The 2010 Figure Olympia prejudging took place yesterday and it’s a battle we all expected to see again. In one corner the champ, Nicole Wilkins-Lee and in the other corner the challenger Erin Stern. Which figure competitor would come out on top at this year’s contest?
Top Spot
Erin had a different look and feel to her when she took the stage. A new suit, new hair style and a new sense of self-confidence. Erin’s always had an athletic looking physique and this time was no different. She was on the money again with her body but it was how she presented it that was light years ahead what we’ve seen before. There was a subtle sense of confidence that exuded when she was compared to the other women. It was as if she had the mentality, it’s my time and I’m here to be the new champ.
The reigning champ Nicole rocked the stage with some added muscle since the Figure International. It suited her frame well and there’s no denying she has great structure. Something was a tiny bit off this time though. Nicole looked nervous and when she posed from the back it was noticeable that she was shaking on stage. It looked like she was holding a tiny bit of water, which may or may not have been caused by nerves. It wasn’t anything that was terrible by any stretch of the imagination but it was visible from my seat in the press pit.
Will it be a unanimous decision when the dust settles tonight? No chance, or at least I don’t think it will. I could see some judges giving the nod to Nicole however I also see Erin more than worthy of the crown. We’ll find out tonight if Nicole will hold onto her crown or if she will relinquish it to Erin.
Battle for the top six…
Heather Mae French looked good but not the sharpest I’ve seen her. She definitely found her groove in the last two years and should find herself in the third place spot. Kristal Richardson is back on stage after a hernia surgery and the only thing missing was that protruding belly button. Kristal presented her best physique to date and her legs really came up since her rookie years. Teresa Anthony presented her best look to date and could find herself in the top six tonight. Felicia Romero presented one of her best looks to date, if not the best ever. Her legs have come up and she was confident on stage. It was a completely different Felicia than we saw in Phoenix when she was out of the top three. Terri Turner is fighting for a spot in the top six and could be in the money tonight. Alicia Harris presented a balance physique and improved posing. She’ll be in the top 10 but will it be enough for the top 6? Rookie Candice Keene should be in the mix for a top 10 spot and had an impressive Olympia debut.
Others of note…
Larissa Reis was hard as nails and one thing head judge Sandy Williamson does NOT like to see if quad separation while posing in figure. Larissa was sitting on her legs and it made her look even harder than she was. It was a look that will likely keep her out of the top six and battling for a top ten spot. Cheryl Brown wasn’t as sharp as we’ve seen her in prior shows this year and when she didn’t get the top call-outs she wore her emotions on her suit. She was noticeably upset and if looks could kill there would have been a few casualties yesterday. A few people felt she was a top six competitor but it looks like she’ll be out of the top ten here.
My 2010 Figure Olympia Predictions:
1. Erin Stern
2. Nicole Wilkins- Lee
3. Heather Mae French
4. Kristal Richardson
5. Felicia Romero
6. Alicia Harris
7. Teresa Anthony
8. Terri Turner
9. Candice Keene
10. Larissa Reis
What do you think? Post your predictions in the comments field. Follow the live action on twitter today and tonight @hardbodynews. Check out photos from the show at Bodybuilding.com.
