The Tijuana Pro was the last chance for the IFBB Pro Bikini women to qualify for the Olympia. When the dust settled in Mexico it was Abbie Burrows who left with her first pro victory. She takes some momentum into the big dance in Vegas next week. Abbie was most people’s pick to win heading into the show, as she had a proven track record that positioned her for her the title. She came, she posed and left with a nice four thousand dollar check. Not too shabby of a pay day, in fact it’s one of the highest first place checks you’ll find a bikini competitor collect. The show wasn’t without a few surprises though.
Cristiana Alicia Mendivil from Mexico wasn’t on the official competitor list earlier in the week but she’s headed to the Olympia now. She danced her way into the runner-up position. I say dance because her posing was well slightly over the top to what we’re used to seeing on an IFBB pro stage. She has a nice physique however I’d like to see competitors get marked down for posing as if they are about to take an adult entertainment stage. Hands through the hair, booty shaken back and forth and looking more like a salsa dancer than a pro bikini competitor is not what, in my opinion, should be rewarded. I’m not a judge and there isn’t any specific “don’ts” in bikini so technically she did nothing wrong according to the rules of the event. Cristina wasn’t on the list earlier because she was an amateur until the night before. The amateur competition was held the night before and those who turn pro there were awarded IFBB pro status, thus qualifying them for a chance to compete in the IFBB show the following day. Not a bad weekend for Cristina second in the amateur class and then the next day second in her first pro show.
Kelly Gonzales finished in the third and final qualifying spot for the Olympia. Kelly is one of the smaller competitors but she has continued to improve. I had her stock on the rise coming into the show but wouldn’t have guessed she’d be top three. Congrats to her though she presented with poise and class. Fourth place went to Christie Marquez, who was at her all time best. She showed that persistence can pay off and her fourth place finish was her highest as a pro.
Tiffany Boydston finished in fifth place in just her second pro show. She should be stoked with a top five finish however she appeared in slightly flabbergasted at her name being called fifth. Understandably so given that throughout prejudging and the final comparison she was in the third place position in terms of call-outs. It does serve as a reminder to all competitors that despite being in the middle, second or third place position you never know where the judges will place you. Tiffany has room to improve and look for her to be in the top callouts in future shows. Patience will be her biggest obstacle going forward in the pro ranks.
Abbie Burrows brought one of her best looks to the stage and it paid off. She’s a taller competitor and she posed with more confidence than in the past. I’d still like to see her switch up her back posing and her suit bottom looked a bit small compared to other competitors but it could be because she’s got a bit more booty than the others. Still a deserved win and it should help with her confidence and stage presence heading into the Olympia.
Others to note. Dianna Fields was definitely improved from her last showing and it looks like she has a new addition to the family. I like Jenny Drennan’s look and tiny waist. She may have been a bit too lean compared to the other women but overall still a nice bikini body.
Congratulations to all the women competing in this show. Don’t forget that as pros you’re in a position that many others are striving to reach. Everyone wants to win, that’s the nature of competition but at the end of the day you’re not going to retire off from competition earnings. Enjoy your time on the stage and make it work for you. You don’t need to win to be successful and certainly don’t let a placing define your self worth. If you do you’ll find yourself empty and and constantly seeking something that will never be fulfilled.
2011 IFBB Tijuana Pro Bikini Results and Scores
1. Abbie Burrows – 5
2. Cristiana Alicia Mendivil – 12
3. Kelly Gonzales – 18
4. Christie Marquez – 23
5. Tiffany Boydston – 25
6. Christy Merritt – 28
7. Jenny Drennan – 38
8. Anca Marcus – 43
9. Adriana Guzman -45
10. Wilhelmina Davis – 45
11. Adriana Falcon – 53
12. Diana Fields – 58
*Note I was not at the event however did watch the live webcast, which was well done and I’d like to see more shows utilize Ustream do webcast their events.
