The IFBB Houston Pro Bikini had a relatively small turn out and I’m surprised more women didn’t throw their heels into the mix. The show had good lighting, a great venue and it was a chance to qualify for the 2011 Bikini Olympia. Promoter Lee Thompson put on a top notch event and one that deserves more support from the pros.
The Hardbody Breakdown:
The Texas cutie with spunk and sass, Shelsea Montes cruised to her first IFBB Pro Bikini win. I’ve seen her a bit tighter with her conditioning but she was the clear winner in this line up. She was confident, comfortable and presented with ease. Shelsea has come a long way since turning pro and proved that the little details like hair, makeup and presentation can really help a competitor shine.
Natalie Pennington has exotic good looks however I wouldn’t have had her in the top three. It’s nothing personal against her as she does have a nice look from the front. When you turn the competitors around Natalie doesn’t have much a booty. Personally I would have had her in 4-6 range as I feel a competitor should be competitive from the front and the back. She ended up in the runner-up position and will head back to the Olympia next Fall.
Vanessa Prebyl presented her best look to date and it earned her an Olympia qualification. I would have had Vanessa in second but there’s no shame in third. She has a good look and presented her physique better than she had in the past. Job well done.
Michelle Lamb ditched her Detroit Pro suit for a much better one and it definitely helped. She’s one of the smaller competitors on stage and has a great backside. Fourth place was a justifiable spot fo her in this line-up. If she can put on a little size to her frame and continue to refine her presentation she could crack the top three.
Barbara tied with Michelle for fourth but was relagated to fifth in her pro debut. I would have placed Barbara in third and contending with Vanessa for a second place spot. She had the looks and body to do well in the pro ranks. She had one of the best booties, if not thee best, in the entire show. Could it have been a little tighter? Sure but I still would have her in the top three. Look for her to be in the mix for any show she enters.
Beth White improved from her previous outings and was competitive here. If she presents her physique a bit better with more poise and confidence she could move up.
Janet Harding. Oh Janet, what do we do with you? She’s persistent and has entered more pro shows than any other competitor. Will she ever crack the top 3? Probably not but she continues to bring her best and if she’s having fun reaching her own personal goals then rock on.
Khanh has a great physique and has found a suit cut that conceals her often over-powering boobs. I’m not sure there’s much more she can do to improve and it will be a constant battle for her to crack the top spots. It’s no knock on her it’s just a testament to how competitive the bikini division has become.
Visit Bodybuilding.com for contest photos.
IFBB Houston Pro Bikini results:
1. Shelsea Montes*
2. Natalie Pennington*
3. Vanessa Prebyl*
4. Michelle Lamb
5. Barbara Bolotte
6. Beth White
7. Janet Harding
8. Khanh Nguyen
*Olympia Qualified
** Tie
