The Fitness International is a show that every fitness competitor dreams of competing in and few ever experience winning it. For nearly a decade, Tanji Johnson has been chasing the elusive Arnold title. She’s come close to winning a number of times but hadn’t until now. This year she put it all together and finally had the opportunity to shake Arnold’s hand.
Tanji positioned herself for the win by coming with a tight, conditioned physique. She’s been up and down with her placings in the physique round but this time she left no question in the judges’ eyes. She headed into the night show needing a solid routine performance in order to win and she did exactly that. It wasn’t Tanji’s best performance we’ve ever seen and she appeared to struggle a bit at times. It was still a good routine that included a number of strength moves mixed in with a little dance.
Oksana Grishina has become a fan favorite over the years. Her creativity and passion for fitness is obvious in every routine she performs. Every year Oksana brings an unique and interesting routine to the stage. This year was no different and left many with goosebumps. Oksana was in 4th place after the physique round and despite being better than in previous years, the physique round kept her out of the winner’s circle. Oksana was the unanimous winner in the routine round with her JOKER theme. It was full of strength, artistry and drama from start to finish. She continues to improve in the physique round and when it comes to the routines, everyone agrees she’s always one of the most memorable.
Bethany Cisternino brought a great physique to the show. A case could be made for her winning the 2-piece round but no shame in finishing in second there. Bethany was fourth in the routine round and is always improving her presentation on stage. She has incredible gymnastic skills and makes the most difficult moves looks easy. Bethany’s third place finish was well deserved and look for her to be a threat for the win in any show she enters.
Trish Warren bounced back from sitting out last year after the birth of her first child. Momma Warren proved that nothing can stop you if you’re focused and committed. Trish was 5th heading into the routine round and could have been a bit tighter in the physique comparisons. She brought a rock’n routine to the stage and the third place score helped her finish in fourth.
Regiane DaSilva brought another fast-paced, high flying routine to the stage and it helped her land in 5th. Regiane always scores a bit lower in the physique rounds and it leaves her playing catch up heading into the routine round.
2013 Fitness International Results
1. Tanji Johnson
2. Oksana Grishina
3. Bethany Cisternino
4. Trish Warren
5. Regiane DaSilva
6. Ryall Graber-Vasani
7. Kizzy Vaines
8. Nicole Duncan
9. Fiona Harris
10. Amanda Hatfield
