Friday evening kicked off the women's Figure and Fitness and Women's Bodybuilding finals at the Veterans Memorial Auditorium. With stone studded suits and stellar physiques the women graced the stage in anticipation of winning the International titles. The Figure line up this year was one of the most highly anticipated line ups in the history of Figure given there were 3 ingredients present to a perfect storm. For the first time ever, 3 champions fought for the title. Nicole Wilkins, Erin Stern and returning to the stage Jen Gates. The anticipation was thick but soon after the pre judging presentation, it was clear that Jen Gates was not able repeat her simultaneous wins from the 2008 Arnold and Olympia. Jen fell out of the 1st call out leaving it a tight race between 2010 Figure Olympia champion Erin Stern, and 2010 Figure International winner Nicole Wilkins. As Erin and Nicole went head to head for the title...the judges made their decision and the winner, Nicole Wilkins took the title of Figure International for the 2nd year in a row. Ava Cowan made her debut on the figure international stage, displaying her best physique to date earning her 3rd place. Look out for more of Ava Cowan this year. Rounding off the top 6 were Felicia Romero in 4th, Cheryl Brown in 5th, and Courtney West taking 6th.
The Fitness competitors continue to wow the stage with their energetic routines and stellar physiques. Who was crazy enough to bet against 3-time Fitness International Champion Adela Garcia? Some would have placed their bets on 2010 Fitness Olympia runner up Tanji Johnson. Well glad you held on to your money as our "Chica" captured the title making her a 4- time Fitness International Champion! Aside from her conditioned physique, her action packed routine stole the show! Adela made sure there was no room for error with an energetic routine filled with tricks, stunts and challenging movements that displayed her strength, flexibility and overall presentation. Taking 2nd once again was Tanji, whose routine wasn't the crowd pleaser we are all used to seeing from Tanji. Taking 3rd place was Trish Warren, 4th Camela Rodriquez, 5th Mariam Capes and rounding off the 6 was Bethany Wagner.
The women's bodybuilding hit the stage, and if anyone thought that putting on size was better, they would be wrong this time around. It was actually nice to see the women concentrate more on conditioning rather then just size. After seeing Iris Kyle take the stage, the question was "who would be the person taking second?". Iris managed to capture the Ms. International title for yet a 6th time, truly the work of a seasoned competitor who is consistent when it comes to bring conditioning, presentation and of course beyond anyone's control, her genetics. In 2nd place was Yaxeni Oriquen but with Alina Popa closely behind her in 3rd. Alina made vast improvements to her physique impressing the judges and earning her a top 3 placing for the first time. In 4th place was Debi Laszewski, 5th was Betty Viana-Adkins and 6th was Cathy LeFrancois.
Saturday evening's events are the highlight of the weekend with the fan favourites showcasing men's Bodybuilding and he inaugural Bikini International taking the main stage. The bikini division has taken the industry by storm over the past year. The demand for a healthy, mainstream and marketable appeal has drawn the interest of many magazines, photographers and industry professionals. As the Bikini competitors took the stage, fans were intoxicated by their beauty, charisma and confidence. It was clear it was all out the "swagger". Let the games begin, with the ladies strutting their stuff, "quarter turning to the back" and hip shaking stances , the judges made their decision of who would make the Top 6 for the 1st ever Bikini International. The first call out quickly determined the top 3 contenders for the title which included Sonia Gonzales, Nathalia Melo and Nicole Nigrani. Each of these women were respective winners throughout the past year on the Bikini stage and predicted as candidates to take the title. More so, the question was , could the Bikini Olympia champ Sonia Gonzales take the title yet again? Well close but no cigar coming in second to Nicole Nagrani who captured the title making history, being the 1st ever Bikini International winner at the young age of 19. Nathalia Melo , defined as setting the standard for Bikini by IFBB judge Sandy Williamson, took 3rd. Rounding out the top 6 were the beautiful Jessica Putman in 4th and Jamie Baird in 5th. Amanda Latona took a surprising 6th place considering she was also contender for the title.
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