Just like anything else in life...we wait for what seems like forever, counting down the months, the weeks, the days, and finally the hours for the highly anticipated Arnold Classic to come...and within 72 hours, the thousands of fitness enthusiasts across the world are filled with inspiration and excitment from a weekend of fitness , a lifetime of memories. Each person will take away there favorite memories, whether it be meeting their favorite industry icon, or walking away with a a 1st place win, in any case , the Arnold Classic touches each one of us in a special way. Arnold himself, made a promise 40 years ago to promote the sport of bodybuilding and fitness once he retired and that he did, and his promise along with Jim Lorimer, found itself to be the biggest fitness expo world wide. As Arnold always says, " I'll be back!"..and that he always is. This time bringing a special award to Sylvester Stallone for his contributions to health and fitness.
Now, time to talk about who took away those trophies. Let's start with the Pro Ladies..
Figure
Well shortly before the ladies took the stage I spoke with dear friend and Senior Editor of Iron Man Magazine about our predictions and dead on we were for top 3. The beautiful Nicole Wilkins managed to take the title as Ms Figure International...and now holding both trophies to Ms Figure Olympia and Ms. Figure International. Well deserved. Erin Stern in 2nd, Heather Mae French in 3rd, Mindi Smith in 4th, Felicia Ronmero in 5 and Larissa Reis in 6th. Once again, I think the million fans watching were hoping that our number one fitness icon Monica Brant would have cracked the top 5, but unfortunatly it was 7th. I will always have so much admiration and respect for Monica for her dedication to the sport and commitment to her fans to represent at best. "go Mo"
Fitness
As for fitness...yes our crazy "Chica Latina" Adela Garcia won over the judges with her stellar physique and fly routine. In 2nd place was Julie Palmer and 3rd was Tanjii Johnson. Let me tell you it was a tough call between Julie and Tanji. Julie always shows up in shape, and always holds high scores in the physique rounds. She is one of the hardest working women out there, but I must tell you when it comes to Tanji...damn I was blown away by the improvements she made to her physique. This was the best package that she has ever brought to the stage,not to mention her kick azz routine dedicated to Michael Jackson. If there was a vote for the best routine of the evening I would have definitely given it to Tanji..full of strength, flexibility, dance and pizzaz....go gettem Tanji...
Bodybuilding
Not much of a surpise here as Ruth and I could predict Iris Kyle taking 1st for yet the 5ht time , followed by Yaxeni in 2nd, Debbie Lazieski in 3rd, Lisa A. in 4th , Betty Pariso in 5th and Dayana Cadeau in 6th.
Mens bodybuiliding. Okay I think my jaw is still on the floor with Dexter placing 4th..yes he is one of my favs being a friend but it was definitly a shock since he was the one most anticipated to regain the title. Taking the title was once again Kai Green who after during the interviews, stated how blessed he was to be the winner once again. I have to say he is definitly all heart. Listening to him speak you can tell he was spiritually connected to his win, after all this is someone who came from very little only just a few years ago. 2nd is Phil Heath, young and hungry for a title to take on, 3rd - Branch Warren, 4th Ronnie Rockel and 5th , the X man, Toney Freeman..
A big shout out to Karen Gallagher who graced the Arnold Amateur Bikini stage for the first time and wowed the fans with her swagger....be sure to check back for lots of pictures!
Congrats to everyone......
And now ....it's time for the Oscars! I'm out....!
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