The 2012 Optimum Classic Figure competition is in the books and Arkansas resident, Monica Specking notched her first IFBB Pro victory. Monica beat a small (10) but competitive field at the Shreveport, Louisiana competition. The win earns her a return trip to the Figure Olympia stage. Prior to this event Monica’s highest finish was third, her pro debut at the 2010 Houston Pro. She finished 2011 with a fourth place finish at the Ft. Lauderdale Cup.
Monica looked to be a bit more polished than she had in the past with her presentation and with the guidance of Kim Oddo, she’s put together a winning look. Jami DeBenard was just one point behind Monica and many felt she could have been first without any argument. The second place finish matches her best placing since turning pro at the 2011 NPC USAs. Jami was the runner-up at the 2011 Phoenix Pro and has yet to finish out of the top five, if you don’t count last year’s Olympia. She’s strung together an impressive pro contest resume in less than a year. Ann Titone has positioned herself as a top five Figure Pro in each show she enters. She moved up one spot from last year’s Optimum Classic and finished in third once again. This was Ann’s fourth finish in third place since turning pro at the 2009 Team Universe. The consistent top five finishes are helping Ann accumulate points toward an Olympia invite with the new point system. Kim Sheppard moved up from her Pittsburgh showing and finished in fourth. Rounding out the top five was Alabama resident Yolanda Alvarado. Yolanda showed tremendous potential in the pro ranks as this was her IFBB Pro League debut.
Photos from this competition are few and far between. The photos that I have seen online are very poor quality and a reminder that promoters should invest in a professional photographer to capture their events. The competitors deserve to be shown in a professional manner and if they aren’t don’t be shocked if they choose to skip the event the following year. Congratulations to all the women who achieve their goals and set new ones for future competitions.
2012 IFBB OPTIMUM CLASSIC PRO FIGURE RESULTS:
Shreveport, Louisiana – May 12, 2012
1. Monica Specking
2. Jami DeBenard
3. Ann Titone
4. Kim Sheppard
5. Yolanda Alvarado
6. Kristi Tauti
7. Rosalind Vanterpool
8. Thea Erichsen
9. Eleni Plakitsi
10. Annisa Payne
Visit NPCnewsonline.com for official scorecards.
