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Cindy “The Sports Stylist®” has a solid tip for picking out shorts.
A lot of girls want the really short workout shorts look for their photo shoots and sometimes even Nike size xs’s are too long or too big. My suggestion is look through swimwear lines to find “boy short” bottoms which will be even shorter and smaller than traditional workout shorts. You may even be able to buy just the bottoms with some swimwear lines, which will save you money.
Visit cindywhitehead.blogspot.com for more tips.
Bodybuilding.com caught up with a few of the 2010 Bikini Olympians before they took the stage. Check out what the top three ladies had to say before making history.
Erin Stern became the fifth Figure Olympia champ in the divisions history. The former track star narrowly beat out the 2009 Champ, Nicole Wilkins-Lee to the finish line. Congratulations to all the women who competed in this year’s contest. We’ll be covering the weekend’s event more in the coming days.
FULL FIGURE OLYMPIA RESULTS
1. Erin Stern
2. Nicole Wilkins-Lee
3. Heather Mae French
4. Kristal Richardson
5. Felicia Romero
6. Alicia Harris
7. Teresa Anthony
8. Terri Turner
9. Candice Keene
10. Larissa Reis
11. Cheryl Brown
12. Carin Hawkins
13. Gennifer Strobo
14. Gina Trochino
15. Kristi Tauti
16. Amy O’Neil
16. Julie Ann Kulla
16. Katina Maistrellis
16. Krissy Chin
16. Marcy Porter
16. Monica Mark-Escalante
16. Patricia Mello
16. Rosa-Maria Romero
California girl, Alexandra Zerega was awarded the 2010 FLEX Bikini Model Search crown this afternoon. She beat out a competitive field of over 85 women in the third annual event. Alex was quick on her feet during the interview round and obviously looked the part.
Taking the runner-up spot was Dayna Maleton. Dayna showed poise and confidence on stage, something that she’s lacked from time to time on other bikini stages. A very cute, Tatum Miranda finished in the third place position. Michell Gullet took home fourth and Dara Reyes rounded out the top five.
The 2010 Figure Olympia prejudging took place yesterday and it’s a battle we all expected to see again. In one corner the champ, Nicole Wilkins-Lee and in the other corner the challenger Erin Stern. Which figure competitor would come out on top at this year’s contest?
Top Spot
Erin had a different look and feel to her when she took the stage. A new suit, new hair style and a new sense of self-confidence. Erin’s always had an athletic looking physique and this time was no different. She was on the money again with her body but it was how she presented it that was light years ahead what we’ve seen before. There was a subtle sense of confidence that exuded when she was compared to the other women. It was as if she had the mentality, it’s my time and I’m here to be the new champ.
The reigning champ Nicole rocked the stage with some added muscle since the Figure International. It suited her frame well and there’s no denying she has great structure. Something was a tiny bit off this time though. Nicole looked nervous and when she posed from the back it was noticeable that she was shaking on stage. It looked like she was holding a tiny bit of water, which may or may not have been caused by nerves. It wasn’t anything that was terrible by any stretch of the imagination but it was visible from my seat in the press pit.
Will it be a unanimous decision when the dust settles tonight? No chance, or at least I don’t think it will. I could see some judges giving the nod to Nicole however I also see Erin more than worthy of the crown. We’ll find out tonight if Nicole will hold onto her crown or if she will relinquish it to Erin.
Battle for the top six…
Heather Mae French looked good but not the sharpest I’ve seen her. She definitely found her groove in the last two years and should find herself in the third place spot. Kristal Richardson is back on stage after a hernia surgery and the only thing missing was that protruding belly button. Kristal presented her best physique to date and her legs really came up since her rookie years. Teresa Anthony presented her best look to date and could find herself in the top six tonight. Felicia Romero presented one of her best looks to date, if not the best ever. Her legs have come up and she was confident on stage. It was a completely different Felicia than we saw in Phoenix when she was out of the top three. Terri Turner is fighting for a spot in the top six and could be in the money tonight. Alicia Harris presented a balance physique and improved posing. She’ll be in the top 10 but will it be enough for the top 6? Rookie Candice Keene should be in the mix for a top 10 spot and had an impressive Olympia debut.
Others of note…
Larissa Reis was hard as nails and one thing head judge Sandy Williamson does NOT like to see if quad separation while posing in figure. Larissa was sitting on her legs and it made her look even harder than she was. It was a look that will likely keep her out of the top six and battling for a top ten spot. Cheryl Brown wasn’t as sharp as we’ve seen her in prior shows this year and when she didn’t get the top call-outs she wore her emotions on her suit. She was noticeably upset and if looks could kill there would have been a few casualties yesterday. A few people felt she was a top six competitor but it looks like she’ll be out of the top ten here.
My 2010 Figure Olympia Predictions:
1. Erin Stern
2. Nicole Wilkins- Lee
3. Heather Mae French
4. Kristal Richardson
5. Felicia Romero
6. Alicia Harris
7. Teresa Anthony
8. Terri Turner
9. Candice Keene
10. Larissa Reis
What do you think? Post your predictions in the comments field. Follow the live action on twitter today and tonight @hardbodynews. Check out photos from the show at Bodybuilding.com.
IFBB Fitness Pro Adela Garcia made history tonight by being the first five time Fitness Olympia Champion. She beat out a very competitive line-up in Las Vegas last night. Check back for a full report soon. Congrats to all the women!
2010 IFBB FITNESS OLYMPIA RESULTS
1. Adela Garcia
2. Tanji Johnson
3. Trish Warren
4. Myriam Capes
5. Oksana Grishina
6. Bethany Wagner
7. Tina Durkin
8. Regiane Da Silva
9. Nicole Duncan
10. Camala Rodriguez
11. Shannon Meteraud
12. Kizzy Vaines
12. Mia Finnegan
14. Yenny Polanco
Congratulations Sonia! She was crowned the first IFBB Bikini Olympia champion. After finishing out of the top 10 in the 2009 Figure Olympia, she redeemed herself as the one to beat in the new IFBB Bikini division. Check back for a full report later.
2010 BIKINI OLYMPIA RESULTS:
1. Sonia Gonzales
2. Nathalia Melo
3. Nicole Nagrani
4. Jaime Baird
5. Amanda Latona
6. Alison Rosen
7. Shelsea Montes
8. Monique Minton
9. Dianna Dahlgren
10. Dina Al-Sabah
11. Natalie Pennington
12. Jessica Paxson-Putnam
13. Vanessa Campbell
14. Melissa Coles
15. Sherlyn Roy
16. Anca Marcus
16. Bianca Binno
16. Brooke Mora
16. Christy Merritt
16. Diana Fields
16. Jessica Jessie
16. Khanh Nguyen
16. Olah Noemi
16. Tianna Ta
Follow all the action from 2010 Olympia in Las Vegas. Keep in mind that I am photographing the show while tweeting, which means I may misspell some things. I’ll do the best I can to keep ya updated & give you an inside look behind-the-scenes. I’ll be tweeting under BBcomContests and Hardbodynews through out the day. If you’re not on Twitter, you can stay on this page and refresh for the live call-outs and my opinions through out the day.
Order of events starting at 10:30 am PST with women’s prejudging.
Fitness
Bikini
Figure
Bodybuilding
There’s been some confusion surrounding the Hungary’s Noemi Olah’s status on the 2010 Bikini Olympia. Noemi debuted last week at the Detroit Pro and took home the top spot. When Noemi left Detroit she headed to Las Vegas. The IFBB Pro League office and Olympia staff hadn’t received her contract and thought she was out. Hence her name being off the competitor lists.
I caught up with Noemi at the Meet The Olympians where she seemed a bit stressed but also relieved. The IFBB hadn’t been able to reach her however they were able to connect and she will be in the Olympia. She told me, “I am just happy to be here and thankful to be on stage”. Noemi is a very beautiful woman with a great deal of potential. We’ll see how she does at the prejudging today.
Hardbody.com is rock’n in Las Vegas as we team up with Bodybuilding.com and GetBig.com to cover all the 2010 Olympia action.
Check out all the photos from Day one at the 2010 Olympia.
- Press Conference Photos click here.
- Athlete Meeting Photos click here.
- Meet the Olympians Photos click here.
We’ll be hitting the expo and all the events tomorrow at the Olympia. Check back for more info through out the day. Follow our facebook page and twitter for new as well.
Yep, it’s true… IFBB Bikini pro, Shelsea “6-pack” Montes is a married woman. This morning while heading to get my morning coffee Shelsea introduced the lucky fella as her husband. I thought I was still sleeping and misheard her or she was f’n with me. After she finished making fun of the papi lounge pants I snagged my coffee. I was still baffled after having some caffeine flowing through the bod.
When I ran into Shelsea at the athlete’s meeting I asked her if it was true or what the deal was. She said, “well ya we kinda got married”. Say whhhhhaaat? “We eloped about three months ago”. She managed to keep the marriage a secret until this weekend.
Congratulations and all the best in the years ahead.
This Saturday, September 25, 2010 Jason Dhir presents The Official Olympia Mega Party. The even will be thee party to attend after the Mr. Olympia finals. This part will also serve as the FLEX Bikini Model Search After Party.
We’re proud to be one of the media sponsors of this event. Joining us in the coverage is Getbig.com, Bodybuilding.com, NPC NEWS, FLEX magazine and RXmuscle.com. If you’re in Las Vegas this weekend, this is where you’ll want to be on Saturday night.
For more information contact Jason@JasonDhir.com. Jason is the man who always does an amazing job at presenting a kick ass party. He’s the brainchild behind the huge mega party held in Columbus, Ohio during the Arnold Classic weekend.
See ya there Hardbody Peeps!
Cindy “The Sports Stylist®” has another great tip this week. Should you accessorize for your shoot or not?
I get asked a lot for fitness shoots if we should “accessorize”. The answer is usually NO. You want YOU to be the focus of the shots that decision makers such as; editors, photographers, ad agencies, modeling agencies, etc. end up seeing. Its not about the accessories in body shots, its about YOU.
Visit Cindy’s blog for more great style’n info.
IFBB Figure Pro Courtney West caught up with 4x Fitness Olympia Champ Adela Garcia in Houston, Texas. Adela was 4 weeks out in this video. She shows some of her new training techniques and talks about her pumpy. Yes, her pumpy. IFBB Bikini Pro Shelsea Montes makes an appearance at the end of the video. Another comedic performance. Check it out.
Thanks to Courtney for conducting the interview and Adela for taking the time out of her busy spider monkey wall climbing.
Bodybuilding.com has some pretty sweet 2010 Olympia Wallpapers posted. Check em out and add one to your desktop, phone or iPad.
Of course I think they are extra sweet because they use photos by yours truly. 
Shelsea “Six Pack” Montes was the very first IFBB Bikni pro, winning the 2009 NPC JR USA overall bikini title. She qualified for the Bikini Olympia this year in New York. Fellow IFBB Pro Courtney West caught up with Six Pack after the 2010 NPC JR USA. Shelsea trains with Fitness Olympia Champ Adela Garcia as she heads into this weekend’s big dance. Adela makes a special appearance in the video, wielding a sword.
Watch Shelsea compete in the first ever Bikini Olympia this Friday in Las Vegas.
The overall NPC JR USA men’s bodybuilding champ was absent from the NPC NEWS photo shoot so 4x Fitness Olympia Champion Adela Garcia stood in. Check out this behind-the-scenes video of Adela getting her flex on.
Twenty four IFBB Bikini pros will take the stage in the first ever Bikini Olympia. It’s a very impressive group of women and a number of women are legitimate contenders for the crown.
Will it be the 18 year old, Nicole Nagrani who has some of the best stage presence and a great bikini body? Nathalia Melo will look to find the winner’s circle after slipping to third in Dallas, can she do it? Amanda Latona is coming off a win at the 2010 Europa Super show. Latona has one of the best booties in the show, if not thee best. Bodybuilding shows are won from the back, will bikini be the same? It will definitely play a role in the judges decision. Sonia Gonzales has won three out of four pro shows, can she topple this competitive field? The judges have really taken a liking to Ali Rosen will she land in the winner’s circle again? Noemi Olah won her pro debut in Detroit and is a dark horse to shake things up in the top six. Shelsea Montes found her groove in the middle of the season and could be in the mix for a top six spot. Jaime Baird has consistently been in the top five of every show, will she keep her streak alive? Dianna Dahlgren has a win under her suit, will she be able to hang with the curvier girls in this line up? Monique Minton slipped out of the top five in Dallas and will look to move back up in the mix here. Jessica Jessie is in a similar boat, she slid in Detroit and will be playing catch up this week to get back in the mix. Dina Al-Sabah will be the first and only competitor to compete in the first Figure Olympia and now the first Bikini Olympia. She should find herself in the top two callouts.
It’s a tough one to call. My top three in no particular order… Nicole Nagrani, Amanda Latona and Nathalia Melo. Who do YOU think will win the first ever bikini Olympia? Share your thoughts in the comments field and cast your vote below.
One of the leading supplement companies, Gaspari Nutrition announces the signing of top IFBB Fitness Pro Oksana Grishina. Oksana will be competing in this weekend’s Fitness Olympia. Congratulations and good luck.
Strength, beauty, and grace. These are the qualities that the women of Gaspari Nutrition exemplify and is why Gaspari is proud to announce they just signed Russian fitness sensation Oksana Grishina to the TEAM. If you are familiar with Oksana, you know that her fitness routines are among the best in the business blending rhythmic gymnastics with soulful elegance as she embraces the stage.
If you haven’t seen her compete you are surely missing a visual show that leaves the crowd cheering joyfully. She leaves spectators wanting more and displays one of the most conditioned physiques you’ll ever see on in a fitness competition.
Gaspari Nutrition is proud to welcome such a talented athlete who will soon be competing at the 2010 Olympia Weekend in Las Vegas, NV. Oksana will also be at the Gaspari EXPERIENCE so if you are in Vegas stop by and meet her!
Oksana’s Contest History:
• 2010 IFBB Arnold Classic – 5th
• 2010 IFBB Phoenix Pro – 4th
• 2009 IFBB Arnold Classic – 9th
• 2008 IFBB New York Pro Fitness – 7th
• 2008 IFBB Arnold Classic Bodybuilding, Fitness And Figure Contest – 10th
• 2007 IFBB Olympia – 7th
• 2007 IFBB All Star Pro Fitness Championships – 3rd
• 2007 IFBB Europa Super Show – NPOksana’s official Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/people/Oksana-Grishina/100000202231328
Oksana’s official website: http://www.oksanagrishina.com
Visit Gaspari Nutrition booth #620 at the Olympia Expo to meet Oksana both Friday and Saturday.
This video was shot the night before Nicole Nagrani won the overall bikini title at the NPC Team Universe. Find out what she had to say about competing with her mom and who she has a little down low crush on.
It’s that time of year! The biggest event in bodybuilding, fitness, figure and bikini is here. Check out the complete schedule of events for the 2010 Olympia. We’ll be there from Wednesday through Monday night. Follow all the action here, on twitter.com/hardbodynews and on our Facebook Fan Page.
Thursday, September 23 – Orleans Hotel
12:00 PM – Olympia Press Conference (Mr. Olympia Only) – Showroom
2:00 PM – Ms. Olympia Athlete’s Meeting – Showroom
2:30 PM – Fitness Olympia Athlete’s Meeting – Showroom
3:00 PM - Figure Olympia Athlete’s Meeting – Showroom
3:30 PM – Bikini Olympia Athlete’s Meeting – Showroom
7:00 PM Meet the Olympians (VIPs Only) – Mardi Gras Ballroom
8:00 PM Meet the Olympians (Open to Public) – Mardi Gras Ballroom
Friday, September 24 – Las Vegas Convention Center (South Hall)
9:00 AM – Athlete Shuttle Departs from the Orleans Hotel
10:00 AM – Olympia Expo
10:00 AM – MHP Presents America’s Strongest Man – Fan Experience
10:30 AM Women’s Judging:
- Fitness Olympia
- Bikini Olympia
- Figure Olympia
- Ms. Olympia
12:00 PM – Everlast Presents Pound4Pound Challenge (Bench & Squat)
12:00 PM – BSN Presents Olympia’s Grappling & Jiu Jitsu Super Show
1:00 PM – MHP Presents America’s Strongest Man
1:00 PM – Gaspari Nutrition Presents FLEX Bikini Model Search – Judging
- Gaspari Nutrition Presents M&F Male Model Search – Judging
3:00 PM - Olympia Backstage Tour and Photo Opportunity
3:30 PM - World’s Strongest Bodybuilder II – Bench
Orleans Arena
5:00 PM - Rehearsals for Fitness, Bikini & Ms. Olympia
7:00 PM – Fitness, Bikini & Ms. Olympia Finals / Mr. Olympia Judging
Saturday, September 25 – Las Vegas Convention Center (South Hall)
10:00 AM – Olympia Expo
10:00 AM – MHP Presents America’s Strongest Man – Fan Experience
10:00 AM – BSN Presents Olympia’s Grappling & Jiu Jitsu Supershow
10:30 AM – Olympia 202 Showdown – Judging & Individual Posing
12:00 PM – Everlast Presents Pound4Pound Challenge (Shoulder Press & Deadlift)
12:00 PM – MHP Presents America’s Strongest Man
1:00 PM – Gaspari Nutrition Presents FLEX Bikini Model Search – Finals
- Gaspari Nutrition Presents M&F Male Model Search – Finals
3:00 PM – World’s Strongest Bodybuilder II – Deadlift
- Olympia Pro Powerlifting Championships
Orleans Arena
5:00 PM – Rehearsals for 202 Showdown, Figure & Mr. Olympia Competitors
7:00 PM – 202 Showdown, Figure & Mr. Olympia Finals
11:00 PM – Olympia Victory Gala (Gold & Silver VIPs Only) – Mardi Gras Ballroom
Sunday, September 26 – Orleans Hotel
11:00 AM Olympia Superstar Seminar – Mardi Gras Ballroom
I’ve been informed by those close to the Olympia that Mindi Smith has withdrawn from this weekend’s contest citing “health reasons”. I confirmed with Mindi and she shared, “Yes, I have some health issues and am under the instruction of my doctor and told not to compete at the O.”
Mindi was considered by many to be a top 6 contender at this year’s Figure Olympia. She won her pro debut at the Phoenix Pro earlier this year but slipped to a disappointing 7th at the 2010 Europa Super show last month.
Update via Mindi’s Facebook page, “”Due to serious health concerns and under the guidance of my doctor, I have withdrawn myself from the 2010 Figure Olympia. I am deeply saddened by the situation and am working to get myself back to health. Thank you for your understanding and concern on this matter.” – Mindi
Three 2010 Bikini Olympia qualifications were up for grabs in Detroit. It was Noemi Ola, the newbie from Hungary, that stole the show. The blonde bombshell won her class at the 2010 Arnold Amateur Bikini and successfully petitioned for her pro card. She was the unanimous choice in the judge’s eyes in her pro debut. Also making her pro debut was Christy Merritt from St. Louis, Missouri. Christy earned her pro card at the 2010 NPC Jr USA. These two women prove that the judges don’t play favorites or simply having a “name” in the industry grants you a win. Rounding out the top three was Dina Al-Sabah. This was the best she had looked and deserved the nod. She was in the first Figure Olympia and now she will be in the first Bikini Olympia. Jessica Clay looked her best and found herself in fourth. Davana Medina made her bikini debut and finished in fifth. The 3x Figure Olympia champ was still a bit too muscular and needed a little better posing to hang with the top three.
IFBB DETROIT PRO BIKINI RESULTS
1. Noemi Olah
2. Christy Merritt
3. Dina Al-Sabah
4. Jessica Clay
5. Davana Medina
6. Jessica Jessie
7. Bianca Binno
8. Melissa Frabbiele
9. Kira Rivera
10. Zara Pineda-Boorder
11. Stefanie Lindsey
12. Janet Harding
13. Michelle Lamb
14. Beth White
15. Nicole Coleman
I will post video of the women posing and give my complete review on this show shortly. Check back for more coverage and from Detroit.
Last night the ladies checked in for the IFBB Detroit Pro Bikini competition. It was a quick and easy process for the women. Head Judge Steve Weinberger let the ladies know how the show would run and when to meet for the event. Here’s a look at some of the IFBB Bikini ladies.
Janet Harding, Kira Rivera and Jessica Jessie staying hydrated.
Davana Medina and Dina Al-Sabah arrive.
Davana Medina and Dina Al-Sabah shared the Figure Olympia stage together.
Will they make it to the Bikini Olympia?
Follow all the action here on hardbody and on twitter.com/hardbodynews.
Oksana Grishina heads to the Olympia once again and this time she’s positioned a top contender. She has one of the best routines in the IFBB Pro League but it will be her physique that determines how high or low she places. I caught up with Oksana for a Bodybuilding.com interview days out from the big dance.
Will you have a new routine for the Olympia?
It will be my new routine with my secret dress. I just put in more difficult exercises. I love this routine and want to show her on the Olympia stage (she should to live one more time).
IFBB Figure Pro Gina Aliotti is jet-setting for the new few weeks and she has a helpful tip on what to pack when traveling. Here’s a look at what G’s packing with her.
Lots of travel is underway over the next few weeks… Don’t forget your staples! Headed out of the country myself and not even International travel is going to stop me from being well prepared. A different country doesn’t mean a different mindset! No matter where you are traveling, always bring your essential core foods: oats, protein powders, almonds, healthy bars, homemade protein pancakes, favorite sweetener (Stevia) and some veggies to munch on! With your staples you well prepared to take on your travels!!
Have a great week!
Gina Aliotti-Silva
Nutrition, Fitness & Lifestyle Consultant
www.ginaaliotti.com
Follow all the action from the 2010 IFBB Detroit Pro. This is the last chance to qualify before next week’s Olympia. There are a number of story lines to watch throughout the weekend. The biggest news is the return of IFBB Figure Pro Davana Medina as she tries her heels in the new bikini division. Can she make the cut and return to the Olympia stage? Follow along and find out.
You can stay on this page and watch the twitter updates or follow us on twitter @hardbodynews with the hashtag #IFBBdet. Prejudging begins on Saturday afternoon.
Cindy Whitehead aka The Sports Stylist® has a great Hardbody Style’n Tip to remember. As a photographer, I’ve seen this happen before and she is spot on.
I see a lot of girls who don’t want to eat or drink anything until after the shoot. Not a great idea. The pros know that these shoots usually take all day and fueling themselves every few hours is the best way to stay energized and look good in the shots. So bring your meals, bars and shakes, just in case the shoot doesn’t supply the specific type of food you require. Trust me, an unhappy, depleted girl half way through the day doesn’t look as pretty in pictures as the girl who keeps her energy level up.
Check out more from Cindy on her blog at cindywhitehead.blogspot.com.
Great advice Cindy!
IFBB Bikini Pro and Muscle & Fitness Hers covergirl, Amanda Latona demonstrates her glute workout in this video.
See more workout videos on Bodybuilding.com.
Some Booty Building Tips from Amanda:
* If you’re a beginner start light and do 3 instead of 5 exercises.
* Safety first – It’s always a good idea to use a spotter for those last few heavy reps.
* When using the leg press machine press through your heels to target those glutes.
* If you’re advanced add partial reps at the end your sets (an additional 5 reps with a shorter range of motion).
* Use a far forward foot position when doing the Smith Machine Lunges.
* Alternate your legs to keep your heart rate up during each set rather than resting in between.
* Never lock your knees when performing these workouts.
Tips via Bodybuilding.com.
IFBB Figure Pro Candice Keene is heading to her first Olympia next week. She was kind enough to answer a few questions for a Bodybuilding.com interview. Find out how what she’s eating, how’s she training and more.
Excerpt:
What’s the biggest mistake you learned in your first year as a pro?
To not blow up after a show! My 1st year as a pro was pretty much my 1st year competing too, so I was still getting ‘familiar’ with my body and post show indulgences. You need to be careful not to take too far because it could potentially hurt your conditioning for your next show.
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