The 2011 Europa Super Show Dallas was one of the most talked about events of the weekend. Natalie Pennington notched her first pro win in the IFBB and Jessica Jessie finished in the runner-up position. Reigning Bikini Olympia champ, Sonia Gonzales was relegated to third. Since the top three women were already qualified for the Olympia, the fourth place finisher Dianna Dahlgren secured her spot in the big dance.
I try not to be overly critical of the judging at shows because it’s subjective and it’s not an easy job to do despite what some might think. The judges had their work cut out for them at this competition because most of the women showed up in rare form and not in a good way. In a trend that I hope we see end here, the women were way too conditioned and overly lean. It’s not a good look for bikini and one that should be avoided. Natalie Pennington was the ideal on this day for the judges but that’s not say it’s the ideal on every day. The judges can only judge what is presented on the day of the show. Jessica Jessie brought back her side walk for some reason and while she has a nice look in photos, I didn’t have her in my top five because of her conditioning or lack there of in the lower body. Sonia Gonzales may have made a misstep by doing this show and finishing in third. She took some of the wind out of her sails heading into the Olympia and will have her work cut out for her to defend her title. Two weeks prior to the show I think she looked her best but you’re judged on that day. I thought her upper body, specifically her shoulders and arms looked a little too muscular for bikini and she may have gotten a bit of a pass from the judges this time around. I don’t think she’ll be as fortunate if she presents the same look at the Olympia. Dianna Dahlgren was the winning on everyone’s score card from the pit and most in the audience. She wasn’t 100% at prejudging as her posing needed a little polishing and her upper body needed to fill out a bit. When she took the stage for the evening show she was on the money though. She was more relaxed and her upper body filled out. This typically happens when a competitor eats some sugar or has a bit more water. Look for her to be the one to beat at the Arizona Pro.
I’m not sure why the women felt the need to come in so lean but I hope the women of the IFBB bring back the softer, curvier look for the Olympia and the judges reward that and send a message by placing the overly lean physiques lower.
Check out photos from the event on Bodybuilding.com and FLEXonline.com.
IFBB Europa Super Show Dallas Bikini Results:
1. Natalie Pennington (USA)
2. Jessica Jessie (USA)
3. Sonia Gonzales (USA)
4. Dianna Dahlgren (USA)
5. Jessica Anderson (USA)
6. Cristina Vujnich (USA)
7. Amanda Duncan (USA)
8. Talia Terese Crowell (USA)
9. Brook Mora (USA)
10. Janet Harding (USA)
11. Dayna Maleton (USA)
12. Jennifer Andrews (USA)
13. Nicole Coleman (USA)
14. Taylor Matheny (USA)
15. Christie Marquez (USA)
