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Inergetics and Muscle Maker Grill Launch New Product Line of Booster Supplements


Inergetics and Muscle Maker Grill Launch New Product Line of Booster Supplements
NEWARK, N.J., May 19, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — Inergetics, Inc. (OTCBB: NRTI), a world-class developer of nutritional and consumer health products, today announced the launch of a new product line of booster supplements at Muscle Maker Grill locations across the U.S.

The Muscle Maker Grill booster supplements are intended to meet the growing consumer demand for customized smoothies and protein shakes as well as help Muscle Maker Grill franchisees expand their drink menu and profitability.

“We are excited to grow our partnership with Muscle Maker Grill, the leading fast casual chain that shares our company’s focus on promoting health and fitness,” said Jim Kras, CMO of Inergetics. “This new product line will allow Muscle Maker Grill to sell its branded booster products as a retail item direct to consumers opening a whole new sales channel for the franchisees.”

Inergetics will continue to support the new product offerings with free in-store promotional materials.

About Inergetics, Inc.
Inergetics’ portfolio of brands includes: Martha Stewartâ„¢ Essentials, a complete line of NSF® Certified, whole-food-based supplements created specifically for women; Surgex® Sports Nutrition, the preferred nutritional supplement of Army Sports; Bikini Ready®, a leader in active lifestyle solutions; SlimTrim, the affordable, premium value diet brand; OmEssentials®, a line of scientifically advanced nutritional supplements designed to further the health and wellness of yoga practitioners and active individuals; and Nuliefâ„¢, a line of Cannabidiol (CBD)-based nutritional supplements. Inergetics’ brands are available domestically and internationally at thousands of premier locations including Akins, Bed Bath & Beyond, Bi-Lo, Cardinal Health, Discount Drug Mart, Drug Emporium, Fruth Pharmacy, H-E-B, Harmon, Harris Teeter, Harveys, Ingles, Lewis Drugs, Meijer, Navarro Pharmacies, Price Chopper, PriceSmart, Schnucks Markets, ShopRite, Walgreens, Weis Markets, Whole Foods and Winn-Dixie as well as leading e-tailers such as Amazon, Bodybuilding.com, Bulu Box, CVS.com, Drugstore.com, iHerb, LuckyVitamin.com, Swanson, Vitacost and Zulily.

To learn more about Inergetics, visit www.inergetics.com, and the Inergetics brands’ websites at: www.marthastewartessentials.com, www.surgexsports.com, www.surgexsportsblitz.com, www.slimtrim1.com, www.bikinireadylifestyle.com, www.kahunasands.com, www.omessentials.com, and www.nuliefcbd.com.

About Muscle Maker Grill
Muscle Maker Grill is one of the country’s fastest-growing franchises with 57 units in New Jersey, New York and Florida. Muscle Maker Grill has sold 200 units nationwide to date. It enjoys food service sales from its large menu of low-calorie, protein-packed healthful fare, as well as retail sales of protein supplements and packaged foods from retail sections within each restaurant. The chain’s management seeks our restaurant sites inside or near to health clubs and fitness centers, which puts Muscle Maker in proximity to its target customer base-consumers committed to healthy lifestyles. To learn more about Muscle Maker Grill, visit www.musclemakergrill.com.

Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, including, without limitation, those with respect to the objectives, plans and strategies of Inergetics set forth herein and those preceded by or that include the words “believes,” “expects,” “given,” “targets,” “intends,” “anticipates,” “plans,” “projects,” “forecasts,” or similar expressions, are “forward-looking statements.” Although Inergetics’ management believes that such forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot guarantee that such expectations are, or will be, correct. These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties, which could cause Inergetics’ future results to differ materially from those anticipated. Inergetics assumes no obligation to update any of the information contained or referenced in this press release.

SOURCE Inergetics, Inc.



2015 IFBB New York Pro Results


2015 IFBB New York Pro Results for Figure, Bikini, Women’s Physique, Men’s Physique, Open Men’s Bodybuilding and Men’s 212 Bodybuilding. The event was held on Sunday, May 10th in Teaneck, NJ. The winners of each division qualified for the 2015 Olympia held later this year in Las Vegas.

2015 IFBB New York Pro Figure Results
1. Latorya Watts
2. Allison Frahn
3. Andrea Cantone
4. Bethany Wagner
5. Chioma Uwasomba
6. Andrea Paynter
7. Georgina Lona
8. Kimberly Jones
9. Megan Olson
10. Sheila Forjuoh
11. Vivien Olah
12. Amy Puglise
13. Susana Garcia
14. Julie Mayer
15. Maria Scotland
16. Andrea Calhoun
16. Amber Crowder
16. Jennifer Everson
16. Sarah Fechter
16. Ester Gozhansky
16. Marlissa Jordan
16. Olga Karavayeva
16. Sophie Lagace
16. Katie Luna
16. Monique Norval
16. Marie Ong-Allegro
16. Rinnah Schmid
16. Diana Schnaidt
16. Rebecca Schubeck
16. Linda Stephens
16. Susetty Tabash
16. Katerina Tarbox
16. Yolanda Tillman
DNF Beckie Boddie

2015 IFBB New York Pro Bikini Results
1. India Paulino
2. Stephanie Mahoe
3. Courtney King
4. Bianca Berry
5. Angeles Burke
6. Katherine Ampolini
7. Vladimira Krasova
8. Elia Fernandez
9. Jamie Del Angel
10. Francesca Lauren
11. Casey Samsel
12. Lorena Bucio
13. Callie Bundy
14. Ashriel Osgood
15. Joanne Holden
16. Michelle Ackerman
16. Yarishna Ayala Otero
16. Ana Rita Contreras
16. Anna Kiseleva
16. Jeanette Kolonias
16. Liana Moroz
16. Francine Slobodnik

2015 IFBB New York Pro Women’s Physique Results
1. Michelle Cummings
2. Gloria Faulls
3. Jennifer Hernandez
4. Tamee Marie
5. Ayanna Carroll
6. Fabiola Boulanger
7. Jessica Gaines
8. Marcia Simmons
9. Heather Grace
10. Margarita Charaim
11. Jillian Reville
12. Mascha Tieken
13. Loana Muttoni
14. Roxanne Edwards
15. Tracy Hess
16. Orlandina Balan
16. Olga Beliakova
16. Laurie Davies
16. Cassandra Floyd
16. Nathalie Foreau
16. Jody Garland
16. Candrea Judd-Adams
16. Katerina Kyptova
16. Jehina Malik
16. Donna McGinn
16. Nadia Meyer
16. Geraldine Morgan
16. Miava Nelson
16. Jennifer Palazzo
16. Katie Sauter
16. Patricia Watson
DNF Dolly Lazarre

2015 IFBB New York Pro Men’s Bodybuilding Results
1. Juan Morel
2. Victor Martinez
3. Max Charles
4. Henri Pierre Ano
5. Grigori Atoyan
6. Clarence DeVis
7. Alexander Federov
8. Pablo Ayala Zayas
9. Derek Upshaw
10. Daniel Toth
11. Juan Carlos Graham

2015 IFBB New York Pro Men’s 212 Bodybuilding Results
1. Guy Cisternino
2. Kim Jun Ho
3. Marco Rivera
4. Jose Raul Sanchez Reyes
5. Chris Tuttle
6. Leonardo Pacheco
7. Shaun Clarida
8. Mboya Edwards
9. Wendell Floyd
10. Alison Maria
11. Javier Martinez

2015 IFBB New York Pro Men’s Physique Results
1. George Brown
2. Chase Savoie
3. Anton Antipov
4. Matthew Acton
5. Arash Rahbar
6. Geobanny Paula
7. Brandon Hendrickson
8. Darnell Moss
9. Daniel St. Peter
10. Dean Balabis
11. Michael Balan
12. A.J. Shukoori
13. John Nguyen
14. Nic Dennard
15. Chris Gurunlian
16. Sunny Akhigbe
16. Emmanuel Banks
16. Banner Budden
16. Folajaiye Dania
16. Michael Feeks
16. Andre Ferguson
16. Logan Franklin
16. Joseph Gass
16. William Gregory
16. Frank Griffin
16. Denis Gusev
16. Justin Hassan
16. Michael Hughes-Lewis
16. Ryan John Baptiste
16. Shane Makan
16. Matthew Masotti
16. Martin Mester
16. Chris Mosher
16. Musin Nasir
16. George O’Banyoun
16. Lorenzo Orozco
16. Sharif Reid
16. Steven Rogers
16. Ani Saliasi
16. Tim Santiago
16. Sean Sapera
16. Eduard Seferi
16. Stephan Talamo
16. David Velazquez



2015 IFBB New York Pro Competitors


The 2015 New York Pro will showcase over 150 IFBB Pro League competitors on Sunday, May 10th. The event will play host to the Bikini, Figure, Women’s Physique, Men’s Physique, Men’s 212 Bodybuilding and Men’s Open Bodybuilding divisions. This year’s event will move to Teaneck, New Jersey.

As of May 5th these are your lineups, the are subject to change.

2015 IFBB New York Pro Bikini Competitors
Teaneck, New Jersey – May 10, 2015
1. Michelle Ackerman
2. Katherine Ampolini
3. Yarishna Ayala Otero
4. Bianca Berry
5. Lorena Bucio
6. Callie Bundy
7. Angeles Burke
8. Ana Rita Contreras
9. Jamie Del Angel
10. Elia Fernandez
11. Melissa Haywood
12. Joanne Holden
13. Courtney King
14. Anna Kiseleva
15. Jennette Kolonias
16. Vladimira Krasova
17. Francesca Lauren
18. Stephanie Mahoe
19. Liana Moroz
20. Ashriel Osgood
21. India Paulino
22. Casey Samsel
23. Francine Slobodnik

2015 IFBB New York Pro Women’s Physique Competitors
Teaneck, New Jersey – May 10, 2015
1. Orlandina Balan
2. Olga Beliakova
3. Fabiola Boulanger
4. Ayanna Carroll
5. Margarita Charaim
6. Michelle Cummings
7. Laura Davies
8. Roxanne Edwards
9. Gloria Faulls
10. Cassandra Floyd
11. Nathalie Foreau
12. Jessica Gaines
13. Jody Garland
14. Heather Grace
15. Jennifer Hernandez
16. Tracy Hess
17. Candrea Judd Adams
18. Katerina Kyptova
19. Dolly Lazarre
20. Jehina Malik
21. Tamee Marie
22. Donna McGinn
23. Nadia Meyer
24. Geraldine Morgan
25. Loana Muttoni
26. Miava Nelson
27. Jennifer Palazzo
28. Jillian Reville
29. Katie Sauter
30. Marcia Simmons
31. Masha Tieken
32. Patricia Watson

2015 IFBB New York Pro Figure Competitors
Teaneck, New Jersey – May 10, 2015
1. Beckie Boddie
2. Andrea Calhoun
3. Andrea Cantone
4. Amber Crowder
5. Jennifer Everson
6. Sarah Fechter
7. Sheila Forjuoh
8. Allison Frahn
9. Susana Garcia
10. Ester Gozhansky
11. Kimberly Jones
12. Marlissa Jordan
13. Olga Karayeva
14. Sophie Lagace
15. Georgina Lona
16. Katie Luna
17. Julie Mayer
18. Monique Norval
19. Vivien Olah
20. Megan Olson
21. Marie Ong-Allegro
22. Andrea Paynter
23. Amy Puglise
24. Rinnah Schmid
25. Diana Schnaidt
26. Rebecca Schubeck
27. Maria Scotland
28. Linda Stephens
29. Susetty Tabash
30. Katrina Tarbox
31. Yolanda Tillman
32. Chioma Uwasomba
33. Bethany Wagner
34. Latorya Watts

2015 IFBB New York Pro Men’s Physique Competitors
Teaneck, New Jersey – May 10, 2015
1. Sunny Akhigbe
2. Anton Antipov
3. Dean Balabis
4. Michael Balan
5. Emmanuel Banks
6. Banner Budden
7. Folajaiye Dania
8. Nic Dennard
9. Michael Feeks
10. Andre Ferguson
11. Logan Franklin
12. Joseph Gass
13. William Gregory
14. Frank Griffin
15. Chris Gurunlian
16. Denis Gusev
17. Justin Hassan
18. Brandon Hendrickson
19. Michael Hughes-Lewis
20. Ryan John Baptiste
21. Shane Makan
22. Matthew Masotti
23. Martin Mester
24. Chris Mosher
25. Darnell Moss
26. Mushin Nasir
27. John Nguyen
28. George O’Banyoun
29. Geobanny Paula
30. Arash Rahbar
31. Sharif Reid
32. Ani Saliasi
33. Daniel St. Peter
34. Tim Santiago
35. Sean Sapera
36. Chase Savoie
37. Eduard Seferi
38. A.J. Shukoori
39. Stephen Talamo
40. David Velazquez

2015 IFBB New York Pro Men’s 212 Bodybuilding Competitors
Teaneck, New Jersey – May 10, 2015
1. Guy Cisternino Jr.
2. Shaun Clarida
3. Mboya Edwards
4. Wendell Floyd
5. Kim Jun Ho
6. Alison Maria
7. Javier Martinez
8. Leonardo Pacheco
9. Marco Rivera
10. Jose Raul Sanchez Reyes
11. Steve Silverman
12. Chris Tuttle

2015 IFBB New York Pro Men’s Bodybuilding Competitors
Teaneck, New Jersey – May 10, 2015
1. Henri Pierre Ano
2. Grigori Atoyan
3. Pablo Ayala Zayas
4. Max Charles
5. Juan Carlos Graham
6. Clarence DeVis
7. Alexander Federov
8. Juan Morel
9. Jose Raul Sanchez Reyes
10. Daniel Toth
11. Derek Upshaw

Visit bevfrancis.com for more information.



American Media Inc. Sells SHAPE & Other Women’s Magazine Titles to Meredith Corp.


Meredith buys SHape It’s no secret that print magazines have been faced with many challenges, especially in the fitness industry. As advertisers move their ad dollars to online and social media avenues, print magazines have struggled. We’ve seen the number of issues reduced, paper quality dropped and many times the same photos and articles are being recycled. Fitness magazines are often their own worst enemies. It’s not that print is dying, it’s more the case of magazine failing to offer something unique and fresh.

Today Meredith Corporation announced it has acquired popular women’s fitness magazine, SHAPE from American Media Inc (AMI). Meredith has acquired not only print but also the digital assets to Shape, Natural Health and Fit Pregnancy brands. Meredith will begin publishing SHAPE with the May 2015 issue and combine it with their existing Fitness magazine. Fitness magazine will no longer be printed but its website will continue to operate separately from SHAPE’s website. Subscribers of Fitness magazine will be receiving SHAPE with the May issue. Meredith will stop printing Fit Pregnancy and Natural Health magazines but will continue with an online presence with both titles.

The news of this sale could be foreshadowing with other AMI titles. Don’t be surprised to see Men’s Fitness, Muscle & Fitness, Muscle & Fitness HERS and/or Flex sold this year. It wouldn’t be shocking to see Muscle & Fitness HERS cease to exist sooner than later. The writing is on the wall, in my opinion, when Meredith purchased the three other brands in AMI’s Women’s Active Lifestyle Group but not HERS. Meredith likely saw little value in the HERS assets and opted not to acquire them. The only other option for HERS is to be packaged with big brother Muscle & Fitness magazine and attempt to sell them together.

**Update**
The New York Post is reporting the sale of SHAPE, Fit Pregnancy and Natural Health was for “$60 million in cash, plus future profit-sharing” according to their sources.

NEWS RELEASE:

Meredith To Acquire Popular Shape Brand From American Media
Merging Fitness Magazine into Shape to Create Leading Media Brand in Women’s Active Lifestyle Category
NEW YORK and DES MOINES, Iowa, Jan. 28, 2015 — Meredith Corporation (NYSE:MDP, www.meredith.com), the leading media and marketing company serving more than 100 million unduplicated American women, announced today that it has reached an agreement to acquire Shape magazine and the digital assets of the Shape, Natural Health, and Fit Pregnancy brands from American Media (AMI).

Meredith introduces an updated market positioning and logo that reflect the strength of Meredith’s national and local consumer media brands as well as its expanded portfolio of marketing solutions.

Meredith will begin producing Shape magazine with the May 2015 issue, with current readers of Shape and Meredith’s Fitness magazine receiving the new and enhanced Shape magazine. Shape will have a rate base of 2.5 million, an increase of 60 percent from its current level of 1.6 million. The Shape and Fitness websites sites will continue to operate as separate digital destinations, with a combined reach of almost 7 million unduplicated unique monthly visitors.

“The acquisition of Shape establishes Meredith as the leader in the women’s active lifestyle media category,” said National Media Group President Tom Harty. “It increases our reach among millennial women to over 23 million, creating an unmatched opportunity for advertisers to connect with this highly-valued audience across multiple media channels.”
Shape magazine covers exercise, beauty, nutrition, health, fashion, wellness, and other lifestyle topics to help women lead a healthier, active lifestyle. It is the category leader and has a median household income of $87,000 and median age of 39, the youngest in the category.

Tom Witschi, President of the Meredith Women’s Lifestyle Group, will oversee the new brands. The digital brands and related assets will report to Jon Werther, President, Meredith Digital. In addition, Galvanized LLC will be working with Meredith on the newly combined Shape and Fitness.

“We’re excited that David Zinczenko and his team from Galvanized will continue to oversee the editorial and brand vision for Shape to ensure stability and continued quality throughout the transition,” Witschi said. “David has been the acting Editorial Director for Shape at AMI, and he and his team bring an unsurpassed expertise in the healthy, active lifestyle field, as demonstrated by their success in building Men’s Health; the launch of Women’s Health; and the recent award-winning re-launch of Men’s Fitness.”

“As Shape joins Meredith’s Women’s Lifestyle Group, it is poised to build upon it’s extraordinary position as the category leader in both ad pages and circulation to deepen connections with its audience, while reaching out to new ones,” said David J. Pecker Chairman and CEO AMI. “We couldn’t be more proud of the work of the editors and publishers who have helped build Shape into the industry-leader it is today, and I look forward to seeing it continue its remarkable success at Meredith in the years ahead.”

Financial terms were not disclosed. The transaction will be accretive to Meredith’s fiscal 2015 financial performance. Meredith will provide more detail when it reports its fiscal 2015 second quarter results on January 28, 2015.

The acquisition of Shape is the latest in a series of acquisitions, launches and alliances for Meredith’s National Media Group including:
• A 10-year licensing agreement with Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia to acquire the rights to Martha Stewart Living, Martha Stewart Weddings and www.marthastewart.com media properties.

• The launch of the award-winning Allrecipes magazine, which followed the acquisition of Allrecipes.com. Last week Meredith raised the rate base of Allrecipes to 1.1 million.

• The acquisition of leading digital destinations, including the growing website www.mywedding.com and native and engagement-based digital advertising leaders Selectable Media.

Additionally, over the last three years, Meredith has acquired the Eating Well, Family Fun, Every Day with Rachael Ray, Parenting and Baby Talk brands. In spring of 2015, Meredith plans to launch Parents Latina, an English-language magazine with a ratebase of 700,000 targeting millennial Hispanic moms.

“We continue to strengthen our focus on the important areas of home, family, food and health,” said Meredith Chairman and CEO Steve Lacy. “This acquisition strengthens our portfolio in both the print and digital space, and is consistent with our Total Shareholder Return strategy to pursue investments that scale our business and increase shareholder value.”
Meredith has also been executing a strategy to expand its broadcast television footprint. In the last year, Meredith’s Local Media Group has completed or announced the acquisition of television stations in Phoenix, St. Louis, Mobile-Pensacola and Springfield (Mass.).

“We continue to look for strategic acquisitions, partnerships and investment opportunities like these to expand our reach and create additional shareholder value,” said Meredith Chief Development Officer John Zieser.

ABOUT MEREDITH CORPORATION
Meredith Corporation (NYSE: MDP; www.meredith.com) has been committed to service journalism for more than 110 years. Today, Meredith uses multiple distribution platforms – including broadcast television, print, digital, mobile and video – to provide consumers with content they desire and to deliver the messages of its advertising and marketing partners.
Meredith’s National Media Group reaches an audience of over 230 million monthly, including 100 million unduplicated women and 60 percent of American millennial women. Meredith is the leader in creating content across media platforms in key consumer interest areas such as food, home, parenthood and health through well-known brands such as Better Homes and Gardens, Parents and Allrecipes. The National Media Group features robust brand licensing activities, including over 3,000 SKUs of branded products at 4,000 Walmart stores across the U.S. Meredith Xcelerated Marketing is a leader at developing and delivering custom content and customer relationship marketing programs for many of the world’s top brands.
Meredith’s Local Media Group includes 17 owned or operated television stations reaching 11 percent of U.S. households. Meredith’s portfolio is concentrated in large, fast-growing markets, with seven stations in the nation’s Top 25 – including Atlanta, Phoenix, St. Louis and Portland – and 13 in Top 50 markets.
Meredith’s balanced portfolio consistently generates substantial free cash flow, and Meredith is committed to growing Total Shareholder Return through dividend payments, share repurchases and strategic business investments. Meredith’s current annualized dividend of $1.73 per share yields approximately 3.5 percent. Meredith has paid a dividend for 67 straight years and increased it for 21 consecutive years.

SOURCE Meredith Corporation



2014 DJ Earworm Mashup – United State of Pop


dj-earworm

DJ Earworm’s 2014 Mashup of Billboard’s Top 25 is more mellow than we’ve heard in the past. The 2009 version was more upbeat. What does that say about our top music of today? I’m not sure but it’s still an impressive job of mashing the top songs by DJ Earworm.

DJ Earworm Mashup – United State of Pop 2014 (Do What You Wanna Do)
A mashup of the 25 biggest hits during 2014 in the U.S. featuring:

A Great Big World feat. Christina Aguilera – Say Something
Ariana Grande feat. Iggy Azalea – Problem
Bastille – Pompeii
Dj Snake & Lil Jon – Turn Down For What
Hozier – Take Me to Church
Idina Menzel – Let It Go
Iggy Azalea feat. Charli XCX – Fancy
Iggy Azalea feat. Rita Ora – Black Widow
Jason Derulo feat. 2 Chainz – Talk Dirty
Jeremih feat. YG – Don’t Tell ‘Em
Jessie J feat. Ariana Grande & Nicki Minaj – Bang Bang
John Legend – All Of Me
Katy Perry feat. Juicy J – Dark Horse
Lorde – Team
Magic! – Rude
Maroon 5 – Animals
Meghan Trainor – All About That Bass
Nico & Vinz – Am I Wrong
One Direction – Story of My Life
Passenger – Let Her Go
Pharrell Williams – Happy
Pitbull feat. Ke$ha – Timber
Sam Smith – stay with me
Taylor Swift – Shake It Off
Tove Lo – Habits

image via youtube



Meet ALEX.


alex bottle

If you’re like me you probably have more than one water bottle in your cupboard or in your car. So why would you need another one? Meet Alex. ALEX isn’t your average bottle. It’s like a stylish transformer of awesomeness. The concept is pretty simple but amazing. I heard about ALEX through world-class snowboarder, Gretchen Blelier and decided to check it out. After reading more about the ALEX bottle, I became “a backer”. It was the first time I’d backed anything on Kickstarter so I was a little apprehensive but the process was super easy and painless.

The original goal was $50,000 on Kickstarter but that number has been crushed. Over 2,450 people have backed the ALEX bottle and pledged over $126,000 with just five days to go.

ALEX stands for something.
A devious do-gooder from the start, ALEX is an acronym for “Always Live Extraordinarily”. We believe that innovation with a conscience is an idea that people can get behind. By personifying ALEX, it becomes more than just a water bottle; it becomes a part of your family.

Mission In A Bottle.
ALEX is made by a small group of individuals who seek to improve the planet, one idea at a time. Our products reflect strong passions for creative design, functional integrity, and simplicity. If we ever successfully bottle the cosmos, you’ll be among the first to get a straw.

What’s ALEX made of?
ALEX may be really ridiculously good looking, but it’s what’s on the inside that counts. Made with 100% BPA Free premium grade stainless steel and a strap from 100% recycled water bottles, ALEX naturally attracts health conscious citizens of mother earth.

• BPA Free Premium Grade 304 Stainless Steel
• BPA FREE Polypropylene #5 Cap and Mid Body Band
• ALEX is top rack dishwasher safe
• Fits ice cubes, but not rapper Ice Cube
• Strap made from recycled plastic bottles
• Fits most cup holders and bike bottle cages
• Cap covers bottle lip Smoothie, powder drink and oatmeal friendly
• All sealing o-rings and gaskets made from Food Grade Silicone
• Conceived in the USA, Responsibly made in China

ALEX BOTTLE

Don’t wait. Get your ALEX bottle before the time expires and tell ’em HARDBODY sent ya. You won’t get any special deals but you’ll get a kick ass bottle.



The National Dog Show & A Bodybuilding Show… They’re Not That Different.


National Dog show

The Olympia is often referred to as the “Super Bowl” of bodybuilding and fitness. It showcases “the best of the best” in professional physique competition. Hundreds of pro competitors attempt to qualify for the event each year but few make it to the grand stage. Those who do make it to the Olympia stage often refer to it as one of, if not thee, highlight of their competitive career.

Countless sacrifices go into preparing for any competition  but the stakes are always higher at the Olympia. The total prize money (between all divisions) totaled over one million dollars. As you can imagine with that kind of cash on the line, the participants are laser focused heading into the event. While you’re out partying on a Friday night, Olympia competitors are hitting the gym or cooking their meals for the next day. When friends and family are having a beer at a wedding, they’re reaching for a jug of water. Cake? Forget about having any of that en route to the big dance. It requires extreme dedication, discipline and passion to compete at the Olympia level. Just ask anyone who has been on there and they’ll tell you what they gave up to pursue their passion.

A competitor’s nerves are higher and the pressure is on at the Olympia. It is at every competition but this event draws the attention of thousands across the world. They’ll be subjected to not only the judges’ opinions but also the media and fans. The event is shown live and free on bodybuilding.com but this year’s Olympia, the monumental 50th anniversary, was to be different. In addition to the live online stream it was going to be shown on the NBC Sports Network. It would mark the return of bodybuilding to television, something that hadn’t happened since 1984.

David J. Pecker, American Media Inc.(AMI) Chairman, President and CEO said in the June press release, “The Olympia Weekend is an extraordinary event that underscores the passion and commitment that every competitor brings to the stage, and the exhilaration of the more than forty thousand spectators that will attend this year’s event.”

NBC Sports Network (NBCSN) was to televise two 90-minute specials around the event in October. When people tuned into NBCSN on October 18th and again on October 25th they expected to see the Olympia. Instead viewers saw soccer or a car show during that time. On October 18th, fans were confused and inquired about it online. They thought maybe there was a scheduling change and/or they had the wrong time. When October 25th came and went with no Olympia broadcast on TV, fans went from confused to angry and pissed.

What happened to the Olympia and the broadcast not airing? It’s disappointing that this extraordinary event didn’t see the light of day on television. We’re all left in the dark as to why the historic 50th Olympia wasn’t show on the NBC network. No statement has been made by AMI or NBC. It wouldn’t change anything but I’m sure those who competed would like to know. It’s rewarding and validating to see your hard work showcased on television. But hey you can always tune into The National Dog Show on NBC.

Wait, what? What the hell does a bodybuilding show and a dog show have to do with one another? More than you might think.

The National Dog Show has been on NBC for over a decade so clearly the pooch patrol has a leg up on bodybuilding there. There were an estimated 20 million viewers for this year’s event. Clearly, if it hadn’t aired there would be some sort of explanation as to why but when bodybuilding’s biggest show doesn’t air nothing is mentioned.

The dog show features, “the leading canines from over 170 breeds (including the world’s largest, smallest and most exotic)”.

The Olympia Weekend showcases a variety of events but mainly the best bodies in the world, some of which are large and muscular while others are more tight and toned.

If you’ve ever watched a dog show you’ve probably wondered, “what the hell are they judging”? I know I did. It’s not all that different from watching a bodybuilding competition for the first time. Spectators in both events will likely pick their favorite(s). If you ask why,  you’ll get a variety of reasons. I like the Labrador retrievers in a dog show. Why? I had one when I was a kid and still partial to them today. They’re good looking, sporty, friendly and obedient. The person to my right may like the poodle because she saw one in a movie and the person to my left fancies the bulldog because Adam Sandler has one. The same holds true to a bodybuilding competition. Maybe the guy has nice abs and you were a fan of Marky Mark’s “Good Vibrations” music video. Ask someone else and they’ll pick the guy with the biggest arms because they like super heroes.

While I was watching The National Dog Show on NBC, it felt a lot like I was watching the “new breeds” of physique competition, i.e. Bikini and Men’s Physique. We’ll focus on the Bikini division. The dog show and a bikini competition showcase a variety of different looks and most are stunning. The dog handlers spend hours (and surely it’s not cheap) preparing for this big day. Just like the bikini competitors. They all look great but how could one win over the other?

I’ve been asked hundreds of times, why did she win and not the other gal? Great question. I have no idea. The bikini competitor I liked the best placed fifth and the one I thought wouldn’t be in the top five won. How do you explain it? Sure you can go down a list of rules and guidelines but will that change your opinion? Maybe but probably not. It didn’t for me when I watched the video explaining what the judges look for in the National Dog show.

After listening to David Frei, the host of the National Dog Show, it appears bikini competitors and dogs may get eerily similar feedback. Both are subjective and depend on who is judging on that day. How it might go when asking for feedback…

Bikini vs The National Dog Show Judges’Feedback.
Dog Show – The collar color was too big.
Bikini – Your suit didn’t fit you right.

Dog Show – The color of the collar was distracting.
Bikini – Your suit color didn’t flatter your body.

Dog Show – The trainer didn’t hold the leash tight enough.
Bikini – You didn’t come in tight enough.

Dog Show – The hair color wasn’t right.
Bikini – Your hair color didn’t work for your physique.

Dog Show – The dog’s hair was too short.
Bikini – Your hair is too short, you should grow it out.

Dog Show – The dog didn’t present well.
Bikini – You need to work on your presentation.

Dog Show – The eye shape wasn’t what it should be.
Bikini – Your eye shadow and makeup were not good.

Dog Show – The dog didn’t hold its stance properly.
Bikini – Your bent too far over when posing.

Dog Show – The dog didn’t stand square.
Bikini – You spread your legs too far apart when posing from the back.

Dog Show – The dog urinated on my foot.
Bikini – You crossed your legs and bent forward like you had to pee.

Dog Show – There’s no such thing as the perfect dog. Yours was the closest to it though.
Bikini – There’s no such thing as a perfect physique. You were the closest to it though.

Dog Show – The dog didn’t move it’s head like it was supposed to.
Bikini – You didn’t pop your booty out like you need to.

Dog Show – The dog looked dehydrated.
Bikini – You pulled too much water.

Dog Show – The dog wasn’t up to the standard for this breed.
Bikini – You’re too muscular, have you thought about doing Figure?

Dog Show – I had your dog in first but was overruled.
Bikini – I had you in first but was overruled.

See NBC… a bodybuilding/bikini show isn’t all the different from the National Dog show.

Just like in bodybuilding, at the dog show there can only be one “Best in Show”. Did everyone agree on the winner of the dog show? Likely not. They certainly didn’t at the Olympia. None-the-less congratulations to Nathan the Bloodhound, winner of the 2014 National Dog Show. You’re like…

The Phil Heath of Bodybuilding.
The Iris Kyle of Women’s Bodybuilding
The Nicole Wilkins of Figure.
The Ashley Kaltwasser of Bikini.
The Juliana Malacarne of Women’s Physique.
The Jeremy Buendia of Men’s Physique.

Since I’ve never been to a dog show I’m left to ponder…
• What do dogs eat backstage?
• Are dogs allowed water backstage?
• Do the dogs have to stay off their feet before heading out to judging?
• Are trainers and their dogs worried if there are enough mirrors backstage?
• Do dogs and their handler worry about what side of the stage they enter?
• Do dogs get treats and eat “bad food” after the show?
• Do the trainers get blamed if the dog doesn’t show well?
• Is the backstage at a dog show as chaotic and smelly as a bodybuilding show?
• Do trainers, significant other and fans at dog shows yell things like, “bullshit! She should be in the first comparison”? I’m guessing not.
• Do dog owners cry “politics” when their dog doesn’t win?
• Do dog fans think the show was a fixed because their favorite pooch didn’t win the “Best in show”? (Yes, I read some comments online saying just that.)
• If a dog is sponsored by a big brand do they get special treatment?
• Does a big social media following help a dog place better?
• Does it matter who the dog’s trainer is?
• Do dog handlers take all the credit for the win in their post show interviews?
• Do dogs get asked what show they are doing next?

If dogs can get two hours on tv, in a competition that few understand, is it too much to ask for Olympia competitors to get the same? After all they’re not that different.



All Women Sports Show “We Need to Talk” Airs on CBS Sports Network


NEW YORK (AP) — What perfect timing.

An all-women sports show premieres Tuesday night after weeks of NFL domestic violence cases dominating the headlines. Co-coordinating producer Emilie Deutsch has spent a lot of time listening to that male bastion of sports talk radio to prepare for the gig, and she marvels that “I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve heard someone say, ‘Well, I talked to my wife about this and my wife said this.'”

A core panel of a dozen female commentators will get to speak for themselves on “We Need to Talk,” which airs on cable channel CBS Sports Network. The weekly, hour-long, prime-time show is the first of its kind.

To Deutsch and fellow coordinating producer Suzanne Smith, the all-women cast makes it completely different than other sports programs — yet no different at the same time.

Smith notes that “The NFL Today” studio is next door to that of “We Need to Talk,” and she believes any of her 12 commentators could comfortably slide onto that set.

“They can talk the talk,” said Smith, the only woman currently producing or directing NFL games.

But CBS wouldn’t be doing the show unless its executives believed their talk would offer a different perspective.

“They bring their experiences as young girls, women, mothers, daughters to the topics,” said Deutsch, a vice president of features and original programming.

The main panelists are a mix of veteran broadcasters and former pro athletes. CBS is using five of its own announcers: Pro Football Hall of Fame honoree Lesley Visser; former Oakland Raiders CEO Amy Trask; sideline reporters Tracy Wolfson and Allie LaForce; and radio host Dana Jacobson. They are joined by reporter Andrea Kremer of NFL Network and HBO Sports, boxer Laila Ali, basketball stars Lisa Leslie and Swin Cash, swimmers Dara Torres and Summer Sanders, and tennis player Katrina Adams.

This is not a show specifically about women’s sports, unless they happen to be a major source of news. The domestic violence charges against star U.S. Soccer goalie Hope Solo will likely be discussed during Tuesday’s premiere — a subject that has received plenty of mainstream media attention in the context of the NFL’s handling of the Ray Rice case.

The first two planned segments Tuesday are on the league’s response to domestic violence allegations, hardly a stretch considering that has been by far the biggest sports story of the last month.

“(Viewers) are craving these women’s voices now more than ever before,” Smith said Monday.

“We Need to Talk” was announced in late August and in the works long before that. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell was facing criticism at the time for handing Rice a two-game suspension, but only later did the issue become massive national news when TMZ released video of the Baltimore running back assaulting his then-fiancee.

Goodell, who had since acknowledged that the initial punishment was too lenient, suspended Rice indefinitely after the Ravens released him.

“All these things happened that totally needed a women’s perspective also,” Leslie said. “You had men addressing abuse that’s happening to a woman. What do women think?”

Leslie also thinks, though, that she brings a perspective of a hardcore fan no different from the male sports talk radio hosts she loves to listen to in the car. The passion that makes her yell at the TV and decide to attend 7 a.m. church services so she can make it home in time to watch her favorite New England Patriots.

After the first two segments Tuesday, the premiere will turn to more on-the-field sports topics such as Derek Jeter’s retirement and the job security of Michigan football coach Brady Hoke. And there may very well be male guests in future weeks.

CBS has shown its commitment to the show by promoting it during hugely popular NFL and SEC broadcasts. Trask and Kremer will also appear on Tuesday’s “CBS This Morning” to plug it.

The audience for “We Need to Talk” will be limited, though, by the distribution for CBS Sports Network, which is in fewer than half of the country’s homes with televisions. The channel is not rated by Nielsen, so viewership numbers won’t be available.

Just the existence of the show is important to Deutsch, who respects Visser, Wolfson and LaForce’s work as sideline reporters but is frustrated that women aren’t in the booth on NFL games.

“It’s really time for women to have more of an opportunity,” Deutsch said, “than being relegated to three minutes during a three-hour football game.”

STATEMENTS FROM MEMEBERS OF THE “WE NEED TO TALK” TEAM
“I am so honored to be a part of a ground-breaking show that exemplifies knowledge and expertise in the world of sports with some of the most reputable and respected voices in the sports arena. There’s no better time than now to express our views as women in the sports world that represent such a large base of athletes and fans.” – Katrina Adams

“I am thrilled and honored to have a seat at the table for meaningful conversation with so many accomplished women in the sports world.” – Laila Ali

“As a passionate sports fan, as well as an athlete, I am excited to be a part of CBS Sports Network’s historic sports-focused program hosted entirely by women, especially at a time when the influence of women in sports has evolved to where it is today.” – Swin Cash

“I’m excited to be a part of the show. While the buzz may be about this being an all-female sports show, once we start talking, I have no doubt that what we’re saying, not the gender of who is saying it, is what will resonate most.” – Dana Jacobson

“When I first heard about the show, my reaction was ‘finally.’ I applaud CBS for taking this historic step and am flattered and grateful to join the stellar group of women on the CBS roster and beyond. I have known and worked alongside Lesley Visser and Amy Trask for virtually my entire career. It’s ironic that over the years we’ve had so many conversations that start out with, ‘We need to talk about…’ Now we all get to share our knowledge and opinions on the burning issues in sports in this unique new forum.” – Andrea Kremer

“As human beings, we have the opportunity every day to redefine the preconceived standards that others set for us. No one but ourselves can know what we are capable of achieving. This show gives women an opportunity to challenge the status quo and set higher standards for what we can achieve as broadcasters.” – Allie LaForce

“I am honored to join the CBS Sports family to inspire, entertain and deliver insight on a platform with amazing women doing what we do best – talk sports. I am excited to have the opportunity to be a part of such a ground-breaking show. Yet we cannot do it alone. We hope to have the support of men and women because it’s time, and ‘We Need To Talk!’” – Lisa Leslie

“Sports have always been a huge part of my life and my conversations. It is a thrill and an honor to be a part of this ground-breaking show. I am a competitor at heart, but a true sports fan to my core.” – Summer Sanders

“Being an Olympic Medalist was a team effort. So I am honored to be a part of CBS Sports’ WE NEED TO TALK cast of iconic women. Being part of a show with some of my broadcasting and sports idols is an honor.” – Dara Torres

“I am delighted to be part of this electrifying project. It is certainly fitting that such leading edge programming is being presented by this tremendous network. I look forward to collaborating with the many terrific people who are working on this innovative project, both in front and behind the camera.” – Amy Trask

“The sports world is in need of a show like this and there is no better place for it than CBS. I am so excited to be part of this project and working alongside these talented, knowledgeable women as we bring our view on all the hot topics in sports.” – Tracy Wolfson

Info provided by ap.org and cbspressexpress.com.



2014 Figure Olympia Results & Scores


2014 Figure Olympia

Nicole Wilkins won her 4th Figure Olympia title on Saturday night, something no other woman in the history of the division has done. She had been tied with Davana Medina, the inaugural champ, with three. Wilkins was the unanimous winner on the judges scoresheet with Candice Keene in second. Complete report coming but until then check out the photos from the show and complete results below.

2014 Figure Olympia Results
Las Vegas, Nevada
PLACING – NAME – SCORE
1. Nicole Wilkins – 10
2. Candice Keene – 20
3. Candice Lewis – 30
4. Ann Titone – 42
5. Latorya Watts – 43
6. Gennifer Strobo – 61
7. Julie Mayer – 68
8. Dana Ambrose – 82
9. Cydney Gillon – 93
10. Allison Frahn – 110
11. Alicia Coates – 114
12. Jessica Graham – 115
13. Camala Rodriguez – 117
14. Wendy Fortino – 136
15. Andrea Calhoun – 153
16. Krista Dunn – 158
17. Sasha Brown – 160
17. Karina Grau – 160
17. Natalia Revajova Lenartova – 160
17. Zsuzsanna Toldi – 160



2014 Figure Olympia Poll, Preview and Predictions


Figure Olympia

The 2014 Figure Olympia is upon us and 20 women will compete for the coveted crown of Figure Olympia champion. Nicole Wilkins will look to make history with a record-setting 4th win. Nicole won her first Olympia title in 2009, finished second in 2010 and reclaimed the title once again in 2011. In 2012 she was relegated to second once again and bounced back last year to claim her third title. The only other woman to win three titles was Davana Medina, so Nicole is in elite company as it is. Candice Keene will look for her first Olympia and is in the best position to upset the champ. Erin Stern was Nicole’s biggest nemesis but she has opted out of competing in this year’s event. There are a number of other women who could give Nicole a run for her money but can beat the champ? We’ll find out soon… Check out the preview of the show on bodybuilding.com and cast your vote for who you want to see win the Figure Olympia title.



Modified Covergirl “Get Your Game Face On” Photo


cover girl gameface photo

The Ray Rice domestic violence case continues to be a hot topic. The women’s advocacy group, UltraViolet is turning up the heat on the NFL’s commission Roger Goodell and the way he has handled the case. The group planned to fly banners reading @ultraviolet: #GoodellMustGo before the start of three NFL stadiums and one look at the hashtag #goodellMustGo you’ll see the movement is picking up momentum.


That created buzz but nothing quite like the image shared on social media. On Saturday, an image from CoverGirl’s NFL makeup line went viral. The image says, “Get Your Game Face On!” but was modified to look like the model had a black eye. No word on who is behind the photoshopped photo but it’s certainly creating a buzz. It appears this is the first tweet showing the shocking photo.


The website has a petition to ban Roger Goodell.

The commissioner of the NFL, Roger Goodell, has been caught in a despicable and disgusting lie and he must resign. He insisted that the NFL had asked for the hotel surveillance video of the horrific and brutal assault of Janay Rice, but had never seen it. However, news just broke that the law enforcement officials sent the NFL the video in April–and the NFL even acknowledged receiving it–a NFL employee was even quoted saying, “It’s terrible.” And shockingly, after watching Ray Rice beat his wife and knock her out cold, NFL executives still only suspended Rice for two games.

It’s horrendous–and completely undermines the NFL’s credibility. Calls for Goodell’s resignation are mounting–it’s time for him to go. Will you sign the petition?

Tell NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell:

“Resign immediately. Your failure to take domestic violence seriously is outrageous.”

photo via https://twitter.com/23Glick



Carrie Underwood & 11 NFL Players Star in “WAITING ALL DAY FOR SUNDAY NIGHT”


Opening SNF Theme Includes Peyton Manning, Eli Manning, Russell Wilson, Colin Kaepernick, Clay Matthews, LeSean McCoy & Philip Rivers
Carrie Underwood Records Special Opening Theme for NBC’s Telecast of Super Bowl XLIX

STAMFORD, Conn. – August 20, 2014 – Eleven NFL players will join six-time Grammy Award-winner and multi-platinum recording artist Carrie Underwood for her performance of “Waiting All Day for Sunday Night,” the opening theme for primetime television’s No. 1 program, Sunday Night Football on NBC.

After making her debut last season, Underwood returns in 2014 beginning with NBC’s first SNF broadcast of the 2014 NFL season as the Denver Broncos host the Indianapolis Colts. Coverage begins with Football Night in America at 7 p.m. ET, and the opening theme will continue each week of the season to kick off Sunday Night Football, culminating with a special opening theme for NBC’s broadcast of Super Bowl XLIX on February 1, 2015.

Eleven NFL players, who have accounted for 44 Pro Bowl selections, five Super Bowl rings, three Super Bowl MVP trophies and eight first-round draft picks (five in the top 10), will participate in the open (nine, denoted with an asterisk*, took part in a shoot this past June).

Following is the complete list:
New Orleans Saints TE Jimmy Graham*
San Francisco 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick*
Carolina Panthers LB Luke Kuechly*
New York Giants QB Eli Manning
Denver Broncos QB Peyton Manning
Chicago Bears WR Brandon Marshall*
Green Bay Packers LB Clay Matthews*
Philadelphia Eagles RB LeSean McCoy*
San Diego Chargers QB Philip Rivers*
Denver Broncos DE DeMarcus Ware*
Seattle Seahawks QB Russell Wilson*

Players who participated in this year’s SNF shoot provided some commentary on the set:

Philip Rivers on SNF: “It’s great to be a part of it, it really is. My children are all old enough now, and we all sit and watch it every week.”

Brandon Marshall on his SNF opening theme debut: “I’ve been waiting nine years to do this. It took you guys nine years, to give me a call, to finally do the open.”

LeSean McCoy on his vocal chops: “They might want me to replace Carrie Underwood…out of all the players, I’m definitely the best singer.”

SNF open veteran Clay Matthews: “This year they’ve got me stage diving and crowd surfing. It’s always something to look forward to.”

Luke Kuechly on preparing for his first SNF open shoot: “You know what I did last night? I watched the Sunday Night Football intros from the previous couple of years, and I was like…I like that.”

Jimmy Graham on his future in Hollywood: “I need my filming career to start today. Stunt guy, only. I don’t want to talk, you know?”

Colin Kaepernick: “I wasn’t singing, I was just going along with the words…”

LeSean McCoy, putting on his jersey for the shoot: “I don’t wanna mess up my makeup”

“Waiting All Day for Sunday Night” is set to the original Joan Jett song, “I Hate Myself for Loving You.”

Earlier this summer, NBC Sports Group produced for movie theatres a 2½-minute behind-the-scenes look at the making of this year’s SNF open. The cinema spot was viewed on more than 19,000 movie screens in theaters nationwide. To view the behind-the-scenes cinema spot, click here.

Underwood emerged from the promise of her 2005 American Idol win to become a true multi-format, multi-media superstar, spanning achievements in music, television, and film, where the six-time Grammy Award winner has amassed more than 95 major honors, sold more than 64 million records worldwide, and recorded 18 No. 1 singles, nine of which she co-wrote. Underwood was recognized as Pollstar’s Top Female Country Touring Artist for each of her headlining tours in 2008, 2010, and 2012. Her four albums, Some Hearts, Carnival Ride, Play On, and Blown Away – each certified multi-Platinum or Platinum – tallied 38 weeks at No 1 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart with songs that have now been streamed more than 800 million times worldwide.

A proud member of the Grand Ole Opry since 2008, Underwood last year became the musical voice of primetime television’s No 1 program, Sunday Night Football and starred as Maria von Trapp in the three-hour, holiday blockbuster and Emmy-winning, The Sound of Music Live!, which attracted 44 million viewers.

SNF NO. 1 PRIMETIME PROGRAM ON TELEVISION FOR 3 YEARS RUNNING: For the third consecutive September-May television season, NBC’s Sunday Night Football finished as the No. 1 show in primetime in household rating, viewership and the coveted Adult 18-49 demographic, based on live plus same day data from The Nielsen Company (September-May). This marks the only three times on record that a sports series has been the highest-rated and most-watched show of the primetime TV season. For the 2013-2014 primetime television season, Sunday Night Football ranked as the highest-rated (12.8), most-watched show (21.7 million, viewers 2+), and the No. 1 broadcast program across the key demographics of Adults 18-49, 18-34, 25-54 as well as Men 18-49, 18-34 and 25-54 and Women 18-34 and 18-49.

2014 NBC SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
Thurs., Sept. 4 NFL Kickoff Green Bay Packers at Seattle Seahawks
Sun., Sept. 7 Week 1 Indianapolis Colts at Denver Broncos
Sun., Sept. 14 Week 2 Chicago Bears at San Francisco 49ers
Sun., Sept. 21 Week 3 Pittsburgh Steelers at Carolina Panthers
Sun., Sept. 28 Week 4 New Orleans Saints at Dallas Cowboys
*Sun. Oct. 5 Week 5 Cincinnati Bengals at New England Patriots
*Sun. Oct. 12 Week 6 New York Giants at Philadelphia Eagles
*Sun. Oct. 19 Week 7 San Francisco 49ers at Denver Broncos
*Sun. Oct. 26 Week 8 Green Bay Packers at New Orleans Saints
*Sun. Nov. 2 Week 9 Baltimore Ravens at Pittsburgh Steelers
*Sun. Nov. 9 Week 10 Chicago Bears at Green Bay Packers
*Sun. Nov. 16 Week 11 New England Patriots at Indianapolis Colts
*Sun. Nov. 23 Week 12 Dallas Cowboys at New York Giants
**Thurs.Nov. 2 7Week 13 Seattle Seahawks at San Francisco 49ers
*Sun. Nov. 30 Week 13 Denver Broncos at Kansas City Chiefs
*Sun. Dec. 7 Week 14 New England Patriots at San Diego Chargers
*Sun. Dec. 14 Week 15 Dallas Cowboys at Philadelphia Eagles
*Sun. Dec. 21 Week 16 Seattle Seahawks at Arizona Cardinals
*Sun. Dec. 28 Week 17 TBA
*Flex Week

** Thanksgiving Night Game

For more information about NBC Sports Group shows and properties, including press releases, photos, talent and executive bios and headshots, please visit NBCSportsGroupPressBox.com

–NBC SPORTS GROUP–



Female Fitness Stars Take the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge


ice bucket challenge

You’ve probably seen it at least once. A video of someone getting a bucket of ice or water dumped over them. What is this ice bucket challenge and why are people doing it?

It’s called the ALS ICE BUCKET CHALLENGE. ALS stands for Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and is often referred to as “Lou Gehrig’s Disease. The official website describes ALS as, “a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. Motor neurons reach from the brain to the spinal cord and from the spinal cord to the muscles throughout the body.”

Currently, there is only one drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat ALS, which only modestly extends survival by two to three months. Consequently, ALS is 100 percent fatal. In addition to acclimating to the challenges that come with losing control of voluntary muscle movement, people with the disease progressively lose their ability to eat, speak, walk, and eventually breathe.

How the challenge typically works is a participant dumps a bucket of ice or ice cold water over their head and donates money to ALS. If you accept the challenge the suggested donation is $10. If you opt out of dumped ice water over your head the suggested donation is $100. Obviously it’s up to each individual whether they take the challenge and donate or not. Those who accept the challenge are then asked to nominate three friends to do the same. ALS.org reports, “As of Monday, August 18, The ALS Association has received $15.6 million in donations compared to $1.8 million during the same time period last year (July 29 to August 18).”

Of course, there are going to be people complaining about the videos. If you’re on Facebook or twitter you’ve likely seen people say things like “we’re in a drought” and “stop wasting water” as a response to the videos. I’m fairly certain people are being far more wasteful than dumping a bucket of ice water over their heads and creating awareness for a good cause. Instead of bitching about the videos and people “making it all about themselves” educate others on what it’s about and why it’s worthwhile. Even if you don’t participate it’s part of a great good and there’s nothing wrong with sharing positivity.

Before you complain about raising awareness for ALS watch this video of Steve Saling who suffers from ALS.

Here’s an on-going collection of some Fitness Stars who have taken the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. See more on youtube and use #icebucketChallenge throughout your social media to help raise awareness for this devastating disease. You can donate here.

Jennie Finch, Olympic Gold Medalist

Ronda Rousey, UFC Champion

Gabrielle Reece, Pro Volleyball Player

Celeste Bonin, Former WWE Champ aka Kaitlyn

Dana Linn Bailey, Women’s Physique Olympia Showdown Winner

Nicole Wilkins, 3x Figure Olympia Champion

Candice Keene, 2x Arnold Figure Champion

Jen Hendershott, Arnold & Olympia Fitness Champ

Jamie Eason Middleton, Cover Model / Fitness Spokesmodel

Whitney Jones, Fitness Olympia Competitor

Candice Lewis-Carter, Figure Champ and her husband

Valerie Haines, Figure Pro

About The ALS Association
The ALS Association is the only national non-profit organization fighting Lou Gehrig’s Disease on every front. By leading the way in global research, providing assistance for people with ALS through a nationwide network of chapters, coordinating multidisciplinary care through Certified Treatment Centers of Excellence, and fostering government partnerships, The Association builds hope and enhances quality of life while aggressively searching for new treatments and a cure. For more information about The ALS Association, visit our website at www.alsa.org.



Hormel Foods to Acquire CytoSport, Makers of Muscle Milk


cytosport sold

CytoSport® To Be Acquired By Hormel Foods Corporation
BENICIA, Calif., June 30, 2014 /PRNewswire/ –-CytoSport®, one of the largest sports nutrition companies in the United States and the makers of Muscle Milk®, announced today that it will be acquired by Hormel Foods Corporation (NYSE: HRL), creating one of the foremost protein and sports nutrition brand platforms with extensive domestic and international reach. As a leading provider of premium protein products in the sports nutrition category, CytoSport’s brands align with Hormel Food’s focus on protein while further diversifying its portfolio and broadening the appeal to younger consumers. The acquisition also enhances the resourcesand capabilities for CytoSport to further develop as an industry leader in innovation, consumer experience, marketing, sales, retailer relationships and distribution on a multinational scale. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including the receipt of regulatory approvals in the United States, and is expected to close within 30 days.

CytoSport was founded in 1998 by father-son duo Greg and Mike Pickett, and has remained a family-operated business from its inception. The company produces a complete line of sports nutrition products, including powders, shakes and bars under the Muscle Milk® brand. The Pickett family will remain committed to the company’s growth and will continue to be involved in day-to-day operations.

“We are excited for the future of the company and are fully confident that aligning our team’s knowledge and experience in the sports nutrition world with the incredibly robust global strategies of Hormel Foods, will help the company establish an even stronger portfolio of brands and products,” said CytoSport Chairman and Founder Greg Pickett. “Over the last 15 years we’ve developed one of the strongest brands in the industry and built an entirely new protein beverage category with Muscle Milk. This next step in the company’s growth story will enable CytoSport to continue its leadership role in the industry and be a part of a global company with greater resources. My family is extremely proud of where the company sits today and grateful to the passionate people who have been a part of this extraordinary adventure.”

TSG Consumer Partners, CytoSport’s strategic equity partner, is also selling its stake in the company. “We are fortunate to have partnered with the Pickett family and the management team to help drive the company’s success over the last seven years,” said Brian Krumrei, Managing Director at TSG Consumer Partners. “During this period, Muscle Milk has established a leading position in the protein beverage category and sales have more than quadrupled. This transaction represents an exceptional outcome for CytoSport, TSG Consumer Partners and Hormel Foods. We look forward to watching the company’s continued success under new ownership.”

CytoSport and Hormel Foods share strong corporate values and are passionate about making a difference in the lives of consumers and active lifestyle enthusiasts in local communities throughout the United States and the world. The acquisition will allow for further community investment and growth through the sports nutrition and food industries.

“We view this new opportunity as a tremendous way to expand the CytoSport brand presence on the global scale and align with a company that shares our commitment to employees and consumers,” said CytoSport Co-Founder Mike Pickett. “With the support from a multinational company like Hormel Foods, the entire CytoSport team is confident in the direction of the brands and look forward to continuing to share the brands’ experiences with consumers around the country and the world.”

Credit Suisse is serving as the exclusive financial advisor to CytoSport in connection with this transaction while Dean Bradley Osborne Partners has represented the Pickett family.

About CytoSport®
CytoSport®, Inc. is one of the largest sports nutrition companies in the United States and provides high quality nutritional products to help athletes and active lifestyle individuals achieve their peak performance potential. The company was founded in 1998 by father and son duo Greg and Mike Pickett, and operates its NSF International GMP for Sport’ registered facility at its headquarters in Benicia, Calif.The CytoSport team is dedicated to working with sports scientists, coaches and trainers to redefine protein-enhanced products to promote workout recovery, lean muscle growth and sustained energy. CytoSport helps in building athletes from the inside out’ with a complete line of powders, shakes and bars, including the Muscle Milk® brand, an award-winning protein line used by professional athletes, collegiate athletic departments and fitness enthusiasts everywhere. CytoSport was named 2009 Small Company of the Year at the annual Beverage Forum presented by Beverage Magazine and Beverage Marketing Corporation and was named one of CircleUp25’s 2013 most innovative companies according to Forbes. In 2014, Fast Company listed CytoSport as one of the world’s top 10 most innovative companies in fitness.

About Hormel Foods
Hormel Foods Corporation, based in Austin, Minn., is a multinational manufacturer and marketer of consumer-branded food and meat products, many of which are among the best known and trusted in the food industry. The company leverages its extensive expertise, innovation and high competencies in pork and turkey processing and marketing to bring branded, value-added products to the global marketplace. The company is a member of the Standard & Poor’s (S&P) 500 Index, S&P Dividend Aristocrats for 2013, was named the 2013 Sustainable Supply Chain of the Year by Refrigerated & Frozen Foods magazine, and was again named one of “The 100 Best Corporate Citizens” by Corporate Responsibility Magazine for the sixth year in a row. Hormel Foods was recognized on the G.I. Jobs magazine list of America’s Top 100 Military Friendly Employers in 2012 and 2013, and named one of the 2014 40 Best Companies for Leaders by Chief Executive magazine. The company enjoys a strong reputation among consumers, retail grocers, foodservice and industrial customers for products highly regarded for quality, taste, nutrition, convenience and value. For more information, visit http://www.hormelfoods.com.

About TSG Consumer Partners LLC
TSG Consumer Partners LLC is a leading investment firm with over $2.9 billion in equity capital under management, focused exclusively on the branded consumer sector. Since its founding in 1987, TSG has been an active investor in the food, beverage, restaurant, beauty, personal care, household and apparel & accessories sectors. Representative past and present partner companies include vitaminwater, Smart Balance, popchips, Yard House, Smashbox Cosmetics, Pureology, e.l.f. cosmetics, Planet Fitness and Revolve. For more information please visit www.tsgconsumer.com.

SOURCE CytoSport

Hormel Foods to Acquire Maker of Muscle Milk Sports Nutrition Products
No. 1 Ready-to-Drink Protein Beverage Brand Expands Specialty Foods Portfolio

AUSTIN, MINN. — Hormel Foods Corporation (NYSE: HRL) today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire CytoSport Holdings, Inc., maker of Muscle Milk® products. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including the receipt of regulatory approvals in the United States, and is expected to close within 30 days.

As a leading provider of premium protein products in the sports nutrition category, CytoSport’s brands align with the company’s focus on protein while further diversifying the Hormel Foods portfolio.

Based in Benicia, Calif., CytoSport was founded in 1998 by the Pickett family, and produces Muscle Milk® products, the No. 1 brand in the ready-to-drink protein beverage category.

Total 2014 annual sales are expected to be approximately $370 million. The purchase price is approximately $450 million. Hormel Foods expects this acquisition to provide about 5 cents per share accretion in fiscal 2015, with a neutral impact to fiscal 2014 earnings, including transaction costs.

“Muscle Milk® products will serve as a growth catalyst for our Specialty Foods segment, providing this division with a leading brand in the high-growth sports nutrition category,” said Jeffrey M. Ettinger, chairman of the board, president and chief executive officer at Hormel Foods. “The acquisition of CytoSport expands our offerings of portable, immediate, protein-rich foods, and broadens our appeal with younger consumers. Muscle Milk® premium protein products further enhance our balanced business model.”

BofA Merrill Lynch is serving as exclusive financial advisor to Hormel Foods in connection with this transaction.

CONFERENCE CALL
A conference call will be webcast at 8:30 a.m. CT on Tuesday, July 1, 2014. Access is available at http://www.hormelfoods.com. If you do not have Internet access and want to listen to the call over the phone, the dial-in number is 888-587-0615 and the conference access code is 7709925. The audio replay is available by calling 888-203-1112 and entering access code 7709925. The audio replay will be available beginning at 11:30 a.m. CT on Tuesday, July 1, 2014, through 11:30 a.m. CT on Tuesday, July 8, 2014. The Webcast replay will be available at 11:30 a.m. CT, Tuesday, July 1, 2014, and archived for one year.

About Hormel Foods
Hormel Foods Corporation, based in Austin, Minn., is a multinational manufacturer and marketer of consumer-branded food and meat products, many of which are among the best known and trusted in the food industry. The company leverages its extensive expertise, innovation and high competencies in pork and turkey processing and marketing to bring branded, value-added products to the global marketplace. The company is a member of the Standard & Poor’s (S&P) 500 Index, S&P Dividend Aristocrats for 2013, was named the 2013 Sustainable Supply Chain of the Year by Refrigerated & Frozen Foods magazine, and was again named one of “The 100 Best Corporate Citizens” by Corporate Responsibility Magazine for the sixth year in a row. Hormel Foods was recognized on the G.I. Jobs magazine list of America’s Top 100 Military Friendly Employers in 2012 and 2013, and named one of the 2014 40 Best Companies for Leaders by Chief Executive magazine. The company enjoys a strong reputation among consumers, retail grocers, foodservice and industrial customers for products highly regarded for quality, taste, nutrition, convenience and value. For more information, visit http://www.hormelfoods.com.

Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains forward-looking information based on management’s current views and assumptions. Actual events may differ materially. Factors that may affect actual results include, but are not limited to: whether and when the required regulatory approvals will be obtained, whether and when the closing conditions will be satisfied and whether and when the transaction will close, whether and when the Company will be able to realize the expected financial results and accretive effect of the transaction, and how customers, competitors, suppliers and employees will react to the transaction. Please refer to the cautionary comments regarding Forward-Looking Statements and Risk Factors that appear on pages 32-38 in the company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 27, 2014, which can be accessed at http://www.hormelfoods.com under “Investors-SEC Filings” for other factors that could affect our business.

Source Business Wire.



2014 Olympia Will Be Televised on NBC Sports


Great news for Bodybuilding and Fitness fans! The 2014 Olympia contest will be shown on television. Something that hasn’t happened in THIRTY YEARS! American Media, Inc. and NBC Sports Group announced plans for two 90-minute televised features of the 50th Olympia. The specials will air on October 18 at 1:30pm EST and the second will be shown on October 25 at 5:30pm EST. The Olympia will be webcast live online at bodybuilding.com and will not air live on NBC Sports. The telecast will highlight a variety of aspects from the Olympia weekend and the main focus will likely be on the Mr. Olympia competition.

Olympia on TV

PRESS RELEASE:
American Media, Inc. (AMI) and NBC Sports Group today announced a partnership to televise the 2014 Mr. Olympia contest on NBCSN. The partnership will feature two 90-minute telecasts of the 50th annual Mr. Olympia where three-time champion Phil Heath will defend his title at Orleans Arena in Las Vegas.

“We are pleased to partner with NBC Sports Group to bring the excitement of the 2014 Mr. Olympia, and all of the events of Olympia Weekend, to a national television audience,” said AMI Chairman, President, and CEO David J. Pecker. “The Olympia Weekend is an extraordinary event that underscores the passion and commitment that every competitor brings to the stage, and the exhilaration of the more than forty thousand spectators that will attend this year’s event.”

The partnership brings the Mr. Olympia back to TV for the first time since 1984, when Lee Haney won his first of eight titles. NBCSN will televise two 90-minute specials around the event, the first on October 18 at 1:30 p.m. ET and the second on October 25 at 5:30 pm ET.

“We look forward to bringing the bodybuilding world’s most prestigious event back to television for its 50th annual contest,” said Lou Ferrer, Director, Programming Acquisitions, NBC Sports Group.

Each telecast will highlight various aspects of the Mr. Olympia competition, featuring some of the sport’s biggest stars including Kai Greene, Dennis Wolf, Branch Warren, and Mamdouh “Big Ramy” Elssbiay as they attempt to wrest the coveted title from defending champion Phil Heath. One of the most notable winners of the contest was a young Austrian bodybuilder named Arnold Schwarzenegger who was named Mr. Olympia in 1970 at 23 years-old. Schwarzenegger was the youngest competitor to claim the title, and went on to win seven titles in total (1970-1975, 1980).

“It is a great opportunity to have this year’s Olympia Weekend broadcast on NBCSN, exposing the sport to an even broader audience who will see what bodybuilding and fitness are all about and getting an up-close view of the larger-than-life personalities,” said Jim Manion IFBB Professional League President. “Not only will this help raise the sport to new heights by showcasing the hard work and passion of today’s superstars like reigning and three-time Mr. Olympia Phil Heath, number one challenger Kai Greene, Dennis Wolf, and Shawn Rhoden, it may even inspire a future Mr. Olympia.”

In addition to crowning Mr. Olympia, the telecasts will also showcase how the Mr. Olympia competition has grown from its humble beginnings in 1965 into a four-day exposition featuring the Fitness, Figure, and Bikini Olympia contests, men’s and women’s physique contests, and several other activities and events. Last year, more than 40,000 people passed through the doors for The Mr. Olympia Fitness and Performance Weekend.

The 2014 Mr. Olympia Fitness and Performance weekend takes place September 18-21 at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, NV. Tickets are available now at mrolympia.com or by calling 888-234-2334.

For Listings and the NBCSN Channel Finder, visit http://www.nbcsports.com/tv-listings.

About NBCSN:
NBCSN, part of the NBC Sports Group, is dedicated to serving passionate sports fans. Now in more than 85 million homes, the Emmy Award-winning network is the cable television home of the Summer and Winter Olympics, National Hockey League (NHL), Premier League, Formula One, Major League Soccer (MLS), IndyCar, Tour de France, the 34th America’s Cup, and beginning in 2015, NASCAR. In addition, NBCSN features college football, college basketball, college hockey, cycling, outdoor programming, horse racing surrounding the Triple Crown and Breeders’ Cup, Fight Night boxing, Ironman, the Dew Tour and USA Sevens Rugby. The network is also home to original programs such as Costas Tonight, NFL Turning Point, Pro Football Talk, The Dan Patrick Show, Sports Dash with Yahoo! Sports and NASCAR America. NBCSN is distributed via cable systems and satellite operators throughout the United States.



2014 IFBB Toronto Pro Show Results


The 2014 IFBB Toronto Pro show was full of some expected results but also throw fans a few curveballs when the results were read. Congratulations to all the competitors who met their goals in the 2014 IFBB Toronto Pro Show.

2014 Toronto Pro Show Results

2014 IFBB Toronto Pro Show Results

RESULTS – 2014 IFBB Toronto Pro Women’s Bodybuilding
1. Simone Oliveira
2. Alana Shipp
3. Virginia Sanchez
4. Margie Martin
5. Lisa Giesbrecht
6. Christine Envall
7. Melody Spetko
8. Wendy McCready
9. Nancy Clark
10. Joanne Williams
11. Tananarive McGowan
12. Emery Miller
13. Sherri Gray
14. Tonia Moore

RESULTS – 2014 IFBB Toronto Pro Fitness
1. Marta Agular
2. Danielle Ruban
3. Trish Warren
4. Kizzy Vaines
5. Vanda Hadarean
6. Ryall Graber
7. Nita Marquez
8. Shelly Paton
9. Amanda Hatfield
10. Diana Monteiro
11. Darrian Tissenbaum
12. Dominique Matthews
13. Natalie Graziano
14. Shannon Siemer
15. Kary Odiatu
16. Lovena Stamatiou-Tuley

RESULTS – 2014 IFBB Toronto Pro Figure
1. Genn Strobo
2. Ann Titone
3. Andrea Calhoun
4. Cydney Gillon
5. Chaya Boone
6. Roshanda Schmitt
7. Annette Mendez
8. Angela Doucette
9. Vera Mallet
10. Maggy Cambronero
11. Zsuzsanna Toldi
12. Emily Zelinka
13. Jolene Fonseca
14. Jennifer Brown
15. Leah Berti
16. Linda Crossley
16. Laura Davies
16. Erin Harding
16. Christina Mehling
16. Emi Perez Custodio
16. Samantha Rioux
16. Jill St. Laurent
16. Giada Simari
16. Katerina Tarbox
16. Magdalena Wilk
16. Jessica Macmillan

RESULTS – 2014 IFBB Toronto Pro Bikini
1. Ashley Kaltwasser
2. Stephanie Mahoe
3. Callie Bundie
4. Belinda Kiriakou
5. Noemi Olah
6. Breanne Hensman
7. Maria Annunziata
8. Yarishna Ayala
9. Anna Starodubtseva
10. Sabrina Nicole
11. Dana French
12. Natalie Waples
13. Joanne Holden
14. Gigi Amurao
15. Jennifer Dawn
16. Cynthia Benoit
16. Valerie Cantin
16. Danielle Carr
16. Denita Clark
16. Becky Clawson
16. Samantha Karr
16. Natalie Mack
16. Jana Majernikova
16. Nathalie Mur
16. Marissa Rivero
16. Francine Slobodnik
16. Nissan Weaver

RESULTS – 2014 IFBB Toronto Pro Women’s Physique
1. Mindi O’Brien
2. Teresita Morales
3. Sandra Lombardo
4. Jill Rudison
5. Leah Johnson
6. Tracy Weller
7. CeaAnna Kerr
8. Fabiola Boulanger
9. Nathalie Foreau
10. Lisa Thexton
11. Colette Nelson
12. Orlandina Balan
13. Nkechi Nwafor Robinson
14. Jessica Bowman
15. Amie Francisco
16. Aurelia Grozajova
16. Ida Sefland
16. Irina Veselova
16. Michelle Krack

RESULTS – 2014 IFBB Toronto Pro Men’s Physique
1. Matthew Acton
2. German Pacheco
3. Anton Antipov
4. Anthony Brigman
5. Michael Ferguson
6. Vincent Fiore
7. AJ Shukoori
8. William Sullivan
9. Chris Gurunlian
10. Derrick Wade
11. Setanta Carroll
12. Wayne Chambers
13. Javier Martinez
14. Sean Harley
15. Nathan Baumbick
16. Chad Demchick
16. Cory Lagasse
16. Craig Franczyk
16. Jim Holcomb
16. Michael Johnson

RESULTS – 2014 IFBB Toronto Pro Men’s Bodybuilding 212
1. Gaetano Cisternino
2. Raul Carrasco
3. Mark Dugdale
4. Marvin Ward
5. Mboya Edwards
6. Thomas Benagli
7. Lukas Osladil
8. Amit Sapir
9. Mehdi Hatami
10. Anthony Bailes
11. Guy Mark Ducasse
12. Shaun Clarida
13. Zane Watson
14. Rod Ketchens
15. Robert Belisle
16. Bryan Pazdcierz
16. Carlos Rabiel
16. Darron Glenn
16. Fernando Noronha Almeida
16. Gregory Ulysse
16. James Darling
16. Jocelyn Jean
16. Marian Cambal
16. Oliver Adzievski
16. Panexce Pierre
16. Quincy Winklaar
16. Vincete Santamaria

RESULTS – 2014 IFBB Toronto Pro Men’s Bodybuilding
1. Juan Morel
2. Johnnie Jackson
3. Jonathan Delarosa
4. Toney Freeman
5. Lionel Beyeke
6. Henri Pierre Ano
7. Jeff Long
8. Anwar Elsayed
9. Zaher Moukahal
10. Clarence DeVis
11. Marshell Herman
12. Santana Anderson
13. Hunnington Glanville
14. Christopher White
15. Saiid Tejan-Kamara
16. Fedel Clarke



Saturday Showdown – Hardbody Preview of Toronto, Denver & Phoenix Pro


This weekend nearly 300 IFBB Pro competitors will be competing across North America. The Toronto Pro will showcase the largest field and every IFBB Pro League division. The Mile High Pro, held just outside of Denver, will feature the Men and Women’s Physique division. Last but certainly not least, the Dennis James Classic will take place in Phoenix and features the Pro Bikini division.

show preview

If you’re looking to connect on social media use… #TOPRO for Toronto, #MILEHIGHPRO for Denver’s show and #AZPRO for Phoenix coverage.

THE 2014 TORONTO PRO PREVIEW:
This is one of the biggest shows of the year for the IFBB PRO LEAGUE and the first women’s bodybuilding event of the year. It will be interesting to see how the women show up. You have a variety of physiques ranging from the large and in charge to those who could be women’s physique competitors. Familiar names to the line up are Emery Miller, Tonia Moore, Nancy Clark and Melody Spetko. The winner goes to the Olympia so look for the women to be at their best in hopes of snagging the qualification.

2014 IFBB Toronto Pro Women’s Bodybuilding Competitors
1. Nancy Clark
2. Roxanne Edwards
3. Christine Envall
4. Lisa Giesbrecht
5. Sherri Gray
6. Aurelia Grozajova
7. Margie Martin
8. Wendy McCready
9. Tananarive McGowan
10. Emery Miller
11. Tonia Moore
12. Simone Oliveria
13. Virginia Sanchez
14. Alana Shipp
15. Melody Spetko
16. Joanne Williams

If you’re going with conventional wisdom based on past events you’d most likely put your money on Trish Warren, Kizzy Vaines or Ryall Graber. All three have competed at the Olympia and done well. Kizzy always has a crazy good routine with insane flexibility. Ryall can bring a high energy, fast paced routine but we haven’t see that just yet this year. Trish has improved not only her routine but also her physique over the years.

Diana Monteiro won’t be in the top spots for the physique round but will have a routine that moves her up. Three women to watch for that could shake things up in the top spots… Vanda Hadarean is a world class athlete. When you see her routine you’ll know what I am talking about. She’s an Olympic Gymnast, yes those Olympics, and her skills are out of this world. She doesn’t tend to place as high as she should simply based on her physique round. Danielle Ruban continues to bring her routines to a higher level and has improved her physique. Look for her to finish in the top 5 and she’s always very happy on stage, which is nice. No one wants to see ANGRY FACES. The dark horse is Darrian Tissenbaum. She will have a routine that leaves people saying, “WOW”! Look for her to bring an improved physique from her last competition and a routine that puts her on the map.

2014 IFBB Toronto Pro Fitness Competitors
1. Marta Aguiar
2. Ryall Graber
3. Natalie Graziano
4. Vanda Hadarean
5. Amanda Hatfield
6. Nita Marquez
7. Dominique Matthews
8. Diana Monteiro
9. Kary Odiatu
10. Shelly Paton
11. Danielle Ruban
12. Shannon Siemer
13. Lovena Stamatiou-Tuley
14. Darrian Tissenbaum
15. Kizzy Vaines
16. Trish Warren

The Figure competition will likely be a two woman race. Ann Titone will be back to defend her title and Genn Strobo will likely be standing next to her looking for the win. Smart money is on Ann as she’s coming off a win in Dallas and had time to tweak things. Strobo is coming off the New York Pro and will likely be Ann’s biggest threat for an upset. Look for Andrea Calhoun to be in the mix and I really like Elissa Martis’ potential. If Elissa can pose her back just a bit better I think it will help her. I’d like to see her in that first callout if she shows up like she did in New York. Those are my picks for your top spots but as we all know anything can happen.

2014 IFBB Toronto Pro Figure Competitors
1. Leah Berti
2. Chaya Boone
3. Jennifer Brown
4. Andrea Calhoun
5. Maggy Cambronero
6. Linda Crossley
7. Laura Davies
8. Angela Doucette
9. Jolene Fonseca
10. Cydney Gillon
11. Erin Harding
12. Shawn Hecktor Lewis
13. Vera Mallet
14. Elissa Martis
15. Christina Mehling
16. Annette Mendez
17. Emi Perez Custodio
18. Samantha Rioux
19. Jill St. Laurent
20. Roshanda Schmitt
21. Giada Simari
22. Gennifer Strobo
23. Katerina Tarbox
24. Ann Titone
25. Zsuzsanna Toldi
26. Madgalena Wilk
27. Emily Zelinka

The defending champ, Ashley Kaltwasser will be back to defend her title. She’s shown that she’s not unbeatable. Ashley is coming off a second place finish at the New York Pro but don’t look for her to be out of the winner’s circle. I like Belinda Kiriakou’s physique and if she doesn’t “over pose” she should be in the mix. Gigi Amurao could be in the top five if her legs aren’t too muscular. Stephanie Mahoe finished in third in New York and will likely be in the top spots again this weekend. Noemi Olah is looking to get back to the Olympia but hasn’t found the winning look as of late. Sabrina Nicole will have some of the best abs on stage but it could cost her for being “too muscular”. Canada’s own Natalie Waples will have a large cheering section as she competes in Bikini again. Nat has the personality for the division but needs a little more booty to finish in the top spots.

2014 IFBB Toronto Pro Bikini Competitors
1. Gigi Amurao
2. Maria Annunziata
3. Yarisna Ayala
4. Cynthia Benoit
5. Callie Bundy
6. Valerie Cantin
7. Danielle Carr
8. Denita Clark
9. Becky Clawson
10. Jennifer Dawn
11. Dana French
12. Breanne Hensman
13. Joanne Holden
14. Ashley Kaltwasser
15. Belinda Kiriakou
16. Natalie Mack
17. Stephanie Mahoe
18. Jana Majernikova
19. Nathalie Mur
20. Sabrina Nicole
21. Noemi Olah
22. Marissa Rivero
23. Francine Slobodnik
24. Anna Starodubtseva
25. Natalie Waples
26. Nissan Weaver

Look for Mindi O’Brien and CeAnna Kerr to be your top women in the Women’s Physique portion of the show. There are a number of women who have the potential to be in the top spots but my money is on it coming down to those two for the win.

2014 Toronto Pro Women’s Physique Competitors
1. Olandina Balan
2. Fabiola Boulanger
3. Jessica Bowman
4. Nathalie Foreau
5. Amie Francisco
6. Aurelia Grozajova
7. Leah Johnson
8. CeaAnna Kerr
9. Michelle Krack
10. Sandra Lombardo
11. Terista Morales
12. Colette Nelson
13. Nkechi Nwafor Robinson
14. Mindi O’Brien
15. Jill Rudison
16. Ida Sefland
17. Lise Thexton
18. Tracy Weller

THE 2014 IFBB MILE HIGH WOMEN’S PHYSIQUE PREVIEW

The judges will have their hands full with a variety of physiques taking the stage at the Mile High Pro. Look for Rachel Baker and Samantha Jo Hill to be in the mix for the top spots. They’re coming off the Optimum Classic last weekend and unless they did something crazy in between then could be your top two again. Roxie Beckles has long, lean muscle but should make her presence known. If Carrie Simmons brings in a tight physique she could be in the top spots. Jacklyn Sutton Abrams won’t be the biggest competitor on stage but will hold her own in her hometown. Jen Louwagie could find herself in the mix if she brings her best. The 2013 Champ, Sara Hurrle will not be competing but will be on stage as the emcee. Sara is expecting her first child later this year.

2014 IFBB MILE HIGH PRO Women’s Physique
1. Rachel Baker
2. Roxie Beckles
3. Rose Brunner
4. Cinzia Clapp
5. Jill Dearmin
6. Jessica Gaines
7. Susan Graham
8. Samantha Jo Hill
9. Cathy Jackson
10. Candrea Judd Adams
11. Anna Marie Kam
12. Marina Lopez
13. Jen Louwagie
14. Meredith Mack
15. Delia McNeil
16. Marga Lee Overby
17. Antonia Perdikakis
18. Rita Rae
19. Drorit Silverman
20. Carrie Simmons
21. Stacy Simons McDowell
22. Jacklyn Sutton Abrams
23. Shelly Yamchuck

2014 IFBB DENNIS JAMES CLASSIC – PRO BIKINI PREVIEW
This weekend’s Phoenix Pro could go a number of ways but you have to look to Lacey DeLuca as the favorite. If Lacey brings in a tight booty without looking too drawn in she could leave the champ. I like Ashriel Osgood’s look and would put her up in the top spots but I’m not judging. I also like the look Amy Updike brings to the stage and she rocks the tats like no other bikini pro. If she’s more relaxed with her back posing she’ll be up there. Angela Marquez may not sound familiar and that’s because she competed as Angela Skeels. She recently married and will look to return to the top spots. Angela has struggled to find her groove since winning the 2012 Overall NPC Nationals title. Nikola Weiterova has a great look and gets the award for longest travel, making the trip all the way from Slovakia. No, it’s not a mistake that Krissy Chin’s name is in the Bikini line-up. This is Krissy’s first time on stage since having her baby and don’t be surprised if she brings a completely new physique and holds her own. Debora Goodman deserves a standing ovation for the rock’n body she brings to the stage. She is a mother of not just one, not two but SIX children. Yes, SIX! I like what she brings to the stage and how can you not cheer for a mom of six bringing a hardbody like hers to the stage? Karey Grabow has a good look for the division and has steadily improved. I like her chances for a top five finish.

2014 IFBB Dennis James Pro Bikini Competitor List
1. Sandy Avelar
2. Krissy Chin
3. Kelsie Clark
4. My Coustels
5. Lacey DeLuca
6. Deborah Goodman
7. Karey Grabow
8. Lisa Kelly
9. Angela Marquez
10. Stacey Naito
11. Ashriel Osgood
12. Caryn Paolini
13. Amy Updike
14. Nikola Weiterova



2014 IFBB Toronto Pro Competitor Lists


The IFBB Toronto Pro, one of the biggest competitions of the year, will take place in Toronto, Canada on May 31 – June 1, 2014. The show continues to grow and is held in conjunction with a variety of other events. Fans can pick up some free stuff at the expo, watch arm wrestling, participate in a model search and more.

Toronto Pro Competitors

2014 Toronto Pro Competitor Lists
This list is not final so check back for updated lists. It’s one of the few shows that has every IFBB Pro division as part of the weekend.

2014 IFBB Toronto Pro Women’s Bodybuilding Competitors
UPDATED – MAY 27, 2014
1. Nancy Clark
2. Roxanne Edwards
3. Christine Envall
4. Lisa Giesbrecht
5. Sherri Gray
6. Aurelia Grozajova
7. Margie Martin
8. Wendy McCready
9. Tananarive McGowan
10. Emery Miller
11. Tonia Moore
12. Simone Oliveria
13. Virginia Sanchez
14. Alana Shipp
15. Melody Spetko
16. Joanne Williams

2014 IFBB Toronto Pro Fitness Competitors
UPDATED – MAY 27, 2014
1. Marta Aguiar
2. Ryall Graber
3. Natalie Graziano
4. Vanda Hadarean
5. Amanda Hatfield
6. Nita Marquez
7. Dominique Matthews
8. Diana Monteiro
9. Kary Odiatu
10. Shelly Paton
11. Danielle Ruban
12. Shannon Siemer
13. Lovena Stamatiou-Tuley
14. Darrian Tissenbaum
15. Kizzy Vaines
16. Trish Warren

2014 IFBB Toronto Pro Figure Competitors
UPDATED – MAY 27, 2014
1. Leah Berti
2. Chaya Boone
3. Jennifer Brown
4. Andrea Calhoun
5. Maggy Cambronero
6. Linda Crossley
7. Laura Davies
8. Angela Doucette
9. Jolene Fonseca
10. Cydney Gillon
11. Erin Harding
12. Shawn Hecktor Lewis
13. Vera Mallet
14. Elissa Martis
15. Christina Mehling
16. Annette Mendez
17. Emi Perez Custodio
18. Samantha Rioux
19. Jill St. Laurent
20. Roshanda Schmitt
21. Giada Simari
22. Gennifer Strobo
23. Katerina Tarbox
24. Ann Titone
25. Zsuzsanna Toldi
26. Madgalena Wilk
27. Emily Zelinka

2014 IFBB Toronto Pro Bikini Competitors
UPDATED – MAY 27, 2014
1. Gigi Amurao
2. Maria Annunziata
3. Yarisna Ayala
4. Cynthia Benoit
5. Callie Bundy
6. Valerie Cantin
7. Danielle Carr
8. Denita Clark
9. Becky Clawson
10. Jennifer Dawn
11. Dana French
12. Breanne Hensman
13. Joanne Holden
14. Ashley Kaltwasser
15. Belinda Kiriakou
16. Natalie Mack
17. Stephanie Mahoe
18. Jana Majernikova
19. Nathalie Mur
20. Sabrina Nicole
21. Noemi Olah
22. Marissa Rivero
23. Francine Slobodnik
24. Anna Starodubtseva
25. Natalie Waples
26. Nissan Weaver

2014 Toronto Pro Women’s Physique Competitors
UPDATED – MAY 27, 2014
1. Olandina Balan
2. Fabiola Boulanger
3. Jessica Bowman
4. Nathalie Foreau
5. Amie Francisco
6. Aurelia Grozajova
7. Leah Johnson
8. CeaAnna Kerr
9. Michelle Krack
10. Sandra Lombardo
11. Terista Morales
12. Colette Nelson
13. Nkechi Nwafor Robinson
14. Mindi O’Brien
15. Jill Rudison
16. Ida Sefland
17. Lise Thexton
18. Tracy Weller

2014 IFBB Toronto Pro Men’s Bodybuilding Competitors
UPDATED – MAY 27, 2014
1. Santana Anderson
2. Henri Peirre Ano
3. Lionel Beyeke
4. Fedel Clarke
5. Jonathan Delarosa
6. Clarence DeVis
7. Toney Freeman
8. Hunnington Glanville
9. Marshell Herman
10. Johnnie Jackson
11. Saiid Tejan-Kamara
12. Jeff Long
13. Juan Morel
14. Zaher Moukahal

2014 IFBB Toronto Pro Men’s 212 Competitors
UPDATED – MAY 27, 2014
1. Oliver Adzievski
2. Anthony Bailes
3. Robert Belisle
4. Thomas Benagli
5. Marian Cambal
6. Rual Carrasco
7. Guy Cisternino
8. Shaun Clarida
9. James Darling
10. Guy Ducasse
11. Mark Dugdale
12. Mboya Edwards
13. Anwar Elsayed
14. Darron Glenn
15. Mehdi Hatami
16. Jocelyn Jean
17. Rod Ketchens
18. Fernando Noronha Almeida
19. Lukas Osladil
20. Brian Pazdzierz
21. Panexce Pierre
22. Carlos Rabiei
23. Sandro Ramirez
24. Vicente Santamaria
25. Amit Sapir
26. Gregory Ulysse
27. Marvin Ward
28. Zane Watson
29. Christopher White
30. Quincy Winklaar

2014 IFBB Toronto Pro Men’s Physique Competitors
UPDATED – MAY 27, 2014
1. Matt Acton
2. Anton Antipov
3. Nathan Baumbick
4. Anthony Brigman
5. Sentanta Carroll
6. Wayne Chambers
8. Chad Demchik
9. Michael Ferguson
10. Vincent Fiore
11. Craig Franczak
12. Chris Gurunlian
13. Sean Harley
14. Brandon Hendrickson
15. Jim Holcomb
16. Michael Johnson
17. Cory Lagasse
18. Javier Martinez
19. German Pacheco
20. Aj Shukoori
21. William Sullivan
22. Derrick Wade

Visit torontoprosupershow.com for more info.



2014 IFBB New York Pro Women’s Physique Results & Review


Juliana Malacarne remains undefeated as a women’s physique pro, at least in New York. She went into the 2014 IFBB New York Pro Women’s Physique competition as the favorite and she delivered with flying colors. This was the third time she’s won the New York Pro and there was no question she was the deserved winner. Will she carry that momentum to a win at the Olympia this September? We’ll have to wait and see on that but here’s the skinny on this year’s New York Pro Women’s Physique competition.

women physique results

THE HARDBODY 411:
Juliana was a bit tighter at this show than she was in Dallas the week prior. It’s likely she wasn’t at her best in Dallas due to cancelled flights and delays getting to the contest. She had the luxury of not flying for this contest and it showed. Juliana carries more muscle than many of the other competitors in the division but dare I say it’s a “pretty” look to her muscle. She’s downsized a bit from last year and will look to get into the top spot come Olympia time in a few months. No disrespect to the other women in this show but it was Juliana and everyone else.

Shawna Pringle has to be stoked with her finish as this was her IFBB Pro debut. She has nice shape and a good look for the division. If I was to nitpick, I’d say I wasn’t crazy about the suit cut on her bottoms from the back. Look for her to be a contender in future shows.

Fabiola Boulanger took home third place and had a solid showing. She carries a bit more muscle than Shawna but doesn’t have quite the shape she does. When she poses straight on her waist looks a little wide but from the side / twisting poses she hides it well.

Olga Beliakova finished in the top five for the first time in her pro career and was improved from her Dallas appearance. She has some crazy baseball sized biceps and as one of the shorter competitors has to come in a bit leaner than others. She has a nice look and has fun on stage which is refreshing. No one wants to flat footed angry posers and Olga does a good job of posing on her toes, something more Women’s Physique competitors should do.

Mascha Tieken brought an improved physique to the stage and it paid off with a fifth place finish. She came in a bit leaner than she had before and it suited her well. If she enters more competitions this year you’ll see her in the top spots once again.

SEE COMPETITION PHOTOS HERE.

2014 IFBB New York Pro Women’s Physique Results
1. Juliana Malacarne
2. Shawna Pringle
3. Fabiola Boulanger
4. Olga Beliakova
5. Mascha Tieken
6. Gloria Faulls
7. Orlandina Balan
8. Eva Pogacnik
9. Teresita Morales
10. Jill Rudison
11. Sheena Ohlig
12. Karen Gatto
13. Alicia Spearman
14. Amie Francisco
15. Nahiany Berbet Nery
16. Ida Sefland
16. Tracy Weller



2014 IFBB NEW YORK PRO Competitor Lists


The IFBB Pros will be back in action this weekend (May 17th) at the 2014 IFBB New York Pro in New York, New York. The top three from last year’s Figure competition will not be in the show so we’ll see a new top three in that division. In Bikini, Yeshaira Robles will be back to defend her title and reigning Bikini Olympia Champ Ashley Kaltwasser will look to leave with another title. Defending champ in the women’s physique, Juliana Malacarne will look to leave with the title again and is coming off a win at the Dallas Europa.

2014 New York Pro competitor lists

Note there will likely be more names added to this list before show time so check back for updates. *Updated 3:45pm – May 12, 2014

2014 IFBB NEW YORK PRO Competitor Lists:

2014 IFBB NEW YORK PRO FIGURE
1. Marie Allegro
2. Julie Aragon
3. Laurel Bickford
4. Beckie Boddie
5. Andrea Cantone
6. Tara Chandler
7. Kim Clark
8. Laura Davies
9. Heather Dees
10. Erin Ehlrich
11. Laurie Green
12. Kelly Keiser
13. Elissa Martis
14. Elizabeth Maurice
15. Lisandra McGrath
16. Christina Mehling
17. Camala Rodriquez
18. Jill S. Laurent
19. Rinnah Schmid
20. Diana Schnaidt
21. Tamara Sedlack
22. Gennifer Strobo
23. Tamen Stuve
24. Katerina Tarbox
25. Magdalena Wilk
26. Patty Zariello
27. Andrea Calhoun
28. Georgina Lona
29. Annette Mendez
30. Magdalena Wilk

2014 IFBB NEW YORK PRO BIKINI
1. Stacey Alexander
2. Maria Annunziata
3. Narmin Assria
4. Yarishna Ayala
5. Chaundra Bagwell
6. Callie Bundy
7. Marcela Cabral
8. Danielle Carr
9. Taylor Jade Carroll
10. Rachelle DeJean
11. Lacey DeLuca
12. Diana Graham
13. Breanne Hensman
14. Joanne Holden
15. Ashley Kaltwasser
16. Sidibe Khoudiedji
17. Belinda Kiriakou
18. Vladimira Krasova
19. Stephanie Mahoe
20. Jane Majernikova
21. Jessica Renee
22. Yeshaira Robles
23. Francine Slobodnik
24. Anna Starodubtseva
25. Amy Updike
26. Angeles Burke
27. Becky Clawson
28. Amira Lamb
29. Antanique Landry
30. Nissan Weaver

2014 IFBB NEW YORK PRO WOMEN’S PHYSIQUE
1. Orlandina Balan
2. Olga Beliakova
3. Nahiany Berbet Nery
4. Fabiola Boulanger
5. Gloria Faulls
6. Amie Grancisco
7. Teresita Morales
8. Eva Pogcnik
9. Shawna Pringle
10. Jill Rudison
11. Ida Sefland
12. Alicia Spearman
13. Mascha Tieken
14. Tracy Weller
15. Juliana Malacarne
16. Karen Gatto
17. Sheena Ohlig

2014 IFBB NEW YORK PRO MEN’S PHYSIQUE
1. Andre Adams
2. Anton Antipov
3. Mike Balan
4. Murat Demir
5. Brian Upstein
6. Vincent Fiore
7. Chris Gurunlian
8. Sadik Hadzovic
9. Shawn Lebega
10. Nick Olsen
11. German Pacheco
12. Jason Poston
13. Sharif Reid
14. Sean Sapera
15. Jonathan Sebastian
16. A.J. Shukoori
17. Rich Tuma
18. David Valezquez
19. Derrick Wade
20. Derrick Yuvienco
21. Matt Acton
22. Nate Baumbick
23. Jonathan Cetera
24. Chad Demchik
25. Robert Ortiz
26. Pierre Vuala

2014 IFBB NEW YORK PRO MEN’S 212 BODYBUILDING
1. Breon Ansley
2. Thomas Benagli
3. Curtis Bryant
4. Marco Cardona
5. Aaron Clark
6. Guy Cisternino
7. Shaun Clarida
8. Guy Ducasse
9. Abiu Feliz
10. Milton Holloway
11. Lukas Osladil
12. Bryan Pazdzierz
13. Craig Richardson
14. Marco Rivera
15. Amit Sapir
16. Steve Silverman
17. Gregory Ulysse
18. Marvin Ward
19. Mike Yablon
20. Baito Abbaspour
21. Stan McQuay
22. Baito Abbaspour

2014 IFBB NEW YORK PRO MEN’S BODYBUILDING
1. Fouad Abiad
2. Henri Pierre Ano
3. Max Charles
4. Jon Delarosa
5. Constaninos Demetrio
6. Michael Kefalianos
7. Juan Morel
8. Sergey Shelestov
9. Salid Tejan Kamara
10. Daniel Toth
11. Akim Williams
12. Eboni Wilson
13. Jeff Beckham
14. Lionel Beyeke
15. Marius Dohne

For tickets and more information on the show visit: http://www.bevfrancis.com/npcnortheast/ifbb-ny-pro

ORDER OF EVENTS – PREJUDGING at 11am PST
– Women’s Physique
– Men’s Physique
– 212 Men’s Bodybuilding
– Open Men’s Bodybuilding
– Figure
– Bikini

FINALS – 6pm EST (Same Order – with top five posedown for men at the end followed by awards)

CONTEST VENUE:
Tribeca Performing Arts Center
199 Chambers Street
New York, NY



Kelly Clark Wins 2014 US Open Halfpipe Title


Kelly Clark & Taylor Gold Win 2014 US Open Halfpipe Titles
Vail, CO (March 8, 2014) — Kelly Clark (USA) and Taylor Gold (USA) became 2014 halfpipe champions and went away $45,000 dollars richer at the 32nd annual Burton US Open Snowboarding Championships presented by MINI at Vail Mountain today. On a classic bluebird afternoon, the fourth and final day of the legendary event was perfection.

kelly clark

2014 Olympic bronze medalist Kelly Clark solidified her seventh Burton US Open halfpipe title this afternoon with a run that included a frontside 1080 indy, Cab 720 mute grab, indy to mute grab, backside 540 tail grab, frontside 900 indy, and a backside air, scoring an 89.33. 30-year-old Clark holds the honor of the most wins in US Open history. In other achievements, Clark picked up her fourth World Snowboard Tour halfpipe title today too.

“The US Open means a ton to me,” said Clark. “I grew up nine miles away from the US Open. It really holds a near and dear place in my heart. If I could pick a contest to win, it would be this one. I’m really happy I was able to put down my run today.”

Taking second place honors behind Clark was 2014 Olympian Queralt Castellet (ESP) followed by Chloe Kim (USA), who landed her first podium at the US Open. At just 13 years old, Kim became the youngest World Snowboard Tour Overall Champion with her win today. Her results towards the overall title are impressive. In addition to achieving extraordinary halfpipe results for her age, including a silver medal at X Games, she managed to land two slopestyle results this season— fifth place at the US Rev Tour and 11th in USASA Nationals.

After the women, the top 10 men put on an incredible performance for the packed house. 2014 Olympian Taylor Gold (USA) won his first US Open halfpipe title today. 20-year-old Gold took a victory lap after stomping the best run of the day complete with a massive method air, frontside 1260 tail grab, double Michalchuk melon grab, frontside double cork 1080 indy, Cab 1080 roastbeef, and a crippler chickensalad, scoring an 87.63.

“Coming into the event, I wasn’t really putting a lot of expectations on myself,” said Gold. “It was a relief to have the Olympic cycle over with. Just having fun here was my main goal, so walking away with this is beyond anything I expected.”

In second place for the men was 2014 Olympic bronze medalist Taku Hiraoka (JPN) and 17-year-old David Habluetzel (SUI) finished third. The World Snowboard Halfpipe Title also went to Hiraoka, for his great season.

The Sicktrix.com best trick award presented went to Chloe Kim for her switch method and Ben Ferguson for his double crippler. Each rider walked away with $5,000.

To celebrate the final night of the 2014 Burton US Open, there will be a rider awards ceremony starting at 6:30pm MST at the Solaris Stage followed by a free concert with Capital Cities and the official US Open closing party at Dobson Ice Arena featuring DJ Jazzy Jeff and A Tribe Called Red.

That’s a wrap for the 32nd annual Burton US Open Snowboarding Championships at Vail Mountain. For anyone who missed the live webcast, check out highlights of winning runs, full webcast replays and contest recaps atwww.Burton.com/USO. Also check your local listings to watch US Open re-airs, the US Open Lifestyle show, and men’s and women’s slopestyle and halfpipe highlight shows on FOX Sports 2.

Follow all Burton US Open happenings at facebook.com/burtonsnowboards, @burtonsnowboard on Twitter and Instagram with the hashtag #BurtonUSOpen.

A big thanks to the following partners for their support of the 32nd annual Burton US Open: MINI, Vail Mountain, Mountain Dew®, Town of Vail, Garmin, Nokia, Paul Mitchell, 3M™ Thinsulate™ Insulation, G-SHOCK, Pacifico, Bear Naked® granola, Chipotle Mexican Grill, Shiseido, Clif Bar & Company, CHILL, anon, Analog and the World Snowboard Tour.

Women’s Halfpipe Final Results:

1. Kelly Clark (USA), BURTON, 89.33
2. Queralt Castellet (ESP), YONEX, 85.73
3. Chloe Kim (USA), BURTON, 83.95
4. Hannah Teter (USA), BURTON, 75.03
5. Rana Okada (JPN), BURTON, 67.15
6. Sophie Rodriguez (FRA), OAKLEY, 59.80

Men’s Halfpipe Final Results:
1. Taylor Gold (USA), BURTON, 87.63
2. Taku Hiraoka (JPN), BURTON, 86.88
3. David Habluetzel (SUI), BURTON, 83.23
4. Ben Ferguson (USA), BURTON, 77.93
5. Kent Callister (AUS), LIB TECH, 77.58
6. Gabe Ferguson (USA), BURTON, 73.10
7. Jake Pates (USA), BURTON, 73.00
8. Louie Vito (USA), VIVE, 68.28
9. Christian Haller (SUI), BURTON, 67.38
10. Yiwei Zhang (CHN), MINI, 62.03

About the Burton US Open
The world’s best snowboarders will come together in Vail, Colorado from March 3rd – 8th to partake in the longest running, premier snowboarding event, the Burton US Open Snowboarding Championships presented by MINI. By day, experience world-class halfpipe and slopestyle competition, then at night keep the momentum high with FREE concerts, events and activities for all-ages. A big thanks to the following partners for their support of the 32nd annualBurton US Open: MINI, Vail Mountain, Mountain Dew®, Town of Vail, Garmin, Nokia, Paul Mitchell, 3Mâ„¢ Thinsulateâ„¢ Insulation, G-SHOCK, Pacifico, Bear Naked® granola, Chipotle Mexican Grill, Shiseido, Clif Bar & Company, CHILL, anon, Analog and the World Snowboard Tour.

About MINI
MINI is involved in action sports around the world through cooperation and sponsoring activities. As a partner of trend-conscious sports, MINI supports young and creative sports people and, in so doing, promotes the development of their sport. MINI has been the official presenting partner for the Burton Global Event Series since 2011.

About Vail Mountain
Coveted as one of the largest ski resorts in the world with more than 5,200 acres of skiable terrain, seven legendary Back Bowls spanning seven miles, and the most groomed terrain on the planet, Vail has been an extraordinary winter vacation destination for passionate skiers and snowboarders for more than 50 years. It is home to world-class athletes during the U.S. Ski Team early-season training sessions in Golden Peak, the Burton US Open Snowboarding Championships and the future 2015 World Alpine Ski Championships. Under blue skies more than 300 days each year, friends and families reconnect and celebrate here from year to year and generation to generation. The vacation experience is exceptional, from the Vail Ski & Snowboard School to events, activities and festivals, shops and spas, abundant culinary experiences and luxurious accommodations. Coupled with the vision inherent in the spirit of Vail’s founders, and a modern day commitment to excellence in all aspects of guest service and operations, Vail is a mountain resort like nothing on earth. www.vail.com.



Kelly Clark On Top – 2014 Burton US Open Halfpipe Semi-Finals Results


2014 Burton US Open Halfpipe Semi-Finals Results
Vail, CO (March 6, 2014) — It was a stellar second day at the 32nd annual Burton US Open Snowboarding Championships presented by MINI at Vail Mountain, as world-class riders put on a show at the halfpipe semi-finals. 16 women and 31 men had two runs to perform for a spot in Saturday’s anticipated final. In the end, it was Kelly Clark (USA) and Yiwei Zhang (CHN) with the highest scores of the day in the 22-foot superpipe. A total of six women and 10 men are moving on for their chance at the Burton US Open halfpipe title.

kelly clark

2014 Olympic bronze medalist Kelly Clark upped her first run score of an 82.20 with an 87.53 on her second. Clark’s run was complete with a huge frontside 1080, Cab 720, frontside air, backside 540 double tail grab, frontside 540 indy, and a method air. She will advance to go for an unprecedented seventh US Open halfpipe title on Saturday.

“Last year this pipe was the best pipe we rode all year and I didn’t know if that was just a one time thing,” said Clark. “After riding now, it wasn’t just a one time thing. It’s perfect.”

Right behind Clark was Queralt Castellet (ESP) in second and Chloe Kim (USA) in third. Tune into the women’s halfpipe finals live from Vail on Saturday, beginning at 11:30am MST.

After the women’s semi-finals, 31 men showcased their abilities in the halfpipe, with 2014 Chinese Olympian, Yiwei Zhang, soaring his way into first position. Zhang’s furious second run included a method air, frontside double 1080, Cab double cork 1080 indy to mute grab, frontside double 1260, double barrel roll, and a frontside 1080 tailgrab, scoring an 93.00.

Taylor Gold (USA) came in second and Ben Ferguson (USA) took third.

“It’s such a relief,” said Gold. “I didn’t really know if it was going to happen coming in because I’ve had some trouble in the last few contests, so I was happy to get in with my first run score.”

Watch the top 10 men from semi-finals battle it out for the 2014 Burton US Open halfpipe title and the $45,000 first place cash purse, on Saturday beginning at 2pm MST on FOX Sports 2 and Burton.com/USO.

Women’s Halfpipe Semi-Final Results:
1. Kelly Clark (USA), BURTON, 87.53
2. Queralt Castellet (ESP), YONEX, 85.40
3. Chloe Kim (USA), BURTON, 78.83
4. Hannah Teter (USA), BURTON, 74.08
5. Sophie Rodriguez (FRA), OAKLEY, 72.90
6. Rana Okada (JPN), BURTON, 72.78

Men’s Halfpipe Semi-Final Results:
1. Yiwei Zhang (CHN), MINI, 93.00
2. Taylor Gold (USA), BURTON, 84.38
3. Ben Ferguson (USA), BURTON, 81.85
4. Gabe Ferguson (USA), BURTON, 80.50
5. Jake Pates (USA), BURTON, 79.63
6. David Habluetzel (SUI), BURTON, 78.80
7. Louie Vito (USA), VIVE, 78.65
8. Taku Hiraoka (JPN), BURTON, 77.35
9. Kent Callister (AUS), LIB TECH, 76.28
10. Christian Haller (SUI), BURTON, 75.28

For anyone who missed the live webcast, highlights of winning runs, full webcast replays, contest recaps and more are here. Also check your local listings to watch US Open re-airs, the US Open Lifestyle show, and men’s and women’s slopestyle and halfpipe highlight shows on FOX Sports 2.

For more information on the 2014 Burton US Open and a full list of invited competitors, follow facebook.com/burtonsnowboards, @burtonsnowboard on Twitter and Instagram, the hashtag #BurtonUSOpen and head to www.Burton.com/USO.

A big thanks to the following partners for their support of the 32nd annual Burton US Open: MINI, Vail Mountain, Mountain Dew®, Town of Vail, Garmin, Nokia, Paul Mitchell, 3M™ Thinsulate™ Insulation, G-SHOCK, Pacifico, Bear Naked® granola, Chipotle Mexican Grill, Shiseido, Clif Bar & Company, CHILL, anon, Analog and the World Snowboard Tour.

About the Burton US Open
The world’s best snowboarders will come together in Vail, Colorado from March 3rd – 8th to partake in the longest running, premier snowboarding event, the Burton US Open Snowboarding Championships presented by MINI. By day, experience world-class halfpipe and slopestyle competition, then at night keep the momentum high with FREE concerts, events and activities for all-ages. A big thanks to the following partners for their support of the 32nd annualBurton US Open: MINI, Vail Mountain, Mountain Dew®, Town of Vail, Garmin, Nokia, Paul Mitchell, 3Mâ„¢ Thinsulateâ„¢ Insulation, G-SHOCK, Pacifico, Bear Naked® granola, Chipotle Mexican Grill, Shiseido, Clif Bar & Company, CHILL, anon, Analog and the World Snowboard Tour.

About MINI
MINI is involved in action sports around the world through cooperation and sponsoring activities. As a partner of trend-conscious sports, MINI supports young and creative sports people and, in so doing, promotes the development of their sport. MINI has been the official presenting partner for the Burton Global Event Series since 2011.

About Vail Mountain
Coveted as one of the largest ski resorts in the world with more than 5,200 acres of skiable terrain, seven legendary Back Bowls spanning seven miles, and the most groomed terrain on the planet, Vail has been an extraordinary winter vacation destination for passionate skiers and snowboarders for more than 50 years. It is home to world-class athletes during the U.S. Ski Team early-season training sessions in Golden Peak, the Burton US Open Snowboarding Championships and the future 2015 World Alpine Ski Championships. Under blue skies more than 300 days each year, friends and families reconnect and celebrate here from year to year and generation to generation. The vacation experience is exceptional, from the Vail Ski & Snowboard School to events, activities and festivals, shops and spas, abundant culinary experiences and luxurious accommodations. Coupled with the vision inherent in the spirit of Vail’s founders, and a modern day commitment to excellence in all aspects of guest service and operations, Vail is a mountain resort like nothing on earth. www.vail.com.



2014 Burton US Open Slopestyle Semi-Finals Results


2014 Burton US Open Slopestyle Semi-Finals Results
Vail, CO (March 5, 2014) — The 32nd annual Burton US Open Snowboarding Championships presented by MINI at Vail Mountain, officially kicked off today with men’s and women’s slopestyle semi-finals. An idyllic bluebird day made for perfect conditions for the riders, who had two runs to win their spot for Friday’s final. Jamie Anderson (USA) and Stale Sandbech (NOR) were the top qualifiers in Wednesday’s semi-finals and will go for the Burton US Open slopestyle title, along with 14 other riders.

2014 burton semi-finals
South Lake Tahoe’s Jamie Anderson, proved why she’s an Olympic gold medalist, with a second run consisting of a gap to backside boardslide, 50-50 to 50-50, and 50-50 to frontside boardslide to fakie on the upper rail section, a Cab 540 indy, frontside 720 mute grab, and backside 540 indy on the three jumps, scoring an 86.80.

“The conditions were awesome today,” said Anderson. “The sun came out and the course was really fun. I’m happy I got a good score.”

Isabel Derungs (SUI) took second for the ladies and Spencer O’Brien (CAN) finished third. Out of the 16 women in today’s event, the top six move on to Friday’s final starting at 10am MST.

After the women’s semi-finals 32 men hit the slopestyle course, but only 10 advanced, with Norwegian Olympic silver medalist, Stale Sandbech, holding the top spot. Sanbech’s first run included a frontside lipslide to backside lipslide, 50-50 to frontside 360 out, and 50-50 to frontside boardslide to fakie on the upper rail section, and a Cab 1260, frontside 1080 to backside triple cork 1440, scoring an 87.05 and holding throughout the semis.

“Today was a really good day for me,” said Sandbech. “The weather was great and it just makes you warm and loose. It’s easier to try big tricks when it’s not icy.”

Behind Sandbech was Brandon Davis (USA) and Roope Tonteri (FIN) in third. The top 10 of 32 men advanced to finals, and will go for the 2014 Burton US Open slopestyle title, starting at 2pm MST on Friday.

Women’s Slopestyle Semi-Final Results:
1. Jamie Anderson (USA), BILLABONG, 86.80
2. Isabel Derungs (SUI), RIDE, 78.45
3. Spencer O’Brien (CAN), NIKE, 78.25
4. Miyabi Onitsuka (JPN), BURTON, 77.25
5. Ty Walker (USA), RED BULL, 74.15
6. Cheryl Maas (NED), VOLCOM, 70.80

jamie andersonJamie Anderson gives the thumbs up after her run.
photo by Hardbodynews.com

Men’s Slopesyle Semi-Final Results:
1. Stale Sandbech (NOR), OAKLEY, 87.05
2. Brandon Davis (USA), NEFF, 81.30
3. Roope Tonteri (FIN), BURTON, 80.85
4. Kyle Mack (USA), BURTON, 77.05
5. Tyler Nicholson (CAN), LIB TECH, 76.25
6. Sebastien Toutant (CAN), ONEILL, 75.70
7. Darcy Sharpe (CAN), MONSTER ENERGY, 74.85
8. Maxence Parrot (CAN), ONEILL, 74.30
9. Mark McMorris (CAN), BURTON,73.85
10. Emil Ulsletten (NOR), NITRO, 72.05

Tonight, an Olympic Rider Celebration will take place at the Solaris main stage in downtown Vail from 6-7pm. Emcee, Sal Masekela, will interview top medalists who are in Vail competing at the Burton US Open. Complete with a DJ and fireworks, it’s sure to be a memorable evening.

Tomorrow, don’t miss day two of the Burton US Open with halfpipe semi-finals beginning at 10am MST, with live coverage on Burton.com/USO. Starting Friday, tune in to watch live coverage from Vail Mountain on FOX Sports 2, plus additional airings, run replays, full webcasts, broadcast schedules and more on www.Burton.com/USO

For anyone who missed the live webcast, highlights of winning runs, full webcast replays, contest recaps and more are here. Also check your local listings to watch the US Open Lifestyle show, and Men’s and Women’s Slopestyle and Halfpipe highlight shows on FOX Sports 2.

Follow all Burton US Open happenings at facebook.com/burtonsnowboards, @burtonsnowboard on Twitter and Instagram, and the hashtag #BurtonUSOpen.

A big thanks to the following partners for their support of the 32nd annual Burton US Open: MINI, Vail Mountain, Mountain Dew®, Town of Vail, Garmin, Nokia, Paul Mitchell, 3M™ Thinsulate™ Insulation, G-SHOCK, Pacifico, Bear Naked® granola, Chipotle Mexican Grill, Shiseido, Clif Bar & Company, CHILL, anon, Analog and the World Snowboard Tour.

Results and Photos
Rider start lists will be announced prior to the event. For more information on the 2014 Burton US Open and a full list of invited competitors, follow #BurtonUSOpen and head to www.Burton.com/USO.

About the Burton US Open
The world’s best snowboarders will come together in Vail, Colorado from March 3rd – 8th to partake in the longest running, premier snowboarding event, the Burton US Open Snowboarding Championships presented by MINI. By day, experience world-class halfpipe and slopestyle competition, then at night keep the momentum high with FREE concerts, events and activities for all-ages. A big thanks to the following partners for their support of the 32nd annualBurton US Open: MINI, Vail Mountain, Mountain Dew®, Town of Vail, Garmin, Nokia, Paul Mitchell, 3Mâ„¢ Thinsulateâ„¢ Insulation, G-SHOCK, Pacifico, Bear Naked® granola, Chipotle Mexican Grill, Shiseido, Clif Bar & Company, CHILL, anon, Analog and the World Snowboard Tour.

About MINI
MINI is involved in action sports around the world through cooperation and sponsoring activities. As a partner of trend-conscious sports, MINI supports young and creative sports people and, in so doing, promotes the development of their sport. MINI has been the official presenting partner for the Burton Global Event Series since 2011.

About Vail Mountain
Coveted as one of the largest ski resorts in the world with more than 5,200 acres of skiable terrain, seven legendary Back Bowls spanning seven miles, and the most groomed terrain on the planet, Vail has been an extraordinary winter vacation destination for passionate skiers and snowboarders for more than 50 years. It is home to world-class athletes during the U.S. Ski Team early-season training sessions in Golden Peak, the Burton US Open Snowboarding Championships and the future 2015 World Alpine Ski Championships. Under blue skies more than 300 days each year, friends and families reconnect and celebrate here from year to year and generation to generation. The vacation experience is exceptional, from the Vail Ski & Snowboard School to events, activities and festivals, shops and spas, abundant culinary experiences and luxurious accommodations. Coupled with the vision inherent in the spirit of Vail’s founders, and a modern day commitment to excellence in all aspects of guest service and operations, Vail is a mountain resort like nothing on earth. www.vail.com.



Tune-In to the 2014 Burton US Open Snowboarding Championships Presented by MINI


Tune-In to the 2014 Burton US Open Snowboarding Championships Presented by MINI
Vail, CO (March 4, 2014) — Beginning Wednesday, March 5th, the 32nd Annual Burton US Open Snowboarding Championships Presented by MINI, will be broadcast live at Burton.com/USO and on FOX Sports 2 from Vail Mountain. With more than 50 Olympians ready to take the stage, it’s lining up to be the best Burton US Open yet. Watch as Mark McMorris, Jamie Anderson, Stale Sandbech, Danny Davis, Kaitlyn Farrington, Kelly Clark and many more, compete for their chance at the Burton US Open slopestyle and halfpipe titles.

us open
Here’s where you can tune in. FOX Sports 2 will air five hours of live coverage during the finals on Friday, March 7th and Saturday, March 8th, with additional events on FOX Sports 2 and FOX Sports Regional Networks. In addition, Burton.com/USO will premiere 18 hours of entertainment beginning during the semi-finals on Wednesday, March 5th through Saturday, March 8th.

If you are unable to catch the action in person, check out the full broadcast schedule listed in the attached release. Times and events are posted in Eastern Time (ET), and subject to change, so please check your local listings.

In addition to the live webcast, highlights of winning runs, full webcast replays, contest recaps and more can be found at the US Open website. Also check your local listings to watch the US Open Lifestyle show, and Men’s and Women’s Slopestyle and Halfpipe highlight shows on FOX Sports 2.

For more information on the 2014 Burton US Open and a full list of invited competitors, follow head to www.Burton.com/USO and follow #BurtonUSOpen.

A big thanks to the following partners for their support of the 32nd annual Burton US Open: MINI, Vail Mountain, Mountain Dew®, Town of Vail, Garmin, Nokia, Paul Mitchell, 3M™ Thinsulate™ Insulation, G-SHOCK, Pacifico, Bear Naked® granola, Chipotle Mexican Grill, Shiseido, Clif Bar & Company, CHILL, anon, Analog and the World Snowboard Tour.

About the Burton US Open
The world’s best snowboarders will come together in Vail, Colorado from March 3rd – 8th to partake in the longest running, premier snowboarding event, the Burton US Open Snowboarding Championships presented by MINI. By day, experience world-class halfpipe and slopestyle competition, then at night keep the momentum high with FREE concerts, events and activities for all-ages. A big thanks to the following partners for their support of the 32nd edition of the Burton US Open: MINI, Vail Mountain, Mountain Dew®, Town of Vail, Garmin, Nokia, Paul Mitchell, 3M™ Thinsulate™ Insulation, G-SHOCK, Pacifico, Bear Naked® granola, Chipotle Mexican Grill, Shiseido, Clif Bar & Company, CHILL, anon, Analog and the World Snowboard Tour.

About MINI
MINI is involved in action sports around the world through cooperation and sponsoring activities. As a partner of trend-conscious sports, MINI supports young and creative sports people and, in so doing, promotes the development of their sport. MINI has been the official presenting partner for the Burton Global Event Series since 2011.

About Vail Mountain
Coveted as one of the largest ski resorts in the world with more than 5,200 acres of skiable terrain, seven legendary  Back Bowls spanning seven miles, and the most groomed terrain on the planet, Vail has been an extraordinary winter vacation destination for passionate skiers and snowboarders for more than 50 years. It is home to world-class athletes during the U.S. Ski Team early-season training sessions in Golden Peak, the Burton US Open Snowboarding Championships and the future 2015 World Alpine Ski Championships. Under blue skies more than 300 days each year, friends and families reconnect and celebrate here from year to year and generation to generation. The vacation experience is exceptional, from the Vail Ski & Snowboard School to events, activities and festivals, shops and spas, abundant culinary experiences and luxurious accommodations. Coupled with the vision inherent in the spirit of Vail’s founders, and a modern day commitment to excellence in all aspects of guest service and operations, Vail is a mountain resort like nothing on earth. www.vail.com.



Arnold Amateur Competitor Lists Announced


The Eighth-Annual Arnold Amateur NPC/IFBB International Bodybuilding, Fitness, Figure, Bikini and Men’s Physique Championships will once again include amateur competitors from the NPC and IFBB from around the world. The Amateur competitor lists have been announced!

arnold amateur


Figure Competitors

Figure Competitors will be split into SIX classes (A,B,C,D,E,F) upon check in from the current 4 on this list.

Figure A Class
Olivia Bulls (Blacklick, OH)
Mary Carriedo (Canada)
Nadya Cortes-Spight (Chicago, IL)
Angela Derzapf (Germany)
Jennifer Everson (Pineville, NC)
Janaina Ferreira da Silva (Brasil)
Ekaterina Grima (Ukraine)
Katrina Kocielska (Canada)
Silvia Kovacsova (Australia)
Monica Lopez Jauregui (Mexico)
Nora Raquel Martinez Jara (Paraguay)
Valentina Mazzola (Italy)
Josefina Monsivais (New Lenox, IL)
Olesia Plikus (Russia)
Elda Priscila Segovia Lujan (Mexico)
Dusty Smith (Palm Beach Gardens, FL)
Chie Terui (Homewood, IL)

Figure B Class
Reem Al-Bareeq (United Kingdom)
Chazz Anderson (USA)
Karolina Botkova (United Kingdom)
Cricel Castillo (Belize)
Jennifer Collum (Kemp)
Alexandria Colmenares (Miami Lakes, FL)
Loreto Del Carmen Soto Nunez (Chile)
Shay Diggs (Baton Rouge, LA)
Macha Douard (Canada)
Kristine Duba (Panama City Beach, FL)
Etzel Dulcarmon Delgado (Panama)
Julia Emanuele (Canada)
Erika Furtado (USA)
Michelle Guest (South Africa)
Mandy Hill (Effingham, IL)
Susse Hougaard (Denmark)
Marsela Ilic (Serbia)
Yo Lazarov (United Kingdom)
Cecilie Lind (Denmark)
Christina Lopez (Des Plaines, IL)
Rosimar Regina Lopes da Silva (Brasil)
Jessica MacMillan (Canada)
Laura Maria Marenco Avalos (El Salvador)
Alicia McDowell (Evansville, IN)
Yaroslava Nikolaeva (Russia)
Melissa Norgart (USA)
Shelagh Paton (Canada)
Karla Plott (Jacksonville, FL)
Adriannie Ponce (Ithaca, NY)
Cristina Romano (Italy)
Nathalia Santoro (Brooklyn, NY)
Nicole Schepp (Canada)
Shameella Simons (Bermuda)
Beth Marie Siracuse (Upper Arlington, OH)
Nichole Stegall (Columbus, OH)
Alessandra Tantari (Italy)
Stina Telhammer (Sweden)
Amber Trapp (USA)
Wagna Vargas Savietto (Brasil)
Marjan Washington (USA)
Margita Zamolova (Czech Republic)

Figure C Class
Ania Anvaryfar (Canada)
Jheaneale Bahadosingh (Bahamas)
Oksana Balnyuk (Lakewood, OH)
Lesley Barents (Netherlands)
LauraLee Bater (Canada)
Sabrina Burgess (Bermuda)
Vanesa Burke (Kent, OH)
Kay Clark (South Africa)
Jaidy Cruz (Dominican Republic)
Elena Cuzuioc (Italy)
Berenice Gonzalez Ulloa (Mexico)
Renata Guaraciaba (Brasil)
Rachel Killam (Canada)
Marla Lepe (Goodyear, AZ)
Jaimy Maktari (Coral Springs, FL)
Sarah Parks (Raleigh, NC)
Eszter Patti (United Kingdom)
Zuleica Rezende (Deerfield Beach, FL)
Andressa Ribeiro (Orlando, FL)
Samantha Sage (Houston, TX)
Jennifer Salinas (Reynoldsburg, OH)
Brand Red Smith (Phoenix, AZ)
Carli Terepka (Medina, OH)
Lucrecia Tolkachier (Argentina)
Katie Wargo (Overland Park, KS)
Canan Yavas (Netherlands)

Figure D Class
Beata Antoninas (Canada)
Mayra Vianey Beaz Miguel (Mexico)_
Emillie-Jean Bisgrove-Cole (Australia)
Rebecca Black (Columbus, OH)
Ranae Cann (Bermuda)
Viaura Centeno (U.S. Virgin Islands)
L. Dawn Charlton (Bahamas)
Marcelle Collison (South Africa)
Andy Forbes (Australia)
Sarah Gacsy (USA)
Charlene Gilbert (Canada)
Katherine Glen (Canada)
Amanda Graham (USA)
Rachel Killam (Canada)
Virginia Kinkel (Australia)
Eliyan Lobez (Australia)
Melissa Moen (USA)
Nury Gabriela Perez Rivera (Mexico)
Amber Price (USA)
Rosemarie Roodenburg (Netherlands)
Kristin Russell (Garfield Heights, OH)
Samantha Smith (USA)
Laura Stevenson (Canada)
Solveig Wilhelms (Norway)
Carri Woodgerd (Glouster, OH)

Figure To Be Placed
Jessica Bertha Baldeon Caballeros (Peru)
Marie-Eve Bergeron (Canada)
Jessica Coate (New Zealand)
Corletto Jeaninne (Honduras)
Sonia Marcela Lopez (Honduras)

Figure Masters Short
Nadya Corest-Spight (Chicago, IL)
Loreto Del Carmen Soto Nunez (Chile)
Patrizia Garnero (Italy)
Jennifer Hill (USA)
Linda Jensen (Denmark)
Heidi Jentes (USA)
Donna LaFevers (USA)
Theresa Lombardo (USA)
Jessica MacMillan (USA)
Laura Maria Marenco Avalos (El Salvador)
Josefina Monsivais (USA)
Melissa Norgart (USA)
Nicole Schepp (Canada)
Deb Seyler (USA)
Melitta Simmons (Dublin, OH)
Beth Marie Siracuse (Upper Arlington, OH)
Viviana Smerilli (USA)
Dusty Smith (Palm Beach Gardens, FL)
Amber Trapp (USA)
Sandy Wilkerson (USA)

Figure Masters Medium
Rosalind Louise Alexander (Singapore)
Ania Anvaryfar (USA)
LauraLee Bater (Canada)
Federica Ghezzi (Italy)
Kim Gramlich (Canada)
Heidi Griffin (Columbus, OH)
Sophie Haddad (Dearborn Heights, MI)
Kristin H. Kristjansdottir (Iceland)
Jaimy Maktari (Coral Springs, FL)
Sarah Parks (USA)
Rosemarie Roodenburg (Netherlands)
Brandy Red Smith (Phoenix, AZ)
Sonia Tavares (Brasil)
Yolanda Tillman (USA)

Figure Masters Tall
Leslie Eason (USA)
Sharon Fillyaw (Boston, MA)
Tina Glass (Little Rock, AK)
Katherine Glen (Canada)
Marta Lepe (Goodyear, AZ)
Zuleica Rezende (Deerfield Beach, FL)

Figure Masters To Be Placed
Sabrina Burgess (Bermuda)
Ranae Cann (Bermuda)
Ursula Maria Domingues Von Randow (Brasil)
Sabine Firmin Guidon (New Caledonia)
Viviana Evangelina Gimenez Guanez (Paraguay)
Jodie Parker (Australia)
Maria Scotland (United Kingdom)
Shameella Simons (Bermuda)
Brigitte Subrin (France)
Melissa Yates (Canada)
Canan Yavas (Netherlands)

Women’s Physique Competitors

Women’s Physique Short
April Dumouchel (Canada)
Brewer Eklund (USA)
Carina Roxana Espinoza (Argentina)
Chanthavivone Gambel (USA)
Federica Gastaldi (Italty)
Rosanna Harte (United Kingdom)
Teresa Heron (Canada)
Karolina Holubcova (Czech Republic)
Yeona Kim (Hong Kong)
Michelle Larrieux (Killeen, TX)
Christina Lopez (Des Plaines, IL)
Giuditta Magazzino (Italy)
Kashma Siana Maharaj (U.S. Virgin Islands)
Silvia Matta (Italy)
Amy Mendez (USA)
Margaret Negrete (El Paso, TX)
Guadalupe Ortiz (Mexico)
Gabriela Quiros (Miami, FL)
Britney Sheehan (Lakeland, FL)
Marisol Solis Vazquez (Mexico)
Marea Warde (United Kingdom)
Toni Wheeler (USA)
Amy Wolf (Ypsilanti, MI)

Women’s Physique Tall
Bianca Antunes Nobrega (Brasil)
Reshanna Boswell (Chicago, IL)
Samantha Bourassa (USA)
Hayley Brylewski (United Kingdom)
Lucy Cerantula (Canada)
Lorena Inarra Duque (Spain)
Robin Eve (Canada)
Julia Fory (Switzerland)
Gwen Fuerte (Beloit, WI)
Anthony Clyde Gibson (Guyana)
Alexandra Heberger (Canada)
Sara Heimis (Iceland)
Christine Henson (USA)
Toni Hill (Austin, TX)
Suzy Kellner (Delray Beach, FL)
Katie Lee (Germantown, MD)
Joan Liew Lee Ting (Singapore)
Camila Mendes de Campos de Silva (Brasil)
Ester Parisi (Italy)
Lada Plihalova (Czech Republic)
Evy Anita Rustad (Norway)
Paola Jaira Sanchez Bonetti (Dominican Republic)
Jennifer Scott (Gilbert, AZ)
Nicole Sill (Dublin, OH)
Iris Swatuk (Canada)
Kristina VanderWaal Shober (Reading, PA_
Luciane Vieira (Brasil)
Jorine Wieringa (Netherlands)
Veronica Young (USA)

Women’s Physique To Be Placed
Jeaneth Saskia Argandona Palomino (Peru)
Veronica Del Carmen Carassai Teran (Peru)


Bikini Competitors

Bikini A Class
Melanie Albert (USA)
Rachel Antal (North Canton, OH)
Romina Marcela Basualdo (Argentina)
Alice Belia (Italy)
Francesca Biondi (Italy)
Clarissa Campos de Oliveira (Brasil)
Aimee Chandara (Pickerington, OH)
Virginia Coffman (Philippines)
Julenoy Dias Vieira (Brasil)
Katalin Egervari (Hungary)
Amanda Fantell (Anchorage, AK)
Zina Figgiani (USA)
Amanda Fils-Aime (Virginia Beach, VA)
Sara Fiorenzo (USA)
Rosalyn Flores (Phillipines)
Joey Guz (USA)
Cydney Herndon (USA)
Marvelyn Iweh (Austin, TX)
Nikki Jenkins Robinsons (United Kingdom)
Virag Kiss (Hungary)
Michelle Kling (Edina, Minn.)
Arlene Oliva (Tampa, Fla.)
Yulia Pudovikova (Russia)
Marissa Rodriguez (Canada)
Nina Ross (United Kingdom)
Carolina Solano Peralta (Dominican Republic)
Julia Souza (Orlando, Fla.)
Kimberly Turner (USA)
Alexis Weber (USA)
Payton Whitt (Point Pleasant, WV)

Bikini B Class
Maddie Abrams (Chicago, IL)
Tumeko Allen (USA)
Angelica Angel-Robert (Westerville, OH)
Amanda Barango (Chicago, IL)
Anita Bekus (United Kingdom)
Heather Cobb (USA)
Megan Divincenzo (Bay Village, OH)
Kiah Douglas (Maumee, OH)
Jennifer Espinoza (USA)
Renee Hagans (USA)
Arlene Hanson (USA)
Karen Meiling Hardy (USA)
Brianna Hogan (Aurora, CO)
Lauren Huddleston (USA)
Alexandra Kazmierczak (Canada)
Angie Mellon (Grove City, OH)
Gabriela Mendieta (USA)
Ericka Morales Jeanette Morgan (Guatemala)
Jolie Mosser (Grand Rapids, MI)
Shannon O’Shea (Fort Worth, TX)
Naylan Pulaski (Houston, TX)
Zinaida Rudenko (Russia)
Maide Salles Nogueira (Brasil)
Naiara Schubert (Brasil)
Agnes Sebestyen (Hungary)
Missraeli Jatziri Serrano Salcido (Mexico)
Ashley Sisko (USA)
Sachie Sonkin (USA)
Elena Christina Spinu (Hollywood, FL)
Antonella Trantaki (Germany)
Brooke Walker (USA)
Je Williams (Tampa, FL)
Marne Wilson (USA)
Christel Yr Johansen (Iceland)

Bikini C Class
Casey Adkins (USA)
Oksana Artemova (Russia)
Lorena Arzate Mendoza (Mexico)
Jessica Bradhurst (Grove City, OH)
Caroline Cadore (Brasil)
Heather Caster (Kansas City, MO)
Chelsea Christene (USA)
Emily Cesefske (USA)
Chelsea Christensen (Denmark)
Jana Costa (Rockville, MD)
Maranda Davis (North Little Rock, AK)
Tess de Wild (Netherlands)
Maizee Demske (Clearwater, Fla.)
Anya Ells (Canada)
Kristina Feduik (Pickerington, OH)
Lindsey Flowers (Willoughby, OH)
Melanie Galles (USA)
Federica Gobbetti (Italy)
Tracy Gramer (Atlanta, GA)
Fernanda Gratton (El Paso, TX)
Ruth Harper (Alexandria, VA)
Chantelle Harvey-Houghton (Canada)
Samantha Hastings (Gulfport, MS)
Heather Hayes (USA)
Gabriela Hosakova (Darien, CT)
Courtney Jacobs (Norfolk, VA)
Yana Kashcheeva (Russia)
Amanda Kurt (Maumee, OH)
Jenna Lightgow (South Africa)
Nicole Massaro (USA)
Brittany McIntyre (Charlotte, NC)
Kadian Mijic (USA)
Olga Helena Olafsdottir (Iceland)
Torrey Peak (USA)
Tiffany Ranalli (Columbus, OH)
Natasha Ray (Canada)
Heather Rickard (Jacksonville, FL)
Irina Rose (Key West, FL)
Julie Royer (Canada)
Cassandra Sarver (Pataskala, OH)
Andrea Secara (Downers Grove, IL)
Brenda Angelica Sosa Popoca (Mexico)
Jill Smetz-Klinker (Attica, NY)
Alina Stepanova (Russia)
Katya Syrkanova (Russia)
Ekaterina Usmanova (Russia)
Stephanie Winter (East Peoria, IL)
April Wintle (Bethesda, MD)

Bikini D Class
Rachel Alker (USA)
Sarah Allen (Australia)
Alane Ayet Adapt (USA)
Cleo Brown (USA)
Ana Rita Contreras (Dominican Republic)
Britainie DeGarbott (Hermosa Beach, Calif.)
MarJeana DeHayes (USA)
Cara Dukes (USA)
Melanie Evans (Champaign, IL)
Phyllis Frempong (USA)
Anna Friske (USA)
Kershawna Griffin (USA)
Kristin Elisabet Gunnarsdottir (Iceland)
Beth Hall (Anderson, IN)
Tiffany Inboden (USA)
Traci Kilgore (USA)
Olivia McIntire (Delaware, OH)
Liudmila Melik-Eganova (USA)
Tayler Parry (North Kansas City, MO)
Cherie Robar (USA)
Tiffany Robertson (USA)
Alzira Isabel Rodriguez Castro (Dominican Republic)
Kathryn Schlake (USA)
Vladyslava Selitbovska (Ukraine)
Allison Solomon (USA)
Gergana Stambolieva (Cincinnati, OH)
Danielle Sudbeck (Lakeland, FL)
Lisa Marie Tydings (Rochester, NY)
Irina Vasilyeva (Russia)
Olga Viazmetinova (Ukraine)
Kathy Williams (Charlotte, NC)
Kenea Yancey (Atlanta, GA)

Bikini E Class
Alesia Chuchkevich (USA)
Lauren D’Errico (USA)
Diana Nataly Delgado Balseca (Ecuador)
Egle Eller-Nabi (Estonia)
Sophie Guidolin (Australia)
Magnea Gunnarsdottir (Iceland)
Kennetha Harris (Canal Winchester, OH)
Chanel Harris-Crawford (USA)
Vivian Hodges (Reynoldsburg, OH)
Audray Hunt (Gilbert, AZ)
Hannade Ibramhim (Valparaiso, OH)
Katalin Jasztrab (Hungary)
Stefanie Juliana (Netherlands)
Kerri Keller (USA)
Leslie Lewis (Naples, FL)
Olivia London (Canada)
Mimi Macias (Las Vegas, NV)
Yitzel Mansour (USA)
Jessica McKenzie (Dover, DE)
Tiffany Morice (Chicago, IL)
Summer Nelson (Batavia, OH)
Ashley Nelson (USA)
Lisa Netherly (Columbus, OH)
Clarissa Powell (USA)
Gabriella Rakoczi (Hungary)
Alaina Ravens (USA)
Edyta Schwartz (USA)
Melissa Simpson (USA)
Lauren Tapp (USA)
Sandra Tavarez (USA)
Ekaterina Timofeeva (Russia)
Victoria Walker (Virginia Beach, VA)
Jill Zaslavsky (Findlay, OH)

Bikini F Class
Jenni Aaskov (Denmark)
Vanessa Albarran (USA)
Amy Bella (Erie, PA)
Jessica Bish (USA)
Deavin Bowser (Kalamazoo, MI)
Brittany Brinkman (Columbus, OH)
Jill Bunny (Canada)
Tyler Dean (College Station, TX)
Andrea DeOrio (Louisville, KY)
Helen Fritsch (Charlotte, NC)
Stephanie Gemmer (Topeka, KS)
Brittany Gill (Beckley, WV)
Nini Gothler (Denmark)
Lacey Hill (USA)
Kathrin Hollman (Germany)
Anna Kiseleva (Russia)
Cassandra Marshall (USA)
Traisha Martin (USA)
Shawna McClosky (Orient, OH)
Liana Moroz (Russia)
Tressia Murphy (Canada)
Alexis Nicole (Dublin, OH)
Alexandra Roane (Bowie, MD)
Nicole Simos (Troy, OH)
Olga Svyrydova (USA)
Shirley van den Box (Netherlands)
Josiane Weber (Brasil)
Carley Wissner (USA)
Alexis Young (Syracuse, NY)
Aoalheiour Yr Olafsdottir (Iceland)

Bikini To Be Placed
Gabrielle Ahmed (Canada)
Holly Baker (Canada)
Lourdes Facunada Cabrejos Vasquez (Peru)
Aimee Chitty (New Zealand)
Marina Diaz (France)
Martine Gauthier (Canada)
Marcia Cristina Goncalves de Souza (Brasil)
Michelle Jager (Canada)
Giannina Lujan-Ripoll Acevedo (Peru)
Sheena Martin (New Zealand)

Fitness Competitors

Fitness Short
Anna-Elise Bowman (Raleigh, NC)
Donnice Christian (USA)
Kristine Duba (Panama City Beach, FL)
Sydney Gilpin (Tulsa, OK)
Cicely Kyle (Mobile, AL)
Amber Parsley (Hilliard, OH)
Kendra Stiffler (Columbus, OH)
Monica Vargas (USA)
Toni Wheeler (USA)

Fitness Tall
Alyssa Gualtieri (Worthington, OH)
Brittany Kanne (Canada)
Samantha Sage (USA)

Women’s Fitness To Be Places
Marta Aguiar (Uruguay)
Olena Chekerda (Italy)
Giorgia Foroni (Italy)
Luidmila Nikitina (Russia)
Oksana Orobets (Ukraine)
Christine Ray (Australia)
Yanina Terragni (Argentina)
Aurika Tyrgale (Russia)

For the men’s list and for more information visit: http://arnoldamateur.com



Dara Howell Wins First-ever Women’s Freestyle Skiing Slopestyle


KRASNAYA POLYANA, Russia (AP) — The lasting image of freestyle skiing pioneer Sarah Burke is her ever-present smile, the one that helped inspire kids across Canada to slap on their skis and open their minds.

In an event that Burke’s extraordinary vision helped bring to the Olympics, Dara Howell channeled her idol’s style.

Mouth agape after a spectacular run on slush more suited for a snowcone, Howell continued Canada’s dominance at Rosa Khutor Extreme Park by soaring to gold as women’s slopestyle skiing made a sometimes inauspicious Olympic debut.

dara howell

Canada’s Dara Howell celebrates after taking the gold medal in the women’s freestyle skiing slopestyle final at the Rosa Khutor Extreme Park at the 2014 Winter Olympics, Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2014, in Krasnaya Polyana, Russia. (AP Photo/Andy Wong)

“I said the other day that I really hope a Canadian brings home a gold medal and it will be for Sarah,” Howell said. “This medal is definitely for Sarah. She pushed the sport.”

Burke died in 2012 at age 29 following an accident while training on the halfpipe.

A charismatic and accomplished performer and one of the key players in expanding freestyle skiing’s role in the Olympics, she served as a role model to a large swath of the Canadian freestyle team, including the 19-year-old who found herself atop a podium on Tuesday.

“She always wanted to see the progression,” Howell said. “To see the girls throwing what the guys were throwing … today I feel like that’s what I did.”

Howell unleashed a switch-900 — an off-axis spin that includes 2 ½ rotations — during a run that finished with a score of 94.20, trouncing the rest of the field on a warm and sometimes frightening day.

Devin Logan of the United States took silver. Kim Lamarre earned bronze to give Canada seven medals in four days of snowboarding and freestyle skiing, including three events in which they took two of the three spots on the podium.

“We’re over the moon right now,” said Peter Judge, CEO of the Canadian Freestyle Skiing Association. “Our target was to get six total — and we still have a few events left.”

Howell’s triumph was tempered by a series of frightening crashes, including one by teammate Yuki Tsubota. That ended with Tsubota being carried off the mountain on a stretcher with a possible fractured jaw. Russian Anna Mirtova wiped out during both of her final runs and said she’s heading for knee surgery.

“It was tough conditions,” Lamarre said. “It’s not easy for speed on slushy snow. You can’t always be perfect and land everything.”

Maybe, but Logan conceded that the Canadians are more perfect than most at the moment. While the U.S. grabbed gold in both men’s and women’s slopestyle snowboarding over the weekend, Canada has dominated everything else. Slopestyle snowboarder Mark McMorris earned bronze and Canada went 1-2 in both men’s and women’s moguls.

“They’re really good as you can see,” Logan said. “They’re definitely giving us a run for the money. It helps us progress our sport. It’s nice having a little bit of a rivalry trying to beat them or one up them.”

Only Logan’s acrobatic run to an 85.40 in the slopestyle skiing finals prevented the top of the podium from being covered with the Maple Leaf flag. Logan’s medal-winning sprint included a frontside 720-degree spin in which she gamely held on while landing.

Logan, who is from West Dover, Ver. but now lives in Oceanside, Calif., turns 21 next Monday.

After a soul-testing stretch that included two comebacks from a torn ACL in her right knee, her celebration includes a trip to Las Vegas and adding a tattoo.

“Not of the Olympic rings,” she added with a laugh.

Howell’s plans are more demure, including a trip back to Canada to ski with her 99-year-old grandfather, who still finds a way to get out on the mountain near her hometown of Huntsville, Ontario, every day. The two chatted briefly after her victory, a conversation that included a lot of screaming if not a lot of detail about what Howell had just done.

“He tries his best to understand it,” she said. “I don’t think he’s got it yet.”

The same could be said for a sport that looked more than a little unpolished in its Olympic debut.

Nearly half of the 44 qualifying runs over the series of rails, jumps — and one oversized Russian nesting doll — ended with a skier face down in the snow or pulling out of self-preservation.

“On days like this, normally we wouldn’t be trying to do our gnarliest tricks because we’re getting stuck,” said American Keri Herman, who came in as a medal contender but finished 10th. “But right now, we’re at (the Olympics), so here we go, let’s do it.”

Finals
1. Dara Howell (CAN) – 94.20
2. Devin Logan (USA) – 85.40
3. Kim Lamarre (CAN) – 85.00
4. Anna Segal (AUS) – 77.00
5. Emma Dahlstrom (SWE) – 75.40
6. Yuki Tsubota (CAN) – 71.60
7. Katie Summerhayes (GBR) – 70.60
8. Silvia Bertagna (ITA) – 69.60
9. Eveline Bhend (SUI) – 63.20
10. Keri Herman (USA) – 50.00
11. Julia Krass (USA) – 42.40
12. Camillia Berra (SUI) – 30.40

See more at: http://www.nbcolympics.com

Story via AP.

(AP Photo/Andy Wong)



FDA warns against using Uncle Ben’s Infused Rice


For Immediate Release: Feb. 10, 2014

FDA warns against using Uncle Ben’s Infused Rice
Mars Foodservices recalls all lot numbers of Infused Rice linked to recent illness in Texas 
 
Fast Facts
  • Government officials are investigating a cluster of illnesses associated with Uncle Ben’s Infused Rice Mexican Flavor sold in 5- and 25-pound bags.
  • Out of an abundance of caution, the FDA is warning food service companies and consumers not to use any Uncle Ben’s Infused Rice products sold in 5- and 25-pound bags.
  • These products are sold to food service companies that typically distribute to restaurants, schools, hospitals and other commercial establishments. However, the products may be available over the Internet and at warehouse-type retailers.
  • Food service companies and consumers who have purchased the products should not use the rice, and should return it to their point of purchase or dispose of it.
  • Uncle Ben’s Brand Ready to Heat, Boxed, Bag or Cup products sold at grocery stores and other retail outlets are not being recalled.
 
What is the Problem and What is Being Done about the Problem?
The FDA, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local officials have been investigating a cluster of illnesses associated with Uncle Ben’s Infused Rice Mexican Flavor sold in 5- and 25-pound bags. 
On Feb. 7, 2014, the FDA’s Coordinated Outbreak Response and Evaluation Network (CORE) was notified of a cluster of illnesses at three public schools in Katy, Texas. Thirty-four students and four teachers experienced burning, itching rashes, headaches and nausea for 30 to 90 minutes, before the symptoms went away. Uncle Ben’s Infused Rice Mexican Flavor with the lot number 351EKGRV01, made by Mars Foodservices of Greenville, Miss., was the common food item eaten by ill students.
On Dec. 4, 2013, the Illinois Department of Public Health notified CDC of 25 children with similar skin reactions following a school lunch that served an Uncle Ben’s Infused Rice product. North Dakota reported a similar incident that occurred on Oct. 30, 2013. Three children in a daycare and one college student experienced flushing reactions 45 minutes after consuming an Uncle Ben’s Infused Rice product.
Mars Foodservices is recalling all bags and all lot numbers of its Uncle Ben’s Infused Rice products produced in 2013:
  • UNCLE BEN’S INFUSED Rice Roasted Chicken Flavor (5- and 25-pounds)
  • UNCLE BEN’S INFUSED Rice Garlic & Butter Flavor (5-pounds)
  • UNCLE BEN’S INFUSED Rice Mexican Flavor (5- and 25-pounds)
  • UNCLE BEN’S INFUSED Rice Pilaf (5-pounds)
  • UNCLE BEN’S INFUSED Rice Saffron Flavor (5-pounds)
  • UNCLE BEN’S INFUSED Rice Cheese Flavor (5-pounds)
  • UNCLE BEN’S INFUSED Rice Spanish Flavor (25-pounds)
Although this product is not typically marketed to individual consumers, it may be available over the Internet and at warehouse-type retailers.
Uncle Ben’s Brand Ready to Heat, Boxed, Bag or Cup products sold at grocery stores and other retail outlets are not being recalled.
Investigation into this outbreak continues.
 
What are the Symptoms of Illness/Injury?

The symptoms associated with this illness include a red burning/itching rash, headache, nausea, and flushness of the skin.
 
The symptoms appear very shortly after consuming the rice product and pass within 30 to 90 minutes.
 
What Specific Products are being Recalled?
Mars Foodservices is recalling all bags and all lot numbers of its Uncle Ben’s Infused Rice products produced in 2013:
  • UNCLE BEN’S INFUSED Rice Roasted Chicken Flavor (5- and 25-pounds)
  • UNCLE BEN’S INFUSED Rice Garlic & Butter Flavor (5-pounds)
  • UNCLE BEN’S INFUSED Rice Mexican Flavor (5- and 25-pounds)
  • UNCLE BEN’S INFUSED Rice Pilaf (5-pounds)
  • UNCLE BEN’S INFUSED Rice Saffron Flavor (5-pounds)
  • UNCLE BEN’S INFUSED Rice Cheese Flavor (5-pounds)
  • UNCLE BEN’S INFUSED Rice Spanish Flavor (25-pounds)
The products are sold to food service companies. However, they may be available over the Internet and at warehouse-type retailers.
 
Who is at Risk?
People of any age can experience symptoms. The illnesses in Texas included people of different ages (children and adults).
What Do Food Service Companies and Consumers Need To Do? 
Food service companies and consumers who may have purchased the products should not use the rice, and should return it to their distributor or point of purchase or dispose of it.
What Does the Product Look Like?
Photos of Uncle Ben’s Infused Rice products can be seen here: http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm385323.htm.
Where is it Distributed?
The products are sold directly to food service companies that typically distribute to restaurants, schools, hospitals and other establishments. The products have also been found over the Internet, including Amazon and warehouse-type retailers, such as Sam’s Club.
Who Should be Contacted? 
Contact your health care provider if you have sudden nausea, headaches or a burning/itching rash after eating Uncle Ben’s Infused Rice products.
The FDA encourages consumers with questions about food safety to call 1-888-SAFEFOOD Monday through Friday between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. eastern time, or to consult the fda.gov website:http://www.fda.gov/Safety/ReportaProblem/ConsumerComplaintCoordinators/default.htm.
The FDA, an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, protects the public health by assuring the safety, effectiveness, and security of human and veterinary drugs, vaccines and other biological products for human use, and medical devices. The agency also is responsible for the safety and security of our nation’s food supply, cosmetics, dietary supplements, products that give off electronic radiation, and for regulating tobacco products.


Week 21: Staying Healthy & Fit While Pregnant


Dina Al Sabah is checks in with an update after traveling to Germany. She shares an easy-to-follow training circuit you can do in your hotel room and reminds us all to get outdoors and enjoy the nice weather when possible. Dina shares what she’s been craving at 21 weeks into her pregnancy and what she plans to incorporate in the coming weeks to stay fit. Read the latest from Hardbody Mom-to-Be…

21 weeks pregnant

 

Staying Healthy & Fit While Pregnant - Week 21
This week had me traveling to Frankfurt and the Hague. The compression stockings did their job, and I had no swelling. I also kept up my water intake while on the plane though it did make me run to the bathroom hourly! The weather in Frankfurt was very mild so instead of going to the gym I walked about the city, and I did a mini circuit in my hotel room.

Mini-Circuit Hotel Workout:
3 sets – 15 push ups
3 sets – 15 body weight squats
3 sets – 15 lunges

I love walking in cities that I visit. Frankfurt has some beautiful historic architecture as well as a very modern skyline. Eating was a little tricky as I have had a complete aversion to chicken, beef and fish. I can stomach beef and chicken if  ground up and mixed with veggies, but that is not always easy to find. Needless to say, I did not meet my protein quota. I did indulge in a wonderful croissant – one has to when in Europe. The croissant was most delicious on the way down; however  the aftermath was not so pleasant.  Pregnancy  hormones have  slowed down my digestion and caused me to have reflux especially when eating something that has a high fat content. One of the things I noticed on this trip is the quality of food available at both the Frankfurt and Amsterdam airports. It is too bad that most of the airports in the USA do not have good options.

A great advantage about living in Los Angeles is the weather. This year our winter has been nonexistent. It felt so good to step out of the airport and into the warm sunshine.

The day after I returned I had my anatomy scan scheduled. This scan is usually done around 20 weeks and checks the development of the fetus. Thankfully everything is progressing well, and I got to see the little rascal kicking and punching; at one point he even smacked himself in the chin!!! I am always anxious when I go to my check-ups. I now have a system in place where I check the little guy’s heartbeat with my pocket fetal doppler before each appointment just so I know that he is doing well. There is nothing more reassuring than hearing the whomp, whomp, whomp of his heartbeat which usually clocks in at 145 – 150 bpm.

The jet lag has made me extra tired these last few days, so I haven’t done much in the gym other than walk on the treadmill and some light upper body/ab training. Nothing to write home about. I do have a yoga class scheduled on the weekend, and I am adding some Pilates in next week so that I can have some variety.

My latest comforts have been:
– lemon, cucumber and mint water
– zucchini pasta – I got a little spiral cutter that makes pasta like strands… a little sauce and Parmesan cheese make this a tasty treat
– tangerines

I will check in with you all again soon.

week 21 dina
If you have questions related to Dina’s pregnancy and what her journey has been like post them in the comments below or email her.



History of Figure & Bikini Overall NPC Nationals Champions


This weekend close to 900 competitors will head to Florida for the 2013 NPC Nationals. The majority of those competitors will be women in the bikini and figure divisions. The Figure division dates back to 2001 when Davana Medina was awarded pro status. The Bikini division was introduced to the NPC Nationals in 2009 where Jessica Anderson was awarded the top prize. There are more pro cards are awarded now (the top two in each class) but there are also more competitors than the early days. Achieving pro status is clearly the goal but having the title of “Overall NPC Nationals Champion” is something bestowed only one in each division.

npc-nationals

FIGURE
The Figure division has awarded pro status since 2001. When you look back on the overall winners from NPC Nationals Figure you see a number of familiar names. If you want to win the Figure Olympia, your best chance is to be a NPC Nationals overall winner. There have only been five women to win the Figure Olympia since its inception in 2003. Three of the five were NPC Nationals overall champions. Davana Medina was awarded the first pro card in the Figure division and went on to win the Olympia three times. While she was awarded pro status in 2001 it wasn’t until 2003 that the pro division adapted the new division for the Olympia stage. Kristy Robbins took top honors in 2002 and competed in a handful of shows before hanging up her heels in 2004. She returned to the stage in 2011 but competed in the Bikini division. Amber Littlejohn took the title in 2003 and had a relatively successful figure career. She debuted at the Arnold Classic in 10th place but that would be her lowest placing as a pro. She was known for having crazy delts and an unique, exotic look. Amber was the runner-up at the 2006 Olympia, her highest finish.

Mary Lado may not have won the Olympia when she competed but she had a successful career on stage and appeared in numerous fitness magazines. She never finished out of the top ten as a pro and won the Arnold Classic twice. Mary was the 2004 overall figure winner.  The 2005 winner, Danielle Hollenshade had a career high third place finish at the 2006 Sacramento Pro. She competed at the Olympia once and we haven’t seen her on stage since 2007.  Sonia Adcock (Gonzeles) won the 2006 NPC Nationals and while she didn’t win the Olympia in Figure she did go on to win the inaugural Bikini Olympia in 2010. Sonia recently stepped away from the stage and is a new mom. Nicole Wilkins was the first and last woman to win the overall in not only the Fitness division but also the Figure division, in the same show. Nicole has gone on to have one of the best careers and arguable the best Figure competitor of all-time.  She debuted in 11th place at the 2008 Arnold but since then has won the show three times. She recently took home her third Olympia title. The 2008 overall champion is another familiar name to those who follow the Figure division. Erin Stern earned her pro status at the 2008 NPC Nationals and since then has become one of the best Figure competitors in history. She debuted in 10th place at the Arnold Classic but has never finished that low since. It’s rare that someone never finishes out of the top ten in the pros. You have to go all the way back to 2009 to find a show that Erin has been out of the top three. She’s won the Olympia twice (2010 and 2012) and without question one of the most successful overall Figure Nationals champions.

Mindi Smith burst onto the scene in 2009 by winning the overall NPC Sacramento Figure title. She followed it up with a win at the 2009 NPC Nationals, beating out fan favorite Ava Cowan for the overall. She won the 2010 Phoenix Pro and finished 4th at the Arnold Classic that same year. We haven’t seen Mindi on stage since 2010 and doubtful we ever will again. Monica Specking showed tremendous promise when she won the 2010 NPC Nationals overall title and has been on a roller coaster with her placings ever since. She won the 2012 Optimum Classic and finished fifth in the 2013 New York Pro. Monica can typically hang in the top ten with a smaller show but when it comes to the Arnold and Olympia she was at the bottom of the pack.  She’s competed at the Olympia twice and Arnold once, so she’s far from a slouch when it comes to her competition history.

The last two years have proven to be a struggle for the overall champs. Julie Mayer-Hyman was the 2011 champion and finally found her groove late this year as a pro. She was second at the 2013 Dallas Europa and fifth at the Tahoe Pro. Outside of those two shows, Julie struggled to make the top spots. Nicole Sims showed tremendous promise when she took home the crown in 2012 but has yet to find her groove in the pro ranks. She debuted at the Arnold and ended up in 14th place. Nicole has yet to finish better than 10th in the pro ranks.

FIGURE OVERALL NPC NATIONALS WINNERS

2012 - Nicole Sims
2011 - Julie Mayer-Hyman
2010 - Monica Specking
2009 - Mindi Smith
2008 - Erin Stern
2007 - Nicole Wilkins
2006 - Sonia Adcock
2005 - Danielle Hollenshade
2004 - Mary Elizabeth Lado
2003 - Amber Littlejohn
2002 - Kristy Robbins
2001 - Davana Medina

 

{democracy:259}

 

BIKINI
The fifth overall bikini crown will be awarded this weekend. When we look back at the previous overall winners it’s Jennifer Andrews who has the best competition resume. She’s the only overall Nationals’ champion who has gone not only won a pro show but also compete on the Olympia stage. Last year’s winner, Angela Skeels has competed in six IFBB Pro shows but only been able to crack the top five once. The 2011 Champion, Candy Agundez only competed once as a pro and missed the top five. Jennifer took top honors at the 2010 NPC Nationals and has competed in over a dozen shows since achieving pro status. She has four pro victories, competed at the Olympia twice and is already qualified for the 2014 Olympia with her win at the Ft. Lauderdale Cup. Jessica Anderson competed a couple of times as a pro but as a member of the US Military her schedule never really allowed for it. She recently had her first child and is busy being a new mom.

BIKINI OVERALL NPC NATIONALS WINNERS
2012 – Angela Skeels
2011 – Candy Agundez
2010 – Jennifer Andrews
2009 – Jessica Anderson

Visit nationalbodybuilding.com for information on this year’s event. We’ll be there covering all the action and if you are following along on social media use #NPCnationals to stay updated.

 



2013 Figure Olympia Preview, Poll and Predictions


We’re one week away from the 10th annual Figure Olympia in Las Vegas, Nevada. The event has been won by five different women with two of the champions back looking for another win. Erin Stern will be back to defend her title and will be looking for her third Olympia crown. Nicole Wilkins is determined to bounce back from a string of lackluster showings to win her third Olympia title. Erin and Nicole have gone back and forth for the top spot since 2009.

olympia-figure

Jennifer Gates was victorious in 2008 and before that Jenny Lynn held the title for two years in a row. The inaugural champ, Davana Medina won the Figure Olympia title in 2003, 2004 and 2005. We could see a 6th title holder but it will be a hard fought battle to defeat Wilkins or Stern.

Candice Keene has been on a winning path this year defeating Stern at the Figure International and Wilkins at the New York Pro. She poses the most likely threat to disrupt the duo. You can’t rule out Mallory Haldeman, Candice Lewis and Heather Dees at making a run for the title as well.  That’s not to say that any one of the 18 competitors in this year’s show couldn’t crack the top six but based on prior shows these women are the most likely to be in the mix. Many women are coming off wins but when you break down the big shows, you find it’s a whole different animal.

Read the complete preview on all the competitors and the top six predictions.

Who do YOU think will win the 2013 Figure Olympia? Cast your vote below and share the poll with your friends so they can vote as well. Powered by BSN.

hardbody-poll

{democracy:254}

For more information on the Olympia visit MrOlympia.com. Use the hashtag #olympia for all your social media posts. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and twitter @hardbodynews.



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