The fitness division showed a glimmer of hope at the 2013 NPC Jr Nationals in Chicago, Illinois. It wasn’t the largest fitness competition in terms of number of entrants but the quality was top notch. It was fairly obvious after prejudging that Carly Lobato was the star of the show. She has a balanced physique but her routine is what put her into the winner’s circle at least in my opinion. Many competitors start their routines strong but fade towards the energy and often struggle with their moves. Carly started just as strong with her final move as she did with her first. She incorporated more strength moves in her routine than anyone else and did them with ease. The Colorado cutie also did something many fitness competitors forget about. She smiled and looked like she was having fun throughout her routine. All too often competitors will wince and scowl when hitting their moves in a routine. It’s understandable that there would be a few funnies faces because the moves they’re doing are far from easy. When you can master controlling your facial expressions while doing moves that rival that of a Cirque So lei performance you know you’re a winner.

The winner of each height class were awarded IFBB Pro status. This competition had three height classes and the fitness routines count for two thirds of the score. Joining Carly as a new IFBB Pro were Shannon Siemer and Lishia Dean. Shannon also had great energy when she competed and more than held her own against the other winners for the overall title. A bit of an audience favorite was Lishia Dean. Lishia has come close to becoming and IFBB pro numerous times. She finally broke the curse and enters the pro ranks by winning the B class. No disrespect intended to Lishia but I didn’t see her winning the class. She did a few solid moves but spent more time dancing around than performing strength moves. Lishia was off in her conditioning which was apparent in the two-piece round. Again, no disrespect but it baffles me how she could win the routine round in unanimous fashion. That said, congratulations to Lishia. She has the potential to hold her own in the pro ranks and I hope we see her stick to her contest prep and enter the Tampa Pro or Arizona Pro later this year.

Also worth noting was the always inspiring and motivating Barbie Thomas. Barbie may be missing both arms but she shows heart and talent every time she competes. She was in better condition than others in her class and that’s pretty awesome.

Click here for all the NPC JR NATIONAL  CHAMPIONSHIP PHOTOS.

FITNESS RESULTS

Class A – Up to and Including 5’2″
place / name / fitness routine score / 2-piece score / final score
1. Shannon Siemer 7 / 5 / 19
2. Kennedy Hilgers 9 / 13 / 31
3. Natalie Graziano-Cribbs 15 / 12 / 42

Class B Over 5’2″ and up to and including 5’4 1/2″
place / name / fitness routine score / 2-piece score / final score
1. Lishia Dean 5 / 21 / 31
2. Nicolette Spencer 14 / 5 / 33
3. Irene Nunn 18 / 13 / 49
4. Deanne Fry 24 / 13 / 61
5. Tiffany Heuhs 22 / 30 / 74
6. Toni Naramore 29 / 25 / 83
7. Nancy Swanson 27 / 35 / 89

Class C Over 5’4 1/2″
place / name / fitness routine score / 2-piece score / final score
1. Carly Lobato 8 / 5 / 21
2. Kimberly Stroup 10 / 10 / 30
3. Debbie Sizemore 16 / 18 / 50
4. Jenna Anderson 21 / 17 / 59
5. Venus Ramos 22 / 23 / 67
6. Barbie Thomas 28 / 30 / 85

The National Physique Committee (NPC) awarded six new IFBB Pro cards at the 2013 NPC Jr Nationals in Chicago, Illinois. The winners of each bikini height class move on to the pro league where they can now compete for prize money across the globe. The overall title went to Yasmin Ali who was the A Class winner. Nissan Weaver, Yarishna Ayla, Liana Hamilton, Chaundra Bagwell and Hope Howard were also class winners. Congratulations to all!

Click here for all the NPC JR NATIONAL  CHAMPIONSHIP PHOTOS.

Class A
1. Yasmin Ali *overall winner
2. Ashriel Osgood
3. Annie Parker
4. Caryn Paolini
5. Elle DeLallo
6. Harmony Cannon
7. TauMee King
8. Elspeth Dana
9. Erica Strong
10. Emily Wolfgang
11. Kerin Martini
12. Michelle Kling
13. Cat Martinez
14. Jeneffer Rubinstein

Class B
1. Nissan Weaver
2. Susan Waters
3. Sana Shah
4. Lisa Schimkat
5. Alli Petriella
6. Melanie Kate
7. Amy Lindsey
8. Lisa Campbell
9. Maddie Abrams
10. Pauline Marshall
11. Meghan Dover
12. Patrecia Mathis
13. Samantha Slaven
14. Eve Dawes
15. Karen Meiling Hardy
16. Aimee Cosban
16. Autumn Landers
16. Gianna Ficco
16. Jacquelyn Geringer
16. Jazzla Walters
16. Jenifer Lloyd
16. Libbie Dahl
16. Maria DiNello
16. Marlana Fraser
16. Meagan McGraw
16. Ruth Fortou
16. Tawnya Block

Class C
1. Yarishna Ayala
2. Antanique Landry
3. Collette Barbera
4. Angeles Burke
5. Angelica Gonzalez
6. Gena Baisa
7. Kathryn Mantone
8. Amber Anderson
9. Anna Deiturrondo
10. Miroslava Reese
11. Sarah Thomas
12. Michelle Ackerman
13. Paris Jordan
14. Erica Altman
15. Jessica Beville
16. Amy Branch
16. Angelika Perez
16. AnnaMarie Rose
16. Becky Padilla
16. Celeste Monique DeVore
16. Dana Gones-Sillar
16. Elizabeth Jones
16. Elle Boyden
16. Grace Muraski
16. Heidi Allen-Patterson
16. Kadie McDuffie
16. Kelli Hinshaw
16. Kimberly Turner
16. Leah Ko
16. Lisette Howard
16. Melanie Galles
16. Nicole Chappell
16. Priscilla Smith
16. Rachel Omell
16. Randalene Sergent
16. Sharitha McKenzie
16. Shelby Maynard
16. Shinda Obey
16. Sundae Marshall
16. Tiffiny Newton

Class D
1. Liana Hamilton
2. Stephanie Mahoe
3. Ashley Kurtenbach
4. Lauren Gregory
5. Trista Anderson
6. Melissa Chancey
7. Hayley Davis
8. Alexandra Zerega
9. Justine Moore
10. Danee Cavaliere
11. Nikki Bonifatto
12. Anne-Marie Caravalho
13. Christina Carollo
14. Jaynelle Hoke
15. Erin Rocamontes
16. Adrienne Foster
16. Christina Baxter
16. Delanie Neal
16. Elizabeth Jochums
16. Jaimie Bernhardt
16. Lisa Bealin
16. Lyddane Tapia
16. Megan Sanders
16. Melanie Evans
16. Nancy Kim
16. Sherry Hasty
16. Siliana Gaspard

Class E
1. Chaundra Bagwell
2. Amber Orton
3. Whitney Wiser
4. Angela Okon
5. Jennifer Menezes
6. Susan Perry
7. Iryna Chemerynskyy
8. Danielle Barnes
9. Ashley Sarina Hoffmann
10. Summer Nelson
11. Leslie Barnett
12. Lindsey Hughes
13. Elisa Eoff
14. Kelsea Androes
15. Elena Leonetti
16. Andreanna Coffman
16. Ashley Nelson
16. Chelsea Schwink
16. Rachel Morrissey
16. Solara Key
16. Tarrah Speer-Lee

Class F
1. Hope Howard
2. Amanda Woolery
3. Holly Elizabeth
4. Asia Mendoza
5. Alexis Jones
6. Carianne Boos
7. Taylor Knollenberg
8. Allyson Cook
9. Leilani Hartley
10. Stephanie Gemmer
11. Jacquelyn Esser
12. Dorian Vandergriff
13. Allyson Enrico
14. Rebecca Zirkle
15. Micah Archibald
16. Ana Dosaj
16. Chantal Rzewnicki
16. Emily Herrington
16. Jade Carroll
16. Stacey Hair
16. Trista Groves

Click here for all the NPC JR NATIONAL  CHAMPIONSHIP PHOTOS.

The women’s physique division is the newest division to the NPC and it continues to show signs of growth and improvement. The physiques were more streamlined and feminine than we’ve seen. Some classes had multiple competitors worthy of IFBB Pro Status. Only the winners of each class were awarded pro cards at this show but keep your eye on the names in the top five of each class. You’ll likely see them join the pro ranks before the year is complete.

The A class winner, Erica Blockman took home the overall title and looked great doing it. She has great shape and a tremendous back. Also awarded pro status were Stephanie Willes, Joni Neilson and Heather Barbee.

Click here for all the NPC JR NATIONAL  CHAMPIONSHIP PHOTOS.

WOMEN’S PHYSIQUE RESULTS

Class A
1. Erica Blockman
2. Michelle Davis
3. Justine Ansolone
4. Rose Brunner
5. Dawn Meininger-Wahlgren
6. Heidi Dee Jolly
7. Dominique Furuts
8. Kirsten Van Arsdale
9. Nina Black

Class B
1. Stephanie Willes
2. Heather Mell
3. Amanda Zawojsky
4. Shannan Roskam
5. Angela Morel
6. Jill Livoti
7. Tracy Weller
8. Nancy Espinal
9. Erin Dwyer
10. Kristina Diamond
11. Cheryl Shelby
12. Julia Ladewski
13. Elizabeth Crenshaw
14. Kelly Lovan
15. Dana Osakada

Class C
1. Joni Neilson
2. Krysta Enchill
3. Shawnna Doty
4. Jessica Bowman
5. Jennifer Underwood Kalbs
6. Sarah Skinner
7. Olivia Moschetti
8. Monica Smith
9. Rachelina Delmoral
10. Ariel Gail
11. Danae Zaitz
12. Annette McBride
13. Cydne Fuston
14. Laura Ellingson

Class D
1. Heather Barbee
2. Zandra Starr Minita
3. Leeann Friemoth
4. Melissa Shuster
5. Amanda Kinnaird
6. Christine Moyer
7. Delia McNeil
8. Kristin Miceli
9. Kyla Long
10. Erika Laine
11. Kristen Smithers
12. Nicole Goncalves
13. Tiffany Justice
14. Alicia Terrell
15. Jennifer Scott

WOMEN’S BODYBUILDING RESULTS
The writing is getting much clearer on the wall for female bodybuilders. What’s becoming more and more apparent is that it’s not a question of if but rather when the women’s bodybuilding division is a thing of the past. The NPC Jr Nationals has never awarded IFBB Pro status to the female bodybuilding winners, so the numbers are usually lower than the NPC USAs or NPC Nationals, which do award pro cards. It’s pretty clear that when only FOUR women enter a show of this size the end is imminent. Last month’s NPC Jr USAs had only 2 total entrants. It will be interesting to see if the pattern continues and we see only 8 female bodybuilders at the NPC USAs.

No disrespect intended to the four women who did step up and enter the show. Kasia Topor took home the overall title after winning the heavyweight division. She beat out Laura Brown, the lone entrant in the light heavyweight division.

Light Heavyweight
1. Laura Brown

Heavyweight
1. Kasia Topor
2. Carrie Rapp
3. Lisa O’Kelly

Click here for all the NPC JR NATIONAL  CHAMPIONSHIP PHOTOS.

Well over one hundred women entered the 2013 NPC Jr Nationals Figure Championships but only six left with IFBB Pro status. The winners of each height class leave the amateur ranks and join the big leagues. Vera Mallett won not only the E Class but also left with the overall title. Also winning their class and turning pro were Andrea Calhoun, Kaelin Tuell, Jennifer Brown, Alicia Coates and Roshanda Schmitt.

This is always a very competitive show and this year was no different. Many of the women in each class showed tremendous potential and will certainly make their presence known in future competitions. Congratulations to all the women!

Click here for all the NPC JR NATIONAL  CHAMPIONSHIP PHOTOS.

FIGURE RESULTS
Class A – Up to and including 5’1″
place / name / score
1. Andrea Calhoun – 5
2. Jacqueline Thomas – 12
3. Rina Patel – 14
4. Milva Galati -19
5. Kim Clark – 25
6. Brenda Gabbord – 33
7. Danielle Hugunin – 34
8. Pamela Sampson – 39
9. Jennifer Nacoal Stone – 45
10. Esthela Heiler – 52
11. Colleen McMahon – 54
12. Yeny Martinez – 59
13. Nicole Alcala – 66
14. Alexandria Mossbarger – 68
15. Melanie Medlock – 74

Class B – Over 5’1″ and up to and including 5’2 1/2″
place / name / score
1. Kaelin Tuell – 6
2. Irina Kiselev – 9
3. Trisha Fleischer – 18
4. Arista Jackson – 18
5. Tarah Mitchell – 26
6. Brittany Ramsey – 29
7. Meghan Ann Olsen – 36
8. Christine Cecilione – 40
9. Tiffany Vann – 45
10. Brittany Umbrage – 49
11. Megan Dwyer – 55
12. Shari Bentley – 62
13. Lia Taylor – 63
14. Rachel Payne – 69
15. Susan McDonald – 74

Class C – Over 5’2″ and up to and including 5’4″
place / name / score
1. Jennifer Brown – 7
2. Katharine Lane – 9
3. Jennifer Cordovez – 14
4. Christina Watson – 21
5. Tiffany Garrett – 26
6. Lauren Williams – 26
7. Zahira Landestoy – 39
8. Shelina Azar – 42
9. Tiffany Howard – 44
10. Colleen Bertsch – 48
11. Kimberly Jones – 53
12. Angela Christo – 60
13. Marianne Mills – 65
14. Jeannette Samuelson – 71
15. Kathy Te Slaa – 74
16. Christine Gardner – 80
16. Alicia McDowell – 80
16. Sheia Malmoe Scott – 80
16. Claudia Olvera – 80
16. Melissa Fillmore – 80
16. LeAnn Blachowicz – 80
16. Kimberly Elizabeth – 80
16. Christine Gardner – 80
16. Annie Knueven – 80
16. Kesia Macios – 80
16. Kris Pitcher – 80
16. Shawna Reinhart – 80
16. Regina Stronach – 80
16. Cheryl Ann Trebat – 80

Class D – Over 5’4″ and up to and including 5′ 5 1/2″
place / name / score
1. Alicia Coates – 10
2. Rocio Ruiz – 10
3. Taniqua Mary Medina – 16
4. Michele Horan – 17
5. Ryan Behr – 20
6. Carla Araujo – 30
7. Brandi Reeder – 37
8. Darcy DeFrees – 39
9. Loni Pfeil – 47
10. Shyrlena Bogard – 48
11. Jaclyn Giordano – 56
12. Lateeah Morrell – 57
13. Erin Kirkland – 67
14. Candace Blau – 70
15. Nancy Wehbe – 76
16. Christina Larson – 77
16. Kayla Johnson – 80
16. Karly Gomez – 80
16. Dana Penrose – 80
16. Sarah Pitsch – 80
16. Laura Brown – 80
16. Vanessa Jacobs – 80
16. Genie Sammons – 80
16. Robin Fountain – 80
16. Amy Hearon – 80

Class E – Over 5’5 1/2″ and up to and including 5’7″
place / name / score
1. Vera Mallett
2. Alissa Parker
3. Annette Mendez
4. Kaylee Rae Flanagan
5. Tiffany Gaston
6. Angelina Masino
7. Amy Watson
8. Megan Daigle
9. Jennifer Delgado
10. Amy Scofres
11. Kay Jordt
12. Kristina Crawford
13. Bethany Utke
14. Jamie Lynn Byron
15. Erin Twiggs
16. Elena Carvell
16. Krystal Bogan
16. Maggie Moxley
16. Marta Lepe
16. Michelle Yeager
16. Rebecca Ewing
16. Tenecia Phillips

Class F – Over 5’7″
place / name / score
1. Roshanda Schmitt
2. Alexandria Berriman
3. Kimberly Dickson
4. Jackie Faine
5. Rebecca Mitchell
6. Allison Stauss
7. Amanda Maurer
8. Michelle Grissom
9. Jessica Walter
10. Hannah Whiteman
11. Kristen Campbell
12. Sarah Moloney
13. Dawn Bergklint
14. Heidi Vohwinkle
15. Saddi DuJour

place / name / score

The 2013 NPC Omaha Duel of Champions was held in conjunction with the 2013 Omaha Pro Figure contest over the weekend. See complete results from the bikini, figure, men’s physique and men’s bodybuilding. Photos from the event can be found here.

Figure Short Novice
1. Marni Shoemaker #53
2. Caitlin Sullivan #54

Figure Medium Novice
1. Molly Daniel #59
2. Amanda Jo Weber #57
3. Angie Tiehy #58

Figure Tall Novice
1. Jessica Kowalsky #63
2. Jen Diesterhaupt #62
3. Nichole Ulibarri #64

Figure Short Open
1. Ivana Ivusic #69
2. Cassie Craig #67
3. Marni Shoemaker #53
4. Deatra Brandel #68
5. Caitlin Sullivan #54

Figure Medium Open
1. Molly Wichman #72
2. Ryan Behr #74
3. Jennifer Good #77
4. Kim Stern #73
5. Amanda Jo Weber #57

Figure Tall Open
1. Melissa Creal #80
2. Jessica Kowalsky #63
3. Jen Diesterhaupt #62
4. Beth Roehik #81
5. Nichole Ulibarri #64

Figure Masters Open
1. Jennifer Good #77
2. Beth Roehik #81
3. Kim Stern #73
4. Angie Tiehy #58

Click here for event photos.

Fitness
1. Molly Wichman #72
2. Cassie Craig #67

Bikini A Novice
1. Jess Mart #87
2. Noura Matouk #84
3. Michelle Lopez #85
4. Anne Olthrogge #88
5. Jessica Chevalier #86

Bikini B Novice
1. Michelle Lehan #91
2. Gina Bessmer #93
3. Amy Henson #92
4. Cheri Albin #94

Bikini C Novice
1. Kimberly Humphreys #99
2. Kim Keeler #97
3. Kristie Egan #98
4. Amy Meyer #100

Bikini A Open
1. Noura Matouk #84
2. Michelle Lopez #85
3. Amber Anderson #104
4. Abby Stehlik #103
5. Jessica Chevalier #86

Bikini B Open
1. Keli Hinshaw #107
2. Jess Mart #87
3. Michelle Lehan #91
4. Amy Henson #92
5. Anne Olthrogge #88

Bikini C Open
1. Ashley Nelson #110
2. Gina Bessmer #93
3. Kim Keeler #97
4. Kristie Egan #98

Bikini D Open
1. Carianne Boos #113
2. Kimberly Humphreys #99
3. Amy Meyer #100

Bikini Masters
1. Amy Henson 392
2. Kim Keeler #97
3. Stacey Fuller #116
4. Cheri Albin #94

Click here for event photos.

Men BB Teen
1. Aaron Carpenter #118
2. Nick Garcia #120
3. Derek Peuter #119

Men’s BB Lightweight (143-154) NOVICE
1. Pat Reiff #122
2. Steve Woock #123

Men’s BB Lightweight (143-154) NOVICE
1. Oscar Marino #125
2. Landon Sindt #126

Men BB Light-Heavy (176-198) NOVICE
1. Randall Scott #128

Men’s BB Heavy (198-225) NOVICE
1. Curtis Brown #133
2. Nick McGee #131
3. Kyle Norton #130
4. Kenneth Ruben #132

Men’s BB Masters (50-59) NOVICE
1. Randall Scott #128
2. Pat Reiff #122

Men’s BB Bantam (143 -154) OPEN
1. Shane Cooper #135

Men’s BB Lightweight (143-154) OPEN
1. Steve Woock #123

Men’s BB Middle (154-176) OPEN
1. Landon Sindt #126
2. Dominick Hudson #137
3. Chris Van Gienson #139
4. Brent Stricker #138

Men’s BB Lt-Heavy (176-198) OPEN
1. Nicholas Langer #141

Men’s BB Heavy (198-225) OPEN
1. Curtis Brown #133
2. Marko Lvusic #143
3. Nick McGee #131
4. Kyle Norton #130
5. Kenneth Ruben #132

Men’s BB Super Heavy (225 and over) OPEN
1. James McKown #146
2. Ben Walkinshaw #145

Men’s BB Masters 35-39 OPEN
1. Ben Walkinshaw #145

Men BB Masters (40-49) OPEN
1. Monte Kaughnas #148

Click here for event photos.

MEN’S PHYSIQUE A NOVICE
1. Mike Smith #22
2. JT Agenor #20
3. Jesse Rittenhouse #21

MEN’S PHYSIQUE B NOVICE
1. Gerdon Kopecky #28
2. Alex Bittles #27
3. Tersor Orsar #26
4. Ben Talarico #25

MEN’S PHYSIQUE A OPEN
1. Christian Chadwick #33
2. Peter Ray #32
3. Jason Savage #31
4. Mike Smith #22

MEN’S PHYSIQUE B OPEN
1. Damon Bolt #38
2. Jason Sweeney #36
3. Dan Mackey #37

MEN’S PHYSIQUE C OPEN
1. Darik Opperman #44
2. Baylor Korth #43
3. Gerdon Kopecky #28
4. Anthony Vuckovich #41
5. Ryan Daharsh #42

Men Physique Master Open 35-39
1. JJ Agenor #20
2. Matt Hawkins #47

Men’s Physique Masters Open 40-49
1. Jason Sweeney #36
2. Michael McGuane #50

Narmin Assria wasn’t the biggest competitor on the San Diego stage but she more then held her own. Narmin on the IFBB Southern California Pro on Saturday night in San Diego, California. The win was the second in her IFBB career.

Christie Marquez had to be elated in the runner-up position. The second place finish was the highest on her IFBB resume. Jessica Arevalo finished in third and rookie Candice Conroy finished in an impressive fourth. Angela Skeels cracked the top five for the first time in her pro career and in doing so collected a point in the Olympia Point Series.

2013 IFBB Southern California Pro:
1. Narmin Assria
2. Christie Marquez
3. Jessica Arevalo
4. Candice Conroy
5. Angela Skeels
6. Janelle Saitone-McGuire
7. Theresa Byrne
8. Amy Allen
9. Amanda Sexsmith
10. Jennifer Stevens

The third annual IFBB Omaha Pro is in the books. Arizona’s Candice Lewis successfully defending her title tonight in downtown Omaha but the win didn’t come easy.

Nipping at her heels was Colorado’s Camala Rodriquez, fresh off her first pro victory at the Cal Pro. Rising in the figure ranks and bringing a much improved look to the stage was Aleisha Hart. The Canadian standout is en route to the Olympia if she continues to collect points in the every challenging Olympia Point Series. Rounding out the top five was Kim Sheppard and Allison Frahn. The two are also in the mix for the Olympia point series.

The venue for the Omaha Pro was second to none. You’ll be hard pressed to find a better venue than the Holland Center in Omaha. Captain Jack Titone an his wife Ann did a great job and rolled out the red carpet for the competitors and fans. Hats of to the St. Louis duo who continue to put their heart and soul into the NPC and IFBB. Their passion is admirable and it doesn’t go unnoticed.

See photos from the IFBB and NPC event here.

THE HARDBODY 411:
1. Candice Lewis: The defending champ has incredible shape. She wasn’t at her best here but her shape carried her to a victory. She was a little off in her conditioning. Look for her to take a little break and then compete at the Olympia. If she sharpens her conditioning she can be a top 5 finisher.

2. Camala Rodriguez: Camala was a bit more streamlined with her physique and overall look but her tan could have been darker and a bit tighter in her conditioning. I wasn’t crazy about her suit cut on the bottom. She appeared confident on stage and a runner-up finish here is a great placing.

3. Aleisha Hart: The Canadian standout took the stage with a ton of confidence. She weas holding a bit of water but wasn’t terrible. She stood out from the get-go and wouldn’t have argued if she was in second. She’s improved her posing and presentation a great deal over the last year.

4. Kimberly Sheppard Kim took the stage with confidence. She had nice color/good tan and presentation She could use more wider lats, especially from the front. If she lifts up a bit when posing from the back it would help. She continues to collect points in the Olympia Series.

5. Allison Frahn: Allison’s little details were on point… hair & makeup look good, nice suit and good tan. I’d like to see a bit more thickness in her back.

6. Maria Luisa Baeza Diaz: Maria has a pretty balanced physique and complete from head to toe. Many competitors lack calves but she’s not one of them. She carries a bit more muscle than others especially in her legs. There are times when posing she needs to open up her back a bit more. Still a solid showing from Maria.

7. Victoria Adelus: Victoria Adelus could be a bit fuller and needs to fill out her frame a bit more. Standing next to Maria it when you see it. She always has great energy and seems to be having fun.

8. Dawn Fernandez:  Dawn has great delts. She rocked a nice suit and her tanning was spot on. She needs to to be a bit tighter in the lower body from the backside and a bit more thickness in her back.

9. Bernita Stuckey: Bernita had great energy on stage. Love the shape and symmetry she brought to the stage. I wouldn’t have argued if she was in the top five. I thought the look sthe brought to the stage was very good.

10. Elizabeth Jenkins: The hometown gal has great delts. She could have been a little tighter an bring her legs down a bit. It’s always fun to compete as a pro in your own backyard.

11. Lauren Lessnau: This was Lauren’s pro debut. She downsized a bit since turning pro in Women’s Physique last year. She was a bit uncomfortable posing and walking in heels. She was better at the night show but still could improve. She looked good from the back but the front poses weren’t as on point.

12. Ginette Delhaes:  ofOne of Ginette’s best looks on stage. Her waist came down a bit at least it appeared to on stage and looks great from the front. She brought the best version of her and that’s all you can do.

13. Krista Dunn: Krista appears a little shallow in the upper chest and posing needs a little bit of tweaking. She improved her posing at the night show. She’s done a number of shows in a row and it might be time for a rest. She knows her body best thought and continues to come in with good conditioning.

14. Nancy Bowlin: In prejudging he could have used a bit more oil. Needed to be a bit tigher in the legs, especially from behind.

. Samantha Maycock: She has good shape. Once she gets into her poses she looks goo. Needed to be a bit tighter from behind.

16. Linda McKown: She had great energy and looked to be having fun. She wasn’t quite tight enough and her lower body needs to be dialed in.  great energy. Not quite tight enough. Lower body needs dialed in. #omahapro

16. Cinderella Richardson: She was in great shape and incredible condition but lots of muscle and it was too much for this lineup. She could potentially move over to women’s physique and do better. Her suit top wasn’t the most flattering fit.

See photos from the IFBB and NPC event here.

2013 IFBB Omaha Pro Figure Results:
1. Candice Lewis
2. Camala Rodriguez
3. Aleisha Hart
4. Kimberly Sheppard
5. Allison Frahn
6. Maria Luisa Baeza Diaz
7. Victoria Adelus
8. Dawn Fernandez
9. Bernita Stuckey
10. Elizabeth Jenkins
11. Lauren Lessnau
12. Ginette Delhaes
13. Krista Dunn
14. Nancy Bowlin
15. Samantha Maycock
16. Linda McKown
16. Cinderella Richardson

See photos from the IFBB and NPC event here.

The 2013 IFBB California Pro Figure took place over the weekend and it was filled with surprises. Camala Rodriquez made the switch from Fitness to Figure at the end of last year and after finishing third at the Ft. Lauderdale Cup and 6th at this year’s Figure International it appeared she was more than able to hold her own. She proved that she could and left with her first prof Figure win.

It was a unanimous decision on the judges’ scorecards for Camala’s win. Allison Frahn was the runner-up for a second year in a row. Rounding out the top three was Texan Kim Sheppad. Kim’s third place finish was the highest as a pro. She was fifth at this show last year and the third place finish provided her points in the Olympia point series. Erin Harding caught a few people by surprise as she finished in the fourth place spot. She was seventh in last year’s Tournament of Champions. Francine Sablan took top honors at last year’s NPC USA and won her pro debut, the Tournament of Champions. She’s yet to match that look and finished 16th in the 2012 Olympia and fifth at this show.

View photos from the 2013 California Pro.

2013 California Pro Figure Results:
1. Camala Rodriguez
2. Allison Frahn
3. Kimberly Sheppard
4. Erin Harding
5. Francine Sablan
6. Julie Mayer Hyman
7. Victoria Adelus
8. Elizabeth Jenkins
9. Michelle Shepherd
10. Wendy Fortino
11. Cristina Gedang
12. Georgina Lona
13. Alessandra Pinheiro
14. Krista Dunn
15. Christine Kluger
16. Julia Aragon
16. Leah Berti
16. Dawn Fernandez
16. Maria Jose Garcia
16. Rose Hendricks
16. Monica Labriola
16. Michelle Mayberry
16. Queren Pacheco
16. Tiffany Radzwill
16. Laurie Schnelle
16. Tamara Sedlack
16. Jill St.Laurent
16. Bojana Vasiljevic

The 2013 New York Pro Bikini had some of the division’s best physiques in it. As expected it came down to a few bikini bodies that would challenge for the title. In the end Yeshaira Robles had the most complete look and presentation. She’s positioned herself as one of the top competitors in the division as she heads into the Olympia. New comers Ashley Kaltwasser and Lindsey Waters are also on the fast track to the top as they finished in second and third respectively.

View 2013 NY PRO Bikini Photos.

Yeshaira has the look to be sexy and cute with ease. She presents with class and has a smile that will light up the darkest room. You can’t help but be drawn to her when she’s on stage. If there’s any one that new competitors are looking to emulate and look up to in the division, Yeshaira is the one. Ashley Kaltwasser has one of the best physiques in the division and without question will be a top contender in every show she enters. She got her tanning right at this show and her body was on point. I’d love to see her change up her hair and makeup and ditch the super long eye lashes. If she tweaks those minor things I think it could be the difference at a big show like the Olympia. Lindsey Waters turned pro just one week prior to the New York Pro by winning the overall at the NPC JR USA. She has a rockin bikini body and also got her tanning on point this time. It’s the same scenario with Lindsey as Ashley… I’m not a fan of the eyeshadow and huge eyelashes. They’re distracting and when it comes down to little details it can make or break a decision. If she changes those minor things it would make a huge difference.

Ashley, Yeshaira and Lindsey – Top Three New York Pro Bikini

Yarelis Gonzalez has all the potential in the world to do well in the division however we have yet to see her reach it in the pro ranks. She came in a bit better than Pittsburgh however her lower body was still not where it needs to be in order to be in the winner’s circle. It looked like she may have over done the cardio and crash dieted a bit by the way her skin looked. When you compare the tightness to that of Ashley’s skin, specifically above the knees, they are worlds apart. It may not be obvious to the casual fan but to the judges and those of us who see thousands of physiques a year, it is. Rounding out the top five was Ashley LeBlanc. Ashley may have been a bit too conditioned in her upper body as the vascularity was noticeable. I’m not crazy about the big curls in front of her face but she has improved her presentation and beginning to get more relaxed on stage.

Dayna Maleton has an incredible physique but it might be too much for the bikini division. Someone asked how she would do in Figure and I’m not certain but it would be interesting to see how she looked posing as a figure competitor with a different suit and same body. She improved her presentation and her only downfall is the amount of muscle and conditioning she brings to the stage compared to the other women.

Nikola Weiterova brought one of her best looks to date and could have been in the top spots. She’s brought up her backside and presents much better than her previous shows. Andrea Hertlein had the best booty in the entire show and if shows were based on butts alone, she would have been your winner.

View 2013 NY PRO Bikini Photos.

Things I’d love to see women NOT do on stage…
• The shoulder shrug/shimmy. It’s when a woman brings her shoulder to her chin and back down, sometimes more than once. It’s awkward and uncomfortable to watch because it’s not natural to most competitors when they do it. Ditch it, it’s not doing anything but distracting your presentation.

• The wind-up hip pop. India Paulino does it and it can be over the top some times but works for her because she’s sassy to begin with. When others do it, it looks out of place and doesn’t work. Don’t do it, it’s not helping your placing.

• The hand up to the chin/shoulder when presenting. It doesn’t do anything but distract during your presentation.

• The legs crossed and bending over in a very slow and way too far forward manner. The pose works for some women but not for all. If it doesn’t work for your backside don’t do it. It’s not a mandatory pose and can be uncomfortable to watch when done slow and in an unnatural manner. When some competitors do it, it almost looks like they have to go pee and that’s not the look you want to present, especially as a pro.

2013 New York Pro Bikini Results:
1. Yeshaira Robles
2. Ashley Kaltwasser
3. Lindsey Waters
4. Yarelis Gonzalez
5. Ashley Cronley LeBlanc
6. Dayna Maleton
7. Ashley Wade
8. Gigi Amurao
9. Maria Annunziata
10. Leigh Brandt
11. Francesca Yumul
12. Nikola Weiterova
13. Anna Starodubtseva
14. Meredith Long
15. Anna Lee Van Hatten
16. Cynthia Benoit
16. Danielle Carr
16. Janet Harding
16. Andrea Hertlein
16. Nathalie Mur
16. Cecile Palacios
16. Tabitha Klausen

The IFBB Pro Women’s Physique Division (WPD) continues to evolve in just its second year. Things are beginning to take shape though with a few familiar physiques consistently being in the top spots. The 2013 New York Pro reinforced that with Brazilian natives Juliana Malacarne and Karina Nascimento finishing in the top two spots. The two have completely different physiques yet still were the standouts in the line-up.

Juliana carries more muscle on her frame than other competitors but it’s not over the top. It’s thick, dense muscle that shows years of lifting and maturity. She has the genetics that she can hold the muscle without looking like a female bodybuilder. The look was too much for Figure but seems to be the way of Women’s Physique. Karina came in with better conditioning than Juliana but lacked the size she carried. It then becomes a matter of what the judges prefer – conditioning or size. Juliana had the most complete look. Karina loves to play up the sex appeal on stage and it certainly helps get the attention of the judges. She’s positioned herself as one of the top competitors in the division. Toni West rounded out the top three and also has an aesthetically pleasing look. She could have been a tad tighter in the glutes and hamstrings but overall a nice showing. I wasn’t crazy about her suit bottom cut from the back and a slight change there may help.

View 2013 IFBB New York Pro Women’s Physique Photos.

Karina, Juliana, Toni – top three New York Pro Women’s Physique

Joele Smith also has a good look to her physique and could have been in the third spot without an argument. She could win a physique show before the year is over. Teresita Morales was second at this contest last year and has a very balanced physique. Another tough competitor and could be in the mix of the top three in every show she enters. Many industry pundits professed that Nathalie Foreau would be “too big” for the division but she didn’t appear out of place at all. If her tan was a bit darker she might have been a bit higher than 6th. She has huge quads and is one of the shorter competitors but more than held her own on the pro stage and has potential to be in the top spots in future shows.

I like Jen Louwagie’s look and would have put her in the top 10. Sheena Ohlig also has a nice look and if she comes in with better conditioning will be in the hunt for a top five spot.

View 2013 IFBB New York Pro Women’s Physique Photos.

2013 IFBB New York Pro Women’s Physique Results:
1. Juliana Malacarne
2. Karina Nascimento
3. Toni West
4. Joele Smith
5. Teresita Morales
6. Nathalie Foreau
7. Jillian Reville
8. Jill Rudison
9. Sheilahe Brown
10. Jennie Verdi
11. Melissa DiBernardo
12. Jen Ann Louwagie
13. Sandra Lombardo
14. Cynthia Colon
15. Nathalie Falk
16. Sarah Bridges
16. Gloria Faulls
16. Asha Hadley
16. Carmen Knights
16. Michelle Krack
16. Frances Mendez
16. Sheena Ohlig
16. Vallerie Paul
16. Antonia Perdikakis
16. Gina Quinn
16. Jane Santos
16. Stacy Simons McDowell
16. Alecia Marie Rankovic
16. Kathy Unger

Over the weekend, Floridian Candice Keene continued to pick up momentum as the leading lady in the IFBB Figure division. She was poised as one the top contenders leading into the show and she delivered. Walking away the two-time New York Pro Figure Champ. The win was her fourth in a row and she’s poised to be the top contender for the Olympia Figure title.

View photos from the 2013 New York Pro.

The match-up most were expecting to see heading into this contest was Keene vs Wilkins for the crown however it didn’t play out that way. Nicole had been away from the stage since last year’s Sheru Classic and was expected to challenge Keene for the top spot in New York. Things didn’t quite go as planned and Nicole finished in third. It was the first time Nicole had finished out of the top two since the 2009 IFBB New York Pro Fitness, where she was fourth. She had some troubles with the New York weather and delayed flights with undoubtedly added stress and likely water retention. When she took the stage you could tell she wasn’t the glowing, confident competitor we’ve grown accustomed to seeing in competitions. With Nicole off it left the door open for others to challenge Keen for the top spot. When the individual posing was complete it was clear it was Keene and everyone else.

Stepping up in her second show as a pro was New Yorker by way of France, Swann Cardot. Swann was glowing from head-to-toe and was still smiling from being proposed to the night before. She came in much tighter than she had at the Pittsburgh Pro and the added confidence positioned her as a stand out. She still has some work to do on adding more size and she’s a little straight up in down in her shape but those changes will take time. The jump from tenth to second and besting one of the industry’s best in Wilkins is definitely a confidence boost for her heading into the Toronto Pro.

Swann, Candice, Nicole – Top Three at the 2013 New York Pro Figure

Rebecca Vera was a stand out and has the potential to be a leading lady in the years to come. She has a youthful look and the structure to do well in the Figure division. She quietly made her pro debut at the Powerhouse Classic where she finished 11th but was a stand-out in this show. She achieve pro status at last year’s Team Universe and with a little tighter backside and more stage time she’ll be a threat for the winner’s circle. Monica Specking has tremendous shape and has been in the top spots before. She was fifth at the New York Pro and could have been placed a bit higher without many arguments. Her suit top didn’t fit her the best and could have been a tad tighter in the glutes but overall a solid showing. Maria Luisa Baeza Diaz has a good look and nice structure. She carries a bit more muscle than some of the other women but she matches up well with this line-up. Another competitor who could have been higher without many arguments.

View photos from the 2013 New York Pro.

2013 IFBB New York Pro Figure Results
1. Candice Keene
2. Swann Cardot
3. Nicole Wilkins
4. Rebecca Vera
5. Monica Specking
6. Maria Luisa Baeza Diaz
7. Andrea Cantone
8. Corinna Booth
9. Patty Zariello
10. Lauren Cascio
11. Rebecca Schubeck
12. Melanise Pettee
13. Katerina Tarbox
14. Amy Puglise
15. Kenyatta Jones-Arietta
16. Shelly Albetta
16. Michelle DeRosa
16. Tiani Norman
16. Marcy Porter
16. Cinderella Richardson
16. Tissilli Rogers
16. Elvimar Sanchez

The women rocked the house in New York. There were some expected finishes and some that no one could have predicted. We’ll have complete results on each division and how things shook out in New York at the 2013 New York Pro. Stay tuned.

Women Physique Results:
1. Juliana Malacarne
2. Karina Nascimento
3. Toni West

Figure Results:
1. Candice Keene
2. Swann Cardot
3. Nicole Wilkins

Bikini Results:
1. Yeshaira Robles
2. Ashley Kaltwasser
3. Lindsey Waters

IFBB Bikini Pro, Ashley Kaltwasser took home top honors at the 2013 IFBB Powerhouse Classic in Detroit, Michigan. The rising star has steadily improved from show to show and the win was her first pro victory. Ashley debuted last year at the Houston Pro where she took fifth. She was dropped a bit to tenth at the Bikini Internationals but bounced back with a pair of runner-up placings. Ashley has one of the more athletic physiques in the division and should continue to be a top contender in every show she enters.

Stacey Alexander made the trip from Cali and finished in second. She continues to be a top five contender every time she steps on stage. The young’n of the division, Courtney King was coming off a win at the Europa Show of Champions and was relegated to third this time around. The more time Courtney has on stage the more she’ll find her groove in her presentation. Jessica Renee continues to improve and finished with her best showing to date in fourth. Maura Bouchard rounded out the top five.

2013 IFBB Powerhouse Classic Bikini Results
1. Ashley Kaltwasser
2. Stacey Alexander
3. Courtney King
4. Jessica Renee
5. Maura Bouchard
6. Rachelle Dejean
7. Maria Annunziata
8. Jaclyn Wilson
9. Noemi Olah
10. Vladimira Krasova
11. Francesca Yumul
12. Lynn Sambuco
13. Heather Gonyea
14. Sandi Forsythe
15. Jennifer Elliott
16. Becky Clawson
16. Janet West
16. Natalie Abrhiem

Gennifer Strobo kept her winning ways alive in Michigan. The Florida Figure pro took top honors at the 2013 IFBB Powerhouse Classic, her second this month. Strobo was the winner last week at the IFBB Pittsburgh Pro and the win here has her on cruise control. She’s found the right balance for her physique and managed to come in full, a challenge she faced in previous shows. Natalie Waples returned to the top three and collected a few Olympia points along the way. Dana Ambrose also continued to be the most consistent competitor since turning pro with a third place finish.

The biggest surprise of the show may have come in the fourth place finish. Maria Luisa Baeza Diaz was 8th at the 2012 Pittsburgh Pro and 14th at the New York Pro last year. Allison Frahn rounded out the top five in her first appearance on stage for the year. Monica Specking, once a top contender, is still trying to find her groove and return to the winner’s circle.

2013 IFBB Powerhouse Classic Figure Results
1. Gennifer Strobo
2. Natalie Waples
3. Dana Ambrose
4. Maria Luisa Baeza Diaz
5. Allison Frahn
6. Monica Specking
7. Chaya Boone
8. Corinna Booth
9. Heather Nappi
10. Julie Mayer Hyman
11. Rebecca Vera
12. Monica Labriola
13. Patty Zariello
14. Vicki Counts
15. Kenyatta Jones-Arietta
16. Katerina Tarbox
16. Kiana Phi
16. Nicole Sims
16. Ninamarie Richter
16. Rebecca Book
16. Sarah Venturini
16. Summer Bernard
16. Tammy Bravomalo

Karina Nascimento was “the one to beat” heading into the 2013 IFBB Optimum Pro Women’s Physique contest. She was the first pro women’s physique winner in 2012 and had two wins to her credit heading into this season. Karina continued her winning ways in Shreveport, Louisiana by beating out 11 other pros. The win was her third in the IFBB’s newest division and secures her spot in the inaugural Olympia Showdown.

Tycie Coppett and Joele Smith rounded out the top three. While the show wasn’t the biggest it showcased a variety of physiques. The next stop for the pro women is the Big Apple on May 25, 2013. Karina is slated to compete and if she comes out on top there she has to be considered the one to beat heading into the Olympia Showdown this fall.

2013 IFBB Optimum Pro Women’s Physique Results
1. Karina Nascimento
2. Tycie Coppett
3. Joele Smith
4. Evangeline Belton
5. Venus Nguyen
6. Karin Hobbs
7. Jennifer Robinson
8. Candrea Judd-Adams
9. Antonia Perdikakis
10. Samantha Hill
11. Sheilahe Brown
12. Lindy Waid

Yeshaira Robles continues to be one of the leading ladies in the IFBB Bikini division. She was crowned the winner over the weekend at the 2013 IFBB Pittsburgh Pro. The competition continues to get better and better in the division. Ashley Kaltwasser finished in second and Stacey Alexander finished in third.

After prejudging it looked as though Stacey Alexander could have left the winner. She was spot on with her conditioning and seemed the sharpest of the group. Yeshaira has the presentation portion of competition down. She can go from cute and with the flip of her hair look like one of the sexiest women on stage. I wouldn’t have argued with Pollianna Moss winning the show either. She carries a bit more muscle on her tiny frame than the other women but she’s always poised and polished with her presentation. Ashley Kaltwasser has one of the most athletic physiques in the division and certainly can hang with the best of the division. The little details still plague Ashley. Ashley’s tanning was a bit green and muddy in the midsection and her makeup is a bit dark around the eyes for my liking. I’d like to see those details get ironed out and should be taken into account for placings, in my opinion. The tanning was better at the night show though. Lacey Deluca greatly improved from her Orlando finish and her physique was much tighter in Pittsburgh. She impressed the judges and it landed her in fourth.

View photos from the event here.

Many of these women will head to Detroit and New York to compete. We’ll see if there are similar results.

2013 IFBB Pittsburgh Pro Bikini Results
1. Yeshaira Robles
2. Ashley Kaltwasser
3. Stacey Alexander
4. Lacey DeLuca
5. Pollianna Moss
6. Aly Veneno
7. Nicole Witbeck
8. Ashley Cronley LeBlanc
9. Yarelis Gonzalez
10. Gigi Amurao
11. Natalie Pennington
12. Vladimira Krasova
13. Jennifer Elliott
14. Anna Starodubtseva
15. Melissa Sayles
15. Natalie Abrhiem
17. Maria Annunziata
18. Becky Clawson
18. Cassandra Dubois
18. Heather Gonyea
18. Jessica Renee
18. Kelsie Burgin
18. Lynn Sambuco
18. Michon Leddy
18. Rachelle Dejean

View photos from the event here.

Gennifer Strobo notched her first victory of 2013. Strobo beat out a competitive field at the annual IFBB Pittsburgh Pro Figure. Coming in second was Ann Titone, who has steadily improved her physique and presentation. Rounding out the top three was Candice John, showing big improvements from her last show.

The competition featured a variety of physiques and it left the judges with their hands full. The judges had Gen winning in unanimous fashion however others felt Titone could have gone home the winner. Dana Ambrose continues to be one of the most consist pros with her fourth place finish. If she was high than fourth many wouldn’t have argued as she was polished with her presentation and spot on with her conditioning. Candice John improved dramatically from her Daytona showing and if she can present a bit better, specifically not scrunching her shoulders up, she could place even higher. Laurie Schnelle brought a new look to the stage and finished in her highest placing as a pro yet.

View Photos here.

2013 IFBB Pittsburgh Pro Figure Results:
1. Gennifer Strobo
2. Ann Titone
3. Candice John
4. Dana Ambrose
5. Laurie Schnelle
6. Monica Labriola
7. Corinna Booth
8. Dawn Fernandez
9. Patty Zariello
10. Swann Cardot
11. Elizabeth Jenkins
12. Krista Dunn
13. Julie Rengert
14. Agnese Russo
15. Danielle Sereluca
16. Amy Puglise
16. Jessie Hilgenberg
16. Katerina Tarbox
16. Lauren Cascio
16. Melissa Frederick
16. Ninamarie Richter
16. Satrice Rigsby
16. Summer Bernard
16. Tammy Bravomalo
16. Tanya Weinle
16. Yoko Washington
16. Sarah Venturini

View Photos here.

Another IFBB Pro Bikini competition is in the record books and things went pretty much as expected. Rising star in the division, Courtney King took home her first win in just her second pro show. The Chicago native, now residing and going to school in Daytona Beach, was the unanimous choice on the judging panel.

Shooting up into second place was Ohio’s Ashley Kaltwasser. Ashley has an athletic physique and is beginning to find her groove in just her second pro show. She debuted at the 2013 Arnold – Bikini International, a show she won as an amateur in 2012.

Rounding out the top spots were Aly Veneno and Nicole Witbeck. Aly finished third and Nicole moved up to fourth in her third pro show. Nicole has steadily climbed up in each show after turning pro in 2012 by placing second in her class at the NPC USAs. Maria Annunziata finished the highest in her pro career in fifth.

See all the photos from the show here.

2013 Europa Show of Champions Bikini Results
1. Courtney King
2. Ashley Kaltwasser
3. Aly Veneno
4. Nicole Witbeck
5. Maria Annunziata
6. Francesca Yumul
7. Brittany Young
8. Maura Bouchard
9. Jennifer Dawn
10. Lacey DeLuca
11. Ashley Wade
12. Jessica Renee
13. Nathalie Mur
14. Danielle Carr
15. Sabrina Nicole
16. Noemi Olah

One of the biggest IFBB Pro Women’s Physique shows took place over the weekend in Orlando, Florida. The second show in as many weeks netted the same result at the top. Patricia Mello took top honors at the 2013 Europa Show of Champions and has started to position herself as the standard for the division.

Patricia is one of the taller competitors on stage and has long limbs that carry quite a bit of muscle. Mikaila Soto found herself in the runner-up position and what many felt was her best look to date. Making not only her IFBB Pro debut but also her debut in the division, Amanda Dunbar finished third. Amanda was the 2005 NPC Overall Women’s Bodybuilding champion and chose to sit out pro competition until now. The downsize and switch to the new division appears to be a wise move.

See all the competition photos here.

2013 IFBB Pro Women’s Physique – Europa Show of Champions Results
1. Patricia Mello
2. Mikaila Soto
3. Amanda Dunbar
4. Frances Mendez
5. Jillian Reville
6. Jennifer Robinson
7. Kristina Curci
8. Melissa DiBernardo
9. Asha Hadley
10. Janet Koehler
11. Alecia Marie Rankovic
12. Leonie Rose
13. Jill Rudison
14. Rachel Baker
15. Jill Dearmin
16. Amanda Brawn Harris
16. Tammy Patnode
16. Tiani Norman
16. Anne Marie Lasserre
16. Cinzia Massoro
16. Danielle Reardon
16. Audrey Presson
16. Candrea Judd-Adams
16. Danielle Soucek
16. Evangeline Belton
16. Stacy Simons McDowell

Ten women competed in Cologne, Germany over the weekend in the 2013 FIBO Power Pro Fitness. Things played out as most expected but that’s not to say the competition wasn’t tough. Bethany Cisternino won not only the physique round but also the routine round. The win is the second in Bethany’s IFBB Pro career and reinforces her position as one of the divisions leading ladies.

Ryall Graber-Vasani tied with Regiane DaSilva but won the tie-breaker for second place. Regiane brought one of her best physiques to date and the look helped her be a contender heading into the routine round. She was second in the routine round and Ryall was third in the routine portion of the show. When the scores combined the two were a lock with 36 points each. Arizona’s Whitney Jones finished in fourth and Kizzy Vaines rounded out the top five.

2013 IFBB FIBO Power Fitness Results:
1. Bethany Cisternino
2. Ryall Graber-Vasani
3. Regiane DaSilva
4. Whitney Jones
5. Kizzy Vaines
6. Nicole Duncan
7. Diana Monteiro
8. Babette Mulford
9. Amanda Hatfield
10. Somkina Liudmila

The first women’s physique competition of the year took place in California and Patricia Mello was crowned the winner. She was perfect on the judges scorecards with Venus Nguyen coming in second. Rounding out the top five were Karin Hobb (formerly Kimura), Jill Rudison, Leon Leonard. Patricia was second at this show last year and the win qualifies her for the first Olympia Women’s Physique Showdown.

Ron Avidan covered the event and photos can be found here.

2013 IFBB Pro LA Grand Prix Women’s Physique Results:
1. Patricia Mello
2. Venus Nguyen
3. Karin Hobbs
4. Jill Rudison
5. Leon Leonard
6. Susan Graham
7. Michelle Trapp
8. Anne Marrie Kam
9. Tycie Coppett
10. Antonia Perdikakis
11. Debbie Barrable-Leung
12. Anne Marie Lasserre
13. Janessa Roy
14. Keri Ann Heitzman
15. Stacy Simons McDowell
16. Elizabeth White

The Men’s Physique Division also had its first show of the year with Matt Christianer winning.

2013 IFBB Pro LA Grand Prix Men’s Physique Results:
1. Matt Christianer
2. Tyler Anderson
3. Alex Carneiro
4. Keenon LeBlanc
5. Mark Anthony
6. Donta Tanner
7. Michael Anderson
8. Tory Windward
9. Trevor Larsen
10. Ian Lauer
11. Jason Poston
12. Todd Abrams
13. Justin Busiere
14. William Sullivan
15. Scott Lamb
16. Adam Bankston
16. Douglas Peany
16. Matt Dubois
16. Michael Barnt

Heather Dees was the odds-on favorite to win the 2013 Governor’s Cup. She had won this show last year and was coming off a runner-up finish at the Figure International. The show proved to be a bit more of a challenge for Dees than her and others may have expected. She narrowly edged out crowd favorite Wendy Fortino by one point. Mallory Haldeman another top Figure Pro also had her hands full with the competition and squeaked out a third place finish over Victoria Adelus. Adelus bounced back from her St. Louis showing and held her own in this line up. Nipping at both of their heels was Ohio’s own Monica Labriola. Just one point separated 3-5 placings.

The women were compared and moved around a variety of times by head judge Sandy Williamson. The judges had their work cut out for them as no one was 100% on the money. Each woman seemed to be just a bit off in one way or another at prejudging. Check out photos from the event on Bodybuilding.com and MuscularDevelopment.com.

THE HARDBODY 411:

2013 IFBB Governor’s Cup Pro Figure Results:

1. Heather Dees - Heather was a bit off at prejudging and was holding a bit of water. She also appeared a bit nervous on stage when she presented. She’s a beautiful woman with great potential. After her second place finish at the Figure International she proved she can hang at the big shows. She’ll need to return to that form if she hopes to continue winning. Heather was a bit better at the night show and narrowly edged out Wendy Fortino by one point for the win.

2. Wendy Fortino - Wendy brought her best look to the stage since turning pro at the 2011 NPC USAs. She was confident and poised on stage. Her tan appeared a little red in color and would like to see that corrected at her next show. Wendy definitely made the necessary improvements to hang in the top spots. Look for her back on stage at the 2013 California Pro in May.

3. Mallory Haldeman - Mallory was noticeably off when she first took the stage. She had a slightly muddy tan and was much softer than we’ve seen her in the past. Mallory has the type of physique that needs to be hard in order to have that wow factor. She’s improved her posing and brought up her back but still needs to hammer the lats to add some muscle there. She’ll need to come back much harder in her next show in order to hang in the top three.

4. Victoria Adelus - Victoria had her best showing and an argument could have been made for her in third. She needs just a bit more hamstring to her legs. She has a smile that will light up the stage and it’s that kind of energy that you can’t help but gravitate towards.

5. Monica Labriola - Monica is the little engine that could. She carries more muscle than her fellow competitors but shows it well. She has incredible calves and her body continues to improve with each show. If she looked like she had at the night show during prejudging she could have easily taken third and been in the mix for the top two. She was a bit fuller and more relaxed at night and that was the winning look she needed.

6. Bojana Vasiljevic - Bojana was a bit of a surprise to many. She’s not a familiar name to the figure stage but proved she can more than hold her own. She has a super tiny waist and definitely makes you do a double take. Bojana needs to look at a different cut of suit and work on her posing a bit.

7. Elizabeth Jenkins - Elizabeth continues to climb the ranks as a pro. She’s a taller competitor so the challenge is being full and not being too muscular. She brought her best look to date and on any other day she may have been in the top five.

8. Maria Sanchez - Maria stood out from the pack when she took the stage. She needs to work on her posing from the back just a bit and not sit on her quads when posing from the front. Maria needs to watch her muscularity and just refine her posing.

9. Carin Hawkins - Carin looked good for her. She’s one of the smaller competitors so she need to come in a bit fuller and a bit more size to her frame. Would like to see her pose a bit different with her arms and hands positioning. Overall a decent showing for her.

10. Nicole Sims - Nicole is a taller competitor and is still finding her groove in the pro ranks. She needs to improve her presentation and her posing. Nicole stands a bit straight up and down and from the back doesn’t quite open up. The little details make a big difference in the pro ranks.

11. Rebekah Willich -Rebekah has nice delts and a tiny waist. Would like to see add a bit more with to her back and come in just a bit fuller. She has the potential to move up in future shows.

12. Jennifer DeJoya – Jennifer has been in the ranks for awhile. When she competed years ago she would come in too hard many times. This time around she wasn’t too hard but was a bit too muscular. Jennifer lost a bit of her flow and needs to come in a bit smaller and tighter.

13. Leah Berti - Leah has a pretty face and a nice overall look. She came in a bit too muscular in her lower half, specifically her quads. She’s a little shallow in her upper body from the front and needs a bit more width to her lats from the back. Some fine tuning with her training and prep and she’ll fair better.

14. Amanda Doherty - Amanda made the long trip from Australia to compete and gets the award for longest flight time. When it comes to her physique it was hard to get a good gauge of it because of her posing. Amanda’s posing was off and it undoubtedly effected her placings. If she can improve her presentation she’ll fair better.

15. Kiana Phi - Kiana has huge delts and they are the first thing that jump out at you. She needs a bit more of a tear drop to her quads and from the back come in a bit tighter. Would also like to see her have a different suit cut from the back on the bottoms.

16. Georgina Lona - Georgina came in a big bigger and fuller than she has in the past. She still wears her signature yellow suit but not sold on it helping her. She needs to come in a bit tighter and work on her posing. Her posing has her scrunched up and if she opens up her shoulders a bit she’ll present much better.

16. Heidi Sorsa - Heidi was off with her tan to her conditioning. It just wasn’t a good showing for her in this line up. If she can bring up her quads and come in with better conditioning she’ll improve in her placings.

16. Katerina Tarbox - She had a nice suit and from the back presented decent. When posing from the front Katerina posed a bit straight up and down and needs to work on her arm positioning. She looked better at the evening show and a challenge with her is not being too vascular in her upper body.

16. Kenyatta Jones-Arietta - Kenyatta seemed a bit off in her conditioning. Would like to see her come in a bit tighter and work on her presentation. When she present she tends to make odd facial expressions. If she can come in smaller and present better she’ll improve in her placings.

16. Marci Colliau - Marci is a bit shallow in her upper body and a little too muscular in her quads. She poses a bit straight up and down and it hurts her appearance. Would like to see her rock her hips back a bit when posing.

Overall it was a competitive line-up with no clear cut winner. Shows like this remind everyone that the little details can make or break you on where you finish.

Nicole Nagrani continues to be a force to be rekoned with in the IFBB Pro Bikini division. The 21-year-old Floridian has been in the top three in every contest she’s entered. She was a close third at this year’s Bikini International, moved up to second at the Australian Pro and then locked in a win at the New Zeland Pro. She had a slightly easier time in New Zealand as the line-up only consisted of 6 competitors.

Pollianna Moss has been a consistent competitor since turning pro last year. She won her IFBB Pro debut and the runner-up finish here puts her in the mix for the Olympia Series points. Look for her to be back on stage at the Daytona Battle on the Beach the end of this month.

2013 IFBB New Zealand Pro Bikini:
1. Nicole Nagrani
2. Pollianna Moss
3. Jessica Pendergrast
4. Jade Mackinnon
5. Amy Wright
6. Elyse Inglis

The 2013 St. Louis Pro is in the books. Alea Suarez took top honors in the Figure division and Jennifer Andrews was the leading lady in the Bikini division. Alea bounced back from her disappointing placing at the Figure International and with an Olympia qualification secured, look for her to take a bit of a break until later on in the season. Jennifer Andrews won this show for the third year in a row. She too is qualified for the Olympia and will look to move up in the placings there.

The show had a competitive group of women in both divisions and when the scores were tallied a few people finished higher than others may have expected and a few finished lower than previous outings. It’s a reminder that winning one show doesn’t mean you’re a lock to win the next event.

View contest photos from the 2013 St. Louis Pro here.

FIGURE RESULTS:
1. Alea Suarez
2. Aleisha Hart
3. Natalie Waples
4. Maria Sanchez
5. Monica Labriola
6. Ginette Delhaes
7. Angela Coleman
8. Shala Singer
9. Kim Seeley
10. Victoria Adelus
11. Elizabeth Jenkins
12. Karen Williams
13. Marci Colliau
14. Nancy Bowlin
15. Rebekah Willich
16. Katerina Tarbox
17. Tanya Weinle
18. Laura Sutter

BIKINI RESULTS:
1. Jennifer Andrews
2. Jessica Arevalo
3. Narmin Assria
4. Christie Marquez
5. Noy Alexander
6. Sarah LeBlanc
7. Crystal Green
8. Angela Skeels
9. Cristina Liberatore
10. Joy Grajo
11. Cecile Palacios
12. Monique Gantt
13. Michon Leddy
14. Crystal Rose Matthews
15. Danielle Carr

Stacey Alexander was the unanimous winner in the judges’ eyes at the 2013 Musclecontest.com IFBB Pro Bikini contest. She beat out a competitive field mixed with rookies and veterans to the stage. Taking second was Tiffany Boydston and in third was Crystal Matthews. Brittany Tacy was fourth and Taylor Matheny rounded out the top five. The show took place in Culver City, California and was the first IFBB pro bikini event of the year. Many of these women will head to St. Louis next weekend where they’ll hope to snag an Olympia qualification.

View photos here.

2013 Musclecontest.com IFBB Pro Bikini Results:
1. Stacey Alexander
2. Tiffany Marie Boydston
3. Crystal Matthews
4. Brittany Tacy
5. Taylor Matheny
6. Talia Terese
7. Jessica Arevalo
8. Narmin Assria
9. Leigh Brandt
10. Joy Grajo
11. Nikola Weiterova
12. Kelsie Burgin
13. Christie Marquez
14. Francesca Yumul
15. Nicole Witbeck
16. Amy Allen
16. Angela Skeels
16. Anna Lee Van Hatten
16. Iveth Carreon
16. Jennifer Dietrick
16. Marisol Lara
16. Noy Alexander
16. Rachelle Dejean
16. Theresa Byrne

See the complete scorecard on NPCnewsonline.com.

Candice Keene was able to keep her conditioning while traveling to Australia just one week after winning the Figure International. Candice took top honors and in doing so dethroned the reigning Aussie Figure champ, Erin Stern. Erin finished in second with Candice Lewis in third. Rounding out the top five was Mallory Haldeman and Rinnah Schmid. The top four were consistent with last week’s Figure International placings. This show was Rinnah Schmid’s IFBB pro debut.

View photos from the show here.

2013 Australia Pro Figure Results:
1. Candice Keene
2. Erin Stern
3. Candice Lewis
4. Mallory Haldeman
5. Rinnah Schmid
6. Amanda Doherty
7. Yoko Washington
8. Asher Prior
9. Laura Keddi
10. Summer Bernard
11. Darlene Escano
12. Kristy Thompson
13. Nuria Novoa

The IFBB Pro Bikini trio of India Paulino, Nathalia Melo and Nicole Nagrani were expected to be your front-runners at the 2013 Australian Pro. The ladies delivered and took the top three spots however there was a shift from last week’s Bikini International. Keeping her winning streak alive and despite appearing a bit softer than last week, India was crowned the winner. This was the first year for the Pro Bikini division at this show. Paulino edged out Nicole Nagrani who had to settle for second.

Nicole was third at the Bikini International last week. Nathalia Melo ended up in third and those in attendance thought said she was a bit more muscular in her legs than the other two. It’s a similar look to what she brought to the Olympia stage in 2012, where she was crowned Ms. Bikini Olympia. It’s a reminder that you never know where you’ll end up given a different set of judges on any given day. Rounding out the top spots were Pollianna Moss in fourth and Rhiannon Harris in fifth. Pollianna won her pro debut at the 2012 Toronto show and continues to be a top five contender in each show. Rhiannon Harris represented Australia and the 5th place finish is the highest in her pro competitive career.

View contest photos here.

2013 Australia Pro Bikini Results:
1. India Paulino
2. Nicole Nagrani
3. Nathalia Melo
4. Pollianna Moss
5. Rhiannon Harris
6. Jessica Pendergrast
7. Amy Wright
8. Nina Silic

lead image via bbcom