Search Results for 'Arnold Classic Europe ja Arnold Classic Amateur'

Johnnie Jackson is charging into the Arnold Classic 2013 with a lot to prove. Last year marked one of his 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, Branch Warren gives commentary as Jackson prefers to let his physique do the talking.

http://www.musculardevelopment.com/contests/2013-arnold-classic/5257-johnnie-jackson-trains-legs-with-branch-warren-4-weeks-out.html

Johnnie Jackson does some posing practice with coach Sheilahe Brown four weeks out from the Arnold Classic 2013. Last year marked one of his 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, he is dialing in a few of the mandatory poses.

http://www.musculardevelopment.com/contests/2013-arnold-classic/5258-johnnie-jackson-posing-with-coach-sheilahe-brown-4-weeks-out.html

British amateur Darren Ball posing 2,5 weeks out;

http://youtu.be/Xo2dZmF0L9M

http://www.ifbb.com/newsletter/detail.php?id=10393&date=2013-02-01&language=english&prov=index

NEXT TEAMS TO THE ARNOLD CLASSIC NORTH AMERICA

by Andrew Michalak

The deadline for nomination of athletes to the upcoming Arnold Classic North America has passed. 58 countries entered their athletes, what is a new record of participation, compared to 55 countries last year. This time we will present teams from Central Europe.

– Austria:

Will be represented by 2011 world masters bodybuilding champion Dr. Wolfgang Schober, who will battle in the 50-59 years old category.

– Bulgaria:

Will be represented by 2 athletes:

– 2012 World Classic Bodybuilding Championships runner-up Rosen Ivanov, who will battle in classic bodybuilding up to 180 cm category

– 2012 Balkan Championships finalist Nikolay Nikolov, who has just moved from classic bodybuilding to traditional bodybuilding and will take part in the 100 kg category.

– Croatia:

Will be represented by three-time European women’s bodybuilding champion and 2011 Arnold America runner-up Branka Njegovec, who will combat in 55 kg class.

– Czech Republic:

The Czech Federation entered 7 athletes. Among them:

– 2012 Amateur Bikini Olympia runner-up Martina Abukhlal, who represented Switzerland but has returned to the Czech Team recently.

– 2009 world classic bodybuilding champion Josef Furin, who will fight in men’s bodybuilding up to 90 kg category this time

– 2012 Arnold Classic Europe historical first IFBB men’s physique winner Martin Mester, who represented Spain but has returned to his Czech Team recently.

– 2012 European Championships 100 kg category finalist Milan Sadek, who began in classic bodybuilding, winning two silver medals at the Juniors Worlds.

– Poland:

Will be represented by 2 athletes:

– 2012 World Women’s Championships bodyfitness up to 163 cm runner-up and 2012 Arnold Europe overall winner Anna Szczotka (bodyfitness Class C – up to 163 cm)

– 2010 European men’s bodybuilding champion and 2012 runner-up Marcin Kosel, who will battle in the 70 kg category.

– Slovakia:

Slovak Federation entered 6 athletes. Among them:

– 2012 European Women’s Championships bikini fitness over 180 cm runner-up and 2012 Worlds as well as 2012 Arnold Europe finalist Jana Majernikova.

– 2012 World Women’s Championships bikini fitness up to 168 cm finalist Denisa Lipovska.

– 2011 World Women’s Championships bodyfitness finalist Silvia Pavliskova, who will compete in figure Class B (up to 159 cm).

– 2010 European Bodybuilding Championships up to 80 kg finalist Akos Dobos, who will now go in the 90 kg category.

– Switzerland:

Will be represented by 2009 European Men’s Championships bodybuilding up to 75 kg runner-up Antonio Bellaroba and three other athletes.

Pictures:

Jana Majernikova (Slovakia) – bikini fitness up to 170 cm (Class E)

Anna Szczotka (Poland) – bodyfitness (figure) up to 163 cm (Class C)

Branka Njegovec (Croatia) – bodybuilding up to 55 kg (121 lbs)

Martin Mester (Czech Republic) – men’s physique over 173 cm (Over 5’8”)

Wolfgang Schober (Austria) – master men’s bodybuilding 50+

Rosen Ivanov (Bulgaria) – classic bodybuilding up to 180 cm (Class D)

Antonio Bellaroba (Switzerland) – men’s bodybuilding up to 75 kg (165 lbs)

Qualification contest for the Czech bodybuilders (from L): Milan Sadek, Jiri Laseek and Jozef Furin.

2013 ARNOLD CLASSIC: LAST FEW DAYS FOR NOMINATION

by Andrew Michalak

National Federations have the last few days to nominate their athletes for the upcoming 7th Arnold Amateur Championships to be held in Columbus, Ohio, USA, on the first weekend of March, 2013.

According to the Inspection Report, National Federations may send the names of nominated athletes to the IFBB General Secretary William Tierney (w.tierney@ifbb-uk.com ) or directly to the IFBB Headquarters (internacional@santonja.com) not later than January 31st, 2013. Final Entry Form is a part of the Inspection Report available at the IFBB website. Sending the nomination doesn’t mean that the nominated athlete will be allowed to participate. Due to the time restrictions in the sport facilities, the number of athletes accepted will be limited. The final list of accepted athletes will be published on February 15th, 2013 on the Arnold Amateur website: http://arnoldamateur.com/

This year’s Arnold Amateur North America will include 35 different categories:

– Men’s Bodybuilding (70 kg, 75 kg, 80 kg, 85 kg, 90 kg, 100 kg, +100 kg)

– Men’s Masters Bodybuilding (age 40-49, age over 50)

– Men’s Classic Bodybuilding (168 cm, 171 cm, 175 cm, 180 cm, +180 cm)

– Women’s Bodybuilding (55 kg, +55 kg)

– Women’s Fitness (163 cm, +163 cm)

– Women’s Bodyfitness (155 cm, 159 cm, 163 cm, 167 cm, 170 cm, +170 cm)

– Women’s Masters Bodyfitness (163 cm, 168 cm, +168 cm)

– Women’s Bikini Fitness (155 cm, 159 cm, 163 cm, 167 cm, 170 cm, +170 cm)

– Women’s Physique (163 cm, +163 cm)

– Men’s Physique (173 cm, +173 cm)

Many countries have already sent their nominations. We can see a lot of the IFBB top stars coming to Columbus this year. One of the biggest national teams will be from Italy. There will be 39 athletes, with many well-known stars among them. “This is the biggest and most powerful Italian team ever participated at the Arnold Classic in Columbus” – Italian Federation President Benedetto Mondello said. “We hope to win many top places there” – he added.

Below we present the most famous Italian athletes nominated to the 2013 Arnold Amateur Championships in Columbus:

Pictures:

Corrado Maggiore: legendary Italian bodybuilder, two-time world champion and two-time European champion, practically never out of the medal zone. In 2008 2nd place in Columbus (behind Javier Reynoso). In 2011 and 2012 – 2nd place at the Arnold Europe in Madrid. Not enough these 2nd places? Now it’s time for victory and he has potentials to do it!

Allessandro Galli: fantastic classic bodybuilding overall winner in Columbus last year, displaying incredible muscle density and definition. Now will come back to defense his title.

Antonio Ludovico: runner up at the two previous European Championships, first time in Columbus and with big appetite for victory.

Allessandro Zuccaro: 2011 Arnold America winner in 75 kg class, now will come back to regain the title, but in the heavier class up to 80 kg.

Fabio Branciamore: 3rd place winner at the 2012 Arnold Europe, first time going to Columbus, ready to surprise all of us.

Cristina Romano: Silver medal at the 2012 European Championships in bodyfitness is a proof that she has reached the top international level. Will she confirm this in Columbus?

Anna Maria Giordani: 2011 Arnold America masters bodyfitness class A winner. Now returns with the goal to regain the title.

Cristina Menini: long time in the sport scene but the last few years were not so successful for her; however she won the 2012 Notte dei Championi qualification contest. Who knows…

Ester Parisi: top Italian bodyfitness competitor now will try in a new IFBB category: women’s physique. Maybe, it will be her best choice?

bodyfitness star Elena Cuzuioc and bodybuilder Emiliano Dell’ Uomo will go to Columbus for the first time. Both with big chances for top places. By Luca Alfieri (LA-design)

Slovakian bikini athlete Jana Majernikova heading also to the Arnold AM – see her training / interview clip on Eastlabs TV.

Another European amateur bikini competitor on her way to Arnold AM – German Kathrin Hollmann – interviewed by Team-andro.com

Maxximum Portal shares the Slovenian team to AC AM;

Stasa Grom

Gasper Grom

Gasper Grom sneak peak 6 weeks out;

IFBB previews the show and publishes the competitior lists – huge event coming up with 350 competitors and 50 nations!

2012 IFBB JUNIORS AND MASTERS CHAMPIONSHIPS: AMAZING PROGRESS!

by Andrew Michalak

I summarized the Final Entry Forms sent by National Federations and I couldn’t believe my eyes: 350 competitors! Exactly. Compared to 228 athletes last year and 207 in 2010 it is an amazing progress. From 50 countries! And what is especially good news: the number of juniors jumped to 142! Only one time in the IFBB history the number of juniors exceeded 100 (101 in 2007). In 2004 in Opava, Czech Republic, there were 149 athletes altogether: juniors and masters, from 30 countries. After 8 years we have more than double.

But there are more good news: first time in the IFBB history recent world children fitness champions will enter the juniors fitness division: Tatiana Kozuchova, Vanessa Lisziova, Aleksandra Zhilina, Kinga Úrkúti, Vlada Andrjuschenko. They deserve for our special attention and applause. IFBB has brought up her own fitness champions from the very beginning, from the roots.

The former historical record of participation in these Championships was established in… Budapest at the 2007 Juniors and Masters Worlds: 249 athletes: 101 juniors plus 148 masters. It seems that our IFBB athletes love Budapest regardless of their age and come here with great pleasure.

The host: Hungarian Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation, with its President Istvan Huber, effectively supported in the everyday work by Ms. Viola Varga, have done their best to make your stay in Budapest comfortable and they await for your arrival. International judges, with the Chairman of the IFBB Judges Committee Pawel Filleborn as a Head Judge, will have a lot of work but after the recent Arnold Classic Europe with nearly 700 competitors they have enough experience to run the Championships smoothly, I believe. And we, the IFBB Press Commission, will do our best to pass information to all of you as soon as possible.

The Championships will be run in the elimination – semifinal – final blocks. Only junior fitness and masters bodybuilding 40-49 athletes will have semifinals and finals in separate days.

The contest will take place in a very special place – Millenaris Park, an artistic complex of buildings constructed in the place of the former metallurgical factory (foundry). The “E-Building” is a theater where our Championships will be run. More detailed info at: http://www.geocachin…c3-a2725a15b7bd

The Danubius Hotel Arena is a 4-star hotel located near the sport centre of Budapest, the Puskas Ferenc Stadion (the public stadium) and the SYMA convention centre. It offers 379 guestrooms.

Guestrooms provide wireless Internet access (surcharge), direct-dial phones, and

in-room safes (accommodate laptops). Guestrooms feature refrigerators. Bathrooms offer hair dryers. Additional amenities include minibars, air conditioning, and desks. More info at: http://danubius-hotel-arena.h-rsv.com/

LIST OF NOMINATED ATHLETES:

Junior Women’s Fitness up to 163 cm:

Kristina Koroljak Estonia

Evelina Tistelgren Finland

Tímea Harangozó Hungary

Melinda Szabó Hungary

Jessica Kalmár Hungary

Orsolya Szádvári Hungary

Alexandra Alekhanova Russia

Aleksandra Zhilina Russia

Alesia Vysotskaia Russia

Tatiana Kozuchova Slovakia

Vanessa Lisziova Slovakia

Anastasiia Koval Ukraine

Mariia Koval Ukraine

Alona Bezditna Ukraine

Who can seriously challenge women’s world champion Melinda Szabo? I think, nobody from this list. But the matter of silver medal is open: present European champion Kristina Koroljak? Former finalists: Alexandra Alekhanova or Alona Bezditna? They have the longest contest history among juniors.

Junior Women’s Fitness over 163 cm:

Ofelia Osan Romania

Kata Palásthy Hungary

Tünde Babtiszta Hungary

Kinga Úrkúti Hungary

Vlada Andrjuschenko Latvia

Justyna Jedlikowska Poland

Yulia Postika Russia

Kateryna Kalyta Ukraine

Olga Mogilnitska Ukraine

2010 world champion Yulia Postika is coming back. Older and matured. Main challengers: 2012 Europeans 3

rd

place winner Olga Mogilnitska and 2011 Riga Children Fitness Cup winner Vlada Andrjuschenko.

Junior Men’s Fitness open class:

Hermann Rolon Paraguay

Bartlomiej Byjos Poland

Anghel Birica Romania

Mihaita Visan Romania

Stefan Virna Romania

Tomas Smrek Slovakia

Cem Azizoglu Turkey

2011 Junior Worlds top two: Anghel Birica and Hermann Rolon and 2010 Europeans 3

rd

place winner Bartlomiej Byjos.

Junior Women’s Bodyfitness up to 163 cm:

Chelsea Mooney Canada

Jana Cernovska Czech Republic

Nikolett Ferencz Hungary

Bianka Bognár Hungary

Roxanne Lensveld Netherland

Marta Lendla Poland

Cristina Chirita Romania

Alena Podelko Russia

Tatiana Piackova Slovakia

Hazal Mert Turkey

Tetiana Davidenko Ukraine

Great duel of two-time world champion Jana Cernovska vs. always second Cristina Chirita. Maybe this time she will be more lucky? And a group of last year’s finalists: Tatiana Piackova, Alena Podelko, Tetiana Davidenko. For sure, all of them have made some progress…

Junior Women’s Bodyfitness over 163 cm:

Melissa Gaimer Germany

Barbara Budavári Hungary

Una Heimisdóttir Iceland

Ana Merdenova Lithuania

Evelina Nikitina Lithuania

Natalia Gacka Poland

Renata Szmutku Romania

Alexandra Olegas Romania

Aminat Tuleubaeva Russia

Victoria Yatsuk Russia

Silvia Hostakova Slovakia

The next great duel: 2010 Juniors Worlds runner-up Natalia Gacka vs. 2012 Women’s Worlds runner-up Aminat Tuleubaeva. The others: 2012 Europeans runner-up Renata Szmutku and 2011 Worlds 3

rd

place winner Ana Merdenova.

Junior Women’s Bikini Fitness open class:

Maja Pavlakovic Croatia

Michaela Masslova Czech Republic

Eva Simkovicova Czech Republic

Suvi Iso-Kuusela Finland

France Bignon France

Anne Hartlaub Germany

Dia Salamon Hungary

Anett Szigethy Hungary

Zsanett Kecskés Hungary

Elva Bergpórsdóttir Iceland

Jekaterina Lasunska Latvia

Agné Raulinaityté Lithuania

Christina Fjaere Norway

Julie Firing Norway

Paula Lewczuk Poland

Tamara Orrego Paraguay

Stefania Bia Romania

Denisa Hargasova Slovakia

Sabina Plevakova Slovakia

Alex Westhuizen South Africa

Jenna Lithgow South Africa

Gizem Davanci Turkey

Merve Rencberliler Turkey

Seda Temetta Turkey

Eleonora Alibayeva Ukraine

Beatrysa Lazorka Ukraine

What a great line-up! Sensational 2012 Women’s Worlds runner-up Stefania Bia vs. 2012 European Juniors runner-up Elva Bergpórsdóttir, with 2012 European Juniors finalist Suvi Iso-Kuusela just behind them. But who knows? So many new names…

Junior Women’s Bodybuilding open class:

Sana Muslic Bosnia-Herzegovina

Ludmila Sircova Czech Republic

Patrícia Babtiszta Hungary

Dóra Lenger Hungary

Mihaela Serban Romania

Corina Visan Romania

The present European junior champion and Worlds runner-up Mihaela Serban seems to be “untouchable” favourite. Will any of the new faces be able to “touch” her?

Junior Men’s Bodybuilding up to 75 kg:

Karim Abdel Monem Egypt

Mohamed Abdel Azim Egypt

Ismail Khaled Masoud Egypt

Yousry Abdalla Egypt

Ádám Vas Hungary

Zsolt Takács Hungary

Daniel Sticco Italy

Rafal Ilnicki Poland

Andrei Ivan Romania

Norbert Zajac Slovakia

Maluleke Bhekumzi South Africa

Benharn Namdari Sweden

Ufuk Demirpence Turkey

Oleksandr Kostenko Ukraine

2010 world champion Ismail Khaled Masoud and a 2010 world classic bodybuilding champion Karim Abdel Magid. Who can challenge them? Maybe some new, very gifted young bodybuilder. We will see.

Junior Men’s Bodybuilding over 75 kg:

Federico Gonzalez Argentina

Kiryl Tamboutsau Belarus

Atanas Dimitrov Bulgaria

Ahmed El Shaarawy Egypt

Ahmed El Marhoumy Egypt

Mahmoud El Zayat Egypt

Timo Oertel Germany

Dániel Kenéz Hungary

Árpád Balassa Hungary

Roberto Ficetola Italy

Emil Kalenski Poland

Nikalai Paramonau Russia

Vladimir Holota Slovakia

Luis Bessinger South Africa

Ferhat Magan Turkey

Ersin Ulusoy Turkey

Mykhailo Itchenko Ukraine

Serhii Panchuk Ukraine

Yaroslav Khnykov Ukraine

2012 European junior champion Atanas Dimitrov, 2010 European junior champion Mykhailo Itchenko, 2011 Junior Worlds runner-up Federico Gonzalez, 2010 Junior Worlds 3

rd

place winner Luis Bessinger, with other finalists: Emil Kalenski and Roberto Ficetola. This will be a tough battle!

Junior Men’s Classic Bodybuilding open class:

Kristian Pavlov Bulgaria

Daniel Crnoja Croatia

Tomas Horak Czech Republic

Patr Galivoda Czech Republic

Daniel Pinanjota Ecuador

Adel Meabed Egypt

Viktor Ádám Hungary

Zsolt Vas Hungary

Nándor Fischer Hungary

Hiroki Takeuchi Japan

Marius Megelaitis Lithuania

Jakub Szczerba Poland

Ionut Grigoras Romania

Martin Orolin Slovakia

Hasan Gul Turkey

Baris Kurakdal Turkey

Ahmed Sakarga Turkey

Andrii Khomytskyi Ukraine

Viacheslav Fedorenko Ukraine

Almost 20 competitors an almost all new. Daniel Crnoja and Tomas Horak advanced to the finals of the previous championships. Will it be enough to win this time?

Junior Men’s Athletic Physique open class:

Robin Balogh Hungary

Frigyes Schneider Hungary

Ádám Szakál Hungary

Andrei Ifrim Romania

Razvan Olariu Romania

Cahit Gelener Turkey

This will be an inauguration of this category at the IFBB junior championships, so wait and look what will happen. But Robin Balogh placed 2

nd

at the recent Arnold Europe in over 178 cm category.

Master Women’s Bodyfitness 35-44 years old open class:

Christine Schranz Austria

Sandra Grgec Croatia

Maryla Kubiena Czech Republic

Celine Godefroy France

Matina Theodorou Germany

Marina Thies Germany

Monica Alvarez Germany

Andrea Farkas Hungary

Paula Iványi Hungary

Lívia Bulyáki Hungary

Giusy Raffone Italy

Ginevra Auletta Italy

Neli Khodor Lebanon

Margarita Charaim Lithuania

Jorun Steine Norway

Linda Antonsen Norway

Anniken Froyslie Norway

Janne Krohn Norway

Beata Yaro-Koniecka Poland

Marzena Kamrowska-Berlik Poland

Katarzyna Kozakiewicz-Kowalik Poland

Anna Aleksashina Russia

Tatiana Ershova Russia

Elena Kizima Russia

Marina Ryabukhina Russia

Cindy Marshall South Africa

Emilia Perez Spain

Veronica Gallego Spain

Yolanda Fornandez Spain

Maria Mas Spain

Roberta Raguth Switzerland

Simone Schneiter Switzerland

Tetyana Mikheychyk Ukraine

Maria Scotland United-Kingdom

The longest line-up in the history of this category at the IFBB international championships. And many famous champions: 2009 Women’s World champion Katarzyna Kozakiewicz-Kowalik, 2011 Arnold Europe winner Christine Schranz, 2012 European champion Margarita Charaim, 2011 Worlds runner-up and 2012 European runner-up Emi Perez, 2012 IFBB World Cup winner Tetyana Mikheychyk, 2012 Arnold Europe runner-up Maria Scotland. What a fantastic line-up!

Master Women’s Bodyfitness over 45 years old open class:

Maria Hermans Belgium

Yordanka Bahchevanova Bulgaria

Zdena Gottvaldova Czech Republic

Esta Pilt Estonia

Merike Sula Estonia

Brigitte Subrin France

Kristin Kristjánsdóttir Iceland

Linda Jónsdóttir Iceland

Giuditta Magazzino Italy

Nina Mukhortova Russia

Maria Eriksson Sweden

Carina Isaksson Sweden

Kamer Piersens Turkey

The first European champion in this new category: Kristin Kristjánsdóttir and the next two medal winners: Linda Jónsdóttir and Giuditta Magazzino as well as 2012 Arnold Europe winner Brigitte Subrin, 2008 Worlds runner-up Carina Isaksson and 2012 European Athletic Fitness runner-up Esta Pilt. Other well-known finalists: Zdena Gottvaldova and Nina Mukhortova.

Master Women’s Bodybuilding open class:

Gerbel Mikk Belgium

Jana Bendova Czech Republic

Monika Slosrova Czech Republic

Lotte Bendix Denmark

Coralie Marchisio France

Christine Brings Germany

Claudia Lambertus Germany

Eszter Berkes Hungary

Csilla Csabay Hungary

Silvia Matta Italy

Paola Boschero Italy

Elena Stasiukyniené Lithuania

Marina Nikotina Russia

Larisa Denisova Russia

Xyleese Burford United-Kingdom

Almost all of them are well-known bodybuilders but the most famous are: 2011 world champion Elena Stasiukyniené, regular medal winner Marina Nikotina and the present Women’s Worlds runner-up Silvia Matta.

Master Men’s Bodybuilding 40-49 years old, up to 70 kg:

Mario Lalicata Belgium

Sebastian Natiez France

László Gulyás Hungary

Carlo Capucci Italy

Sandro Brocca Italy

Filippo Masucci Italy

Mauro Ranieri Italy

Asuncion Alcocer Mexico

Vitaly Egorov Russia

Ismail Yildizel Turkey

Present European champion Sebastian Natiez against the strong team of Italy: 2009 European champion Carlo Capucci, 2012 Arnold America finalist Filippo Masucci and 2011 Amateur Olympia 3

rd

place winner Mauro Ranieri. Plus 2012 European Masters 3

rd

place winner Mario Lalicata.

Master Men’s Bodybuilding 40-49 years old, up to 80 kg:

Luiz Sarmento Brazil

Gilberto Feitosa Brazil

Jean Mega France

Carlos Cervantes Germany

Francesco D’Angelo Italy

Marco Parisi Italy

Francesco Coppola Italy

Danilo Barbi Italy

Leonardo Carballo Spain

Carlos Menendez Spain

Bahadir Dalbicak Turkey

Valerii Koptenko Ukraine

Sean Ferguson United-Kingdom

Stephen Graham United-Kingdom

Two very famous bodybuilders: 2008 world champion and 2012 Arnold Europe winner Luiz Sarmento and 2011 Arnold Europe winner and world champion Valerii Koptenko. Then 2009 world champion: Leonardo Carballo and European champions: Stephen Graham (2010) and Carlos Cervantes (2012) as well as 2012 runner-up Carlos Menendez. Jean Mega and Francesco Coppola had “old” medals in their collections, dated 2005.

Master Men’s Bodybuilding 40-49 years old, up to 90 kg:

Mahammad Pashayi Azerbaijan

Timo Blomqvist Finland

Steffen Gerhard Germany

Achim Weitz Germany

Stefan Hammerschmied Germany

Martin Schulz Germany

Miklós Tenta Hungary

Franco Di Bella Italy

Andrea Parronchi Italy

Alexei Ganjea Moldova

Jakub Potocki Poland

Sorin Fritea Romania

Sergey Kozin Russia

Mikhail Iusev Russia

Pedro Villa Spain

Bernardo Busquets Spain

Juan Martin Spain

Sedak Bekdemir Turkey

Yusuf Evyurt Turkey

Sergiy Chernyak Ukraine

José Cermeno Venezuela

Present Men’s Worlds runner-up Mahammad Pashayi and 3

rd

place winner Sedak Bekdemir, 2011 Arnold Europe winner Pedro Villa, 2011 European Masters overall winner Jakub Potocki, 2012 Arnold Europe winner José Cermeno. Beautiful constellation of stars and impossible to predict the places.

Master Men’s Bodybuilding 40-49 years old, over 90 kg:

Viacheslau Kuprash Belarus

Ilario Rongioletti Germany

György Gödény Hungary

Constantino Galeazzo Italy

Enrico Frisinghelli Italy

Arvydas Mickus Lithuania

Frank Hansen Norway

Andrzej Maszewski Poland

Ramon Gonzalez Spain

Alfredo Fernandez Spain

Gilbert Beautier Switzerland

Hamdullah Aykutlu Turkey

Cihat Kara Turkey

William Ortuno Venezuela

Uff! Many famous names: former world men’s multi champion and 2010 Masters Worlds overall winner Hamdullah Aykutlu, 2012 European champion Andrzej Maszewski, 2002 world men’s champion Ramon Gonzalez, 2012 Arnold Europe runner-up Arvydas Mickus, 2011 world masters champion William Ortuno. So many world champions and everyone can win.

Master Men’s Bodybuilding 50-59 years old, up to 80 kg:

Zoran Tokic Croatia

Milos Pavlu Czech Republic

Cecil Teran Ecuador

Ali Ata Egypt

Philippe Eichler France

Werner Zenk Germany

Karl-Heinz Tiegel Germany

John Carroll Ireland

Fumiyoshi Namba Japan

José Camacho Rebolo Portugal

Marin Ion Romania

Rafael Arana Spain

Zeki Zeka Turkey

2012 European champion Rafael Arana, 2008 world champion José Camacho Rebolo, 2010 European masters champion Werner Zenk, 2009 bronze medal winner Karl-Heinz Tiegel, 2011 Europeans silver medal winner Zeki Zeka and returning to the IFBB after 9 years “divorce” Milos Pavlu.

Master Men’s Bodybuilding 50-59 years old, over 80 kg:

Sandel Mindruta Romania

Marijo Bozic Croatia

Jaroslav Kejr Czech Republic

Rashad El Hamshi Egypt

Thomas Scheu Germany

Manfred Arit Germany

Antonio Vergiani Italy

Livio Manganelli Italy

Marek Kolecki Poland

Stanislav Shakh-Nazarov Russia

Inigo Ortiz Spain

David Lamptey United-Kingdom

Three-time world men’s champion and 2010 world master champion Thomas Scheu, 2011 European masters champion Antonio Vergiani, 2010 European masters champion Inigo Ortiz, and bronze medal winners: David Lamptey and Stanislav Shakh-Nazarov.

Master Men’s Bodybuilding 60-65 years old, open class:

Jacques Secke Belgium

Miroslav Mraz Czech Republic

Milan Bodlak Czech Republic

Bernhard Klemm Germany

Luciano Andreose Italy

Toyoharu Takagishi Japan

Tiburcio Arias Mexico

Jan Olejko Poland

Vasile Serban Romania

Cristian Mihailescu Romania

Alexander Yashankin Russia

Leif Renling Sweden

Baki Koseahmetoglu Turkey

Master bodybuilding legend and three-time world champion Alexander Yashankin. Then former top European bodybuilder Cristian Mihailescu, 2012 European champion Milan Bodlak and runner-up Baki Koseahmetoglu. Other medal winners: Luciano Andreose and Vasile Serban. Tough battle can be expected.

Master Men’s Bodybuilding over 65 years old, open class:

Vladimir Dostal Czech Republic

Jiri Rohan Czech Republic

Bohumil Divilek Czech Republic

Esmat Sadek Egypt

Willi Neubauer Germany

Piotr Puchniarz Poland

Zbigniew Bartos Poland

Dion Friedland South Africa

Manuel Valbuena Spain

Rafael Vera Spain

Nico Lundholm Sweden

Bernard Cooper United-Kingdom

Three world champions from different years and the top three at the 2011 Worlds: Bernard Cooper, Manuel Valbuena, Rafael Vera, plus the next 2011 world champion (but in 60-65 years old division) Esmat Sadek, who now moved to this category. Recently Bernard Cooper was unbeatable. Will he continue his victory series?

Master Men’s Classic Bodybuilding 40-49 years old open class:

Zahi Amar Algeria

Steven Travers Australia

Kurt Strohmayer Austria

Plamen Hristov Bulgaria

Wilhelm Pascal France

Serge Rouze France

Michael Aprin Germany

Olaf Michaelis Germany

Sven Kellner Germany

Imre Nagy Hungary

Giuseppe Brancaccio Italy

Eddi Badoer Italy

John Large Norway

Bogdan Nowakowski Poland

Artur Sliczny Poland

Waldemar Godlewski Poland

Niko Golser Slovenia

Michael Du Buisson South Africa

Nelson Mthembu South Africa

Björn Albinsson Sweden

Twenty competitors but most them are new names at the world level. Only one European champion Giuseppe Brancaccio (2011) and three medal winners: Kurt Strohmayer, Michael Aprin and Wilhelm Pascal.

Master Men’s Classic Bodybuilding over 50 years old open class:

Alois Rettenwender Austria

Michal Sidik Czech Republic

Ladislav Sroubek Czech Republic

Joachim Grassel Germany

James Cassidy Ireland

Atsushi Katakawa Japan

Ove Bekkevold Norway

Arnfinn Benterud Norway

Mieczyslaw Nowacki Poland

Marek Dabrowski Poland

Peter Rudling Sweden

Top two from the last year’s Worlds: Atsushi Katakawa and Michal Sidik plus top two form the latest European Championships: Joachim Grassel and James Cassidy. Maybe, coming back after almost 10-year break Mieczyslaw Nowacki will be a dark horse?

Wheelchair Bodybuilding open class:

Cenes Vásquez Peru

Sham Singh India

Padekar Narayan India

Dawoodani Nizarali India

Mohammad Tabrizi Iran

Tolga Murat Balikci Turkey

All four athletes from the last year’s Championships plus new bodybuilders from Peru and India (Dawoodani Nizarali). Sham Singh will be defending his last year’s title while Tolga Murat will try to regain the title won in 2010. Mohammad Tabrizi took the 2

nd

place last year but this time will aspire to the world title as well. Not so many athletes but extremely high level and exciting battle.

Pictures:

Hungarian Federation President Istvan Huber (right) with the IFBB President Dr. Rafael Santonja.

Poster of the event.

IFBB previews the first ever Bikini Amateur Olympia;

UPCOMING WEEKEND: FIRST AMATEUR BIKINI OLYMPIA !

by Andrew Michalak

This is something new, something very interesting, something very popular. The concept was born 2 years ago at one of the EBFF meetings. A series of amateur Olympias has started a year ago with Amateur Mr. Olympia in London, UK. Now, the organizers of the EVL’s Pro in Prague, Czech Republic, proposed to extend this idea and include the Amateur Bikini Olympia in the IFBB Calendar of Events. IFBB President Dr. Rafael Santonja accepted this proposal, so next weekend in Prague, in conjunction with the EVL’s Prague Pro, the first Amateur Bikini Olympia will be held.

This will be the third most important IFBB amateur bikini fitness event this season, after the World Championships and Arnold Classic Europe. The girls had two weeks break from Arnolds in Madrid to relax a bit and prepare the next peak of body conditioning. The list of 44 nominated athletes includes many top names but also some new names as this category is the youngest in the IFBB and still a wide stream of new competitors are coming, even at this top sport level.

The battle will be run in three body height categories:

Up to 163 cm

• Valeria Ammirato Germany

• Oksana Pavlova Ukraine

• Daria Shevchenko Ukarine

• Melinda Zsiga Hungary

• Iryna Hileta Slovakia

• Inmaculada Gual Spain

• Marie Draškovičová Slovakia

• Katali Suwareh Gambia

• Adama Jagura Ga Gambia

• Lydia Mirilla Davies Nigeria

• Heather Schofield UK

• Dana Sadecká Slovakia

• Iveta Kuglerova Slovakia

• Monika Rosenbergerova Slovakia

Up to 168 cm

• Liudmila Diachuk Ukraine

• Sandra Ott Germany

• Anastasia Voinkova Russia

• Eva Nutilová Czech Republic

• Marína Hámová
  Czech Republic

• Frida Horváth Hungary

• Denisa Hargasova Slovakia

• Alene Pask Belarus

• Hanna Maliarova Belarus

• Daniela Liebers Austria

• Veronika Gulášová Slovakia

• Denisa Lipovska Slovakia

• Gibril Camara Gambia

• Omar Jagara Gambia

• Melania Roller Germany

Over 168 cm

• Elena Guseva Ukraine

• Nina Eckert Germany

• Martina Abukhlal Switzerland

• Ksenia Ponomareva Russia

• Olga Putrova Russia

• Radka Praskova Czech Republic

• Marie Miksova Czech Republic

• Vladimíra Krasova Czech Rep
  ublic

• Katalin Jasztrab Hungary

• Gabriella Rakoczi Hungary

• Erika Lajos Hungary

• Katarina Lankova Austria

• Petra Redl Austria

• Jana Majernikova Slovakia

• Amaka Miriam Oguegbe Nigeria

Main pretenders to the top places? In this sport big changes in the classification can be expected from contest to contest but the most successful athletes till now are:

In the 163 cm category: 3^rd place winner at the 2012 European and Arnold Europe Championships Heather Schofield of the United Kingdom, the Worlds and Arnolds finalist Valeria Ammirato of Germany, the Europeans and Arnolds finalist Inmaculada Gual of Spain, 2012 Europeans runner-up Daria Shevchenko of Ukraine.

In the 168 cm category: two finalists of the recent Women’s Worlds: Liudmila Diachuk (Ukraine) and Denisa Lipovska (Slovakia) plus the Worlds’ top ten Hanna Maliarova (Belarus).

In the over 168 cm category: the latest Arnold Europe overall winner Vladimíra Krasova of the Czech Republic and 2011 Worlds runner-up Jana Majernikova of Slovakia, who placed 5^th at the 2012 Worlds and Arnolds but still has the potential to win any contest. Then, the 2012 Arnold Europe 4^th place winner Martina Abukhlal of Switzerland and 2012 Worlds top ten: Elena Guseva (Ukraine) and Ksenia Ponomareva (Russia).

And the big unknown: girls from Gambia and Nigeria. Will they look like the “Black Gazelle” Khoudiedji Sidibe – bodyfitness European champion from France?

Interesting, that so many top IFBB bikini girls just turned pro and will participate in the Pro Bikini category on the same stage in Prague. Altogether, there will be 14 of them, including: 2011 world champions: Andrea Hertlein (Germany) and Nikola Weiterova (Slovakia), 2012 world champion Anna Virmajoki (Finland), 2012 Arnold Europe overall winner Tanja Canc and 2012 Worlds 3^rd place winner Michelle Brannan (UK). Till now, pro bikini was dominated by the American girls, now Europe is counter-attacking!.

In Men’s Pro bodybuilding the next meet of Shawn Rhoden, who has been collecting titles from all post-Olympia European events: Arnold Classic Europe, British Grand Prix and now… is the main pretender to victory in Prague. Who will try to make this goal difficult to him? Dennis Wolf is back. Bigger and better. Then Toney Freeman, Johnnie Jackson, Robert Piotrkowicz, Roelly Winklaar, Ronny Rockel, Ed Nunn, Michael Kefalianos… This will be a tough, very exciting battle. Prize money: 135 000 USD (in total: 180 000 USD).

To see it live, visit the TipSport Arena in Prague on Saturday, October 27, 2012. Semifinals: 10:00, Finals: 17:00. In the meantime: Expo, armwrestling, zumba, athletic fitness and many more attractions.

In photos (photo credit: http://www.eastlabs.biz):

Vladimira Krasova (Czech Rep.)

Martina Abukhlal (Switzerland).

Jana Majernikova (Slovakia).

Heather Schofield (United Kingdom).

Valeria Ammirato (Germany).

Inmaculada Gual (Spain).

Liudmila Diachuk (Ukraine).

Sorry for the result-update-delay!

Men’s open BB

It doesn’t matter which country he’s competing in, there’s no stopping the Shawn Rhoden train. Rhoden won for the fourth time in five contests, notching his second back-to-back wins of the year against another solid lineup. With those four wins and his third-place finish at the Olympia, Rhoden has more than solidified his place as one of the elite and a threat to win any contest he enters.

This time it was a rejuvenated Johnnie Jackson who finished as the runner-up, showcasing his best conditioning of 2012 to inch ahead of Toney Freeman in a battle of the over-40s. It was the 41-year-old Jackson’s third runner-up placing of the year, the previous two coming at the Mr. Europe Pro and the New York Pro earlier in the year. Freeman, 46, placed third for the third time this season as he continues to pile up points in the Olympia Qualification Series.

Robert Piotrkowicz (4th) and Ronny Rockel (5th) rounded out the top five while Roelly Winklaar, the runner-up at last week’s Arnold Classic Europe, fell to sixth.

1. Shawn Rhoden

2. Johnnie Jackson

3. Toney Freeman

4. Robert Piotrkowicz

5. Ronny Rockel

6. Roelly Winklaar

7. Erik Fankhouser

8. Hidetada Yamagishi

9. Juri Leonov

10. Cecil Croasdale

11. Thomas Benagli

12. Alvin Small

13. Grigori Atoyan

14. Jaime Atienza

15. Ari Kokkonen

16. Elvis Brown

16. Tommi Thorvildsen

Men’s BB -212

Flex Lewis made sure his homecoming was a successful one for the second straight year, as he held off Sami Alhaddad to win the 212 division. Lewis, who grew up in nearby Wales, won the 202 division at last year’s British Grand Prix and won his pro card by winning the Overall at the 2007 British Nationals.

With the runner-up placing, Alhaddad – the 2011 Amateur Olympia Overall winner, which was held in conjunction with last year’s British Grand Prix – has now finished placed second in each of his two professional contests. Alhaddad previously finished as the runner-up to Kevin English at the New York Pro in May.

Jose Raymond and Eduardo Correa were separated by the thinnest of margins at the 212 Showdown three weeks ago, and it was a similar scenario here, except for one major difference – this time it was Raymond edging Correa out for the No. 3 spot.

Masoom Butt placed fifth, his second top-five finish this month, in one of the strongest 212 lineups of the year. Butt finished third at the Sheru Classic two weeks ago.

1. Flex Lewis

2. Sami Alhaddad

3. Jose Raymond

4. Eduardo Correa

5. Masoom Butt

6. William Bonac

7. Khalid Almohsinawi

8. Fernando Noronha

9. James Llewellin

10. Manuel Manchado

11. Shavis Higa

12. Guy Cisternino

13. Eduard Duque

14. John Armstrong

15. Oliver Adzievski

16. Fauzi Hanst

16. Hennie Kotze

16. Lee Powell

16. Marcus Becht

16. Mike Sheridan

16. Nana Manu

16. Vincete Santamaria

Some updates prior to the show;

Team-andro interviews Sami Al-Haddad 2 days out – LINK

Also Ronny Rockel interview and posing one day out HERE.

http://www.musculardevelopment.com/contests/2012-ifbb-british-grand-prix/4890-jose-raymonds-legs-1-week-out.html

Ari Kokkonen 1 day out shot (source http://www.gojuttago.com);

NPCnewsonline.com previews the show;

It’s all about Shawn Rhoden in Men’s Bodybuilding as the breakout star of the year looks to continue one of the most memorable seasons in recent memory. Rhoden, who just last year was looked at as a middle-of-the-road competitor with potential, has launched himself into elite status with three wins and a top-three placing at the Olympia.

Rhoden’s run started in August, with back-to-back wins at the Europa Super Show and the Tampa PBW Championships and continued in September with an Olympia placing no one predicted. He heads to Britain looking to win his second back-to-back series of the year and fourth contest overall.

His main competition will come from the seemingly ageless Toney Freeman, who was perhaps the most overlooked competitor at the wacky world known as last week’s Arnold Classic Europe. Freeman, who celebrated his 46th birthday in August, has placed 2nd (Tampa Pro), 3rd (Europa Super Show), 7th (Mr. Olympia), 3rd (Sheru Classic) and 5th (Arnold Classic Europe) in his last five contests. Johnnie Jackson, Hidetada Yamagishi, Robert Piotrkowicz and Ronny Rockel could also be in the mix in what should be an interesting top five.

In the 212 division, new 212 Showdown winner Flex Lewis hopes to solidify his claim as the No. 1 212 bodybuilder in the world in front of his home-country fans. Lewis, who was born in Wales and won his pro card by winning the Overall at the 2007 British National Championships, will undoubtedly build the English fans into a frenzy. But winning won’t be easy, as he’ll face a stacked lineup that includes two of the 212 Showdown’s top-four finishers in Eduardo Correa (3rd) and Jose Raymond (4th).

Bahrain’s Sami Alhaddad, who won the first-ever Amateur Olympia in Britain last year, will look to erase the memory of a bungled strategy in attempting to qualify for the 212 Showdown. Alhaddad created waves when he placed third in his pro debut at the New York Pro in May before inexplicably sitting on the sidelines for the rest of the season and allowing other competitors to pass him in the Olympia Qualification Series Standings.

And a written review by IFBB of body fitness and fitness classes – http://www.ifbb.com/newsletter/detail.php?id=10448&date=2012-10-16&language=english&prov=index

ARNOLD EUROPE AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIPS – FITNESS AND BODYFITNESS RESULTS

by Andrew Michalak

The second day was also a marathon lasting from 10:00 am till 9:30 pm. In most categories the number of athletes was over 15, so the elimination was needed.

A break was planned in the amateur event to allow us to watch the pro show but is was practically impossible since the amateur championships had to be run with no break to finish it before midnight.

In most categories we saw an incredible level of competition and top quality athletes. It is clearly seen how our physiques sports are progressing and how our champions are progressing, how they improve every aspect of their presentation and performance. The best examples is “T-walking” in bodyfitness. When it was introducing a year ago, ladies were too stiff, too tense, too stressed. Now it is a very attractive parade of the fantastic stars: flexible, coquettish, loose. Very impressive part of performance creating unforgettable impressions.

Women’s bodyfitness up to 158 cm category

Three girls form the 2012 Women’s Worlds: Angela Derzapf, Silvia Kovacsova and Martina Tarkova were separated by Vernica Gallego, Sonja Branciamore and Bojana Vasiljevic. In the absence of the world champion Elina Gook, Worlds runner-up Derzpaf moved up to the 1st position. 2nd place finisher Vernica Gallego of Spain was close to the final victory, winning the first round 7:15 over Derzapf but in the finals judges change their preferences and put Derzapf in the first place (9:15). It’s not an often situation, especially when the finals are run the same day as semifinals. It proves that athletes can be seen in a bit different way where there are 15 of them on stage (semifinals) than if there are only 6 of them (finals). And we need to remember that there is an additional, very important part of presentation in the finals: T-walking, which can seriously influence the judges’ decisions.

Nice success of Gallego, who placed 7th at the 2011 Masters Worlds. Branciamore placed 4th at the 2009 European Championships but this events was more tough. Vasiljevic returned after two-year break, taking the 5th place. She has great potentials but was a bit too smooth this time.

Women’s bodyfitness up to 163 cm category

Almost the same final like in Bialystok. Only Gabriela Szabo didn’t come. And this “returned much” was very tough and exciting, especially for the two top athletes: Zrinka Fiser (Croatia) and anna Szczotka (Poland). Szczotka hasn’t won over Fisher till this event, loosing at the 2009 and 2012 Worlds but has been consequently improving (legs) and after a very tough combat (they were tied 10:10 in the first round) managed to grasp the title winning the second round 9:12. Two great bodyfitness champions, so they may exchanged places each time. For the 3rd place winner Renata Marcinkute of Lithuania it was her biggest success ever. Still improving Tarja Vahakuopus moved up one place, to the 4th position, while Analia Galeano of Argentina dropped to the 6th place. They were separated by Russian new star Yaroslava Nikolayeva. Promising debut of the juniors champion Doina Gorun who placed 10th, ahead of the next 16 athletes.

Women’s bodyfitness up to 168 cm category

Two top places winners from Bialystok didn’t come, so the next girls fought for the titles. But the most successful one was a newcomer at this level Solveig Wilhems of Norway, after the very close battle against… the second Norwegian athlete Kristina Skjelberg (4th place winner in Bialystok). The first round was extremely tough as three girls earned the same scores: Wilhems, Skjelberg and 2009 world champion Katarzyna Kozakiewicz-Kowalik of Poland. The second round was less successful for Kozakiewicz-Kowalik who was scored in the 5th place, while Wilhems earned only one-point advantage over Skjelberg. Anyway, two Norwegian athletes in the top two places, what happened also at the 2010 Worlds (Nina Furseth, Thea Eriksen).

Eva Rusan of Croatia, who placed 12th in Bialystok, improved her body condition so much that jumped up to the 3rd position.

Women’s bodyfitness over 168 cm category

Probably, the biggest revolution compared to the results from Bialystok. World champion Anastasia Gurina dropped to the 3rd place, two points ahead of the European champion Khoudiedji Sidibe. The happy winner Zsuzsanna Toldi of Hungary attacked from the 5th position in Bialystok and the quality of her body and performance was so high that she won with almost perfect scores. Second place went to Russian new athlete Elena Kirshchina who jumped into this group of the world best bodyfitness girls in her first international start. Nice perspectives.

Master women’s bodyfitness open category

Impressive line-up of 27 competitors, with majority of the Spanish ladies but the top three places went to the other countries. Brigitte Subrin of France followed the successes of Sidibe and grasp the title, showing amazing body lines and proportions; however in the first round she was tied with the British beauty Maria Scotland. The third place to the next Norwegian sensation Monica Dale Claussen. These new names at the international level placed ahead of the well-known Spanish star Emi Perez who finished third last year and placed second at the 2011 Masters Worlds. This is an evidence that even in the masters category we can still expect newcomers with great potentials.

Women’s fitness up to 163 cm category

Only Hungarian star Timea Taraba-Sifter came from the Women’s Worlds. She easily won the routine round but lost to Margarita Abramova in the second round; however earned the better total score and was declared the winner. She is progressing every contest and moving up in the ranking. Then three new girls from Italy: Cristina Seggi, Ferdinanda Picconi and Olena Cherkeda, separated by British champion Emmalouise Bowen.

Women’s fitness up to 163 cm category

2012 world champion Natalia Chukaeva didn’t come but all other finalist from Bialystok were present. Anyway, the title went to the 2011 world overall champion Alevtyna Titarenko who easily won both rounds. We can only admire her routine and physique perfection. Oksana Orobets of Ukraine finished in the 2nd place, few points ahead of Marta Aguiar but this time lost to Aguiar the physique assessment round. South American champion Marta Aguiar perfectly prepared her body to this contests. Rebeka Gyulay of Hungary can perform a good routine (3rd place in this round) but need to improve her body condition.

WOMEN’S FITNESS UP TO 163 CM

Women’s fitness up to 163 cm category victory ceremony (from L to R): Margarita ABRAMOVA (2nd place); Timea TARABA-SIFTER (1st place), Cristina SEGGI (3rd place).

2012 women’s fitness up to 163 cm category Arnold Classic Europe Amateur winner: Timea TARABA-SIFTER (Hungary).

Women’s fitness up to 163 cm category victory ceremony (from L to R): Olena CHERKEDA (6th place); Ferdinanda PICCONI (4th place); Margarita ABRAMOVA (2nd place); Timea TARABA-SIFTER (1st place), Cristina SEGGI (3rd place); Emmalouise BOWEN (5th place).

WOMEN’S FITNESS OVER 163 cm:

Women’s fitness over 163 cm category victory ceremony (from L to R): Oksana OROBETS (2nd place), Alevtyna TITARENKO (1st place), Marta AGUIAR (3rd place).

2012 women’s fitness over 163 cm category Arnold Classic Europe Amateur winner: Alevtyna TITARENKO (Ukraine).

Women’s fitness over 163 cm category finalists (from L to R): Rebeka GYULAY (4th place); Oksana OROBETS (2nd place); Alevtyna TITARENKO (1st place), Marta AGUIAR (3rd place).

WOMEN’S FITNESS OVERALL

Women’s fitness overall winner Alevtyna TITARENKO (Ukraine), congratulated by the sponsors, Ukrainian Federation President Igor Deliev (second from left) and IFBB Women’s Committee Chairperson Wanda TIERNEY (far left).

2012 Arnold Classic Europe Amateur women’s fitness overall winner Alevtyna TITARENKO (Ukraine).

Fitness overall battle (from L): Alevtyna TITARENKO vs. Timea TARABA-SIFTER.