2012 New York Pro Figure Competitor Lists & Hardbody Preview


The IFBB New York Pro has become one of the premier contests of the year. Many fans and pundits would argue that the New York Pro is the most prestigious IFBB Pro show behind the Arnold and Olympia. This weekend we’ll see one the biggest (and toughest) Figure lineups of the year. Hardbody women from across the globe have sent their contracts in and this is going to be one show not to miss. There are a few names that jump out as the favorites heading into Saturday’s event. You never know who will be on the money and who will miss the mark but let’s break down the competition.

new york pro figure

The HARDBODY 411

Favorites:
Ava Cowan has relocated from Florida to New York and will look for her second pro title. She’s coming off back to back fourth place finishes and left Columbus less than stoked. Along with the move, Ava has gone back to working with Layne Norton for her contest prep. This is important to note as she streamlined her physique and came in at her best while working with trainer Kim Oddo. She’ll have an advantage of not having to fly. She’ll also have leading Figure lady Candice Keene standing in her way. The two have developed a bit of a rivalry over the last year. Candice and Ava have gone third and fourth behind Erin and Nicole a few times. Since Erin nor Nicole are in this show, it would be a safe to wager on Candice or Ava walking away the winner. Candice has gotten the better of Ava their last two times, the 2011 Sheru Classic and 2012 Figure International.  Candice is coming off a win at the Orlando Show of Champions and carries the confidence with her from that show into the Big Apple. Heather Dees may have something to say about either of these women being the favorites. She has refined her physique over the last few months and positioned herself as a threat to both women. She was nipping at their heels at the Figure International and finished just behind Candice and Ava. If either lady is off Dees could slip into the top two spots. If Ava and Candice are on point look for Heather in the third place position. Two other women to watch to shake up the top spots are coming off wins. Candice John notched her first pro win at the 2012 Pittsburgh Pro and last weekend Monica Specking also found the winner’s circle for the first time as a pro. I don’t see either of them beating Candice or Ava however never say never.

Contenders:
There are a few women I could see challenging for a top spot and cracking the top five. Allison Frahn has been in the top five before and is coming off a third place finish at the Governor’s Cup. While I’m not a big fan of her physique the judges seem to favor it. I’d like to see her pose a little less rigid, especially with her arms and hands. Caroline Hernandez showed she can hang in the top ten last year when she finished in seventh. I could see her cracking the top ten if she brings a similar to last year. Marcy Porter has been up and down in here placings. She was ninth in this show last year and she took a little time off after the 2011 Olympia. If she comes in conditioned she’ll be in the top ten, if she’s off she’ll be in the dreaded tied for 16th. The woman I am most excited to see in this line-up is veteran Tara Scotti. Tara hasn’t competed since the 2006 West Palm Beach show. She’s been the the Olympia, won a pro show but that was all years ago. She had a baby 8 months ago but says she’s never felt better. Tara could be in the first call-out but it will all depend on what she brings in her return. One thing you can count on, Tara wouldn’t take the stage if she didn’t feel she could be a contender and I wouldn’t bet against her.

2012 IFBB New York Pro Figure Competitor List:
1. Tiffany Archer – Washington, DC
2. Maria Luisa Baeza-Diaz -  Chile
3.  Melanie Becker-DePalma – Staten Island, New York
4. Leah Berti – Alberta, Canada
5.  Andrea Cantone – Peabody, Massachusetts
6. Ava Cowan – Forest Hills, New York
7. Heather Dees – Lehi, Utah
8. Ginette Delhaes – Quebec, Canada
9. Thea Erichsen – Oslo, Norway
10. Brooke Erickson – Boise, Idaho
11. Yolando Esteso Sauri – Seville, Spain
12. Allison Frahn – Mahwah, New Jersey
13. Aleisha Hart – Ontario, Canada
14. Ryan Hays-Althoff – High Point, North Carolina
15. Caroline Hernandez – Howard Beach, New York
16. Jacqueline Hoppe – Harvest, Alabama
17. Candice John – Trinidad
18. Candice Keene – Maitland, Florida
19.  Elizabeth Maurice – New York, New York
20. Angela Mraz – Clifton, New Jersey
21. Mona Muresan – West New York, New Jersey
22.  Angelica Nebbia – Hicksville, New York
23.  Eleni Plakitsi – Athens, Greece
24.  Marcy Porter – Georgetown, Massachusetts
25. Katherynne Ramirez – Bronx, New York
26. Tara Scotti – Cortland Manor, New York
27. Monica Specking – Paragould, Arkansas
28. Laura Tolonen – Lahti, Finland
29. Patrice Vignola – Morganville, New Jersey

ISAAC’S PREDICTIONS:
1. Candice Keene
2. Ava Cowan
3. Heather Dees
4. Candice John
5. Tara Scotti

RON’S PREDICTION:
1. Ava Cowan
2. Candice Keene
3. Candice John
4. Heather Dees
5. Monica Specking

{democracy:237}

Who do you like for the win? Post your comments below and when tweeting about the show use #NYPRO. Our West Coast correspondent Ron Avidan will be in attendance covering all the action. You can also check out NPCnewsonline.com, FLEXonline.com and MuscularDevelopment.com for coverage.

Saturday – May 19, 2012

Tribecca Performing Arts Center
199 Chambers Street
New York, NY

Prejudging: 11am EST
Finals: 6pm EST

More info: BevFrancis.com

COMPETITORS:
Note that all competitor meetings will be held at the venue site, the Tribecca Performing Arts Center, 199 Chambers Street, New York, NY at the following times:
9:00 am: Bikini
9:15 am: Open Bodybuilding
9:30 am: Figure
9:45 am: 212
10:00 am: Women’s Physique
10:15 am: Men’s Physique

 






Disclaimer: Reader discretion advised, please consult your physician before beginning any exercise or diet program.