First let me remind you, I am NOT speaking on behalf of the NPC or claiming to be a NPC official. Simply sharing some of the things that came out of my conversation with someone who is and was pleased that I asked for clarification on a few things.
I had the opportunity to chat with Sandy Williamson for a few minutes while in Pittsburgh for the NPC PA Championships. Those of you who are new or don’t know who Sandy is she’s the IFBB Professional League Women’s Representative and the IFBB Professional League Head Judge for the women. Sandy also is the head judge at many of the NPC shows across the country. Lamest terms, if Sandy tells you something you should listen. We had a candid conversation after the show and I asked her for some more info on the Bikini Division. She was kind enough to answer my questions and clarify a few things. Here are a few things that came from our conversation.
As I have stated here on hardbody and Sandy agrees with me… The judges can only judge what is on stage and in front of them. There have been several shows where the number of participants have been few. Every competitor that entered may be below the level bikini should be about on the National and Pro level however the judges still have to award a winner. Just because you won the Podunk Classic does NOT mean you will get a pro card at the National level. Keep this in mind when looking at the results of some smaller, local NPC shows. It’s not the judges fault no one of quality entered and they can only judge what’s on stage.
Sandy mentioned the level of quality in the bikini division at the PA Championships had been some of the best she’s seen to date. Myself, J.M. Manion and Bill Comstock (all photographers who have seen many events already this year) also agreed. When you go to a number of shows every month you have more to compare it to than the casual fan or one time participant. I asked if she felt the winner of this show and the Arnold were in line with what the bikini division should be about. Sandy did feel these were the two best examples but also felt there were a few other women (in both shows) who also are in line with what a look she likes for the bikini division. Ali Sonoma was the winner of the Arnold Classic and Jaime Baird was the winner of the PA championship.
Kristal Marshall, who placed second in the bikini short class at the Arnold Classic, has a physique many feel looks good for bikini. I like Kristal’s look and think it is in line with what a bikini physique should look like. Sandy mentioned she really liked Kristal’s physique but felt she had a little too much muscle. The one thing the judges are trying to do is make a clear distinction between figure and bikini. If you look like you could win in figure you won’t (or shouldn’t) win in bikini. There have been examples where this hasn’t been the case at some shows but rest assured it will not be the case on the National level where pro cards are awarded. Bikini is new to the judges too so cut them a little slack as they work through the first year. Like figure, give it some time to grow and develop into something. If you’re a bikini competitor with too much muscle you may find yourself disappointed with your placings.
Jaime Baird overall bikini winner.
One thing I noticed with the bikini division thus far is the presentation. I asked Sandy if she liked how Jaime Baird presented herself and she thought it was good. Ali Sonoma also presented herself well at the Arnold. As I’ve stated here you do NOT want to come out looking like a deer in the headlights but you also don’t want to be over the top and come across as trashy. There is a different between working the stage with a couple of model poses, popping a hip, looking over your shoulder from behind vs looking like you’re about to climb up a pole and take your clothes off. Think of it almost as doing a photo shoots where you do a couple model poses, hand on your hip and present with confidence. Sandy shared that this is still being worked out and as more shows take place, the judges will be able to give better feedback on what is the best way to present your physique in bikini. She felt just standing there like a figure competitor relaxed did not do as good of job as doing a more model type of pose.
Probably the best bit advice Sandy shared was in regards to suit choice. She is all for women getting a suit off the rack and not having to spend hundreds of dollars on it. This was a big complaint and the main reason why the one piece went away. Competitors spending tons of money on suits became a huge burden. She mentioned Miss California’s suit in the Miss USA contest… How it tied to the side and despite it being white (which is usually a no-no for competitors) it looked very good. Sandy liked a suit like this and how well it fit Miss California. It could be a suit that was purchased off the rack at a store. The big point though and she really stressed was for women to have a suit that fits them. If you buy a suit off the rack have it altered to fit your physique. I noticed this with a couple competitors at the PA show, where the top was too big for them or the bottoms were too small and it didn’t flatter their physique. She couldn’t stress enough how important it is to have a flattering, fitting suit. If you want to bling a suit out you can but again it should fit your body and compliment your physique.
Notice the fit on Miss California’s suit.
Lastly, pay attention to the small details like your hair, make up and skin. You do not want to look depleted and have unhealthy looking skin. Do not come in shredded to the bone and expect to do well. The judges want a healthy looking physique. If your hair and makeup are not flattering to you it will also hurt you in comparisons to someone who does.
Sandy will be the head judge for the California Pro on May 23rd. If you are competing in that show or will be there and have more questions feel free to ask her there. The same weekend the NPC JR USA will take place in Charleston. She assured me that the head judges for that show (where pro cards will be awarded) are on the same page as her as to what look they are after.
