Another IFBB Pro Bikini competition is in the books and three more women are headed to the inaugural Bikini Olympia. The event wasn’t the strongest line-up of the year but it was competitive. I’ve been in attendance for every IFBB Bikini Pro show, with the exception of New Zealand. There are some things that I find work well and others that are distracting. Keep in mind each show has different judges and what one panel likes another may not. What I gravitate towards isn’t always what the judges reward. There will be a variety of opinions and we’re all entitled to them but doesn’t mean we’ll all agree. Who cares if we disagree, I’m not telling anyone who to be just giving my opinion. Let’s break it down…
1. Dianna Dahlgren – As I mentioned heading into this show she would be improved and a favorite for the win. Toot, toot goes my horn on calling this one but hold on a minute. Dianna improved her presentation from her debut but still needs to work on it if she wants to hang with the likes of Melo and Nagrani. Many of her poses make her look too straight up and down. She has one of the best bikini butts in the biz and presents it well from the rear poses. Job well done by the youngster and has some momentum going into her next show. We’ll see if she can present herself a little curvier from the front and how she stacks up in Dallas against tougher competition.
View contest photos.
2. Jessica Jessie – The Queen of the “side walk” had a strong showing in her pro debut as most expected. The photos don’t show the presentation of bikini competitors and you have to watch video or see the “side walk” in person to understand what I’m referring to. She basically looks straight ahead while her body is turned walking on stage. Personally, I’m not a fan of it but props to her for being able to do it and not trip. She has a “pageanty” presentation to her which the judges seem to gravitate towards. Her suit is flattering to her physique and fits her personality on stage. Her physique has improved from Jr Nationals and will need to continue if she hopes to crack the top five at the Olympia.
View contest photos.
3. Dianna Fields – Dianna has a good bikini butt. I’m not a fan of her presentation and it’s a little too much sass for my liking. The mouth open gasping while hitting poses is not a flattering look. Props to her for securing a bit to the Olympia. I wouldn’t have her in my top three but hey I’m not a judge.
View contest photos.
4. Jelena Abbou – Talk about a turn around in two weeks. She finished in the top ten at the New York Pro Figure and dramatically changed her physique for this show. Her legs and butt are always areas that plague her. She brought them down and rocked a new suit. I would have had her in the top three. My guess is that the judges felt her upper body was too hard and her butt a little too soft. I think bikini is the division for her and could see an Olympia qualification if she competes in one of the remaining shows
View contest photos.
5. Kat Holmes – Kat tightened up a bit from Tampa but her lower half continues to hold her back from placing higher. If she tightens her conditioning a bit she could move up in a future show. She should be content with a fifth place spot.
View contest photos.
6. Tabitha Klausen-Leandri – She’s one tall drink of water. Nearly 6’0″ without heels she towers over some of the other competitors but holds her own. I think her suits and presentation held her back from a higher spot at this show. I think she had one of the best physiques in the show and could have been a couple places higher. If she ditches the distracting strings on the bikini she’ll likely move up.
View contest photos.
7. Jessica Lawrence – I had her in or around this placing. Jessica has a nice physique but has no energy on stage. If she could bring some life to her presentation she could move up but until then you’ll likely see her out of the top five
View contest photos.
8. Kelly Gonzalez – Kelly’s pro debut was a decent start. She’s a tiny competitor and has a nice physique. If she continues to improve her presentation she could move up.
View contest photos.
9. Natalie Waples – HUGE, HUGE improvement from Tampa. Natalie ditched the first time bikini mistakes and made major improvements at this show. She seemed more comfortable, had a better suit and improved presentation. If she continues to get comfortable on stage you could see her place higher. I would have had no problem seeing her a few places higher here
View contest photos.
10. Janet Harding – Oh Janet what are we going to do with you? I’ve coined her the Emeril of bikini. If you’re not sure what I’m referring to check out Chef Emeril and his “BAM” video here. Janet had a different hairstyle, a new suit and new posing. The hair color was good. The new suit – a nice improvement. The posing – horrible. I told her this backstage and asked her what was up. She said she’s working with a new coach and hadn’t perfected her poses just yet. When she came out at prejudging she hit her poses fast and furious like Emeril on his cooking show. BAM! BAM! She did slow things down a bit at the night show which was good.
View contest photos.
11. Juliette Primak – This was her IFBB pro debut and went relatively unnoticed. She’s cute but will need to tighten up the butt and present with some energy to make her mark in future shows.
View contest photos.
Notes:
• Long strings on the bikini bottoms are distracting. I think it looks best if you choose a suit without the strings on the bottoms.
• Pose with class and not like you’re looking for a pole to climb. If the bikini division is to be taken serious competitors need to keep it classy. I don’t see it much in the pros but the amateur shows are plagued with it. The IFBB pros set the tone for other competitors. Many women in the NPC ranks emulate what the pros do. Pros – keep that in mind when you’re on stage as many women want to be in your shoes.
• Presentation is everything in bikini. Looking at photos is great but doesn’t tell even 1/2 of what the judges are looking for. Smile and project positive energy on stage. Remember whatever you’re thinking it will be magnified by 10 fold to the audience.
• Know your body and your angles. A pose that works for one competitor may not work for you. Create an illusion that makes you look curvy and sexy.
