Figure Competitor Dawn Hinz

August 25, 2008 by

I first met Dawn Hinz at the 2006 West Palm Beach show where she was chilling with her friend Ms. Fitness Olympia, Adela Garcia. She had very little muscle at the time but was determined to compete in figure. Fast-forward to 2008 and she’s completely transformed her physique. True to her word, Dawn competed and placed second at a figure competition earlier this month.

We met up for a photo-shoot on Sunday morning and despite my still being 1/2 asleep we managed to get some solid shots. Here’s one of the photos from our morning.

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Dawn Hinz in Dallas, Texas a week after her figure show.
Filed Under: Uncategorized

IFBB North American Bodybuilding & Figure Championships

August 25, 2008 by

This weekend in Cleveland, Ohio hundreds of competitors will take the stage once again in hopes of earning an IFBB pro card. Promoter, Dr. Gary Udit and his crew will kick things off this Friday. The men will compete on Friday and the women will take the stage Saturday.

FRIDAY PREJUDGING
• Meeting at 3:00 pm
• Competition at 4:00 pm – Men Open, Men Over 40 & Men Over 50

SATURDAY PREJUDGING
• Meeting at 7:30 am
• Competition at 8:30 am – Women Bodybuilding, Open Figure and Masters Figure 1-pc and 2-pc suits

SATURDAY FINALS
Competition at 5:00 pm – All Divisions
An updated competitor’s list can be found here. If you’d like to purchase tickets or find out more information on this contest please visit: garyudit.com

Filed Under: IFBB

Kayne West – Tell me what it takes to be number one?

August 24, 2008 by

Kayne West hits the weights in a new music video. Well not really him but a puppet of the rapper gets his lift on. The video looks a little like an ad for Nike but I found it amusing none-the-less.


Kanye West “Champion Video” Official Directed by NEON from nabil elderkin on Vimeo.

Filed Under: News & Features

Kelly Ryan Sentenced to 6-26 years in prison

August 22, 2008 by

The news came across via MusclePhone.com that Kelly Ryan had been sentenced today. The full story from the Associated Press reads:

Pro bodybuilders sentenced in aide’s 2005 death in Vegas
Associated Press – August 22, 2008

LAS VEGAS (AP) – Married professional bodybuilders Craig Titus and Kelly Ryan have been sentenced to prison in the slaying of their live-in assistant in December 2005.

The 43-year-old Titus was sentenced Friday to 21 to 55 years. He pleaded guilty May 30 to second-degree murder, kidnapping and arson in the slaying of 28-year-old Melissa James.

Ryan was sentenced to 6 to 26 years in prison. She pleaded guilty to arson and Nevada’s equivalent of no contest to battery with a deadly weapon.

James’ charred body was found in December 2005 in the trunk of Ryan’s burned-out Jaguar sedan in the desert outside Las Vegas.

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Kelly Ryan reads a statement while Craig looks on.
Filed Under: News & Features

FLEXonline.com Bikini Model Search Month 5 Winners

August 22, 2008 by

Andrea Taylor and Kathleen Tesori are Flexonline.com Bikini Model Search winners. The fifth and final month of the contest featured two winners. Read their profiles and see the winning photos on FLEXonline.com.

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Filed Under: News & Features

Thursday Thoughts…

August 21, 2008 by

“Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what people think you are.”
–John Wooden

Filed Under: News & Features

IFBB PRO Kristal Richardson – Olympia Series Workout Video

August 20, 2008 by

Bodybuilding.com has been putting out videos leading into the Olympia. It’s nice to see the women getting some love and this, in my opinion, is the best video that has been produced in the series. It’s straightforward training and you get a glimpse of how one of the IFBB’s rising stars has changed her physique. Kristal has come a long way since turning pro and now you get a chance to see how she’s done it, well at least one workout with. The shoot takes at the Uptown Gold’s Gym in Dallas. It’s a great gym and the people there are super friendly. When I was in Dallas last week they were very accommodating and supportive of allowing shoots to take place there.

Check out the video with Kristal as she trains with her husband Tom. They are both great people and the industry is better off with them part of it. Props to the crew at bodybuilding.com and for Kristal on a job well done.

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Kristal on her way to her Olympia debut.

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Kristal shows off her Tight Curves in the gym.

Filed Under: Interviews, News & Features

Jen Hendershott wins the Living Beautiful Award

August 18, 2008 by

 

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Congratulatios to Jen Hendershott for winning the Living Beautiful Award, which was presented by Dr. Navaro and Nancy DiNino during the finals of the 2008 Europa Pro Show. Jen won over a final list of 10 excellent nominees.
 

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Filed Under: News & Features

Europa Super Show Scoresheets

August 18, 2008 by

Looking for the full results from the weekend’s competition? Click on over to IFBBpro.com where my man Tony Blinn has posted them for the world to see. Congrats to all who dieted for this show.

Filed Under: IFBB

IFBB Europa Complete Results

August 17, 2008 by

IFBB Europa Pro Fitness Results

1- Tracey Greenwood
2- Erin Riley
3- Nicole Duncan 
4- Bethany Gainey
5- Brenda Santiago  
6- Susan Groshek
7- Myriam Capes  
8- Nicole Rollolazo  
9- Kristina Rojas
10- Michele Mayberry
11- Maggie Blanchard
12- Lori Kimes
13- Traci Redding 
14- Sandra Wickham 
15- Lisbeth Marquez 
16- Leslie Rae Newton

IFBB Europa Pro Figure Results

1- Bernadette Galvan
2- Hazal Nelson
3- Jelena Abbou
4- Shannon Meteraud
5- Stephanie Tulin-Togrul
6- Tivisay Briceno
7- Teresa Gillian
8- Melissa Pearo
9- Paola Almerico
10- Marcy Porter
11- Tanya Merryman
12- Jane Awad
13- Meriza DeGuzman
14- Natalie Benson
15- Elisa Archibold
16- Kate Shelby
17- Petra Mertl
18- Rosa Maria Romero
19- Elizabeth White-Lamm
20- Jeni Briscoe
20- Nadya Castellas
20- Thais Cabrices-Werner  
20- Becky Clawson
20- Aprille DeShield
20- Andrea Dumon
20- Marie Gibbon
20- Candice John
20- Donna Louise Jones
20- Jill St. Laurent
20- Jessica Lyons
20- Amy Lee Martin
20- Patricia Mello
20- Karen Mullarkey-Barringer
20- Susanne Niederhauser
20- Amy Peters
20- Mascha Tieken
20- Rosalind Vanterpool
20- Sandie Ward

 

Women’s Bodybuilding

Heavyweight (135 lbs and over) 

1- Sherry Smith   
2- Kim Perez 
3- Annie Rivieccio   
4- Irene Andersen   
5- Jana Linke-Sippl 6- Aurelia Grozajova
7- Jena Mackey  
8- Zoraida Figueroa Rivera 

Lightweight (Under 135 lbs) 

1- Jennifer  
2- Nicole Ball  
3- Klaudia Larson  
4- Debbie Bramwell
5- Claudia Partenza
6- Benni Lopez 
7- Myriam Bustamante  
8- Tonia Moore
9- Melanie DeRosa 
10- Carri Baldwin
11- Mary Ellen Jerumbo

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Heidi Fletcher Gets Hitched

August 16, 2008 by

What? Did Heidi Fletcher really get married?

“Yup. We Eloped.” That was the response I got from IFBB Fitness Pro Heidi Fletcher when I asked her if she got married. I hear rumors all the time and many of them turn out to be just that, rumors. This one however proved to be true. The Fletch is off the market. I asked her fellow stooge, Tracey Greenwood what she thought about it and she said, “I’m happy for her.”

I’m heading to the Expo at the Europa Super show now and will get more info from the new bride.

Filed Under: News & Features

Europa Women’s Bodybuilding Prejudging Thoughts

August 15, 2008 by

Jennifer Sedia made her debut tonight and was in top form. Great symmetry, good conditioning and nice muscularity placed her in the top callout. She is in a tight race for the win with last week’s Tampa Pro winner, Nicole Ball. Nicole looks good but next to Sedia she loses ground in her symmetry. I’d give Sedia the win tonight and Ball in second. Klaudia Larson is in great condition and has some crazy bicep peaks. I’d give her the nod for third. I liked Benni Lopez’s overall look.

The heavyweight was between two women and every one else. Sherry Smith should receive the top spot as she was the most conditioned and balanced competitor. Kim Perez has awesome shape, tiny waist, great back but lacks hamstrings. These two were above and beyond the rest. Look for Annie Riveccio in third.

Filed Under: IFBB

Europa Fitness Prejudging Thoughts

August 15, 2008 by

Despite there being nineteen competitors in fitness the physiques were lackluster at best in my opinion. No one stood out and really wowed the judges. It’s no disrespect intended to the competitors with my opinion.

The top three physiques go to Tracey Greenwood, Bethany Gainey and Nicole Duncan. I’d give the nod to Greenwood in the two piece but I liked Gainey in the one piece. I have Duncan in a solid third. Susan Groshek, Myriam Capes and Erin Riley should round out the top six.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Figure Prejudging thoughts after round one

August 15, 2008 by

It looks to be between Texan Bernadette Galvan and Jersey girl Jelena Abbou for the crown. The two piece has yet to take place but I’d have no problem with either girl winning. Jelena is at her all time best and her legs have come down.

There were a few competitors called out first that were surprising to me. Tanya Merryman, Hazal Nelson could have easily been replaced with Paola Almerico and Jane Awad. I have Tivosay Briceno in third and Stephanie Tulin-Toqrul in fourth. Shannon Meteraud could be as high as third but I’d have her in fifth or sixth. Teresa Gillian looked good in her pro debut and could be in the top ten.

The two piece is up next.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Europa Super Show Updates

August 15, 2008 by

The competitors completed their check-in and are getting all dolled up for tonight’s prejudging. Shannon was gimping around and will be competitor #35 for the Figure. Her and Tracey Greenwood were horsing around as usual. I chatted a bit with Paola Almerico and she looked noticeably different in the face, much healthier look to her than I’d seen in any of her previous shows. Jelena Abbou had her game face on and is looking to qualify for her first Olympia this weekend. Amy Peters was in the house and ready to take the stage her home state of Texas. The competitors will go over to the venue around 4pm.

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The two stooges horsing around at check-in.

There are tons of other events happening at the hotel and the place is a mad house. The rooms are nice but kinda funny. I need a ladder to get into the bed but the dresser drawers are built for midgets. The breakfast buffet was a bit pricey at $16 but had a healthy menu which is helpful. It was stupid humid here yesterday but today it’s cloudy and rainy. Many people have had delayed flights and while the rain has stopped for now it’s still extremely cloudy.

That’s it for now. Check out a few photos on Bodybuilding.com in a couple hours from the check-in and make sure you catch the webcast tonight.

Filed Under: IFBB

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