HARDBODY News & Updates

Adela Garcia, Sonia Adcock, Jenny Lynn and Jennifer Gates made an appearance last weekend in Columbus, Ohio. They were there representing IRON SIRENS at the Mid-Ohio-Con 2008. I was told it was quite the different crowd from bodybuilding/fitness expos and there were a few characters in attendance. Super Hero Adela’s knee was bothering her and had to find the nearest wheelchair. Two weekends in a row for Adela in a wheelchair… perhaps she’ll relax a bit now that the competitive season is over for the most part.

Adela, Sonia, Jenny and Jennifer smiling for the fans.

The ladies posing with some fans.

Adela taking a load off.

Thanks to Christine Wan for the heads up and photos. Mavis and Pete Tozzi welcomed baby Nicholas into the world Friday, October 3, 2008 via c-section. No small fry he checked in at 9 pounds 13 ounces, 20 inches. Congrats!

Baby Nicholas Tozzi.

Mavis keeps a watchful eye on her new guy.

Hundreds of women submitted their photos over the past few months in the FLEX online Bikini Model contest. Sixty-six women joined the online winners for a chance a at the grand prize. Kathleen Tesori walked away with the title which included, contracts with Weider Publications and Champion Nutrition and will be featured in the 2009 FLEX Swimsuit issue. Read the full story and a list of all the competitors on FLEXonline.com.

FLEX Bikini Model Search

Individual shots of the Ms. Olympia competitors are featured on IFBBpro.com.

Ms. Olympia - Iris Kyle

If you’re in the Denver area stop by the 6th Annual Carla Sanchez Fitness Fiesta, tomorrow October 4, 2008. This event features only women, well technically there is a male model search and men’s fitness. I should say this show caters to the women. It’s a great event with figure, fitness and a model search. Top photographer Terry Goodlad is on hand covering the event for Oxygen magazine and will again be shooting the winners of the model search for Bodysport.com. Elaine Goodlad will be in attendance - one of the top fitness models and best make-up artists in the biz. Fizeek Brazil will be showcasing their clothing line. New IFBB Pro, Jo Marriner will be guest performing and showing off the routine that helped her reach pro status. I’ll be covering the show for bodybuilding.com, NPC NEWS magazine and will report here as well.

The highlight of the weekend will come via the Jr. Fitness event. Carla has done a tremendous job of embracing and promoting junior fitness with her show. It gives young women the opportunity to have fun and compete against other rising stars. Some of the moves these youngsters are able to perform will blow your mind. Everyone in the audience has a giant smile on their face seeing these girls have fun.

Date: OCTOBER 4, 2008
Time: Saturday Prejudging 10:00 am, Finals 6:00 pm
Place: TEIKYO LORETTO HEIGHTS UNIVERSITY THEATER
3001 S. Federal Blvd
Denver, CO 80236

The fitness routines are always the most challenging and enjoyable to shoot. The Olympia presents a challenge when shooting the routines. The press pit is at a bit of a distance, which isn’t a huge issue until the routines go to the floor. The seasoned vets to this stage know to move to the front of the stage, where the best light is. The routines that get the most photographic coverage are those that are not on the ground and towards the front of the stage. The stage is elevated and when the routines are performed on the ground the photographers can only see the top of the competitor’s heads. That’s while you’ll see some routines have more images than others.

My favorite shot of the weekend is the one of Tanji Johnson in mid-air. Sometimes shots are perfectly framed and you’re able to capture the movement at the right time. It doesn’t happen often but these are the times that make photographing fun.

Tanji Johnson mid-flight at the Olympia.

Olympia champ, Jen Hendershott is also fun to shoot as she flies so high, she’s often out of the frame. As you shoot the competitors more, you learn who does what and how high they fly.

Jen Flying high at the Olympia.

Check out all the fitness routine photos on bodybuilding.com.

Last weekend at the 2008 Olympia, Chief Expeditor Steve Stone unexpectedly passed away at the age of 52. Anyone who has competed in a national level show knows Steve. He left an impression on those who had the opportunity to meet him. Despite being one of the busiest guys at any given show he always took a few moments to calm a competitor down or answer any questions someone may have.

Steve Stone will be greatly missed.

I remember one of my first national shows where I was the new kid on the block. No one knew who I was and I was getting glares like who the hell is this kid in here with a camera. Steve pulled me aside and asked who I was working with and what I was doing in the check-in room without a pass on. He let me know what I needed to do, who to talk to and assured me not to worry that I was good to go. Over the years, I had the chance to make small talk with him about the shows, competing and life in general. He took the time to stand there and hold the white balance card for me when others were too busy to do so. Steve was the kind of guy that the world needs more. He’ll be greatly missed and my thoughts are go out to his family in and out of the NPC.

Steve will be laid to rest today.

Lonnie Teper interviews Steve Stone after the 2007 USAs in Las Vegas.

IFBB Pro Debbie Leung is featured in a video on ironmanmagazine.com. Debbie recently shot with top photographer Michael Neveux and will be featured in an upcoming issue of IRONMAN magazine. Check out the video here.

Debbie Leung during her IRONMAN video shoot.

Check out the one and two piece photos on IFBBpro.com. J.M. Manion delivers photos from the Olympia prejudging.

Jen Hendershott - 2008 Ms. Fitness Olympia

IFBBpro.com has posted individual shots of the figure competitors. The shots come via JM Manion for both rounds.

Jen Gates & others in One Piece Round.

Bodybuilding.com takes you backstage at the Olympia. Check out some of the photos from Behind the Scenes at the O.

Jenn Gates is number one in IFBB figure.

You’ve seen her in the fitness magazines and in supplement ads, now you can see her on the gossip web site TMZ.com. Mandy Blank is show looking at herself on the cover of GLUTES magazine. Can’t say that I’ve heard of GLUTES magazine. She tells the interviewer she’s a celebrity trainer.

Mandy Blank on TMZ.com

I’m in the lobby of the New Orleans hotel with a number of the IFBB’s top women. Jen Hendershott and Adela Garcia are bantering back and forth over who will beat Susie Curry’s record. Jen says she hurt her foot doing her routine and couldn’t put her shoe on. She doesn’t think anything is fractured but just sore. Felicia Romero is chilling on the couch eating some chicken. Sonia Adcock is also relaxing before heading out on her shoot. The new Figure Olympia champ says she feels good but is tired. Mary Lado tells me she didn’t party last night but might when she is at home. Tracey Greenwood missed her flights and will have to take a red eye home.

Adela Garcia is sitting on the couch with her boyfriend. Her knee is sore and has a wheelchair in her room. Now she is measuring heights with the other competitors. Adela claims she is taller than Jenn Gates but is shorter than Sonia Adcock. Cathy LeFrancois had Adela sign her check. If you haven’t had a chance to meet Adela she is one of the funniest people you will meet.

Adela Garcia signs Cathy’s check in the Orleans lobby.

Congrats to Jenn Gates for winning the Figure Olympia tonight.

FIGURE RESULTS
1. Jenn Gates
2. Gina Aliotti
3. Zivile Raudoniene
4. Jenny Lynn
5. Mary Lado
6. Sonia Adcock
7. Kristal Richardson
8. Amy Fry
9. Nicole Wilkins
10. Heather Mae French
11. Lenay Hernandez
12. Julie Ann Kulla
13. Huong Arcinas
14. Jessica Paxson-Putnam
15. Jelena Abbou
16. Teresa Anthony
17. Jane Awad

Fitness Final Results
1. Jennifer Hendershott
2. Tracey Greenwood
3. Kim Scheideler
4. Julie Palmer
5. Tanji Johnson
6. Regiane Da Silva
7. Mindi O’Brien
8. Laticia Jackson
9. Trish Warren
10. Erin Riley
11. Nicole Duncan
12. Heidi Fletcher
13. Stacy Simons
14. Julie Lohre (DNF)

Today the expo opens at 10am. The fitness will kick things off in the 2 piece and then figure in the 1 piece. Check back here and bodybuilding.com for more updates and photos throughout the weekend.

Day one of the Olympia is in the books. I caught up with a number of the females competing this weekend and most are in great spirits.

Nicole Wilkins is competing in her first Olympia. As if that wasn’t enough to keep one’s nerves on edge, Ms. Wilkins tells me she will be getting married in four weeks. Yep, that’s correct she has been planning her wedding AND getting ready for the O. She will be going on a honeymoon to Belize after the wedding. Congrats!

Felicia Romero tells me she has brought up her legs since Houston. She’s sporting some blue streaks in her hair to match her blue suits. She is always a stunner.

Huong Arcinas is chipper as ever and ready for her first Olympia. She looks great and this little stunner will turn some heads on stage.
Jane Awad tells me the casting for the new TV show went great and a decision on who is in could come as early as the next two weeks. Jane’s stoked to be competing and says the high fat, no carb diet has worked wonders for her. Her and her husband have been busy with their “Train with Jane” facility in Canada.

Felicia, Sonia, Huong and Jenn looking good!

Teresa Anthony is also competing in her first Olympia. When not eating Orange Roughy she seems to be enjoying the experience of Vegas. I caught up with “T” after a rather large, sweaty man seemed distraught. The gentleman was upset that the women were not included in the Press Conference. Teresa said she didn’t mind cause it was her first time at the Olympia. I assured her she missed out on nothing and it seems the fans are more upset than the competitors.

Bernadette Galvan looks stunning. She feels she’s found a good look for her physique after competing for months on end. Bernadette is a very friendly woman and looks great. Don’t be surprised if you see her compete in another show this year.

Jenn Gates has point blank never looked better. This little woman is spot on and she came to shake things up. One thing is for certain, nothing will be shaking on her this weekend. She has a glow about her this weekend and exudes a sense of confidence I’ve never seen from her. Don’t be surprised if the announcement of “Jennifer Gates” is higher than 3rd place.

Lenay Hernandez is a little Cuban spit fire who loves to bust my chops. Lenay will be a bit lighter than Houston, where she placed second, and is genuinely excited to be at the show. She still needs to work on her wide-grip pull-ups as she is only at 20. Kidding, this 25 year old beauty will be turning some heads this weekend.

Julie Ann Kulla also in her first Olympia is sporting a slightly darker hair color. Striking as always, Julie Ann is ready to take the stage and has high hopes for her first dance.

Jessica Paxson-Putnam looks hotter than ever. This blonde beauty turns heads every where she goes. Despite the challenges of her husband getting ready for Nationals, Jess has been able to focus on bringing her best to the stage. Definitely one of the few women who looks every bit as good on contest day as they do in the off-season.

Julie Palmer and I at Meet the Olympians.

Heather Armbrust is crabby and tired, which means she’s ready. Heather had a long line of fans throughout the Meet The Olympians. She’s definitely one to watch and could definitely shake things up today.

Jenn Hendershott is full of energy. SHOCKER! I know. Jenn tells me to shut my yap about her dancing too much and to wait till I see her routine this weekend.

Tracey Greenwood has never looked better. It must be those happy pills she’s taking because this girl is here to make some noise. I look for her to have her best Olympia placing this weekend.

Mindi O’Brien is ready to rock but tells me she re-injured her calf. She’s had to back off on her routines this past weekend as her calf has been bothering her since the Atlantic City. This girl is full of energy and I don’t see a silly calf holding her back.

Regiane Da Silva is nuts. This woman is straight up crazy and I love it. She will rock the routine rounds today and look for her to make a move into the top 6. She has more energy than a kid on a Halloween sugar binge.

Julie Palmer looks great and will undoubtedly be in the first call-outs for the physique rounds. She tells me that she’s left the monster props behind and the only thing she’ll use in her routine fit in her carry-on luggage. Julie could have her best Olympia placing here. She’s worked on her gymnastics since the Arnold and says she’s ready.

“You can’t get much done in life if you only work on the days when you feel good.”

–Jerry West

One of the top NPC Figure competitors was absent from the stage this season. Erin “Cat Trapper” Heath was last seen at the Arnold Classic but we haven’t seen her on the competitive stage. I recently heard from Heath and asked her what was up. She tells me she will be moving to the south, most likely to Missouri, due to her husband getting a job promotion.

Will we see her return to the stage? That’s yet to be determined but you can catch her this weekend working the Muscle Milk Booth at the Olympia.

Erin at the Muscle Milk booth.

One fitness competitor who was absent from the IFBB stage this year was Bridgette Murray. I caught up with Bridgette to see what she’d been up to and where the heck she’s been. She tells me she had planned to compete in the Europa Super show and the Atlantic City Pro but suffered an injury. Bridgette broke her foot one week from the Europa show which knocked her out for the season. She suffered the injury practicing her routine and recently got out of her cast. If that wasn’t troublesome enough for the fitness star she’ll have to undergo another surgery on her other foot in November for an old injury that didn’t heal properly.

Bridgette has plans to make a full recovery over the next few months and return to the fitness stage in 2009.

Bridgette at the 2007 Europa Super Show.

I heard from Shannon Meteraud today and she gave me the skinny on her status. She tells me, “I severely bruised my patella tendon plus fractured my tibia and have a partial tear of acl!” Shannon qualified for the Olympia in Houston where she made her return to the fitness stage. Due to the injury was forced to switch to figure in the Europa Super show and will unfortunately have to sit out the Olympia this year.
So does this mean retirement for Shannon?
“Nope not yet, I can’t retire after just one comeback fitness show. That’s lame,” says Shannon.

Look for her to make another return to the stage in 2009. Best wishes in the recovery!

The competitors are currently in their athlete’s meeting. They will be briefed on the weekend of events, receive their Olympia warm-ups and have their questions answered.

Jen Hendershott arrived this morning and said she is feeling great.

Tracey Greenwood tells me she has a new routine that isn’t like anything she’s done before. It will be something people won’t expect from her and feels ready to go. She said her practices have went well and is prepared for her best Olympia showing yet.

Rick and Julie Lohre touched down this morning and are in Vegas ready to go.

Jenn Gates arrived early this morning in Sin City and has been relaxing all day. She tells me she’s never felt better and it will definitely be the best she’s looked. Her training has involved more cardio, running stairs and inclines this year.

If anyone needs makeup for the bikini model search, competition, photo shoots or booth work… contact Laurie St. Michael. Laurie will be doing a number of the pros make up this weekend and will be helping me out on Sunday with a couple photo shoots.

The newest issue of FLEX magazine features IFBB Figure Pro Paola Almerico on the cover as well as the Bodyshop Profile. Paola is set to make her Olympia debut this weekend. Congrats to Paola on the feature and the hot photos shot by Terry Goodlad. Fans can meet Paola at the Meet the Olympians on Thursday night.

Paola Almerico featured in the newest Flex magazine.

Ron Avidan caught Desha Rodriquez and Sonia Adcock battling over who’s pink phone was the coolest. No word on who won the throwdown but you can see both of them at the GNC booth this weekend.

Desha and Sonia put up their dukes.

Attending the Olympia Expo this year and wondering where to find a specific booth? Now you can with an interactive map and floor plan of the expo. Every booth is listed on the right side and shows you where in the expo hall it will be located. Check it out!