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Archives for September 2009

The Coolest Woman I Met at The Olympia

September 30, 2009 by

She wasn’t a competitor. She wasn’t talking about her tan being off. She wasn’t stressing about having the right suit. Nah, none of those things stressed out this bubbly woman full of life. It was a refreshing conversation about life, setting goals, never giving up and a variety of other things in a span of about 10 minutes. There are times when you meet people and think, wow that was a cool. The woman I’m talking about is Arlene Ann Latona. Arlene is the proud mother of FLEX Bikini Model Search winner, Amanda Latona. Arelene’s 60th birthday was last Wednesday and she has more energy than most the 20-somethings working the expo. A supportive family is refreshing to see and should be the norm but unfortunately many times in the fitness industry the exception.

amanda_arlene
Amanda and her mom after her win in Vegas.

me_arlene
Arlene give a thumbs up at the FLEX booth with some dork in a blue shirt.

A big HARDBODY shout out to Arlene for reminding us all to have fun and stay the course.

Filed Under: News & Features, Olympia

Carla Sanchez Fitness Fiesta

September 30, 2009 by

Those of you in the Denver, Colorado area can see some of the hottest females in the Mile High this Saturday. The 2009 Carla Sanchez Fitness Fiesta will take place at Colorado Heights University Theater. Prejudging begins at 10am and the finals take place at 6pm. This is always a fun event and my favorite are the Jr. Fitness competitors who bring the house down every year. Visit JeffTaylor.com for more information on this NPC event.

fitnessfiesta

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Mainstream Media Enjoys Steroid Sensationalism

September 30, 2009 by

Last week, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) investigators executed a search warrant of Bodybuilding.com‘s headquarters in Boise, Idaho.  The headlines were beyond absurd in connection to the story. Here’s an example of some of the headlines last week from mainstream media:

Bodybuilding.com charged with distributing steroids – 2News

FDA muscles up on Bodybuilding.com, Web site suspected of selling steroids – NY Daily News

Bodybuilding.com Under Investigation for Selling Steroids – ABC 6

Bodybuilding.com didn’t manufacture steroids or steroid-laced supplements. The real issue relates to a few supplement products, their ingredients and their claims. The headlines want you to think Bodybuilding.com is a steroid dealer which is ludacris. Bodybuilding.com is an online retailer of bodybuilding supplements and the biggest one at that. The FDA could easily make similar claims against other companies selling the same products. Joe the Plummer could have a supplement store with the same products and face the same allegations. The difference is it makes for shocking news and big headlines when you can tie Liberty Media (the parent company of Bodybuilding.com) to baseball’s Atlanta Braves, which it also owns. That’s the angle The New York Times took in their opening paragraph on the story.

Many stories mention, “Bodybuilding.com received five warning letters from 2002 to 2006, according to court documents” in their reports but fail to mention whether or not they complied ot the letters. The Idaho Statesman was the only report I could find that reported the facts related to the warning letters. It wrote:

The letters “related to the unlawful distribution of products,” said Robert Blenkinsop, an investigator with the Food and Drug Administration, in an affidavit that was part of a search warrant issued Thursday by a magistrate judge.

Blenkinsop said Bodybuilding.com substantially complied with the warning letters either by rewording language on its Web page or stopping the sale of certain products.

The United States Congress is now getting involved and holding hearings related to the issue. Yesterday, Congress discussed dietary supplements and their laws. The problem, in my opinion, isn’t with companies like Bodybuilding.com that sell supplements. The problem lies with a few individuals/companies who want to make a quick buck and could care less about a sustained business. They like push the enevelope on supplement ingredients and claims. The supplement industry needs to regulate itself better and its claims to avoid more laws. The mainstream media enjoys sensationalizing things and will continue to put their spin on stories like these. My hope is that supplement companies avoid giving them any more fuel for their fire.

Filed Under: News & Features, Supplements

300 Brolic

September 30, 2009 by

Today’s Hardbody Song of the Day is ‘300 Brolic’ by Fat Joe.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

IFBB Ft. Lauderdale Pro Competitor Lists

September 29, 2009 by

LADIES! This is going to be a great show. I know Shannon Dey and her team are busting their butts to put on a first-class events that features nothing but the women. This event will go down next week in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. I hope we see these competitor lists triple by this time next week. There are Olympia spots up for grabs and it’s a great way to take the pressure off yourself if you qualify early.

FITNESS
Victoria Larvie – Pro Debut for this rising fitness star
Kristina Rojas
Desiree Walker
Sandie Ward

FIGURE
Aleisha Hart
Kristal Richardson
Chastity Sloan
Gennifer Strobo – Pro Debut
Erin Stern
Natalie Waples

Filed Under: Uncategorized

New IFBB Pro Show Slated for Arizona

September 29, 2009 by

According to the web site strykerx.com there will be a new IFBB Pro show added to the 2010 schedule. The official 2010 IFBB Pro League schedule as yet to be released but it looks like there will be a new show taking place before the Arnold Classic next year. The web site states that an IFBB Pro show will take place in Phoenix, Arizona on February 20, 2010. We’ll keep you posted on the details as they become available but a pro show in Arizona, during the winter, sounds good to me.


** Not official but this show slated to have Men’s Open, Men’s 202, Female Bodybuilding, Figure and Fitness.

Filed Under: News & Features

Upon Further Review

September 29, 2009 by

It happens all the time in this subjective world of competing… someone is unhappy. There’s always something you can find fault in and pick apart. While I try to keep this site positive, there are times when I write MY OPINION and it’s not all roses. It is never, ever anything personal when I make predictions, write reviews or share MY OPINIONS. This past weekend I had more than one person upset with me over things written here on hardbody. I gotta say hey, thanks for reading the site.

I find it amusing that when I make a prediction and have XYZ competitor in first then I am expert and I know what I am talking about. When I have them not winning and in a less than stellar position then I have my head up my ass and I’m clueless. Errkay. Roger. Copy That. Got it. So pick you or your girlfriend, or your wife in nothing but first. Cool. Actually not cool at all. If you disagree with me fine, you’re entitled to your opinion as I am mine. Getting angry, aggressive and threatening over what I write solves nothing. I’m happy to discuss my opinions in a civilized manner but don’t threaten to kick my ass over what I write. You only look like an idiot. Ladies, if your boyfriends, husbands or family are upset at times in your placings or what others say… it’s understandable. They love and care for you but it doesn’t help you or them by going off on people in the media. Dudes reading this who happen to be dating, married or involved with a competitor do yourself a favor and not be a d-bag to judges, media and people in the industry. I saw it happen several times this weekend to not only me but also others in the industry.

Another topic to review is the level of insecurity in this industry. Yes, we all have our insecurities and it is part of life. How we deal with those insecurities is a different story. I saw and heard on more than one occasion women talk about their boyfriend or husband getting jealous and upset at them talking too much to one guy, or taking pictures with someone or being “too flirty” with people at a booth. If you’re a dude who can’t deal with being with a fit, attractive woman then either get a grip or get out. Trying to control the person you are supposed to love is not a good way to foster a relationship. Women, if the guy you are with is questioning you constantly on who you’re talking to or why you have pictures with so and so and why you were too smiley at a booth you need to keep him in check. It’s not okay for a guy to blow a gasket and leave you at the expo because he was unhappy over you taking photos with fans. It’s not ok for him to make a scene at a nightclub over you talking to a guy. It’s not ok for him to flip out over photos of you with someone at a booth. It’s not ok for him to threaten people based on predictions or reviews. Yes, there are always three sides to a story. His, yours and the truth somewhere in there.

The fitness industry has a great deal to offer and I’m happy to be part of it. Like anything in life you have to take the bad with the good. My hope is that people can chill out and enjoy the industry. It’s too short to be bitter, jealous, insecure and pissed off.

Filed Under: News & Features

Busta Rhymes Replaces Lonnie Teper as ‘The Expert’

September 29, 2009 by

You never know who will show up at the Olympia. One celeb in attendance was Busta Rhymes the man behind “Touch it”. Busta was a super cool guy backstage and told me he was like a kid in a candy store being there. He was stoked to join Ron and I as our new “expert”. Sorry Lonnie, Ron and I trade up when we cash in a new expert.

newexperts

Busta joining Ron and I for the “Yogi Point”.

Filed Under: Olympia

2009 Olympia Flex Bikini Model Search Results

September 29, 2009 by

Congratulations to Amanda Latona for taking home the top spot at the year’s FLEX Bikini Model Search contest. I was shared my thoughts on the competition after the prelims however when you look at the top 16, it was a good lineup. Keep in mind I was not being critical of the contest, the contest is a HUGE opportunity for women to get noticed. My hope is that women do a bit more research and present themselves better in future events. It’s the nature of the beast when you have an open competition. Some people may have entered because they lost weight and felt good about themselves. Other women appeared to be slightly delusional thinking they are a top FITness model, and leaves you wondering… Have you ever picked up and looked at FLEX magazine? The other part of this contest is being a spokesmodel. That means you need to be able to articulate well and not sound like a dufus when asked questions.

bikiniwinners

As you can see the top five women look the part of what a FITness model should look like. Amanda was without question the favorite in the audience and the clear winner in my opinion. Mary has a good look in the runner-up position and Tianna Ta improved her stage presence and tightened up her physique from Team Universe. Props to the women in the top five as well as the other women who brought a fit physique to this competition.

1. Amanda Latona
2. Mary Jarmolawich
3. Tianna Ta
4. Michell Goulet
5. Shannon Rockweiler
6. Tatum Miranda
7. Lauren Rush
8. Natalia Muntean
9. Krissy Richards
10. Fernanda Rocha
11. Katie Barnes
12. Ashley Zito
13. Tiffany Radzwill
14. Lindsay Huber
15. Deborah Cochrell
16. Kelly Willis

Filed Under: Contest Results

2009 Olympia Weekend Pictures

September 28, 2009 by

Another Olympia is in the history books and we have thousands of photos to document it. This weekend was an incredible weekend with each contest creating new superstars and unexpected surprises. We were all over the place… taking photos from in front of the stage, backstage, in the expo and places in between. Check out the thousands of photos from Olympia weekend on bodybuilding.com.

http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/2009-olympia-pics.htm

Filed Under: Olympia

2009 IFBB Figure Olympia Results

September 28, 2009 by

Nicole Wilkins-Lee took home top honors on Saturday night becoming the fourth Figure Olympia winner. Past winners are Davana Medina, Jenny Lynn and Jenn Gates. Congratulations to everyone who made it to the big dance. Look for a report/review coming soon.

1. Nicole Wilkins-Lee
2. Gina Aliotti
3. Heather Mae French
4. Kristal Richardson
5. Amy Fry
6. Erin Stern
7. Jenny Lynn
8. Jessica Paxson-Putnam
9. Felicia Romero
10. Monica Brant
11. Sonia Gonzales
12. Larissa Reis
13. Alicia Harris
14. Kristi Tauti
15. Meriza DeGuzman
16. Teresa Anthony
16. Houng Arcinas
16. Krissy Chin
16. Patricia Mello
16. April Rountree
16. Sherlyn Roy
16. Brenda Marie-Smith

Filed Under: Contest Results, Olympia

FLEX Bikini Model Search Prelim Report

September 26, 2009 by

The 2009 Flex Bikini Model search took place at the Olympia expo hall with close to 100 women entering the event. Maybe I’ve seen too many NPC bikini events this year and I’m jaded but I was a bit disappointed in the overall quality of competition. There were a number of very pretty faces and attractive women. That doesn’t necessarily equate to a fitness model and spokesperson. Where the women fell short was in the booty. Very, very few women had the butt that they’d need to be a winner in this competition, at least in my opinion. I was enlightened to the variety of fake breasts on the market today. It was baffling to see some women have almost circus sized augmentation. If you don’t believe me just check out the gallery from the event. While a good boob job can help with modeling and balancing out a physique going over-the-top mondo circus boobs will hurt you in modeling, well at least fitness modeling… Again just my opinion and from a photographer’s point of view.

bikinibooty

Stage presence was also lacking with many of the women. If you’re going to enter a contest like this show confidence, have a flattering swimsuit and be in shape. Especially DA BOOTY. Don’t over do it and leave the judges scratching their heads wondering WTF was that? I think your winner will come from one of the online winners when the dust clears today. I have my favorites but will keep that on the DL until later.  The judges for the contest included a number of people from WEIDER publications and NFL great Bill Romanowski. That was pretty cool to see Romo getting in on the judging. We’ll see how it plays out this afternoon on the expo hall. Follow the HARDBODYNEWS twitter for the action.

Filed Under: News & Features

Fitness Olympia Results & Report

September 26, 2009 by

Adela Garcia returned to the Olympia stage for the first time since 2007. A knee injury kept her out of competition until the 2009 Europa Super show, which she won. Adela came into Vegas the show the odds-on favorite and she lived up to the expectations. She was consistent in each round and it lead to her 4th Fitness Olympia title.

fitnessolympia
2009 Fitness Olympia winners.

Many felt she’d be pushed the hardest by Tracey Greenwood but it was Tanji Johnson that came the closest to the title. Tanji brought her best physique ever and coupled it with two great routines. She also can say she won the last IFBB pro fitness 45-second routine.

Tracey Greenwood slipped to third in large part for not being at her best in the routine rounds. She did improve the balance of her physique but it leaves you wondering… Will Tracey hang it up or will we see her back again next year? She wouldn’t give me an answer but enthusiastically told me, “you’ll be the first to know Isaac, well second after J.M.”

Julie Palmer was also thought to be a contender for the title but wasn’t as sharp as she needed to be this time out. Her conditioning was a bit off in the prejudging, particularly in her glutes and hamstrings. Her evening routine has some good gymnastic skills however it lacked the flow needed to be in title contention. It looked like Julie knew she was off when she took the stage by the expression on her face. Look for her to bounce back at the Arnold with her conditioning and make a run at the top spot.

I was the most impressed with Tina Durkin and had I been a judge (which I’m not) she would have been one or two in the physique rounds but she landed in fourth. Keep your eye on Tina, she’s one who will be a contender in the years ahead. She nailed her physique conditioning at the Arnold and here. I thought her routine was good and continues to evolve.

Myriam Capes has also come a long way with her physique and her routines are solid. I’m very impressed with what she has done in two years. I’d never guess she could transform her physique the way she has and has made a believer out of with her potential.

The rest of the pack…

I caught a lot of slack from some women for me predicting Trish Warren in the bottom spot. It’s nothing personal peeps. Where did she finish? Well, next to the bottom and would have most likely been in that spot had Mindi not injured herself during the two-minute routine. Again nothing personal and just stating my opinion, which apparently was shared with the judges this weekend. Trish’s routine needs to continue to evolve to be a contender. The Jen Hendershott choreography influence could be seen with the attitude and dance moves but a little too much dancing, in my opinion. She did have some of the best toe touches though. Her physique improved and if she can bring a better routine to the stage she can be in the money.

trishfly

Trish flying through the air on Saturday night.

I think we saw Shannon Meteraud take the fitness stage for the last time and again it’s nothing person but her physique looked like it was tired. Nicole Duncan has mad potential and great routines. As she continues to find the formula for competing in multiple shows look for her to be a top contender in a couple years.

Congratulations to all the ladies for making it to this level. Many attempt to reach the Olympia but only the best do. View photos from the Fitness Olympia here.

Fitness Olympia Results
1. Adela Garcia
2. Tanji Johnson
3. Tracey Greenwood
4. Julie Palmer
5. Tina Durkin
6. Myriam Capes
7. Shannon Meteraud
8. Nicole Duncan
9. Regiane Da Silva
10. Trish Warren
11. Mindi O’Brien

How did the “experts” fair in their top six? Well not to toot my own horn but I was the only one who had the top six pegged, albeit not in the correct order but close.

Isaac’s Predictions:
1. Adela Garcia
2. Tracey Greenwood
3. Tanji Johnson
4. Julie Palmer
5. Myriam Capes
6. Tina Durkin

Ruth’s Predictions:
1. Adela Garcia
2. Tracey Greenwood
3. Julie Palmer
4. Tanji Johnson
5. Regiane DaSilva
6. Myriam Capes

Lonnie Teper’s Top Six Predictions:
1. Adela Garcia
2. Julie Palmer
3. Tracey Greenwood
4. Tanji Johnson
5. Regina DaSilva
6. Tina Durkin

Ron Avidan’s Predictions:
1. Adela Garcia
2. Tracey Greenwood
3. Julie Palmer
4. Regaine Da Silva
5. Tanji Johnson
6. Shannon Meteraud

Filed Under: Contest Results, Olympia

Friday Olympia Schedule

September 25, 2009 by

Here’s a quick rundown of when things will take place at the Olympia.

9:30 AM – Olympia EXPO – Early Entry for VIP & Platinum Members
10:00 AM – Olympia EXPO
11:00 AM – Prejudging
– Fitness Olympia 2 Piece
– Figure Olympia 1 Piece
– Fitness Olympia 1 Piece
– Ms. Olympia
– Figure Olympia 2 Piece
– Fitness Olympia 45 Second
2:00 PM – FLEX Magazine’s Bikini Model Search
7:00 PM – Fitness & Ms. Olympia Finals

Filed Under: Olympia

Figure Olympia Predictions

September 25, 2009 by

The Figure Olympia Predictions. You’ve hounded us in person and online asking where they are. Well here they are. I’m sure there will be some unhappy campers out there after reading this. I got some evil eyes from a few pro fitness competitors and had a couple angry fans ask me what the hell I was thinking. Remember, these are our opinions and done to get people talking. Don’t take things personal and if you’re a spouse or loved one of the competitors, listen we get it. We wouldn’t expect you to think your darling was anything but the best. That doesn’t mean we dislike them or that they aren’t worthy. This is the Olympia. Twenty two women are taking the biggest and best stage of their competitive careers. That really, truly is an honor and should be applauded. Every woman on this stage deserves to be there and for the first time since the inaugural Figure Olympia, it is anyone’s game. Hell I struggled to put together a list of top 6 and it could go any number of ways. I’m confident that no one has any idea how the exact order will go. So confident in fact that I will put up $100 to anyone who posts their top six in the comments field and it turns out to be true. EXACT ORDER and BEFORE PREJUDGING. So you only have a few hours to cast your vote.

I hope we see a variety of comparisons. Like Heather Mae French, Nicole Wilkins-Lee, Sonia Adcock and Jessica Paxson-Putnam. Erin Stern, Amy Fry and Jenny Lynn. Monica Brant, Kristal Richardson, Huong Arcinas and Gina Aliotti. April Rountree, Felicia Romero and Kristi Tauti. There’s a variety of physiques on display today and with Jenn Gates, Zivile and Mary Lado out that’s three of last year’s top six out. Let’s get onto the predictions from the “experts”.

Isaac’s Top 6:
1. Gina Aliotti
2. Kristal Richardson
3. Amy Fry
4. Heather Mae French
5. Nicole Wilkins-Lee
6. Sonia Gonzales

IRONMAN Magazine Ruth Silverman’s Top 6:
1. Jessica Paxon-Putnam
2. Jenny Lynn
3. Gina Aliotti
4. Amy Fry
5.  Kristal Richardson
6. Monica Brant

*Read More on Ruth’s predictions here.

IRONMAN Magazine Lonnie Teper’s Top 6:
1. Gina Aliotti
2. Jenny Lynn
3. Jessica Paxon-Putnam
4. Heather Mae Frnech
5. Kristal Richardson
6. Amy Fry

Ron “Yogi” Avidan’s Top 6:
1. Gina Aliotti
2. Sonia Gonzales
3. Heather Mae French
4. Jessica Paxson-Putnam
5. Jenny Lynn
6. Kristal Richardson

As you can see the predictions are all over the place. Cast your top six in EXACT ORDER BEFORE PREJUDGING begins and you will win $100. There are a number of very, very good women that aren’t in our top six. As of writing this over 250 of you voted and many of you have Felicia Romero winning this show yet none of ‘the experts’ even mention her in the top 6.Cast you votes to win via the comments field and let us know who you think will be the most accurate in their predictions.

n

{democracy:73}
Filed Under: Olympia

Thursday Olympia Pictures

September 25, 2009 by

Photos from the three events on Thursday that we took, the Men’s Press Conference, the Women Athlete Meetings and the Meet the Olympians event. The atmosphere at the Orleans Hotel is charged up and with what we’ve seen so far there are some in shape competitors. Check out the photos…

Press Conference Photos:
http://contest.bodybuilding.com/gallery/contest/7992/site/3/

Women Athlete Meeting Photos:
http://contest.bodybuilding.com/gallery/contest/7992/event/2/site/4/

Meet the Olympians Photos
http://contest.bodybuilding.com/gallery/contest/7992/site/11/

Filed Under: Olympia

Ice Cream Paint Job

September 25, 2009 by

Kick off your Friday with ‘Ice Cream Paint Job’ by Dorrough.

Ya Buddy! Roll’n like a big shot.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Olympia Updates from Orleans Hotel

September 24, 2009 by

I ran into Tina Durkin and she found her mom. Mom, hubby and daughter are all good. If you’re wondering what the heck I am talking about, when I last saw Tina she was in the airport looking for her mom. She was thrilled with the photo I posted of her. I assured her I’ll get a better one at the athlete’s check-in when I use a camera other then my iPhone. Yes, I am well aware of my dork status.

I ran into IRONMAN magazine’s Ruth Silverman and applauded her for finally making Olympia predictions. Lonnie Teper tells me he will be pulling double duty as IRONMAN reporter and Orleans hotel host. Look for video of that later.

Canada’s Mindi O’Brien was checking in and looks great. She represents our friends to the North well.

I’m embarking on a road trip to Whole Foods, stay tuned for that play by play as I’ll be joined by rookie figure Olympians Erin Stern and Sheryln Roy. Erin is hilarious and I’m sure we’ll have some type of amusing photos to share.

Filed Under: News & Features, Olympia

Who will win The Figure Olympia

September 24, 2009 by

This year’s Figure Olympia is wide open. Zivile won the Arnold but is out. Jenn Gates won the show last year but is out. Mary Lado was top 6 last year and yup she’s out too. Three of the top 6 from last year are out of the running this time. Who do you think will win the Figure Olympia this weekend?

n

{democracy:72}
Filed Under: Olympia, Polls

What’s Up Pimp’n?

September 24, 2009 by

A little Snoop for your Thursday morning. You probably don’t want to crank this one up at the office. Snoop Dogg’s ‘Lay Low’ is the HARDBODY song of the day.

Keep your pimp’n hand strong peeps.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Final Figure, Fitness and Ms. Olympia competitor lists

September 24, 2009 by

One day left to go, and everyone is gathering in Las Vegas, with the men’s press conference set to begin at 1pm at the Orleans Hotel.

Here are the final competitor lists of the 2009 Ms. Olympia competitors, in alphabetical order. They are.

1. Heather Armbrust (USA)
2. Lisa Auckland (USA)
3. Nicole Ball (Canada)
4. Dayana Cadeau (Canada)
5. Tina Chandler (USA)
6. Gale Frankie (USA)
7. Kristy Hawkins (USA)
8. Rosemary Jennings (USA)
9. Iris Kyle (USA)
10. Debi Laszewski (USA)
11. Yaxeni Oriquen-Garcia (Venezuela)
12. Betty Pariso (USA)
13. Betty Viana-Adkins (Venezuela)

Here are the competitors of the 2009 Fitness Olympia. They are, in alphabetical order,

1. Myriam Capes (Canada
2. Regiane Da Silva (Germany)
3. Nicole Duncan (USA)
4. Tina Durkin (USA)
5. Adela Garcia (USA)
6. Tracey Greenwood (USA)
7. Tanji Johnson (USA)
8. Shannon Meteraud (USA)
9. Mindi O’Brien (Canada)
10. Julie Palmer (USA)
11. Trish Warren (USA)

Here are the competitors of the 2009 Figure Olympia. They are, in alphabetical order,

1. Gina Aliotti (USA)
2. Teresa Anthony (USA)
3. Huong Arcinas (USA)
4. Monica Brant (USA)
5. Krissy Chin (USA)
6. Meriza De Guzman (USA)
7. Heather Mae French (USA)
8. Amy Fry (USA)
9. Sonia Gonzales (USA)
10. Alicia Renee Harris (USA)
11. Jenny Lynn (USA)
12. Patricia Mello (Brazil)
13. Jessica Putnam (USA)
14. Larissa Reis (Brazil)
15. Kristal Richardson (USA)
16. Felicia Romero (USA)
17. Sherlyn Roy (USA)
18. April (Fortier) Roundtree (USA)
19. Brenda Smith (USA)
20. Erin Stern (USA)
21. Kristi Tauti (USA)
22. Nicole Wilkins-Lee (USA)

Filed Under: Olympia

Where Legends Are Made

September 23, 2009 by

Here’s a look at the room key for The Orleans Hotel, which serves as the host hotel for the Olympia. There’s been some upgrades to the hotel and it looks much nicer in the lobby. There’s even a chocolate store right next to the elevators. Probably not the best for competitors now but it will be come Saturday night.

roomkey
The official room key of the 2009 Olympia.

A shout out to Tony who stopped me in the hallway and tells me he loves Hardbody. Thanks for visiting Tony. It’s cool to hear guys and girls are checking out the site daily.

Filed Under: News & Features, Olympia

Olympian Spotting: Tina Durkin

September 23, 2009 by

Just landed at Las Vegas and ran into IFBB Fitness pro Tina Durkin. She was looking for her mom who was, “by a slot machine”. As Tina said, “that narrows it down mom”. Good luck Tina!

tina
Tina Durkin in the Vegas airport.

Filed Under: Olympia

Olympian Spotting: Heather Armbrust

September 23, 2009 by

This may be one of my favorite images of the year. Frame right you have one of the top female bodybuilders in the world, Heather Armbrust. Frame left you have the sad reality of what many Americans look like. Talk about capturing the extremes of body fat…

heather
Heather eating at the Denver Airport before the Ms. Olympia.

Heather tells me she will be around 161lbs on stage which will be about 10-11 pounds lighter than she was at the Arnold. She is definitely lean and about ten minutes after she ate you could see her fill up and the veins popp’n. Heather is ready and sporting a darker hair color with no highlights.

Filed Under: Olympia

Vegas Here We Come

September 23, 2009 by

I’m trying something new for this year’s Olympia. I’ll be posting here on the blog via my iPhone and see how it works. There may be a few kinks to work out along the way. Spelling Police stay at home for now as I’m sure there will be plenty of errors.

As always, I’ll be tweeting the action @hardbodynews. Follow along there for the fastest, quickest news.

I’m headed to the airport now & my bus driver thinks he’s a NASCAR driver in this little tin can. It’s a welcome change as usually the parking lot shuttle is turtle speed. This dude is hauling ass.

Here’s a look at how I’m rolling. Lights, luggage and camera gear. Always a fun challenge traveling with camera gear. Let’s hope it makes it.

At the airport check-in now and they are scanning my lighting equipment. Major pain in the ass. Apparently something set off the alarm. Thousands of dollars in that box and they like to toss stuff around like trash. Ugh. In the end it’s worth it because light makes a huge difference in capturing quality images. This is also why I no longer do free shoots.

Sweet… made it through but now flight is delayed. Blasted.

Off to find some terminal food. Stay tuned and post in the comments if you like this sort of thing.

Filed Under: News & Features, Olympia

April Rountree Olympia Preview Photos

September 23, 2009 by

You may be asking who the hell is April Rountree and how did she qualify for the Figure Olympia? I was baffled at first but alas April Rountree is the same woman as April Fortier, the one who qualified at the 2008 IFBB Sacramento Pro show by placing third. She may be bringing a different name to the stage but rest assured she’ll still have an Olympia caliber physique. April shared these photos taken just over a week from her first big dance. If her backside is tight enough she could move up much higher than most would expect.

april2
April heading to her first Figure Olympia competition.

april1
A preview of what April will bring to the stage in Vegas.

Filed Under: Olympia

Team Universe Coverage

September 23, 2009 by

Those who took home pro cards at the Team Universe may not have received the usual buzz they deserve with the Olympia being held just one week later. You can check out hundreds of photos on and off the stage here, as well as the full contest results. I had a chance to do about 20 video interviews with some of the newest IFBB female pros and those will be up shortly. I’ll be writing more about the stories that came out of New York and trust me there are some great ones.

Filed Under: NPC

Olympia Weather Forecast

September 23, 2009 by

Things will be heating up as much outside as they are inside at the Orleans Arena. YEEAH! I’m happy to be leaving my unseasonably cold temperatures in Denver for a little Vegas heat. Yes, it snowed already in Denver and I wasn’t quite prepared for that. While I needed a jacket heading out I certainly won’t need that in Sin City.

Check out the Olympia weather forecast for this weekend:

Today Sep 23
Sunny – 92°/68°

Thu Sep 24
Sunny  – 93°/70°

Fri Sep 25
Sunny – 98°/74°

Sat Sep 26
Sunny  – 100°/73°

Sun Sep 27
Sunny – 100°/73°

Mon Sep 28
Mostly Sunny  – 96°/70°

You might want to bring an extra jug of water with you. I’ll keep you posted if I spot and double juggers this weekend.

Filed Under: News & Features

Fitness Olympia Preview and Predictions

September 23, 2009 by

Eleven IFBB pros will make their way to Las Vegas in hopes of winning the title of Fitness Olympia Champion. Jen Hendershott, Kim Scheideler and Bethany Wagner are all qualified but chose not to compete. The absence of Jen and Kim leaves the door open for two women to move up as they are consistently in the top five. Bethany qualified but opted out of competing.

Let’s focus on the ones competing and who fans will watch on the Bodybuilding.com live webcast or in the audience of the Orleans Arena.

Conventional wisdom would suggest that it’s Adela Garcia’s show to lose. She’s been the champ before and in all likelihood will be the champ again on Friday night. She proved in Dallas that she’s more than capable of hitting a high-flying, entertaining routine. If she can bring that same energy to the Olympia stage and nail her 45 second routine for the last time (the round is going away after this show) she will be your winner. It won’t come easy for her though. Tracey Greenwood will bring a solid routine and an improved physique from last year’s Olympia where she placed second. I see it being a battle between these two for the title. The physique rounds will be between Julie Palmer and Adela. If Julie can improve her routine scores from last year she will be in the mix for the top spot as well. She’s beaten Tracey before and undoubtedly in her mind she can and will do it again. Tanji Johnson may have a little something to say about the hub-bub around these three. She improved her conditioning at the Atlantic City and fares well in the routine rounds. If Tanji’s conditioning is on again she could be in the running for the top spot. Look for her to be in the top three or four with her evening routine.

While I feel those four have the strongest change to win the show and will be in your top five there are a few women who will battle it out for the remainder of the top six. Regaine Da Silva edged out Mindi O’Brien for fifth last year and will look to do it again on Friday night. She flies across the stage and I wish I had half the energy she does. Tina Durkin will face first time Olympia jitters but if she brings the look she had in Columbus she could be in the mix. Shannon Meteraud will compete in what is likely to be her last fitness competition. Can she get a high enough call-out in the physique rounds to put her in contention? Highly possible. Trish Warren has improved but I see her on the outside looking in on the top six. Her physique is still a bit out from a top call-out in this line up. I’ve heard she is bringing an improved routine and she’ll need it against these competitors. Myriam Capes will need to bring a tighter physique than she did at the Dallas show if she hopes to be in the top six. Her routine is off the charts and one of the best you’ll see on the Olympia stage. The same could be said for Nicole Duncan. Kick ass routine and very entertaining but will need to be much tighter than Atlantic City if she hopes to crack the top six here.

Everyone likes to play expert around this time and I’ve received numerous emails and texts asking where mine are. Well here they are and I’m also including Ron Avidans, Ruth Silverman‘s (who I am shocked made predictions) and Lonnie Teper‘s.

Isaac’s Predictions:

1. Adela Garcia
2. Tracey Greenwood
3. Tanji Johnson
4. Julie Palmer
5. Myriam Capes
6. Tina Durkin
7. Regaine Da Silva
8. Shannon Meteraud
9. Mindi O’Brien
10. Nicole Duncan
11. Trish Warren

Ruth’s Predictions:

1. Adela Garcia
2. Tracey Greenwood
3. Julie Palmer
4. Tanji Johnson
5. Regiane DaSilva
6. Myriam Capes
7. Tina Durkiin
8. Shannon Meteraud
9. Mindi O’Brien
10. Trish Warren
11. Nicole Duncan

Lonnie Teper’s Top Six Predictions: The Swami wasn’t bold enough to go past the money placings.

1. Adela Garcia
2. Julie Palmer
3. Tracey Greenwood
4. Tanji Johnson
5. Regina DaSilva
6. Tina Durkin

Ron Avidan’s Predictions:

1. Adela Garcia
2. Tracey Greenwood
3. Julie Palmer
4. Regaine Da Silva
5. Tanji Johnson
6. Shannon Meteraud
7. Trish Warren
8. Myriam Capes
9. Mindi O’Brien
10. Tina Durkin

n

{democracy:71}

Want to play along? Post your predictions in the comments field below. Keep in mind none of us know how things will go and this is all in good fun to get people talking about the competition. These are only opinions and you know what the old saying is about opinions…
n

{democracy:70}

Filed Under: Olympia

Take it Off

September 23, 2009 by

It’s go time people. Get your motors running with The Donnas’ ‘Take it Off’.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

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Disclaimer: Reader discretion advised, please consult your physician before beginning any exercise or diet program.