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IFBB.com previews the amateur show // http://www.ifbb.com/2014-arnold-brazil-preview

2014 ARNOLD BRAZIL PREVIEW

by Andrew Michalak
The upcoming weekend, April 25-27, will be very important to the IFBB worldwide family, particularly to the Western Hemisphere. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, will host the 2nd Arnold Classic South America. Following the last year’s successful opening, which was dominated by Brazilian athletes, what was a natural consequence of the inaugural event hosted by this country, now it has expanded to a big international contest with over 20 national teams in bodybuilding and fitness only. This year we can see, for the first time, competitors from the USA, Canada and several Caribbean countries.

Arnold Classic South America has become a multisport festival, including over 16 sport disciplines! Beside Bodybuilding and Fitness, it will embrace our “brother” strength sports: Powerlifting, Strongman and Tug of War. The next big group is Martial Arts, with 8 sports. Then Pole Fitness, Artistic Gymnastics, Jump Rope, Indoor Rowing (Concept 2 machines). Also some “extreme” and endurance sports (Mountain Biking) as well as intellectual sports (Chess).

The main activity, including bodybuilding and fitness, will take place at the “Riocentro” Exhibition & Convention Center, located at the Avenida Salvador Allende. IFBB will run its all sports, with Men’s Bodybuilding (8 categories, from 65 kg to over 100 kg), Classic Bodybuilding (2 categories), Master Men’s Bodybuilding (one open class), Master Women’s Bodyfitness (one open class), Bodyfitness (2 categories), Bikini Fitness (3 categories), Men’s Physique (2 categories), Women’s Physique (one open class), Women’s Fitness and Men’s Fitness (open categories). Altogether, 22 categories!

Looking into the List of Nominated Athletes, we can see many top international stars. This names guarantee top attractive, cool battles on the stage, run at the highest. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and the top IFBB officials, including President Santonja, are coming to Rio to celebrate the 2nd edition of this quite “young” event with tremendous perspectives and to control the IFBB activity there. Brazil is a very active IFBB member in the recent years. Despite this Arnold Sport Festival, Brazil will host the 2014 IFBB World Men’s Bodybuilding Championships and IFBB International Congress later this year in the capital city of Brasilia.

Top stars coming to Rio this year:

MEN’S BODYBUILDING:

• Charles Mario Soares (85 kg) – didn’t participate last year but having two wins at the Arnold Classic USA and placing 2nd this year in Columbus he may be considered the biggest star in Rio this year.
• Djalma Laroque (100 kg) – last year’s winner coming to regain the title. He was in a perfect condition at the 2014 Arnold Classic USA in Columbus (2nd place).
• Victor Luna (super heavy weight, +100 kg) – last year’s runner-up, who will battle with the last year’s 3rd place winner James Bondi for the title.
• Isequiel Balbi (90 kg) – last year’s 80 kg class winner, who finished 2nd in Columbus in 2013 and 2014. Now in the heavier category, where he will meet last year’s runner-up from 90 kg class Agostinho Figueiredo and finalist Marcelo Calvas.
• Francisco De Assis (75 kg) – 4th place last year in Rio and 4th place this year in Columbus. It’s time to enter the top three or maybe even to win this category.
• Diego Nonato (80 kg) – last year’s runner-up. This year, with Isaac Balbi moving up to the next class, he will be the main pretender to the title; however, the next finalists from the past year: Josevan Clemente and Antonio Inácio will try to stop him.
• Daniel Luna (65 kg) – 2012 World Championships bronze medal winner from Ecuador will be one of the biggest stars in Rio this year.

WOMEN’S BODYFITNESS:

• Rosimar Lopes (up to 163 cm) – 2013 South American overall winner and Women’s Worlds finalist, having won this year’s Arnold Classic USA will be the brightest woman star in Rio this year. But she will meet in this class the next great star: Nora Martinez (Paraguay) – 2010 South American overall winner and two-time Arnold Classic USA finalist (2013-2014). The next big player will be Loreto Soto Nunez (Chile) – South American master bodyfitness champion, who placed ahead of Martinez in the overall!
• Renata Guaraciaba (over 163 cm) – after many years on the stage, she finally started to win contests. Having won this year’s Arnold Classic USA, she would be the main pretender for the trophy but will be challenged by the last year’s winner Nicole Eccel and two 2013 South American champions: Karent Perez (Venezuela) and Eliana Romano (Argentina). So many champions in one category!

WOMEN’S BIKINI FITNESS:

• Clarissa Campos de Oliveira (up to 158 cm) – last year’s runner-up and 2014 Arnold Classic USA semifinalist.
• Susetty Tabash (up to 163 cm) – 2011 Arnold Classic USA winner and 2012 Central American champion from Costa Rica. Will meet in this class Iara Alvarenga da Costa (Brazil) – 4^th place in Rio last year.
• Marcia Goncalves (over 163 cm) – coming as the 2012 Arnodl Clasisc USA runner-up and Arnold Europe 3^rd place winner she will be the main candidate for the top trophy; however, she will have to leave behind last year’s runner-up Josiane Weber, 2013 South American runner-up Bianca Lanza and 2014 Arnold USA top 10, Alzira Rodriguez (Dominican Rep.).

MEN’S CLASSIC BODYBUILDING:

• Rodrigo Coelho Alves (up to 175 cm) – comes in a glory of the 2014 Arnold Classic USA winner. After his 2^nd place last year in Rio, he will try to get this title this year. But will have very demanding opponents: Marcelo Rafaelli, who won in Columbus in 2009 and placed 2^nd this year, just few points behind Alves, and Renato De Oliveira, who was tied with Alves last year in Rio. Three top champions and only one can win!
• Carlos Hadade(over 175 cm) – last year’s runner up, will fight against 2013 South American runner-up Eduardo Rodriguez (Uruguay).

MEN’S PHYSIQUE:

• Caio Pannain (up to 175 cm) – finishing 2^nd at this year’s Arnold Classic in Columbus he confirmed his great predispositions but will have a “cloud” of other good athletes like 2013 South American champion Dilson Espindola, last year’s runner-up Diogo Montenegro and 4^th place winner Diego Gil.
• Jose Ferrer Santillan (over 175 cm) – last year’s South American overall winner from Argentine will meet the 3^rd place winner Jorge Villaveces (Venezuela) and the 2014 Arnold Classic USA 4^th place winner Felipe Kokudai (Brazil).

WOMEN’S PHYSIQUE:

• Roberta Gomes – the last year’s winner plus the runner up Daniele Oazen will come to defend the titles against attacking very demanding champions: 2014 Arnold Classic USA 3^rd place winner Paola Sanchez (Dominican Rep.), 6^th place winner (+163 cm class) Camila Mendes de Campos (Brazil) and 6^th place winner (163 cm class) Luciane Vieira (Brazil). This will be a tough battle!

Countries participating at the 2014 Arnold Classic South America:

1. Argentina
2. Bolivia
3. Bonaire
4. Brazil
5. Canada
6. Chile
7. Colombia
8. Costa Rica
9. Dominican Rep.
10. Ecuador
11. Panama
12. Paraguay
13. Peru
14. St. Maarten
15. Suriname
16. Uruguay
17. USA
18. Venezuela

http://www.ifbb.com/the-1st-ben-weider-cup-will-start-on-friday

THE 1st BEN WEIDER CUP WILL START ON FRIDAY

The IFBB autumn season is very long this year. A series of the World Championships was finished in the mid November but the other big international contests have been held weekend be weekend till the mid December. Last weekend we were exciting the great Amateur Mr. Olympia in Bahrain, now it’s time for the next spectacular event: the first Ben Weider Diamond Cup in Athens, Greece.

The local organizer: Greek Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation arranged a magnificent venue for this contest: the Olympic Velodrome in Athens, with 5250 seats (3300 will be used for our event). The competition is big, including 8 IFBB sports (19 categories):

– Men’s Bodybuilding (also juniors and masters)
– Men’s Classic Bodybuilding
– Men’s Physique
– Women’s Bodyfitness (also juniors and masters)
– Women’s Fitness
– Women’s Bikini Fitness
– Women’s Physique

The biggest national team will be entered by the hosting country, Greece. Then we can see teams from the Mediterranean area and South Europe: Algeria, Albania, Bulgaria, Cyprus, France, Portugal, Serbia. And teams from African countries: Gambia and Mauritius. Also Central and North Europe will be represented by: Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Iceland, Norway, Poland, Sweden. Nice set of countries as for the inaugural edition.

Reading the biggest names and tough battles, bodybuilding super heavyweight class looks great, with 2013 Arnold Europe runner-up Tomas Kaspar (Czech Republic) and 2012 Arnold Europe finalist Markus Hoppe (Germany) plus Swedish star Ibrahim Wissam and few Greek champions.

In Men’s Physique up to 178 cm category a real return match after the World Championships, with the world champion Valentin Petkov (Bulgaria), runner-up Mariusz Czerniewicz (Poland), and 4th place winner Henrique de Carvallo (France).
In Women’s Bodyfitness we will be able to watch former world junior champion Melissa Geimer (Germany) and European masters champion Kristin Kristjansdottir (Iceland), in Women’s Bikini Fitness: current Worlds runner-up My Coustels (France) and many, many new stars from nearly 20 countries.

On Friday, December 13th: arrivals and registration (till 22:00)
On Saturday, December 14th, 15:00: Semifinals
On Sunday, December 15th, 14:00: Opening Ceremony and the Finals

This will be the last IFBB international event this year. Then IFBB will work on the 2014 Calendar of Events, which will be even more impressive.

Preview by IFBB // http://ifbb.com/newsletter/detail.php?id=10238&date=2013-11-01&language=english&prov=index

2013 WORLD CLASSIC BODYBUILDING CHAMPIONSHIPS – ST. POELTEN, AUSTRIA

TOP STARS COMING TO AUSTRIA

by Andrew Michalak

The Organizing Committee under the leadership of the Austrian Federation President Dr. Wolfgang Schober and top IFBB officials are working closely to prepare the 2013 World Classic Bodybuilding Championships in the best possible manner. The Championships will be attended by the IFBB President Dr. Rafael Santonja, IFBB General Secretary William Tierney, Judges Committee Chairman Pawel Filleborn and many National Federations Presidents.

National Teams will come to Schwechat International Airport in Vienna, where they will be welcomed by the Organizing Committee representatives and taken by buses to St. Poelten (appr. 90-minute drive). Accommodation either in the “Metropol” Hotel or in the Cityhotel DC.

Friday evening, at 19:00 CET, the registration and weigh-in will start and Prejudging on Saturday morning. The finals on Sunday, will begin with the opening ceremony at 14:00. And the most awaited part by competitors, when they can eat a bit more – the Farewell Banquet – at 22:00. Now have a look whom we will see in each category. Still no confirmation from the Korean Team, so they are not included.

168 CM CATEGORY:
Two well-known name on the list: finalist of the 2011 CBB Worlds as well as 2011 European Bodybuilding Championships (70 kg class) Robert Horvat (Croatia) and top ten of the last year’s Worlds Georgi Georgiev (Bulgaria)

171 CM CVATEGORY
Top two from the last year’s championships: Javad Soltani and Mehdi Yarali (both of Iran), 2013 Arnold Europe winner Viktor Simkin (Russia) plus 2013 European champion Gabriele Giansante (Italy). Very tough and exciting battle.

175 CM CATEGORY
Even more famous athletes: top competitors from the last Arnold Europe: Mariusz Balazinski (Poland), Artem Pyari (Russia) and Alexander Barbashin (Russia). Balazinski and Barbashin were the Worlds runner-up some time ago. Plus 2009 world junior champion Lukas Topinka (Czech Rep.) and his team-mate 2012 world junior champion Tomas Horák. Moreover, 2010 Worlds runner-up Andrej Varga (Slovakia), top three from the European Championships Slaven Petrovi? (Croatia) and Italian star Andrea Felici (Italy).

180 CM CATEGORY
One great star: 2012 Worlds overall champion Mahdi Zatparvar (Iran). Then 2013 European Championships overall winner Ali Emre (Turkey) and the 3rd place winner at the 2013 Arnold Europe Manuel Chalupka (Austria). Plus classic bodybuilding pioneer from Estonia Imre Vähi, who always place in the finals, 2013 Arnold Europe finalist Nikolay Stoyanov (Bulgaria), and 2013 Arnold America finalists Giorgio Levaggi (Italy).

OVER 180 CM CATEGORY
2012 world champion Lubos Malinak (Slovakia), 2013 European champion and 2012 Worlds runner-up Dmitrii Krylov (Russia) and his team-mate former world fitness champion Sergei Kolenchikov (Russia). Plus 2011 world champion Mateusz Kolkowski (Poland) and 2013 Arnold Europe runner-up Harald Schober (Austria). So many great champions in one category! Then 2013 world classic bodybuilding junior champion Konrad Balcerzak (Poland), former top world junior Boris Orava (Czech Rep.), 2010 European Championships bronze medal winner Svetozar Milenkovic (Serbia), Australian champion Tyson Smith (Australia). And a big sensation: 2013 Men’s Worlds bronze medal winner from Marrakesh (90 kg) Andriy Kukharchuk (Ukraine) who is going to drop his bodyweight to a required limit!

BIKINI FITNESS UP TP 168 CM
A real invasion of the Slovak stars, who are top world champions: Sabina Plevakova (2013 world champion), Monika Rosenbergerova (2013 European champion), Denisa Lipovska (2013 European Championships runner-up) and Stanislava Pritrska (Slovakia) plus 2013 Amateur Bikini Olympia runner-up Olga Viazmetinova (Ukraine) and Australasian medal winner Sally Yamamoto (Australia).

BIKINI FITNESS OVER 168 CM
There will a battle between the 3rd athlete of the last Worlds Alla Semenova (Ukraine) and the 5th athlete Andrea Lackner (Austria).

As we can, many top champions will come to Austria and the battle in most of categrories will extremly tough and excitiong.

PROGRAM OF ACTIVITIES:

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15th
10:00 – 17:00 Arrival of National Tams (Metropol” Hotel)
18:00 Judges and Team Managers Meeting
19:00 Weigh-in and measurements

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16th
10:00 – 15:00: PREJUDGING of all categories: Classic Bodybuilding, Bikini Fitness

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 17th
10:30 – 12:00 Sightseeing Tour
14:00 – Opening Ceremony and FINALS
20:00 – 22:00 Farewell Banquet
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 18th
Departures

Pictures:
by http://www.eastlabs.sk

Mahdi Zatparvar (Iran).

Ali Emre (Turkey)

Viktor Simkin (Russia).

Lubos Malinak (Slovakia)

Mariusz Balazinski (Poland)

Dmitrii Krylov (Russia).

Javad Soltani (Iran).

Harald Schober (Austria).

IFBB report // Bikini amateur Olympia // http://ifbb.com/newsletter/detail.php?id=10255&date=2013-10-16&language=english&prov=index

2013 AMATEUR BIKINI OLYMPIA

by Andrew Michalak

It was a real Saturday night fever in Prague! Attended by the IFBB President Dr. Rafael Santonja, with famous former pro bodybuilder Markus Ruhl as the MC, and this magic word “Olympia” in the air, the show created a special, hot and exciting atmosphere. Following its inauguration in 2011 in London, Amateur Olympia has been split into two separate Olympias: Amateur Mr. Olympia and Amateur Bikini Olympia, which then were hosted by the EVL company in Prague, Czech Republic, for two years in a row. This second edition was a great contests, with more stars and very high sport quality level. Over 50 charming girls mainly from Europe but also from South Africa and Brazil, were spread among 3 height categories.

The first class, up to 163 cm, included champions from 158 cm and 163 cm categories. Among them: 2013 world champion Sabína Pleváková (Slovakia), runner-up My Coustels (France), 2013 Arnold Classic South America winner Juliane Andrade (Brazil), two European champions: Iveta Kuglerova and Monika Rosenbergerová (both of Slovakia), last year Olympia finalist Melinda Zsiga (Hungary), Women’s Worlds finalist Eleonora Alibayeva (Ukraine), European Championships finalist Inmaculada Gual (Spain) and many others from the top 10. Plevakova, who omitted Arnold Classic Europe, was in a great shape this time and has remained unbeatable this autumn. Coustels repeated her 2nd position from the Worlds. Kuglerova, after less successful Arnold Europe, returned to the top three in the 3rd position. Then Andrade, who won earlier this year the first Arnold South America and placed 4th at the 2013 Arnold Europe. And repeated this 4th place in Prague. 2013 European Championships participant Iris Vrabic (Slovenia) moved up to the 5th position and Melinda Zsiga (Hungary) still remains in the 6th place (same as in the previous year).

In the middle class, up to 168 cm, the most successful competitor in the past was 2013 Women’s Worlds bronze medal winner Olga Viazmetinova (Ukraine) but in Prague she had to accept the victory of a new Russian star Tatiana Prokofyeva, who is… the runner-up of the 2012 Australasian Championships. Currently, she lives in Australia, running her own company “Bikini Girl Project” and debuted internationally at the 2013 Arnold Europe in Madrid (out of the top six). In the 3rd place also a new face at the international level, Martina Sedlárová (Slovakia). Then participant of the 2013 Women’s Worlds Maria Pomerantseva (Czech Republic) and finalist of the 2013 Arnold Europe Ana Fragoso (Portugal), who is gradually moving up in the hierarchy.

In the tall class, over 168 cm, an absolute success of the Russian girls, who took the first three positions. Maybe it shouldn’t be any surprise as all of them placed in the top four in the tallest class (over 172 cm) at the recent Arnold Europe. 2013 Women’s Worlds runner-up and Arnold Europe winner Olga Putrova has a great series of victories this autumn as she won not only this class but also the overall title.

Graduated from the Moscow State Academy of Physical Education, Putrova works as a fitness trainer at the famous “Marcus Aurelius” Fitness Center in Moscow, also runs on-line consultations. Now she has earned the right to turn pro. What will be her decision?

Svetlana Borushko finished second in Madrid and repeated this achievement in Prague, ?seniia Sheveleva moved up one place, to the 3rd position. Then the current European champion Jana Majernikova (Slovakia) and the 3rd place winner from Madrid (in up to 172 cm class), Gabriela Rakoczi (Hungary).

2013 IFBB Amateur Bikini Olympia top six:
Kategorie do 163 cm:
1. Sabina Plevakova (Slovakia)
2. My Coustels (France)
3. Iveta Kuglerova (Slovakia)
4. Juliane Andrade (Brazil)
5. Iris Vrabic (Slovenia)
6. Melinda Zsiga (Hungary)

Kategorie do 168 cm:
1. Tatiana Prokofyeva (Russia)
2. Olga Viazmetinova (Ukraine)
3. Martina Sedlarova (Slovakia)
4. Maria Pomerantseva (Czech Republic)
5. Ana Fragoso (Portugal)
6. Jenna Lithgow (South Africa)

Kategorie nad 168 cm:
1. Olga Putrova (Russia)
2. Svetlana Borushko (Russia)
3. ?seniia Sheveleva (Russia)
4. Jana Majernikova (Slovakia)
5. Gabriela Rakoczi (Hungary)
6. Kathrin Weishaupt (Germany)

Pictures:
By http://www.eastlabs.sk

2013 IFBB Amateur Bikini Olympia overall winner Olga Putrova (Russia) congratulated by the IFBB President Dr. Rafael Santonja (right) and the Organizer.

2013 IFBB Amateur Bikini Olympia overall winner Olga Putrova (Russia).

2013 IFBB Amateur Bikini Olympia overall winner Olga Putrova (Russia).

The overall battle (from L): Sabina Plevakova (Slovakia), Tatiana Prokofyeva and Olga Putrova (both of Russia).

Up to 163 cm category winner Sabina Plevakova (Slovakia).

Up to 163 cm category top three (from L): Iveta Kuglerova (3rd place); Sabina Plevakova (1st place); My Coustels (2nd place).

Up to 168 cm category winner Tatiana Prokofyeva (Russia).

Up to 168 cm category top three (from L): Martina Sedlarova (3rd place); Tatiana Prokofyeva (1st place); Olga Viazmetinova (2nd place).

Over 168 cm category winner Olga Putrova (Russia).

Over 168 cm category top three (from L): ?seniia Sheveleva (3rd place); Olga Putrova (1st place); Svetlana Borushko (2nd place).

IFBB introduces the preshow favorites in BB and CBB;

ARNOLD CLASSIC EUROPE WILL START ON FRIDAY!
GREAT STARS COMING TO MADRID

by Andrew Michalak

The biggest IFBB amateur contest with nearly 700 athletes will start on Friday. National Teams will come on Thursday – the day of official registration of all athletes. Many top international stars are coming to Madrid this year. They will fight for trophies in nearly 40 official categories. The biggest ones are: men’s bodybuilding, included 7 categories, from 70 kg up to over 100 kg and women’s bikini fitness, from 160 cm class up to over 172 cm class. I will present here some of the top champions but in physique sports we can always expect new challengers who can surprise the stars, the judges and the viewers. This a very exciting feature of our sports and people love it. What have already surprised me: big national teams from Philippine, Portugal and Greece – countries not so active in the IFBB during the recent years. Smaller teams from South America (now they have their own “Arnold” in Rio), but very strong set of bodybuilders from Venezuela. The biggest teams from Russia, Italy and Germany, not mention Spain (nearly 200 athletes) as they will come directly to the registration.

Let’s have a closer look whom we can expect in men’s bodybuilding and men’s classic bodybuilding.

Men’s bodybuilding:

70 kg category will be dominated by Italian bodybuilders by number of athletes (5). Among them former world champion Corrado Maggiore. The next great star comes from Brazil – multi world champion Jose Carlos Santos. Then Nelson Totanes from Philippines (3^rd place at the 2012 Amateur Olympia) and Juan Jose Bustamante from Peru.

75 kg category: Arnold America winner Alex Zuccaro (Italy), last year’s finalists Antonio Bellaroba (Switzerland), Bo Johnson (Sweden), top two from this year’s Eastern European Cup: Fedor Tsimermann and Maxim Nikolayev (both of Russia), Richard Carolina and Ariel Guong (both of Philippines), Reginaldo Anthony (Netherlands) and Romenildo de Oliveira (Brazil). Really international group and no clear favorite.

80 kg category: this year’s Europeans runner-up Thomas Askeland (Norway), this year’s Arnold North America winner Randolf Naranjo and 2007 CAC champion Frank Sucre (both of Venezuela), world masters champion Jens Schneider (Germany), 2009 Europeans junior overall winner Mikhail Motanov (then Lithuania, now United Kingdom).

85 kg category: 2011 European champion Zoran Kolevski (Macedonia), Asian champion Ahmed Ashkanani (Kuwait), South American Championships runner-up Jose Luiz Fernandez (Colombia), 2011 Arnold Europe finalist Simone Meiattini (Italy), Asian Championships bronze medal winner Jalaal Alrayashi (Qatar), 2012 Russian champion Vladimir Borisov.

90 kg category: 2011 Arnold Europe and 2012 Arnold America winner Jose Angel Bustamante (Venezuela), always second (2010, 2012 and 2013) at Arnold America Raul Martinez (Venezuela), 2013 European champion Sergei Spichenkov and 2012 European champion Alexander Kolyasnikov (both of Russia), 2010 South American Championships runner-up Glayson Souto (Brazil), Asian Championships bronze medal winner Mohammad Akbar (Kuwait), 2012 Amateur Olympia winner Gerald Pangan (Philippines), world masters champion Jose Carlos Rebolo (Portugal), 2012 Arnold Europe 3^rd place winner Ricardo Correia (United Kingdom).

100 kg category: One of the longest line-up. Only from Greece and Italy 9 athletes. Then famous multi world champion and World Games winner Kamal Abdul Salam (returned to his native Libya), 2010 European champion Antonio Furic (Croatia), 2011 NPC Excalibur winner Jong-Seop Won (Hong Kong), 2012 Arnold Europe runner-up Francisco Corral (Switzerland), 2013 East European Cup runner-up Vladislav Kuznetsov (Russia).

Over 100 kg category: the biggest sensation: returning from the pro ranks “Greek God” Emmanuel Karamanlakis (Greece), three always demanding Germans: David Hoffmann, Markus Hoppe and Marco Schmidt, well-know Kuwait’s “Oxygen Gym” trainer and 2012 Amateur Olympia runner-up John Andrew Cifra (Philippines), six Russian athletes, with former classic bodybuilding champion Igor Gostiunin and new stars Andrey Skoromniy and Vitaly Fateev, 2012 Arnold America finalist David Titterton (UK).

Men’s Classic Bodybuilding:

Up to 175 cm category: Arnold America and Arnold Europe winner Mariusz Balazinski (Poland), 2011 World Championships runner-up Alexander Barbashin (Russia), Mouhamad Ali (Denmark), top three from the 2013 Eastern European Cup: Viktor Simkin, Sergey Kireev and Vitaly Valeev (Russia), 2013 Arnold North America finalist Giorgio Levaggi (Italy)

Up to 180 cm category: 2011 European masters champion Giuseppe Brancaccio (Italy), 2013 Eastern European Cup bronze medal winner Sergey Shmidt (Russia), 2013 European Championships finalist Manuel Chalupka (Austria)

Over 180 cm category: 2011 world champion Mateusz Kolkowski (Poland), 2012 Worlds runner-up Dmitry Krilov (Russia), 2011 European Championships runner-up Harald Schober (Austria), 2013 Eastern European Cup runner-up Sergey Smirnov (Russia).

Corrado MAGGIORE (Italy) at the 2013 Arnold North America

Jose Carlos SANTOS (Brazil) at the 2012 Men’s Worlds

Alessandro ZUCCARO (Italy) at the 2013 Arnold North America

Thomas ASKELNAD (Norway) at the 2013 European Championships

Randolf NARANJO (Venezuela) at the 2013 Arnold North America

Zoran KOLEVSKI (Macedonia) at the 2011 European Championships

Ahmed ASHKANANI (Kuwait) at the 2011 Arnold Europe

Jose Angel BUSTAMANTE (Venezuela) at the 2011 Arnold Europe

Raul MARTINEZ (Venezuela) at the 2013 Arnold North America

Ricardo CORREIA (United Kingdom) at the 2012 Arnold Europe

Kamal Abdul SALAM (Libya) ay his top shape

Francisco CORRAL (Switzerland) at the 2012 Arnold Europe

Emmanuel KARAMANLAKIS (Greece)

David HOFFMANN (Germany) at the 2011 Amateur Olympia

John Andrew CIFRA (Philippines)

Mariusz BALAZINSKI (Poland) at the 2011 Amateur Olympia

Giuseppe BRANCACCIO (Italy) at the 2011 European Juniors & Masters Championships

Mateusz KOLKOWSKI (Poland) at the 2011 World Classic Bodybuilding Championships

Harald SCHOBER (Austria) at the 2011 European Championships

A short report by IFBB;

BFF SHARES ITS JURNEY WITH MOLDOVA

by Andrew Michalak

First time in the bodybuilding history IFBB visited Moldova. Before 1991 it was a part of the Soviet Union. On August 27^th, 1991, declared its independence. Located between the Carpathian Mountains and the Dniester River, was known as Bessarabia in the middle ages. In 1538 became a vassal of the Ottoman Empire and then passed a couple of times to Russia, Romania and the Soviet Union. Now independent and aspires to join the European Union but still the poorest country in Europe (source: CIA World Factbook). And this was seen during the Championships, creating some problems with sponsors to be quickly solved by the EBFF.

The official hotel (Kishyniev Hotel) and its services was not the strongest point of the Championships; however the venue, “Nicolae Sulac” National Palace, was excellent, with big stage, proper lights and good internet connection, what allowed to run a successful webcast for the whole world. Constructed in 1974, includes the Hall of Sessions, with 2000 seats and serves as a place for conferences, celebrations, festivals of music, opera and ballet spectacles.

Few months ago, in November 2012, European Union President Juan Manuel Barroso delivered a speech – “European Union and Moldova: a journey to share” in this Palace, beginning with a phrase – “It is a real pleasure to be here in Chisinau and to be able to address you from this impressive venue, the National Palace, one of the symbols of Moldova’s culture.” Now bodybuilding was present in this impressive venue and the EBFF followed President Barroso’s intentions “sharing its journey” with Moldova.

Moreover, the audience was full of spectators during the finals, which was attended also by the Moldavian Youth and Sport Minister and former boxing champion

Mr. Octavian Ticu, who received the IFBB delegation Friday morning, headed by the IFBB President Dr. Rafael Santonja. “Moldova is not a small country in sport” – President Santonja said in his opening speech. Moldova, as an independent country, participated in all Summer Olympic Games from 1992 and has its National Olympic Committee recognized by the IOC in 1993. Moldavian athletes won 7 Olympic medals since then, most of them in weightlifting, boxing and wrestling, so the strength sports are popular there.

This years’ European Bodybuilding Championships attracted 145 athletes (59 classic bodybuilders, 7 women’s bodybuilders, 79 men’s bodybuilders) what is the last years’ record of participation. Adding this number to the 419 participants of the European Women, Juniors and Masters we receive fantastic historical record of 564 athletes taking part at this year’s European Championships! Physique sports are booming on the Old Continent!

These Championships reflect two important changes introduced by the EBFF from the beginning of this year. First time since 1997, women and men bodybuilding were included in the same event and this resulted in a double number of mixed pairs participating in the Championships (8 mixed pairs). It is the first and significant sign that the EBFF expectations may come true. The next important changes took place in the numbers of categories: men’s bodybuilding up to 65 kg was cancelled and a new category: men’s bodybuilding up to 95 kg was introduced.

The effect? The number of athletes in men’s bodybuilding up to 70 kg category raised to 11 and a new category up to 95 kg had 10 athletes in the line-up. Quite nice at the beginning. The number of women bodybuilding categories was reduced to one. Was it a step in proper direction? There were 13 women bodybuilders last year in Zagreb and it dropped to 7 athletes this year. Is there something what could survive women bodybuilding? Hardly to say. In the field of so many women’s sports: bodyfitness, bikini fitness, women’s physique, women’s fitness and women’s athletic fitness women have so many other options that women’s bodybuilding has become less attractive. Women’s physique may become a nail in women’s bodybuilding coffin. Enough to say that so well-known women bodybuilders like Natalia Dichkovska, Katka Kyptova, Nina Mukhortova, Branislava Jovanovic or Larissa Denisova moved to women’s physique.

The next interesting thing regarding European Championships is a rotation of the champions: previous continental champions usually aim at the next world championships or Arnold Amateurs and the European championships is an arena for rising stars.

This year all 15 categories have their new champions! A couple of 2012 champions came to Chisinau but they either moved to another division or simply… lost. 2012 90 kg category champion Gorkem Gursoy (Turkey) moved to 95 kg category, where he took the 3^rd place. 2011 and 2012 super heavyweight champion Mikhail Sidorychev (Russia) displayed not his best body condition and dropped to the 5^th place. On the other hand, 2011 European champion Branka Njegovec (Croatia) came back and regained the title, winning over former world champion Alina Cepurniene (Lithuania).

In the 90 kg class, 2010 European champion (and 2012 world champion!) Marian Cambal (Slovakia) returned and… lost to the perfectly prepared 2012 bronze medal winner Sergei Spichenkov (Russia). It probably was the most spectacular duel at these Championships.

The next incredibly close battle took place in the lightest category, up to 70 kg: 2007 runner-up Yalchin Mammadov (Azerbaijan) came in a perfect body condition but met the next bodybuilder in a top shape and quality: 2012 bronze medal winner Miroslav Skadra (Slovakia). Both were tied in the first round (8: and in the second round (16:16) and just the routine round brought the settlement. Skadra won it 6:10 over Mammadov.

The most spectacular comeback: 2010 European classic bodybuilding champion Mahmut Irmak (Turkey) moved into the extreme bodybuilding and won not only his category up to 80 kg but also the overall. He is famous, matured 40-years-old bodybuilder, 2012 world champion and both Arnold Amateurs winner. Congratulations!

2009 European champion Andriy Kukharchuk (Ukraine) who then tried at the World Championships only, returned to the continental level and regained the title, winning the newly created up to 95 kg class. And he was the most demanding rival to Mahmut Irmak in the overall, losing to him by one point only (8:9).

Two greatest personalities in classic bodybuilding were: 180 cm class winner Ali Emre (Turkey) and over 180 cm class winner Dmitri Krylov (Russia). Both met in the overall and… were tied 9:9. Detailed analysis of the judges scores was more “friendly” to Emre who was declared the 2013 classic bodybuilding champion of the champions!

The most surprising success? For me, the super heavyweight winner Bogdan Kravchenko (Ukraine). He returned to the European championships after his 2003 debut (8^th place). Then tried at the World Championships only but was not so successful, with his best 5^th place in 2008. Then dropped to 11^th place in 2010. After a three-year break we saw a “new” Kravchenko, with amazing upper body muscularity and, as usual, perfect body proportions. Maybe his legs still need a bit more quality but it was enough to win both final rounds and the continental title.

The most improved bodybuilder? This title is not officially awarded but in my opinion two bodybuilders showed incredible progress: 85 kg category winner Cengizhan Igdir (Turkey) and 90 kg class winner Sergei Spichenkov (Russia). With 70 kg class winner Miroslav Skadra (Slovakia) just behind them.

The most impressive new champion? 100 kg category winner Reza Zinatlov (Azerbaijan) who wrote in his Information Form – “first start”! Can you imagine that bodybuilder is coming to the continental championships and wins the title, having no previous competitive experience? Unbelievable! What will be later on? He declared his next start would be the World Championships in Marrakech, Morocco. Anyway, a new great star was born in “The Best Gym” in Baku, under the guidance of Eng. Rauf Bunyataliyev. Congratulations!

Very rare situation in the best teams classification: Russia, Turkey, Ukraine, Slovakia, Poland, Croatia – the top six teams in the same order like in 2012! Then Azerbaijan, Italy and Sweden. But Ukraine brought much stronger team this year, so the battle for the top three places was very close. Finally, Russia won by 4 points over Turkey and Turkey by 5 points over Ukraine. Any single problem with doping test may change this order. Azerbaijan and Sweden have advanced to the top ten, proving that bodybuilding has got new impetus there. And the European bodybuilding family welcomed a new “baby”: San Marino, who entered one high quality competitor Mirco Ercolani (6^th place in 85 kg category).

The detailed analysis of the battle in each category will be available at the upcoming IFBB Universe No. 10 issue.

And a short review by IFBB in the newest IFBB newsletter;

http://www.ifbb.com/newsletter/detail.php?id=10352&date=2013-04-01&language=english&prov=index

2013 LOADED CUP: NEW STAR FROM GERMANY

by Andrew Michalak

Over 80 athletes from 14 countries came to Ringsted, Denmark, to participate in the 2013 Loaded Cup and we could expect even more if the date was not the same as the Easter Weekend. This is the result of over 10 years activity of the organizer, bodybuilding passionate and man with head full of new ideas Stellan Bossen. Stellan’s warm hospitality and friendship extended to all guests caused people like to come to his contest, where they can battle for substantial money awards (total prize money: 14,750 EUR!) and always see something extraordinary like top pro bodybuilders not only posing on the stage but also delivering interesting seminars. This year it was 2012 Mr. Olympia new star Shawn Rhoden and famous pro of Japanese origin Hidetada Yamagishi.

On the amateur stage, we could see a couple of very exciting battles. Several athletes came to Ringsted having behind earlier experience from this year’s Arnold Amateur America and they might be considered favourites; however it seemed not to be so easy to do a second peak within 5 weeks. So, fresh challengers were successful in some cases.

Men’s bodybuilding: the overall battle went between four category winners: Andrzej Kolodziejczyk (+100 kg), Gergo Bognar (100 kg), Manuel Bauer (90 kg) and Jury Kruber (80 kg). 2011 Men’s Worlds runner-up, Kolodziejczyk, was the most titled bodybuilder on the stage but unexpectedly he met a very demanding rival: Manuel Bauer from Germany. This bodybuilder had not been well-known at the international level as he participated in the German and Austrian contests only, and with long breaks. He started in 1997 wining the German Junior Nationals, in 2006 he won the German Men’s Championships overall title but from 2008 had not been seen on stage. Returned this year and in a big style, showing top muscle quality and wining the overall battle in Denmark, ahead of Kolodziejczyk and Bognar.

The next top exciting category: bodyfitness overall. Angela Derzapf came in a glory of the 2013 Arnold Amateur winner and won her category in Ringsted; however had to run a very tough battle against the tall class (+168 cm) winner Mette Stensland of Norway and lost it. Norwegian bodyfitness girls are still able to surprise the world and they already did it several times.

2013 Arnold’s women’s physique runner-up Kristina Dybdahl is still improving and was unbeatable in Ringsted. Now has the next goal: to win the European Championships in Santa Susanna.

2013 Loaded Cup category winners:

Women’s bodybuilding open: Olga Beliakova (Russia)

Women’s Physique open: Kristina Dybdahl (Denmark)

Classic Bodybuilding up to 180 cm: Mouhamad A. Ali (Denmark)

Classic Bodybuilding over 180 cm: Oliver Tholsted (Denmark)

Classic bodybuilding overall: Mouhamad A. Ali (Denmark)

Men’s bodybuilding up to 80 kg: Jury Kruber (Germany)

Men’s bodybuilding up to 90 kg: Manuel Bauer (Germany)

Men’s bodybuilding up to 100 kg: Gergo Bognar (Hungary)

Men’s bodybuilding over 100 kg: Andrzej Kolodziejczyk (Poland)

Men’s bodybuilding overall: Manuel Bauer (Germany)

Master men’s bodybuilding open: Ole Bak Jensen (Denmark)

Junior men’s bodybuilding open: Arnor Hauksson (Iceland)

Bikini fitness up to 163 cm: Ceylan Memisovska (Denmark)

Bikini fitness over 163 cm: Frida Sjöström (Sweden)

Bikini fitness overall: Frida Sjöström (Sweden)

Bodyfitness up to 163 cm: Angela Derzapf (Germany)

Bodyfitness up to 168 cm: Mette Ulseth (Norway)

Bodyfitness over 168 cm: Mette Stensland (Norway)

Master bodyfitness open: Rannveig Krammer (Iceland)

Bodyfitness overall: Mette Stensland (Norway)

Women’s athletic fitness: Jenny Wärn (Sweden)

Men’s athletic fitness: Christian Egner (Norway)

More information and photos in the upcoming issue of the IFBB Universe online magazine.

Pictures:

by courtesy of Mr. Matthias Busse (team-andro.com)

Loaded 10: 2013 Loaded Cup men’s bodybuilding overall winner Manuel Bauer (Germany) congratulated by the Loaded Cup creator and organizer Mr. Stellan Bossen.

The top two athletes in the overall: Manuel Bauer (left) and Andrzej Kolodziejczyk congratulated by two top pro bodybuilders: Shawn Rhoden (far left) and Hidetada Yamagishi (far right).

Women’s physique open category winner: Kristina Dybdahl (Denmark).

Bikini fitness overall winner: Frida Sjöström (Sweden).

Bikini fitness runner-up: Nina Gjengaar (Norway).

Bodyfitness overall winner: Mette Stensland (Norway).

Bodyfitness overall runner-up: Angela Derzapf (Germany).

Women’s bodybuilding open category winner: Olga Beliakova (Russia).

Pole dancing performance at the exhibition area.

Like mentioned ealier, besides CBB guys also figure, fitness and bikini amateurs competed in the prejudging rounds.

Lists of the TOP 10 (finalists) of those classes can be found HERE. For photos from the prejudging rounds in bikini, fitness and figure arnold AM, please visit;

Eastlabs.biz

MD.com galleries

Muscle-insider.com / figure

Muscle-insider.com / bikini

Muscle-insider.com / fitness

Team-andro.com / figure prejudging

Team-andro.com / fitness prejudging

Bodylehti.fi / bikini prejudging

Some familiar faces ;

Slovakian bikini competitor Jana Majernikova;

Russian BF star Elina Gook;

Fitness champ Melinda Szabo in her routine;

Another fitness Champ Alvetyna Titarenko competing also;

Simply stunning Yulia Ushakova;

2012 WC runner up German Angela Derzapf

Amazing Elina Gook there in the middle in class B comparisons;

Last year’s Arnold Amateur Europe over all winner Poland’s Anna Szczotka

While we wait for more material from the amateur prejudgings / finals today…

..IFBB previews the amateur bodybuilding categories – http://www.ifbb.com/…lish&prov=index

2013 ARNOLD CLASSIC NORTH AMERICA HAS JUST STARTED

Andrzej Michalak

Today, on February 28th, 2013, the biggest physique sports event, run in conjunction with the pro event Arnold Classic, has just started in Columbus, Ohio, USA. We can expect over 600 amateur competitors at the Arnold Amateur Championships and nearly 70 top pro stars in 5 pro categories. The longest line-up at these Championships will be in a new IFBB sport: men’s physique: over 60 athletes!

On Thursday, the registration of athletes will start at 10:00 AM local time (16:00 CET – Central European Time) and the contest on the stage will start at 06:00 PM (24:00 CET) and will include:

– Men’s Classic Bodybuilding (5 categories): semifinals and finals + awards

– Women’s Fitness (2 categories): semifinals only

– Women’s Bodyfitness (6 categories): semifinals only

– Women’s Bikini Fitness (6 categories): semifinals only

This will be a long day as the beginning of the last category: women’s bodyfitness (figure) is scheduled at 10:00 AM (04:00 CET Friday morning).

Let’s see what we can expect in seven men’s bodybuilding categories , which will start on Friday at 11:30 AM (17:30 CET)

– Men’s Bodybuilding up to 70 kg category:

Only 11 bodybuilders but it seems to be the most rough category, including two former world champions: Corrado Maggiore (Italy) and Hira Lal (India), as well as two European champions: Alexander Eskin (Russia) and Marcin Kosel (Poland). Moreover, 2011 Arnold America runner-up Lee Lap Chi (Hong Kong), who last year placed ahead of the multi-world champion Jose Carlos Santos and the 4th athlete of the latest Men’s Worlds in Ecuador, Makoto Tashiro (Japan). Other experienced bodybuilders: 2009 Asian Championships classic bodybuilding runner-up Daljit Singh (India) and 2010 Central American and Caribbean champion Kelton Thomas (Trinidad & Tobago). In the last few years the lightweight was the shortest and less interesting class at Arnold America but this year top emotions guaranteed!

– Men’s Bodybuilding up to 75 kg category:

One IFBB mega-star, multi-world champion Mahmut Irmak (Turkey). He will be challenged by 2011 Arnold America winner Alex Zuccaro (Italy), last year’s runner-up Francisco de Assis (Brazil), last year finalist Diego Salinas (El Salvador) and European Championships finalist Antonio Bellaroba (Switzerland). Hellishly tough task.

– Men’s Bodybuilding up to 80 kg category:

In the role of the main pretender to the victory I can see the last year’s 85 kg class winner Charles Mario Soares (Brazil). In 80 kg class he will be more ripped. But he has few very demanding rivals: 2010 Men’s Worlds 3rd place winner and 2012 Arnold Europe runner-up Andriy Sharapov (Ukraine) and few Men’s Worlds finalists: Oscar Marin (Spain), Randolph Naranjo (Venezuela) and Masashi Suzuki (Japan). As well as 2012 European Championships runner-up Alexey Denisov (Russia). Quite nice group of top champions and who knows…

– Men’s Bodybuilding up to 85 kg category:

Long list of 20 names but no top international stars. In this situation, the main pretenders will be: 2012 Arnold America 3rd place winner Esequiel Conceicao (Brazil), 2008 and 2010 runner-up at Raul Martinez (Venezuela) and 2012 European Championships bronze medal Sergei Spichenkov (Russia). And we will welcome in the IFBB Brazilian bodybuilder Paulo Lima, who was very successful in the other organizations (2011 overall world champion) and recently has moved to the IFBB. He may be a “dark horse” of the these Championships. Mexican Federico Boysselle has had a similar but a bit less successful sport career.

– Men’s Bodybuilding up to 90 kg category:

Same long line-up (19 athletes) and, in my opinion, the biggest IFBB star at the top: multi-world champion, World Games winner and Asian Games winner Kamal Abdul Salam of Qatar. If in top shape, will be “untouchable”. The next serious pretenders: 2012 Arnold America and 2011 Arnold Europe winner Jose Bustamante (Venezuela) and former world classic bodybuilding champion Josef Furin (Czech Republic). Plus the next 2011 world championships overall winner in the other organization Alex Dos Anjos (Brazil).

– Men’s Bodybuilding up to 100 kg category:

A couple of top-level world bodybuilders but with no titles. Ukrainian Oleksandr Slobodyanyuk looked great at the last year’s Arnold America losing only to the overall champion Stefan Havlik. Now Havlik is a pro bodybuilder, so it’s time for Slobodyanyuk. The other candidates for the top places are: 2012 Nordic overall champion Peter Lagermand (Denmark), 2008 Arnold America 4th place winner Marvin Nagelbloem (Holland) and 2011 Arnold Europe 4th place winner Peter Baers (Germany). I would also like to bring your attention to two other names: former junior world champion in the other organization Gergo Bognar (Hungary) and 2009 IFBB junior world champion Milan Sadek (Czech Republic). They have made incredible progress. And what about 2012 Australasian champion Ben Townson (Australia)?

I would like to mention one more legendary bodybuilder, seven-time Asian champion Augustine Lee (Singapore) who was nominated in this class (if no mistake?) but is an over 50 champion now.

– Men’s Bodybuilding over 100 kg category:

Like in the lightweight, 11 athletes. In the absence all top athletes from the last year (most of them have already turned pro), the doors will be open for new gifted champions. Among the we can see two former world junior champions: Roman Fritz (Germany – 2009) and Rodrigo Piriz (Argentina – 2010) but Piriz will represent Uruguay this time (he had double citizenship). Moreover, sensational 2012 Loaded Cup winner Paul Poloczek, who won there over… 2012 Arnold America overall winner Stefan Havlik. Will he do a similar “trick” this time? The next candidate for victory: 2011 South American champion and 2011 Arnold Europe winner Luis Gigena (Argentina). And what about 2008 Arnold America participant Darren Ball (United Kingdom) who has made a great progress? Or 2011 Brazilian Championships runner-up Victor Luna? This is the most unpredictable category, I think.

Pictures:

70 kg category: two-time world champion and three-time runner-up at Arnold Championships, Corrado Maggiore (Italy).

70 kg category: 2011 world champion Hira Lal (india).

70 kg category: European champion and 2011 Men’s Worlds finalist Marcin Kosel (Poland).

75 kg category: multi-world champion and 2012 Arnold America winner Mahmut Irmak (Turkey).

80 kg category: 2012 Arnold America winner Charles Mario Soares (Brazil).

90 kg category: If in so good shape like 2 years ago, Kamal Abdul Salam (Qatar) may be a pretender to the overall title was well.

100 kg category: following his 2nd place last year Oleksandr Slobodyanyuk (Ukraine) may think about the victory this time.

Over 100 kg category: wining over Havlik at the last year’s Loaded Cup Paul Poloczek may be considered a candidate for the top trophy in the super heavyweight category.

Over 100 kg category: 2010 world champion Rodrigo Piriz (Argentina / Uruguay) looked great among juniors. Now he will try to battle against seniors.

Any “dark horse”? Maybe Czech bodybuilder Milan Sadek, if shows the similar top quality like on this picture

Team-andro.com followed German Amateur Team at Monday work out – see the video HERE.

Johnnie O Jackson interviewed less than 2 weeks out;

Last year marked one of JOJ’s best competitive years ever with a win at the FIBO Power and three second place showings at the New York Pro, Mr Europe Pro and the British Grand Prix. In this video, Jackson discusses his success in 2012, competing in Europe vs the USA, how he brought up his legs last year and what he is shooting for at the Arnold 2013. If you looking for insight on some of JOJ’s bodybuilding training techniques CLICK HERE for his arm training video that does include commentary.

http://www.musculard…the-arnold.html

Oksana Grishina visits Muscle Beach TV 1,5 weeks out from the Fitness International – http://www.musculard…e-week-out.html

One week to go!

MD – Shawn Ray with legendary Lonnie Teper – preview the upcoming AC;

http://www.musculard…nnie-teper.html

BB.com // Isaac Hinds previews women’s Figure International – http://www.bodybuild…2&CJPID=2136017

Three-time Figure International Champion Nicole Wilkins has decided to sit out this year’s competition at the Arnold Classic. That means the door is open for one of the 18 competitors lined up to take her place. The obvious favorite, at least on paper, is Erin Stern; but Candice Keene is nipping at her heels. There’s also a crew of newcomers determined to make their presence known. Columbus may never be the same!

2013 Figure International Competitors

Cheryl Brown

Cheryl had a string of wins in 2011, but has struggled to find her groove in 2012. She placed eighth at the Arnold last year and finished seventh at the Wings of Strength show in July. Cheryl’s physique doesn’t flow as well as some of the other competitors in this field.

In the past, her challenge is being balanced without having overpowering shoulders. Stage presence is also a huge factor with Cheryl—she often struggles to hide what’s happening off the stage. She can get back in the mix, but will need to be at her all-time best and bring a new level of confidence to the stage.

Ava Cowan

Ava is a bit of an X-factor in this lineup. She’s been in the top spots before, but dropped to ninth at the Olympia in 2012. Many times Ava is her own worst enemy. The little details—which can make or break a competitor—have held her back from finishing in a higher place.

If she comes in too hard, she’ll be on the outside looking in. If she brings a balanced physique and fixes those little details, she could be in the mix. Ava is a tough one to place: she’ll either be in the top three or on the outside of the top six.

Heather Dees

Heather has been quietly flying under the radar since her 4th place finish at the 2012 Sheru Classic. She earned fifth at the Olympia and 2nd at the New York Pro in 2012. She refined her physique over the last few months with the help of trainer Kim Oddo. If she brings a physique similar to what she had at the end of 2012, she should be in the top callout.

Olga Gallardo

Olga was the 2012 Arnold Amateur winner, which solidified her spot in this field. She placed sixth in her pro debut at the California Pro, but since then has struggled to crack the top 10. She has a big back and powerful delts, but her legs are a little lean. If she wants to place well in this lineup, she’ll have her work cut out for her.

Mallory Haldeman

Mallory took the pro scene by storm and has all the tools to be a top contender. She turned pro at the 2012 Jr. Nationals contest and wasted no time getting her feet wet in the pro ranks. She was second in her pro debut at the Tampa Pro and matched that with a runner-up finish at the Tournament of Champions.

She went on to finish in 5th place at her first Olympia. Her short career has been impressive so far. To earn a top spot, Mallory needs to nail her posing and bring up her back. If she does it, she’ll be in the top three.

Aleisha Hart

Aleisha refined her physique over the last few months. Every time she competes, she brings a better look to the stage. She placed as high as third, and is coming off a 16th place finish at the Olympia. In this field of heavy hitters, a top-10 finish would be a victory.

Candice John

Candice exemplifies the adage “patience pays off.” The improvements she’s made to her posing and overall presentation has helped her move up the ranks. She took top honors at the 2012 Pittsburgh Pro and was consistently in the top six throughout the year. The 2012 Olympia was the only exception. She has the potential to crack the top six, but it won’t be easy.

Candice Keene

You have to go back to the 2011 Figure International to find a show where she wasn’t in the top five. For the last year, she’s been playing third fiddle to Nicole Wilkins and Erin Stern. With Nicole Wilkins sitting out, she’ll look to move up and even overtake Erin Stern. She has the potential to do it, as long as she isn’t too hard with her conditioning.

Candice Lewis

Candice had an incredible 2012 season. She started the year off with a seventh-place finish at the Pittsburgh Pro and proceeded to win five of her next six shows. Candice has incredible shape and a super tiny waist. However, she struggles to keep her runner’s legs down in size. She’ll have to keep them in check to earn a top spot.The bigger worry though, is whether or not her body can withstand an entire year of competing. If she brings the same conditioning we saw throughout 2012, she’ll be in the top five. If she’s even a little bit off she’ll be closer to the 7-9 range.

Kamla Macko

Kamla has incredible structure and the ability to be a top contender. She’s held her own in each of her pro shows since achieving pro status at the 2012 USAs. Kamla just needs to improve her posing. There are times where her arms are too far out to the side.She also needs to be conscious of being confident without appearing arrogant or cocky on stage. If she poses perfectly and brings the right amount of confidence, she could be in the top five.

Camala Rodriguez

Camala could shake up the top six. Last year, she was the runner-up of the Fitness International competition. This year, she’s competing in Figure. She always held her own in the physique rounds when she competed in fitness, so it will be interesting to see how she matches up against the best. She finished third at the Fort Lauderdale Cup, her only Pro Figure show to date.

Giada Simari

Giada is relatively unknown in the USA figure ranks. She earned fourth place at the Nordic pro but struggled at the Arnold Europe. Because she’s highly muscled, she tends to look more like a Physique competitor than a Figure competitor. If she wants to place well, she’ll need to lean down.

Nicole Sims

Nicole won the 2012 NPC Nationals. The Figure International will be her pro debut—talk about jumping into the deep end! She has a nice physique and the potential to do well in the division. Her challenge will be finding the right conditioning for the pro level.

Erin Stern

She’s won five consecutive events. Without Nicole Wilkins in the picture, that top spot is hers for the taking. Although she has yet to win the Arnold, she has two Olympia titles and numerous other top-two placings.

This year, all eyes will be on her. Erin‘s only challenge is herself. She sometimes over-thinks and tries to tinker with what works. Last year, she came in a bit too thin which worked against her tall, athletic frame. If she brings the look she did to the Olympia, she’ll be your winner. If she’s off the mark, she could be put to the test by Candice Keene.

Gennifer Strobo

We never know what we’ll see with Gen Strobo. She took fifth at the Sheru Classic, but 16th at the 2012 Olympia. The last time she took the top spot was at the 2011 Kentucky Muscle Pro.

She was ninth at the Figure International last year, and I imagine she’ll be in a similar spot again this year. Gen has the tendency to come in looking stringy and too lean. If she can look more full and balanced, she’ll improve.

Alea Suarez

Alea is an inspiration to moms everywhere. She, like many other women in this lineup, holds down a job and pulls triple duty with motherly duties.

Alea is one of the few competitors who successfully made the switch from bikini to figure. She has to watch being overly vascular. She needs make sure she doesn’t look too hard, but also not too flat. If she can bring confidence to the stage and stay relaxed, especially in her back poses, she’ll be in the mix.

Ann Titone

Ann Titone has done wonders with her physique. She’s brought out her shoulders and legs which have given her wonderful symmetry and balance. She earned 12th place at the Olympia and won the 2012 Kentucky Muscle Pro. Ann is the dark horse in this line-up; if some of the usual suspects are sleeping, Ann will place ahead of them.

Natalie Waples

Natalie Waples is coming off a fifth-place finish at the Fort Lauderdale Cup. She was 16th at the Olympia, and 11th at the 2012 Tournament of Champions. If Natalie’s physique is full, she’ll have a better chance at being in the mix. If she comes in flat, she’ll look small and disappear among the other women in this lineup.