“Not fitting in gave me a reason to stand out” – Simona La Mantia, Triple Jumper. One of a few new ads for NIKEWOMEN.com. Creative approach.
Archives for September 2008
Houng Arcinas Qualifies for the Olympia
September 20, 2008 by
It has been a long competitive season for Huong Aricnas but she was able to reach her goal through persistence. Houng came up short, no pun intended, a number of times this year in her quest for the Olympia. She found the winning combination on Saturday night that put her in a qualifying spot for the Olympia.
Gina Aliotti repeated as champion with Sonia Adcock placing second in this show. It was no real surprise here that these women would finish one and two.
Desha Rodriquez narrowly missed qualifying for the Olympia in her second pro show, landing in fourth for the second week in a row. Two top five finishes for Desha is nothing to hang her head about. She took some time off and made an impressive mark in her debut. She has a great look and killer eyes, don’t be surprised if you see her in a few magazines in the coming months.
Meriza Deguzman found a look that wasn’t too muscular but it was too late for this year’s Olympia. She landed in fifth place which was far better than she’d fared all year.
Top five at the TOC.
Contest Results:
1. Gina Aliotti
2. Sonia Adcock
3. Huong Arcinas
4. Desha Rodriguez
5. Meriza DeGuzman
6. Rosa Maria Romero
7. April Fortier
8. Laura Sutter
9. Zhanna Rotar
10. Tanya Merryman
11. Valerie (Christensen) Gangi
12. Maria Del Consuela Rojas
13. Jeni Briscoe
14. Macey Boudreau
15. Erica Fuerst
16. Jacqui Jarrett
17. Sandie Ward
A Battle for Third at the TOC
September 20, 2008 by
It was pretty much a given that Gina Aliotti and Sonia Adcock would be your top two in today’s show. The bigger contest was the battle for third. Who would nab the last qualifying spot and head to the Olympia? Head Judge John Tuman is doing a number of comparisons and giving the judges a good look to base their choice on. It is coming down to Houng Arcinas, Rosa Marie Romero, Desha Rodriguez and Meriza DeGuzman for that third spot. Rosa Marie is the surprise to this lineup but has a tremendous physique.
Which shorty will get the nod? We’ll have to wait until tonight when the results are announced. If you’d like to be one of the first to know and tired of waiting by your computer. Text the word “muscle” to 88222 – MUSCLEPHONE.com will bring you the results immediately after the computer and let’s you have a life on Saturday night. 🙂
TOC Updates
September 20, 2008 by
The figure pros are currently in their competitor meeting. The NPC will go first and then the pros take the stage. Desha tells me she is excited to take the stage. This will be her second pro show. Will she qualify for the Olympia? We’ll know in a few hours. Check back for more updates through out the day.
Nicole Wilkins Featured Gallery
September 20, 2008 by
Check out some of the sizzling shots of IFBB Pro Nicole Wilkins. One of the best in the fitness photography biz, Terry Goodlad, has posted a few photos of the young super star on bodysport.com. Nicole will be heading into her first Olympia next week. She’s competing in the loaded figure division. Personally, I’d like to see in the fitness portion of the show as I think she has the makings of being one of the next super stars. I’ll catch up with her more next week and get the inside scoop on her future plans.
Nicole Wilkins sunning it up. Photo By Terry Goodlad.
Tournament of Champions Set
September 20, 2008 by
This will be the final chapter in the figure booked before the 2008 Olympia. Who will qualify for the show in this last chance show? Promoter Jon Lindsay always does a tremendous job with his shows and Hardody correspondent Ron Avidan will be on the scene capturing the action. Check back today for more info and updates.
Flexonline interview Sonia Adcock and Desha Rodriquez before the show… Read what they had to say about their chances in today’s show.
Desha and Sonia looking to knock out the champ.
Behind The Scenes on Pauline Nordin Photo Shoot
September 19, 2008 by
One of the top photographers in the fitness business today, Pavel Ythjall, provided us with these exclusive photos. Take a look Behind the Scenes with Flexonline at the Pauline Nordin “The Girls Are Back” photo shoot. The photos are a new feature in the current issue of FLEX Magazine, October 2008.
A look at the shoot setup.
Pauline gets her makeup touched up.
Check out more behind the scene photos from Pavel’s shoots on his website.
More Atlantic City Photos…
September 19, 2008 by
There are a few more photos posted on IFBBpro.com.
AC Champ – Jenn Gates
Gina Aliotti Wallpaper of the Week
September 19, 2008 by
Fans of IFBB Figure Pro Gina Aliotti can now put her on their desktops. Gina is this week’s bodybuilding.com’s Wallpaper of the week. Gina will be defending her Tournament of Champions title this weekend.
Gina Aliotti sunning it up.
Fitness Olympia Interviews
September 17, 2008 by
Check out what Jen Hendershott and Tanji Johnson had to say when I put them on the spot with a few questions. The two showed some personality and a little bit of sarcasm along the way. Who does Tanji think the better dancer is… her or Jen? Check out the preview and interviews on FLEXonline.com.
It’s going to be a dance off next week.
Julie Lohre’s Preview Photos & Olympia Update
September 17, 2008 by
IFBB Fitness star Julie Lohre checked in and shared a few photos days out from the Olympia. The photos below are from two weeks out. As you can see Julie will be in shape for the Fitness showdown.
Julie Lohre two weeks out.
Julie’s ready to rock two weeks out.
Julie has has some time off since last competing in the Arnold and will be bringing a new routine to the Olympia stage. She’s been keeping plenty busy by holding posing clinics and mock competitions. The photos below are from one of these clinics, which also include outdoor workouts. Julie tells me the camp had nearly 20 women in the last one.
Julie keeps a watchful eye on the group.
I asked Julie how she was feeling and she shared, “I am really feeling good about the Olympia and am in better condition (bodycomp/leaness) now than I was the day of the Arnold and 2 lbs heavier. It looks like the heavy back & leg training I did in the off season worked. My routines are ready and they will be harder than anything I have done before. I have to say, I am really looking forward to this show!”
Julie fine tunes things before heading to Vegas.
Good Luck Julie and we’ll be ready for the new routines. Look for Julie to be a contender for the top spot next week in Vegas.
Figure Rookies Excited for Big Dance
September 17, 2008 by
There will be a few new faces on this year’s Figure Olympia stage. I caught up with two of the rookies today. Lenay Hernandez celebrated her birthday yesterday, well it was her birthday but will be celebrating in Vegas next week. The Florida beauty tells me she still can’t believe she is going to the Olympia and can’t wait. Her energy is hard to match, this little spit-fire is nothing but positive vibes and she’s a breath of fresh air to the line up. Lenay tells me she is, “I’m now a quarter of a century!” HA! All 25 years of her will be hitting the stage with one of the biggest smiles in Vegas.
Another rookie who is stoked to be going to the big show is Teresa Anthony. Teresa tells me she is ready and can’t wait to take the stage. She’ll be packing her bags this weekend and making the trip from the East Coast for her first Olympia. Teresa is also having trouble with the reality of going to the Olympia – not in a bad way but is still in shock she’ll be on the biggest figure stage soon.
Watch out for both of these rookies. They have killer physiques and will undoubtedly place higher than some of the veterans. I can see them both in the top 10 without much question. Good luck to both!
IFBB Tournament of Champions – Who will Win?
September 16, 2008 by
The last qualifying show before the big dance in Vegas… The 2008 IFBB Tournament of Champions. Who will win? The odds on fave going into the show is without question, Gina Aliotti. Nipping at her heels will be Sonia Adcock but who else is in the mix? Will Huong Arcinas finally get the nod and find her way onto the Olympia stage? What about Desha Rodriquez, she had an impressive debut…might she get the qualifying spot?
UPDATED COMPETITOR LIST:
1. Sonia ADCOCK, USA
2. Gina ALIOTTI, USA
3. Huong ARCINAS, USA
4. Macey BOUDREAU, Canada
5. Jeni BRISCOE, Canada
6. Valerie CHRISTENSEN, USA
7. Meriza DeGUZMAN, USA
8. Maria Del Consuela ROJAS, Mexico
9. April FORTIER, USA
10. Erica FUERST, USA
11. Jacqui JARRETT, New Zealand
12. Tanya MERRYMAN, USA
13. Desha RODRIGUEZ, USA
14. Rosa Maria ROMERO, Australia
15. Zhanna ROTAR, USA
16. Laura Sutter, USA
17. Sandie WARD, USA
{democracy:20}
Atlantic City Fitness Photos
September 16, 2008 by
Check out the fitness physiques from the Atlantic City Pro show on IFBBpro.com. Greenwood notched another win and made it three in a row… Can she continue her winning ways next week in Vegas?
Mendi Sakamoto sets Pro Debut
September 15, 2008 by
Mendi Sakamoto rocked her class at this year’s Emerald Cup. Then hit the stage at the NPC USA contest where she took top honors in her class, which qualified her for IFBB Pro Status. Many felt she could have one the overall title at the show.
I like her look and definitely one to watch in her pro debut. She will be joining two others from the overall USA comparison, as they make their debuts as well. The 2008 Sacramento Pro will pit Mendi, Kristin Nunn and Jamie Costa against each other once again.
Mendi Sakamoto at the ’08 NPC Figure.
Oh one thing of mention you may not have known… Mendi has FIVE children! Good luck Mendi in the debut.
Attention all Spin Instructors
September 14, 2008 by
Are you a Spinning Instructor? If so drop me a line isaac @ hardbody.com and let me know your credentials. A reputable company is looking to sponsor spin instructors for their performance line of products.
The stork set to visit another IFBB Pro
September 14, 2008 by
Amy Villa Nelson competed at the 2008 IFBB Houston Pro Fitness and placed 15th. Little did she know that she was pregnant at the time! Amy is expecting her first child at the end of March. Her and the proud father don’t know the sex yet but plan on finding out soon.
Amy tells me, “I didn’t think it would happen so easily. So I was surprised to find out. I was planning on competing at the Europa Super show. I had my contract in and plane tickets were purchased. Oops change of plans I guess.”
Amy is all smiles most every time you see her.
Amy is a natural born performer and intends on returning to the stage once again. Congratulations Amy!
Complete Atlantic City Results
September 13, 2008 by
As predicted Jenn Gates and Tracey Greenwood took top honors in their respective fields. Gates now solidifies her as a threat to knock off defending Figure Olympia Champ, Jenny Lynn. Tracey Greenwood has to be considered as more than just a top six competitor for the Fitness Olympia.
Check out the fully scorecards and complete results at IFBBpro.com.
Figure Results:
1. Jennifer Gates**
2. Amy Fry**
3. Jane Awad**
4. Desha Rodriquez
5. Kristin Gomes
Fitness Results:
1. Tracey Greenwood**
2. Mindi O’Brien**
3. Laticia Jackson**
4. Myriam Capes
5. Bethany Wagner
Female Bodybuilding Results:
1. Lisa Aukland**
2. Mah Ann Mendoza**
3. Betty Adkins**
4. Marja Lehtonen
5. Kim Buck
** Qualify for the Olympia
Atlantic City Master’s Figure Results
September 13, 2008 by
Congratulations Christine Wan for winning the Master’s Figure title tonight.
1. Christine Wan
2. Melissa Frabbiele
3. Tivisay Briceno
4. Juliana Malacarne
5. Jeanette Kolonias
Full scoresheets at IFBBpro.com
Atlantic City Figure Prejudging
September 13, 2008 by
As expected Jenn Gates is in top form and should notch another win in Atlantic City. Second will likely go to Amy Fry with Jane Awad notching third. Awad is looking to qualify for the Figure Olympia while Fry did so earlier in the year. A third place finish would give Jane the qualification she is looking for. Gates sported new suits at this show and her hair/make up (done by Laurie St. Michael) looked great. Definitely proved she is a top contender for the Figure Olympia title.
Others of note:
Tana Clough in her second pro show, softened it up a bit from her debut. Her suit cut in the one piece from the back hurts her a bit as it is cut a bit too high. Great showing in her second outing and should be in the top ten.
Desha Rodriquez is making her pro debut after sitting out a year. It looks like the time off has done her body well and should land in the top five in her first pro contest. Definitely an improved physique from the last time she took the stage.
Kristin Gomes and Candice John have moved up in the callouts and the judges are showing them some love. Candice had a break out show last week in New York and looks to be holding onto a top five spot again in this show.
Nicole Rollolazo and Kim Lyons on Dr. Phil
September 13, 2008 by
Nicole has posted some Behind The Scenes photos from the Dr. Phil show. Joining her on the show is NBC’s Biggest Loser trainer and fellow IFBB Pro, Kim Lyons. You’ll be hearing/seeing more of Kim in the coming weeks. Check the photos on GETBIG.com’s Message Board.
Nicole and Kim represent’n.
Atlantic City Competition
September 12, 2008 by
The IFBB Fitness competition took place tonight with it looking to be a battle between Tracey Greenwood and Mindi O’Brien. Mindi O is hitting the stage for the first time in months and her physique looks spot on. Tracey is looking to make it three pro wins in a row before heading to the Olympia. As long as Tracey doesn’t injure her thumb like she did in this contest before she should notch another win in her belt. Check out the photos from prejudging on FLEXonline.com.
Mindi O’Brien, Tracey Greenwood and Bethany Wagner in the first callout.
The Master’s Figure contest took place tonight as well. The top five should end up being Jeanette Kolonias (formerly Freed), Tivisay Briceno, Juliana Malacarne, Christine Wan and Melissa Frabbiele. Who will get the victory? We’ll have to wait until tomorrow night’s finals for the results.The open figure prejudging takes place tomorrow where the favorite heading into the show is Jenn Gates. When I spoke with her earlier today she told me she is ready and looks better than she did at the Arnold. Tomorrow the action starts at 10:30am, East Coast Time.
Thursday Thoughts…
September 11, 2008 by
“Far better is it to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure, than to take rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much, because they live in the gray twilight that knows neither victory nor defeat.”
–Theodore Roosevelt
Who will win the Atlantic City Fitness this weekend?
September 11, 2008 by
Can Tracey Greenwood make it three for three? She won the Houston Pro, took top honors at the Europa Super show and now will compete in her backyard of Atlantic City. She’ll have to go through Canada’s Mindi O’Brien who is coming back off an injury and hungry for a win. Stacy Simons tells me she’s been doing some crazy things with her diet, like eating fish for breakfast, and is ready for the show. These three veterans will battle it out this weekend. Which one will prevail or will someone else catch them sleeping and take top honors?
Competitor List to Date:
1. Myriam CAPES, Canada
2. Jennifer CASSETTY, USA
3. Shannon DEY, USA
4. Tracey GREENWOOD, USA
5. Marnie HOLLEY, Canada
6. Laticia JACKSON, USA
7. Donna JONES, Australia
8. Michele MAYBERRY, USA
9. Leslie Rae NEWTON, USA
10. Mindi O’BRIEN, Canada
11. Mandy POLK, USA
12. Stacy SIMONS, USA
13. Bethany WAGNER, USA
14. Stacy WIG, USA
{democracy:19}
Where were you seven years ago?
September 11, 2008 by
It was seven years ago exactly. I had just woke up, turned on tv and couldn’t believe my eyes. It was the beginning of one of the most bizarre days in my life. I watched as the news reporters discussed a plane had just crashed into the World Trade Center. It was baffling and looked like something out of a Hollywood movie set. While at the gym doing cardio, the second plane hit. The rest of the day I was glued to the TV and for hours watched, wondering what the hell was going on.
It’s one of those days that we can all remember where we were and what we were doing. Seven years ago our lives changed forever. It’s hard to believe it’s been that long as the images are still very vivid. Last week, I was in New York and my hotel over Ground Zero. I can’t imagine what it was like to be in that same spot seven years ago.
Take a moment to remember those who tragically lost their lives and be thankful for those in your life today.
Wanna Be The Next Big Fitness Model?
September 10, 2008 by
Weider is having a casting call at their Olympia booth September 26-27th. The event will be held at the Las Vegas Convention Center, the host of the 2008 Olympia Expo. Times for this event are Friday 10am-1pm and Saturday 10am-12pm then 3pm-5pm. Best of luck to all who decide to give it a shot. Go for it and tell them HARDBODY.com sent ya.
Tight Curves Official Sponsor of Team Bombshell
September 10, 2008 by
IFBB Pro Shannon Dey is happy to pass the following info along to the fitness community. Props to the team and to Tight Curves for their continual support of the women.
Team Bombshell.
On Wednesday August 28, 2008, Bodywell and Tight Curves CEO Jimmy Mentis announced that Tight Curves is now the official sponsor of Shannon Dey’s Team Bombshell, a nationally competitive NPC Figure and Fitness team.
Bombshell founder, Shannon Dey, is an IFBB Pro Fitness competitor, co-owner of Southern Muscle Plus Magazine, a multiple Fitness club owner and the NPC Florida State Chairperson for Figure and Fitness. Team Bombshell founded in January 2007 makes its headquarters in Daytona Beach, Florida. Team Bombshell promotes a healthy, fun, team approach to competitive figure and fitness. Bombshell athletes are not only trained for the stage but also are trained in public relations by Dey, who spent several years training under the NFL Kansas City Chiefs Cheerleaders public relations program.
Tight Curves is the title sponsor for this years 2008 NPC Nationals and has become a strong supporter in NPC and IFBB events.
“We are so proud to associated with a company that is doing so many positive things for our sport and for women in our industry. Everyone at Bodywell truly cares about making a difference. Tight Curves and Team Bombshell have many wonderful plans for the 2009 competitive seasonâ€. said Dey.
Photo Of the Day: Jenn Gates
September 10, 2008 by
She’s headed to the Atlantic City this weekend and then will trek out to Vegas for the Figure Olympia… Jenn Gates is today’s photo of the day. Yes, I know I’ve been slacking on the photo of the day features. This one should make up for a couple days though. 🙂 Jenn is definitely one of the top figure competitors in the IFBB today. She’s also proof that mom’s can compete (she’s a mother of two) and do well.
Jenn Gates has the look.
IFBB Pro Pauline Nordin featured in new FLEX magazine
September 10, 2008 by
Props to FLEX magazine for getting the women back in print. The feature is called, “The Girls Are Back” and back they are. The new magazine has Silvio Samuel on the cover and should be hitting the shelves now. The photos is the new issue are bad ass and Pauline looks awesome. I’m digging these photos and this direction in the mag.
What do you think?
Pauline Nordin in the newest FLEX magazine.
Awesome shots of Pauline Nordin.
IFBB Pro Nicole Rollolazo on Dr. Phil
September 9, 2008 by
No, I’m not kidding. IFBB Fitness Pro Nicole Rollolazo is part of a new Dr. Phil show called, “The Ultimate Weight Loss Race.” The show starts on Wednesday, September 10th. Nicole says the show will be inspirational, informative and entertaining. She’s helping people reach their weight loss goals on the show.
Visit DrPhil.com and click on “Wednesday” to see the video trailer. Part 1 airs tomorrow on CBS. Check your local listings for show times. Part 2 airs on Thursday. The show will then air the series every Wednesday and showcase their progress and new challenges.
Props to Nicole!
