Hardbody – Female Sports, Health and Fitness

There are only two shows remaining before the 2010 Olympia. Next up for the bikini pros is the IFBB Tournament of Champions held on September 11, 2010. There are three qualifying spots up for grabs. We’ll be in attendance to cover the action next month.

Venue:
Veteran’s Memorial Auditorium
4117 Overland Ave, Culver City, CA 90230

Host Hotel:
Radisson Westside
6161 West Centinela Avenue
Culver City CA 90230-6306
Reservations: (714) 635-9000 Fax: (714) 520-5831

Time:
Saturday, Sept 11th – 11:00am – Prejudging
Saturday, Sept 11th – 6:30pm – Finals

Competitors to date (As of August 20, 2010)
Dina Al-Sabah
Jennifer Dietrick
Sonia Gonzales
Michell Gullett
Rachel Labender
Cathy Miller
Christina Vargas

The IFBB’s first Bikini Olympia is just weeks away and the landscape changed a bit after last weekend’s Europa Super show. Many, myself included, felt that Nathalia Melo was the standard for bikini and on her way to becoming the first Bikini Olympia champ. She was off at the Europa show in a few ways. At the prejudging her make-up was flat and a bit muddy, her upper body was way too lean and stringy and her posing wasn’t what we’ve come to expect. Amanda Latona on the other hand, brought a more balanced physique and improved stage presence. I’d still like to see Amanda bring a bit more confidence and sass to her individual poses. When she is posing in the comparison rounds you can see her competitive nature come out and she turns it up a notch.

I expected Nathalia to be announced in second but she was relegated to third. A reminder that if it isn’t broke don’t try to fix it. She presented a different look than what won her two previous shows. If you’re winning it makes little sense to change things up, unless the judges tell you to. She came in looking like a different competitor at the night show with improved make up and a softer upper body.

Brazilian Bikini competitor – Nathalia Melo.

Amanda Latona moving to the front of the bikini pack.

So what can we make of this?

Latona improves and beats a less than spot on Melo. Ali Rosen has been a judge’s favorite since turning pro last month at the NPC USAs. We also have Sonia Gonzales who has improved steadily over the year and Dianna Dahlgren who notched a win in Hartford. If Melo is 100% and looks more like she did in Orlando and less like Dallas I’d still consider her the front runner for the Olympia. There’s no arguing that Amanda Latona is a stunning woman and is in the mix for the top spot as well. Both Latona and Melo have booties that are unmatchable in the bikini division. Which is why I find it perplexing that Rosen finds herself in the mix of a top five spot heading into the Olympia. It’s no knock on her but the judges have taken a liking to her physique which is completely different from Latona and Melo’s. Amanda has a bit more muscle than Melo and Rosen which also throws a wrench into what the standard for bikini should be. All of these women are beautiful and the top five will make for an impressive line-up.

It will definitely make for a competitive Bikini Olympia. What do you think?

Props to IFBB Bikini Pro Nicole Moneer Guerrero for the recent exposure in the Chicago Sun Times. I never would have guessed Nicole was 37 – pretty awesome. She has the physique and look of an early 20-something. Follow Nicole on twitter @nmoneerguerrero. Congrats on the exposure Nicole and good luck in Dallas.

BIKINI FIT: NICOLE GOES PRO FOR SHOW
When it comes to being fit, Nicole Moneer Guerrero is it.

She is a certified personal trainer at Lifetime Fitness in Schaumburg, a fitness model, a spokesmodel and more.

The former Luvabull won her International Federation of Body-Builders pro card in July and will make her IFBB pro debut Saturday in the women’s pro bikini category at the Europa Super Show in Dallas.

Not that she lacks for experience. She has the 2009 Ms. Bikini Classic Universe title, among others, to her credit.

”Challenge yourself,” she told Quick Hits during a recent visit to the gym, where she demonstrated one-armed pushups, among other exercise (watching was enough to wear out yours truly).

The soon-to-be 38-year-old definitely follows her own advice.

Naturally.

”I’ve been lifting weights for over 17 years, but I’m not big and bulky,” she said.

A quick glance showed she was correct.

Working out appears to be Guerrero’s fountain of youth.

”I tell all of my 20-year-old friends and clients and people I know that it gets better in your 30s,” she said. ”I’m definitely mentally stronger now. Nothing can stop me.”

And physically?

”I’ve had a few things stop me physically,” she said. ”But for the most part, I push through it.”

Source: Sun Times.

The 2010 IFBB Europa Supershow Bikini lineup has seen a number of changes in the last few days. It looks like there will be 14 women competing in the show but we’ll have to see what the final list looks like on Thursday. This will be a competitive show with a number of women already qualified for the Olympia. It’ll be tough for any women not already qualified to crack the top three in this line up. It’s not impossible but it will be a challenge.

Competitor List & Hardbody Breakdown:

Bianca Binno - She made her pro debut last weekend in Jacksonville and looked great. She’s tall and doesn’t carry a lot of muscle but bikini shouldn’t have too much muscle. I like her Penelope Cruz look-alike-look and what she brings to the stage. She has a very swimsuit type of look to her physique.

Jennifer Dietrick – She was 8th at the Pittsburgh Pro Bikini and 11th at the Muscle Contest Pro Bikini. She has a nice physique and if she can bring better presentation than in her previous shows she could move up.

Janet Harding - If perseverance was awarded in bikini, Janet would be the recipient. She’s competed in nearly every bikini show and has yet to match her 5th place finish in Orlando. She ditched the BAM posing in Jacksonville but still landed in 14th. Can she crack the top five here? My swami crystal ball says no but I’ve been wrong more than once.

Safiya Johnson – The bikini division is definitely a better fit for Safiya’s body than fitness but she’ll need to tighten it up a bit to improve her placings. She was 15th in Jacksonville.

Amanda Latona – She’s one of the women already qualified for the Olympia. Amanda took care of business in her first pro show and the pressure is off going into this contest. She has one of the best butts in the IFBB and is without question one of the most stunning women in the bikini ranks. I’d like to see Amanda bring the stage presence she brought to the FLEX bikini model search contest. It had a bit more sass than she had in her pro debut. She has a little more muscle than some of the other women so we’ll see how that compares in this contest.

Brandy Leaver - Brandy has a baby about 8 months ago. Talk about a transformation! She notched an overall figure win to her belt in Tampa and went on to turn pro at the NPC USAs last month. She has a nice look to her and could be a top contender here. Brandy will make her pro debut on the same stage as her husband, Brandon Curry. Brandon will be competing in his second pro show.

Dayna Maleton – Dayna is one woman who is on the line of figure and bikini. She stopped training and ate junk food to prepare for her last competition. Why? Because genetically she’s gifted and puts on muscle easily. If she ate differently and trained like “normal” she’d likely have a competitive Figure physique. She’s back to try her hand at bikini. The issue with Dayna is her presentation. When she comes out on stage you can tell she is nervous and has a deer in the headlights look to her. If she can put the fears away and rock some confidence on stage she could move up.

Nathalia Melo – The Brazilian Bombshell has set the standard for bikini and remains undefeated. The thing that separates Nathalia from the rest of the competition is her presentation. She’s confident, sexy and not over the top with her posing. The energy she projects isn’t fake or contrived, it’s genuine and it comes across when she presents her physique. She has the face, booty and body for bikini. I look for Nathalia to leave with another win under her bikini and head into the the Olympia as the one to beat.

Nicole Moneer-Guerrero – Nicole will be making her pro debut after turning pro at this year’s Team Universe contest. She has a nice physique and good look to her. I felt her posing was a little much at the NPC Jr Nationals but she corrected that in New York and it paid off. She could be a top five contender here.

Monique Ricardo – Don’t recognize the name? It’s Monique “Momo” Minton. Monique has been in stealth mode the last few months and got married along the way. She’s already Olympia qualified and has the luxury of driving the the show from home. Look for a tighter, smaller Monique than you saw in California. Monique should be in the top spots but it won’t be easy.

Ali Rosen – Ali has been on a winning streak notching an overall win at the NPC USAs and then taking top honors at the Jacksonville Pro. She’s a pretty girl who presents herself in a sexy, cutesy manner. One thing that is a little different than other women is that she never poses straight on when she comes out for her individual poses. I asked her about it and she said she likes to show her best angles. I can’t argue with that but we never get to see her body from the front, only the side. She’ll face a different judging panel than in her last two shows so we’ll see how she fairs against some stiffer competition. Personally, Ali’s physique is a little too soft for my liking but we’ll see what the judges think on Friday.

Alea Suarez – Alea is the opposite of Ali. Alea comes in looking a little too hard. Her skin looks dehydrated on stage. I’d like to see her soften up a bit from Jacksonville and come in with a healthier look to her physique.

Sonya Vecchiarelli – Sonya made her pro debut in Jacksonville and had a few rookie mistakes. She’s a cute girl but it was lost on stage. Her overall presentation was a bit lackluster. Her hair, make-up and overall presentation needs to improve if she hopes to move up. If she can bring some sass to the stage, which she showed when she turned pro at the 2009 NPC Jr. Nationals she could move up. She has everything it takes to be in the mix but needs to put it together and present it on stage.

Nathalie Waples – Natalie is finding her groove since making the switch to bikini. If she can ramp up the energy and presentation this time around she’ll move up.

The top five will be very competitive. Will Ali make it three in a row? Can Amanda Latona top the charts for the first time in bikini? Can Nathalia remain unbeaten? We’ll find out on Saturday afternoon when the results are announced. Follow the action here and on twitter with the hash tag #EuropaTX – I’ll be photographing and tweeting under twitter.com/BBcomcontests

Last night before the finals at the Jacksonville Pro, I caught up with IFBB rookie bikini pro Juliana Daniell. Juliana made her pro debut at finished in the top ten. During prejudging she caused a little uproar with a pose that looked like she was mooning the crowd. Turns out she was wearing new shoes and nearly fell on her face. Juliana shares and important lesson, don’t try anything new for the first time on stage and her case new shoes. She’s a sweet, beautiful girl with a lot of potential.

The Bikini division continues to bring out more and more competition. This weekend’s NPC USA Bikini Championships will be no different. Look for things to heat up this weekend in Las Vegas.

CLASS “A” Up to 5′1
Assria Narmin
Byrne Theresa
Barnes Katie
Conley Christa
De Beer Noy
DeLallo Elle
Dominguez Jennifer
Grajo Joy
Hergenrader Ashley
Kambarova Natalie
Labender Rachael
Newton Traci
Peralta Nicole
Phantharath Jenny
Turnbull Jen
White Elena

CLASS “B” Over 5′1 to 5′2 1/2
Berumen Tiffany
Cagle Michelle
Calhoun Bianca
Cui Maria
Dabuet Joyce
Hartman Francesca
Le Lisa
Miller Holly
Pimental Jennifer
Taketa Mandie
Taylor Skye
Whalen Jennifer

CLASS “C” Over 5′2 1/2 to 5′4
Bell Ashley
Bridges Kimberly
Campanoli Britani
Campbell Lisa
Capehart Dawn
Carney Grace
Cavendar Laura
Chapman Jennifer
Chomos Melissa
Desimone Tiffany
Deweese April
Eiler Monica
Elwell Rachel
Giese Christina
Gil Elizabeth
Hall Sopresa
Hamm Michaelyn
Hoskins Karlee
Laquer Julia
Long Jennifer
Maffei Adriana
Matheny Taylor
McLellan Sarah
Miller Cathy
Miranda Tatum
Moore Ashley
Parsons Stephanie
Pelt Adrianne
Prebyl Vanessa
Ramos Venus
Ray Robyn
Santosuosso Tara
Tamor Brandi
Tokunaga Toby
White Tamara
Winn Brieana

CLASS “D” Over 5′4 to 5′5 1/2
Alexander Stacey
Biggs Kelly
Bryant Carolyn
Costa Angelique
Dana Tyren
Dimuzio Heidi
Dixon Angela
Goudreau June
Green Kelsey
Larsen Melissa
Leaver Brandy
Moret Ashlee
Murdick Audrey
Naito Stacey
O’Connor Brittany
Palacios Alejandra
Pauza Kardena
Sushchik Zlata
Vaughn Clenet
Willos Kelly
Wood Roxanna
Zerega Alexandra

CLASS “E” Over 5′5 1/2 to 5′7
Bejarano Antoinette
Brugman Rachel
Cadenas Denise
Carey Emily
Colbath Shanon
Cristofani Kacy
Ellison Lea-Ann
Fernandez Dawn
Gines Mary
Hanson Michelle
Hefner Christina
Hudson Shandi
Jerbasi Taylor
Magoon Stephanie
Meadows Jennifer
Michelle Kelli
Orsini Theresa
Phillips Abby
Polk Jamie
Rice Katie
Rosen Alison
Rudholm Diane
Saitone-McGuire Janelle
Teems Michelle
Thompson Leslie
Weber- Ziaolhagh Nicole
White Summer
Whitmire Angel

CLASS “F” Over 5′7
Beccaria Gina
Benjamin Sarah
Buchanan Natassia
Cameron Meegan
Cochrell Shameen
Coles Katie
Covington Kelin
Duby Desirae
Eubanks Tawna
Genov Rhiannon
Hils Kim
King Crystal
Lane Jill
McWhorter Piper
Mora Brooke
Morris Samantha
O’Brien Paige
O’Rear Emilee
Scheerer Brendy
Sweatte Natasha

Another IFBB Pro Bikini competition is in the books and three more women are headed to the inaugural Bikini Olympia. The event wasn’t the strongest line-up of the year but it was competitive. I’ve been in attendance for every IFBB Bikini Pro show, with the exception of New Zealand. There are some things that I find work well and others that are distracting. Keep in mind each show has different judges and what one panel likes another may not. What I gravitate towards isn’t always what the judges reward. There will be a variety of opinions and we’re all entitled to them but doesn’t mean we’ll all agree. Who cares if we disagree, I’m not telling anyone who to be just giving my opinion. Let’s break it down…

1. Dianna Dahlgren – As I mentioned heading into this show she would be improved and a favorite for the win. Toot, toot goes my horn on calling this one but hold on a minute. Dianna improved her presentation from her debut but still needs to work on it if she wants to hang with the likes of Melo and Nagrani. Many of her poses make her look too straight up and down. She has one of the best bikini butts in the biz and presents it well from the rear poses. Job well done by the youngster and has some momentum going into her next show. We’ll see if she can present herself a little curvier from the front and how she stacks up in Dallas against tougher competition.
View contest photos.

2. Jessica Jessie – The Queen of the “side walk” had a strong showing in her pro debut as most expected. The photos don’t show the presentation of bikini competitors and you have to watch video or see the “side walk” in person to understand what I’m referring to. She basically looks straight ahead while her body is turned walking on stage. Personally, I’m not a fan of it but props to her for being able to do it and not trip. She has a “pageanty” presentation to her which the judges seem to gravitate towards. Her suit is flattering to her physique and fits her personality on stage. Her physique has improved from Jr Nationals and will need to continue if she hopes to crack the top five at the Olympia.
View contest photos.

3. Dianna Fields – Dianna has a good bikini butt. I’m not a fan of her presentation and it’s a little too much sass for my liking. The mouth open gasping while hitting poses is not a flattering look. Props to her for securing a bit to the Olympia. I wouldn’t have her in my top three but hey I’m not a judge.
View contest photos.

4. Jelena Abbou – Talk about a turn around in two weeks. She finished in the top ten at the New York Pro Figure and dramatically changed her physique for this show. Her legs and butt are always areas that plague her. She brought them down and rocked a new suit. I would have had her in the top three. My guess is that the judges felt her upper body was too hard and her butt a little too soft. I think bikini is the division for her and could see an Olympia qualification if she competes in one of the remaining shows
View contest photos.

5. Kat Holmes – Kat tightened up a bit from Tampa but her lower half continues to hold her back from placing higher. If she tightens her conditioning a bit she could move up in a future show. She should be content with a fifth place spot.
View contest photos.

6. Tabitha Klausen-Leandri – She’s one tall drink of water. Nearly 6′0″ without heels she towers over some of the other competitors but holds her own. I think her suits and presentation held her back from a higher spot at this show. I think she had one of the best physiques in the show and could have been a couple places higher. If she ditches the distracting strings on the bikini she’ll likely move up.
View contest photos.

7. Jessica Lawrence – I had her in or around this placing. Jessica has a nice physique but has no energy on stage. If she could bring some life to her presentation she could move up but until then you’ll likely see her out of the top five
View contest photos.

8. Kelly Gonzalez – Kelly’s pro debut was a decent start. She’s a tiny competitor and has a nice physique. If she continues to improve her presentation she could move up.
View contest photos.

9. Natalie Waples – HUGE, HUGE improvement from Tampa. Natalie ditched the first time bikini mistakes and made major improvements at this show. She seemed more comfortable, had a better suit and improved presentation. If she continues to get comfortable on stage you could see her place higher. I would have had no problem seeing her a few places higher here
View contest photos.

10. Janet Harding – Oh Janet what are we going to do with you? I’ve coined her the Emeril of bikini. If you’re not sure what I’m referring to check out Chef Emeril and his “BAM” video here. Janet had a different hairstyle, a new suit and new posing. The hair color was good. The new suit – a nice improvement. The posing – horrible. I told her this backstage and asked her what was up. She said she’s working with a new coach and hadn’t perfected her poses just yet. When she came out at prejudging she hit her poses fast and furious like Emeril on his cooking show. BAM! BAM! She did slow things down a bit at the night show which was good.
View contest photos.

11. Juliette Primak – This was her IFBB pro debut and went relatively unnoticed. She’s cute but will need to tighten up the butt and present with some energy to make her mark in future shows.
View contest photos.

Notes:
• Long strings on the bikini bottoms are distracting. I think it looks best if you choose a suit without the strings on the bottoms.

• Pose with class and not like you’re looking for a pole to climb. If the bikini division is to be taken serious competitors need to keep it classy. I don’t see it much in the pros but the amateur shows are plagued with it. The IFBB pros set the tone for other competitors. Many women in the NPC ranks emulate what the pros do. Pros – keep that in mind when you’re on stage as many women want to be in your shoes.

•  Presentation is everything in bikini. Looking at photos is great but doesn’t tell even 1/2 of what the judges are looking for. Smile and project positive energy on stage. Remember whatever you’re thinking it will be magnified by 10 fold to the audience.

• Know your body and your angles. A pose that works for one competitor may not work for you. Create an illusion that makes you look curvy and sexy.

Dianna Dahlgren bounced back from her first pro show to win the inaugural Europa Battle of Champions. She took straight firsts from the judges. Jessica Jessie was second in her IFBB Pro debut and Diana Fields moved up into third place. Jelena Abbou placed a disappointing 4th. Personally, I had her in the top 3 but I’m not a judge. I’ll share my breakdown later on the contest. Congrats to all the women going to the bikini Olympia.

EUROPA BATTLE OF CHAMPIONS – BIKINI
1. Dianna Dahlgren
2. Jessica Jessie
3. Diana Fields
4. Jelena Abbou
5. Kat Holmes
6. Tabitha Klausen-Leandri
7. Jessica Lawrence
8. Kelly Gonzalez
9. Natalie Waples
10. Janet Harding
11. Juliette Primak

Check out the prejudging photos from the 2010 Europa Battle of Champions on FLEXonline.com.

Who do you think will win the Figure and Bikini? The call-outs in Figure left many wondering how the final placing would end up. We’ll find out this afternoon when the Finals take place at 2:30 PM EST.

Top four or battling for third?

Three women will qualify for the Bikini Olympia. Who will be odd woman out?

Davana Medina was slated make her return to the IFBB stage this weekend but fans will have to wait. I’m told that due to personal circumstances Davana Medina has withdrawn from Hartford show. She will be making a decision as to where her IFBB Pro Bikini debut will take place. Check back to see where she’ll end up next.

I had her pegged as a top three contender. Who will move into that spot? We’ll see when prejudging takes place on Friday.

The competition schedule is in full swing and this weekend marks another IFBB Bikini event. Ten women are slated to compete in this weekend’s Europa Show of Champions and it is an interesting line-up. The obvious headline in bikini is 3x Figure Olympia Davana Medina returning to the stage but in the bikini division. ** UPDATE – Davana Medina has withdrawn from this show.

The Hardbody Breakdown:
Jelena Abbou - Beautiful woman who is back to bikini after a stint another stint in Figure at the New York Pro. I like her physique for the bikini division. Her biggest challenge will be the booty. Can she bring in a tight bottom to make it into a top three spot?

Dianna Dahlgren - Dianna sky-rocketed to the top of the fitness modeling world in a relatively short time. There’s no question she has the face and the booty but she’ll need to bring some of that 20 year old sass to the stage. In my opinion, she got the shaft in her first bikini contest with a seventh place finish but will redeem herself in Hartford. This will be her second IFBB show and I have her as a top three contender.

Diana Fields - Diana was 4th last week in Tampa and will look to improve on it here. She’ll have her work cut out for her though. Personally, I’d like to see Diana pose without opening her moth and gasping during every other pose. The photos don’t show how her physique is presented on stage but if she showcases her physique a little classier she’ll be in the mix.

Kelly Gonzalez - This will be Kelly’s pro debut after turning pro at the NPC Team Universe event. We’ll see how she fairs against a few “seasoned” bikini pros.

Janet Harding - Janet seems to be trying everything under the sun to move up into a top spot. She’s changed not only her posing but her suit with nearly every show she’s entered. While her stage presence has improved I still see the cards stacked against her in this line-up. I don’t want to say she can’t place higher but I don’t see her in the top five here.

Kat Holmes - Kat has improved her stage presence and presentation but still plagued by coming in tight enough in her bottom half. Can she bring a tighter physique here and move up? We’ll see if a week made any difference. She was 5th in Tampa.

Jessica Jessie - Another rookie making her debut. Jessica was the overall champ at the 2010 NPC Jr. Nationals and it was her stage presence that gave her the win. She’ll bring an improved physique to the stage and has the stage presence the judges gravitate towards. I look for her to be one of the top three at this show.

Tabitha Klausen-Leandri – Tabitha is one of the dark horses in this show. She placed 8th in her pro debut at the NY Bikini Pro. She has the looks and if she brings in a tighter booty and a new suit look for her to be in the top 5 at this show.

Davana Medina – The 3x Figure Olympia returns to the stage to try her hand at bikini. It will be interesting to see how she presents her physique and how her body compares as a bikini competitor. It’s a coin toss as to where she will finish but I’d go “heads” with her finishing in the top spots.

Natalie Waples - Natalie made the transition Figure to Bikini at the Tampa Pro and finished at the bottom of the pack. She will need to bring a better suit and some personality to the stage if she hopes to move up. I think she has a better bikini body than figure but will need to improve on the little details to place higher.

My Top Picks: Dianna Dahlgren, Jessica Jessie, Davana Medina, Tabitha Klausen-Leandri & Jelena Abbou.

Who do you have in your fab five?

I will be there covering the action for FLEX magazine, Bodybuilding.com, NPC NEWS and IFBBPro.com. Check back for updates throughout the weekend.

Earlier in the month, I speculated that 3x Figure Olympia Champion Davana Medina was eyeing a return to the competitive stage. There’s no need to speculate any longer as her management, FMG, confirmed with me today that she is coming back. I had a chance to speak with Davana at the Team Universe contest and she hasn’t changed a bit since her days on stage, except a little less muscular. She’s teamed up with fellow Olympia Champion, Adela Garcia for her new bikini training.

3x Figure Olympia Champ Davana Medina and her manager, J.M. Manion.

The following press release was issued today.

FMG PRESS RELEASE
July 14, 2010 – Anybody who was at the 2010 NPC Team Universe Championships this past weekend in N.J. had an opportunity to see Figure pioneer & the only 3-time IFBB Figure Olympia champion Davana Medina enjoying the competition. Those that saw her realized she wasn’t just here as a spectator, she was hear to do some research. Everybody was asking her about those rumors of her comeback to competition. Davana didn’t let on then but we are here to confirm the rumors that Davana Medina is returning to the IFBB & will be making her return competing in the 2010 IFBB Europa Show Of Champions Pro Bikini in Hartford on July 23rd & 24th. And she has re-signed with FMG who had the great pleasure of managing Davana Medina’s entire NPC & IFBB career starting in 2001 until her retirement. Davana is also the first former FMG athlete that we have re-signed to work with.

Former FMG athlete & another IFBB Figure pioneer Jaime Franklin reconnected Davana with us at the 2009 Arnold Fitness Weekend. Initially we thought she might return in Figure but after lengthy discussions with Davana the new IFBB Bikini division seemed to be the perfect fit of what she was looking to accomplish.

Next was getting Davana a trainer to help her get on stage in 2010 to qualify for the inaugural 2010 IFBB Bikini Olympia. That trainer turned out to be her old friend, FMG athlete & 4-time IFBB Fitness Olympia champion Adela Garcia.

Adela stated, “I am honored and excited to be working with Davana as we go way back. Davana is an extremely hard working athlete & when she puts her mind into a goal, she goes after it all the way. When I was told about Davana returning to compete I reached out to her & ever since Davana & I have been talking about her returning into competition. I knew she wanted to compete again & once I knew she was game, I told her “Girl, I am your girl & we are in it to Win it”. You have 2 Olympia Champions mentality & all you create is fire to Win. Davana will step on that Bikini Olympia stage ready and O.F.F. Challenge is ecstatic to have her on board. Thank you so much for the great opportunity to be part of your new journey Davana. Thank you FMG for trusting me to bring her ready to do some damage.”

Look out because Davana Medina is back to rock IFBB Bikini the way she did IFBB Figure in the last decade!

To contact Davana Medina for appearances, endorsements, interviews & modeling, contact FMG at fitnessdivasproductions@verizon.net or via Facebook, http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fitness-Management-Group.

This weekend ten IFBB Bikini Pros will take the stage in Tampa. Prejudging begins Saturday morning and the finals will follow later that night.

The show will be an interesting mix of competitors. Dina Al-Sabah will return to the stage for the first time since 2006. Those counting her out of a top spot clearly haven’t seen the physique she’ll be rock’n on Saturday. Jaime Baird will look for her first bikini pro win. She was third at the PA Pro Bikini behind Nathalia Melo and Sonia Gonzalez. Vanessa Campbell will make her pro debut one week after her NPC Team Universe class win. She edged out Bianca Binno by one point and will look to continue her winning ways in Tampa. Jessica Clay will try her hand at the bikini division after competing in fitness and figure in the NPC. We last saw her on stage at the 2009 Atlantic City Figure. Diana Fields will make her pro debut just weeks after turning pro at the 2010 NPC Jr. Nationals. Janet Harding continues to find improve her presentation and will be back for another crack at the division. Kat Holmes steadily improved in the earlier shows, if she brings in a tighter backside than Orlando she will be in the mix. Nathalie Mur is one competitor I’m not familiar with. She’s listed as competing from France and a search showed she was in the 2010 Arnold Amateur, so I’m not sure where/when she turned pro. If anyone has some insight, let me know. Nicole Nagrani is the 2010 NPC Team Universe Overall Bikini champ and should be a top contender in her pro debut. She’s a natural when it comes to presenting a bikini physique and if anyone is looking for a good example of how to pose, check her out. Natalie Waples will make the trip down from Canada to try her hand at the bikini division. She was always on the smaller side of the figure competitions and should be more in her element here.

My Olmypia qualifying predictions:
1. Nicole Nagrani – I’m going out on a limb and saying the rookie steals the show in her debut.
2. Jaime Baird – Jaime has the experience over the other competitors and should find herself at ease at this show. Look for her to be in the top three and challenging for the crown.
3. Dina Al-Sabah – Dina will be rock’n the hardbody and show why she’s a fan favorite. She has natural sex appeal and if she can present her physique to suit the bikini division she’ll be in the mix.

It will be interesting to see how everyone matches up in this show. Who do you like for the win and the Olympia qualifying spots?

It’s official… Dina Al-Sabah will return to the IFBB stage however this time it will be in the bikini division. She’s one of five competitors currently on the IFBB Pro Bodybuilding Weekly Championship competitor list for the Bikini division. Dina is the 2003 Jan Tana Figure Champion and placed 5th at the 2003 Figure Olympia. Her last time on stage was the 2006 Sacramento Pro but she’s been staying in shape.

How will she fare in the new bikini division? Only time will tell but if she looks anything like this IRONMAN magazine cover, she’ll more than hold her own in Tampa.

Stay tuned as we bring you more with Dina as she prepares for the Tampa competition.

One of the original women in the IFBB Pro Figure division is making a return to the stage but it won’t be in Figure. She’ll be competing next month in the IFBB Bikini division. Take your best guess as to whose name will appear on the Pro Bodybuilding Weekly Championships Bikini list. She was top five in the Figure Olympia and she has a Pro Figure title to her name. She’s also graced a few magazine covers along the way.

She tells me her contract has been sent in…

IFBB Bikini Pro Sonya Vecchiarelli shares a back and bicep workout via Bodybuilding.com. Check out the video below and for other videos visit bodybuilding.com.

We’re four weeks out from the Pro Bodybuilding Weekly Bikini Pro and there are TWO women entered to compete. If you’re not dieting and training for the show by now chances are you’re not going to compete.

I don’t get it. You have NO advantage by waiting until the last minute to send your contract in. It’s not fair to the promoters to wait until the week of the show to enter the show. The media needs to know who is in and who isn’t, in order to build any type of interest in the shows. Previewing a show with two competitors isn’t interesting.

As if that wasn’t bad enough, the Europa Battle of Champions is being held the following week and there are ZERO pro bikini competitors entered. WTF?

It’s pretty simple ladies. You contact the IFBB Pro League office, request a contract for the show you wish to compete in. Then you mail it, fax it or scan it and email it back. It takes you all of 5 minutes.

“Pro Bodybuilding Weekly”, the online radio program that joins forces each week with Bodybuilding.com and Flex Magazine to cover Men’s Pro Bodybuilding will depart from it’s usual coverage and turn the spotlight on one of the IFBB Bikini division’s hottest stars, Nathalia Melo. Hosts Dan Solomon and Bob Cicherillo will be discussing the growing popularity of the bikini division and the impact it’s having on the NPC and IFBB. Tune in tonight at 8pm ET to BodybuildingRadio.com to tune in. If you miss the live broadcast you can catch the replay on Bodybuilding.com or download it on iTunes.

I’ve heard from a couple IFBB Figure pros that they will be making the switch to bikini. One of which has been top ten in the Figure Olympia. Any guesses on who we’ll see competing in bikini instead of figure?

Some women have asked me how that is possible… switching divisions. As an IFBB Pro you can choose what division you compete in as long as it’s not at the same show. So you can turn pro in Fitness and compete in Figure if you so choose. There have been many women do it and some have found success while others, well not so much.

Wooooo did things heat up in the Mile High City today! The 2010 NPC Mile High took place in Englewood, Colorado and there were some hardbody hotties not only onstage but also in the audience. Lindsey Morrison took the overall bikini title and deservedly so. I’ll be shooting with Lindsey in my Denver studio tomorrow so check back for photos and a profile on her this week.

Sara Hurrle returned to the figure stage and picked up where she left off. She won the 2007 NPC Colorado Pro/Am Overall Figure title and the 2008 NPC California Figure Overall crown. She took last year off but was better than ever as she took not only her class but also the overall. She gave a shout out to her friends and trainer Kim Oddo. The win was well deserved and it was a pleasant change to hear a crowd roar with cheers and not boos when the winner was announced.

Sara Hurrle with her hardware after the show.( iPhone image)

There were a number of IFBB Pros in attendance as well. Denver has become a mecca for the Hardbody women in the NPC & IFBB. Tanji Johnson was the guest poser and had a great turn out for her free posing seminar after the check-in on Friday night. Tanji told me the response she received from the women in Denver was great. Carol Semple was in attendance and is promoter her own show this fall in Loveland, Colorado. The Fitness Olympia champ is staying in great shape and still working out every day. Carla Sanchez celebrated her 40th birthday on Friday and was in attendance supporting a couple of her Performance Ready competitors. Camala Rodriquez was in attendance and had her swagger on. Look for Camala to take the stage again at the Dallas Europa and then head to her first Fitness Olympia in September. She tells me she is bringing a new routine to Dallas. Fellow IFBB Fitness Pro Bridgette Murray was in the audience cheering on a friend and client along with NPC Fitness competitor Lauren Niehaus. Look for Lauren on stage later this summer and Bridgette at the Ft. Lauderdale Cup. She’s staying in great shape and looked better than ever.

Lauren and Bridgette chill’n before the show. (iPhone image)

IFBB Bikini Pro Sonya Vecchiarelli was on hand to help with trophies and help out a couple clients. Sonya will be working the ISS Research booth at the NPC Jr. Nationals and look for her to make her pro debut at the Jacksonville Classic in August. Chaundra Tanji was cheering on a couple clients and tried her hand at emceeing the bikini division. She let the crowd know that Tanji would be the one to beat at the Olympia this year. We’ll see what Adela and the other ladies have to say about that come September. IFBB Figure Pro Heather Mae French made an appearance fresh off her California Pro Figure title. Her 12 year old daughter, Autumn, is now taller than her. Yes you read that right, Heather Mae has a 12 year old daughter.

A great show by promoter Jeff Taylor and if you’re thinking about making a move… Denver is one of the places to be for all things fitness, figure and bikini.

IFBB Bikini Pro Monique Minton continues to collect belts but doesn’t bother taking names in her “other world”. Monique is an accomplished grappler who recently won yet another tournament. This time Momo headed to Ft. Worth, Texas where she competed in the expert division of Gi and No Gi (two forms of grappling). Don’t let the pretty face and bikini body fool ya, she’ll choke your ass out!

Monique shoring off her newest hardware.

The FLEXonline.com Bikini Model search is back once again. Last year’s winner Amanda Latona continues to heat things up in the fitness industry. Kathleen Tesori the very first winner also continues to rock the world of fitness. This is definitely a contest that will help get you noticed. Check it out!

FROM FLEXonline.com:
This year’s online contest will run for three months — June, July and August. Two winners will be chosen each month after a two-week voting period and deliberation regarding the 10 highest vote getters by our expert panel of judges

. Each month, the winners receive:

- $250 USD
- $100 gift voucher from Whish Body Products
- Free swimwear from Chyna Dolls Bikinis
- A profile in FLEX Magazine and flexonline.com
- A photo shoot with FLEX magazine

While it’s too late to submit your photos for Month One, you can still enter in time for Month Two. The deadlines for submissions are as follows: Month Two: June 21; Month Three: July 21

The newest issue of Muscle & Fitness magazine features IFBB Bikini Pro Nathalia Melo with five full page photos. The photos are very well done and some of the most impressive shots I’ve seen to date of the rising bikini star. Visit MuscleandFitness.com to see a few photos that didn’t make it into the mag and pick up the new issue to see the ones that did. Congrats Nathalia and props to Muscle & Fitness.

IFBB Bikini Pro Nathalia Melo

Marzia Prince has competed twice as an IFBB Bikini Pro and has yet to find the same winning combination she had at the 2009 NPC JR Nationals. It was there that she took the overall title in the NPC Bikini division. She recently blogged on the Gaspari Web site about her experiences of competing as a pro. It was refreshing to read a competitor take a honest look at themselves.

After the NY Pro Bikini show I wrote, “I’d like to see her bring the package (including the same suit) she had at the NPC JR Nationals, where she won the overall. If she can channel what she brings to a photo shoot to the stage she’ll move up.”

At the end of her blog she shares, “For my next next pro show, you will see a sexy blonde strutting her stuff in an Ed Hardy suit, visualizing I am in a photoshoot.”

Sounds like a good plan to me.

Well here’s something interesting. The newly crowned Miss USA competed as a NPC Bikini competitor last month!

Rima Fakih won the bikini short class on April 24, 2010 at the 2010 Flint/Mid-Michigan Bodybuilding, Bikini, Figure and Fitness Championships. She ended up losing the overall crown to Elizabeth Weller.

The cool part about this is now Rima has a platform to tell millions about eating healthy, working out and how she got her bikini body. She recently appeared on Regis and Kelly where she talked about eating her egg whites and oatmeal in the morning. PROPS RIMA!

Thanks Pam for the assist.

Current Maxim magazine cover girl and UFC Octagon girl, Arianny Celeste rocked her yellow bikini at a Maxim party over the weekend. She often tweets about working out and she’s sponsored by the supplement company MusclePharm. If she were to compete in the NPC Bikini division how do you think she’d do… would she be competitive or would she crash and burn?

Arianny Celeste at a recent Maxim party.

Congratulations ladies! The top three qualify for the Olympia Bikini held in Las Vegas this fall.

1. Missy Coles*
2. Shelsea Montes*
3. Sherlyn Roy*
4. Kristal Marshall
5. Alea Suarez
6. Jelena Abbou
7. Kat Holmes
8. Tabitha Klausen-Leandri
9. Dayna Maleton
10. Tianna Ta
11. Alicia Marie
12. Khanh Nguyen
13. Jessica Lawrence
14. Shay Monroe
15. Michelle Gullett
16. Angela Harrell
16. Christie Marquez
16. Janet Harding
16. Kira Rivera
16. Mariza Prince
16. Melinda Janiszewski
16. Stefanie Lindsey

*Qualify for the Olympia

A number of people have voiced their opinion on the new bikini division. That’s to be expected. I’ve voiced my opinions based on attending nearly every NPC National bikini show and every IFBB Pro Bikini show (except for New Zealand). Most of the things I’ve seen written online are based on hearsay and not from people attending the pro shows. One “industry expert” recently commented on a bikini competitor’s posing as “crass” but based the opinion by viewing photos online. I’ve mentioned a few times that you shouldn’t base opinions of the bikini division on photos. Everyone is entitled to their opinion but consider the source and what they’re basing it on. There are still a few people who aren’t fans of the new division but that’s to be expected. Figure wasn’t well received when it was introduced.

After the 2010 Pittsburgh Pro Bikini competition I went straight to the voice who matters most… IFBB women’s head judge Sandy Williamson. Sandy addressed a number of things related to the bikini competition. If you’re a competitor or a trainer, PLEASE pay attention to what she says.

Sandy talks about suit choice, presentation and what type of physique the judges are (or should be) looking for. At the end of the video IFBB Bikini Pro Nathalia Melo joins Sandy and shares why she (Nathalia) is the look for the new bikini division. Sandy also stresses the point about the division is new and they are still working through the criteria, just like they did in Figure. As of today, this is where the division is at and how competitors should prepare for it.

A big thanks to Sandy for taking the time to do this video and to J.M. Manion for helping arrange it to happen.

Alicia Marie is no stranger to the world of fitness. She’s graced a number of covers, hosted a couple of tv shows and has been connected to a few celebrities. She nabbed her IFBB Pro card in the Figure division but this weekend she’ll bring her sassy ass to the bikini stage. It’s a pretty obvious transition but I caught up with Ms. Alicia Marie to get the inside scoop directly from her. Check it out!

HB: I see you all over the place but where do you currently live?
AM: Los Angeles, CA – baby!

HB: Peeps want to know… Why the switch to bikini?
GOOD QUESTION! LOL! You see… I love Figure, but as a model AND because I am moving into being more of a ‘mainstream’ television personality, Bikini suits my physique in an attainable, “non-intimidating” way for people to relate to me and my programs. I am very tall for this sport — just under 5′10″. If I were to put on the muscle needed to complete my stature and physique for Figure, I might be walking around off-season at 160lbs (right now I am contest, 139, off-season, 145). That would just about kill my career off the stage. The plus side of it is – I love the stage theatrics for Bikini!! I am a natural HAM so the sexy walk and the ‘tude suit me just fine!!

HB: You a HAM? Get out. (note the sarcasm)

HB: What’s the best part of competing in NYC?
Steve and Bev have always had fabulous shows. Team Universe was always my favorite show as an amateur and coincidentally it is the show that I finally went pro in in 2008! I am originally from New York City so I get to go back home to Yankee country, see my family and do some (not as many as I’d like) of my favorite New York THINGS! Have to avoid the cupcake bar til AFTER contest….

I really never stress because I just like to have fun doing this, being a part of it and at the end of the day I feel so lucky to be up there with all those gorgeous and strong women!!!

HB: How do you eat healthy while traveling and being on the go non-stop?
Traveling and “on-the-go nonstop” just about describes my life PERFECTLY!! LOL I have to be super diligent and plan ahead like you wouldn’t believe. Not only am I packing food and supps, but I know ahead of time what the hotel is offering food wise AND if there is a grocery store close by… It takes planning ahead and not waiting til the last minute.

HB: What new projects do you have coming out or in the works that you can talk about?
I am FINALLY writing a BOOK! Very excited. It is basically THE book. Everything about everything in fitness and health according to ALICIA MARIE! LOL! My monthly column in Oxygen magazine, Ask Alicia, did so well and I get dozens of questions every month that I thought, it’s just TIME. So I am working on that like crazy!

BSN has me on the road making appearances…I love those!!!

I am doing some television things that I can’t breathe a word of yet — which I will tell you about first. Trust!

I am re-launching my website – with the same “look” but more user-friendly for me and for visitors! I am such a computer geek at heart. My boyfriend is a music and video producer so along with his things (ABC’s ‘V’) we just have fun making things happen. Maybe some more music videos down the pike…hmmmmm….

I also would love to get an Olympia nod in Bikini…we’ll see what goes down this contest year.

I stay busy and that is 100% how I like it!

HB: Okay I need another cup of coffee after that question. Give me a minute.

HB: Aight I’m good. Soo…

HB: Do you use the Ab Circle Pro?
Who? Hell no. The Ab Coaster all the way, baby!

HB: Will you be cheering for the Yankees or did you switch teams with the Cali move?
I BLEED PINSTRIPES — YANKEES!

HB: No more Braves? I kid. I kid.

HB: You’re around a number of celebrities. Any celebs you were star-struck when you met them?
Madonna – YES! As for the ones that ask me out, NO. A lot of celebrities hunt me down because they want me to write them a diet and fitness “Red Carpet Ready” program. LOL

Alicia Marie hang’n with celebs.

HB: Will you be rock’n the wig you wore in the music video?
You mean in Jace Hall’s “I Play W.O.W” (shameless plug) – over a million views on YouTube!!

I thought about the blonde one I wore in the video, BUT I think I will have to do my Bikini Pro debut in a pink fuschia glitter wig. I think the judges might like that touch and connect with it.Ha!

HB: Which of your fellow bikini competitors do you like the look they bring?
So many!!! I have been looking at the stage pictures and I am astounded at how gorgeous and naturally toned and tight the girls look. I do love Jelena’s physique – she knows that.

HB: Will we see you on stage again in the bikini division?
EUROPA in Hartford, CT!! That is actually where I grew up — so many of my old (and not so old) family and friends will be there…hopefully

HB: You’re a BSN athlete and featured in a few of their ads. What’s your favorite BSN product?
This is a tough one because I live on my BSN supps. Atrophex and Lean Dessert Protein (Vanilla and Cinnamon Roll) are my staples, but the new N.O. Xplode NT (Evolution series) is edging up a few notches for me! It’s incredible!

HB: Thanks Alicia! Good luck and we’ll see ya in the Big Apple.

The 2010 IFBB New York Pro will take place on Saturday, May 8, 2010. The pro bikini event will be a very competitive competition. It’s tough to call this one but I’ll break it down as I see it. Again, let me remind yall it’s just one opinion. If you don’t agree, cool post a comment and let’s chat about it. Follow the action this Saturday here on Hardbody and on twitter.com/hardbodynews.

The breakdown of your IFBB NY PRO Bikini Pro Competitors:

Jelena Abbou - Jelena will make the transition from Figure to Bikini and we’ll have to see how it suits her. She does have more a fitness model physique than that of a figure competitor, at least she did. Jelena added some size to her shoulders and it helped her place higher in figure but we haven’t seen what she looks like since 2008, at least on stage. Her challenge is to bring her lower body in balanced to her upper body. If she does that, look for her to be in the mix.

Missy Coles - One of the favorites, at least on paper, has to be Missy Coles. She took top honors on this stage last year at the Team Universe event and will look to repeat this weekend. Missy finished in third place at the Orlando Pro but will have some new competition at this event. She’ll have her work cut out for her to leave the NY Pro Champ but I look for her to be in the top call-out.

Michelle Gullett – Michelle turned pro at the 2009 NPC USAs and made her pro debut at the Muscle Contest Bikini event. She finished 8th there and it’s a place I could see her looking at again unless she livens it up on stage. Nice body but the “it factor” isn’t there when on stage. I’d like to see her throw a ‘lil spice into her stage presence.

Janet Harding - Janet was fifth in Orlando and dropped to 13th in Pittsburgh. She’ll have her work cut out for her in New York to make the top ten. When she competed in PA she was too lean and her arms looked a bit skinny. It looked like she needed to eat a few slices of pizza and fill out a bit. If she comes in less lean this show she could move up from 13th.

Angela Harrell – This will be her IFBB debut. She took top honors in her class at the 2009 Team Universe and will look to find success here. I don’t see her in the top five of this event but I’ve been wrong several times before. She’s one of the shorter competitors on stage and it will require some added attitude to breakthrough in this lineup.

Kat Holmes – Kat has competed in two pro shows and has yet to hit her stride. She almost looks pissed on stage until she smiles and then it’s a different competitor in front of you. She tightened up a bit at the Pittsburgh show and I look for her physique to be better in this show.

Melinda Janiszewski - She took top honors in her class at the 2009 Team Universe and will be making her pro debut here. She’ll need to bring a little tighter booty than she did at the Team U contest and we’ll have to see how she fairs amongst the pros.

Stefanie Lindsey - She made her pro debut last weekend and finished in the 14th position. Stefanie will have to come in a bit tighter and bring some pizazz to the stage if she hopes to break into the mix here.

Dayna Maleton – Dayna has a rock’n hardbody. She brings an entirely different mindset than most competitors. Dayna doesn’t believe in an “off-season” for bikini competitors and maintains a healthy, fit lifestyle all year. I talk to competitors who say they are dieting 12-16 weeks for a bikini show. That’s not how Dayna rolls. She’ll have one of the best bodies on stage without a doubt, the question is can she present it? If you’ve ever met Dayna you know she’s a bit of a spitfire and has some Jersey sass. If Jersey girl can bring a bit of that to the stage watch out.

Alicia Marie – Alicia Marie is also heading to the bikini division after a lackluster showing in figure. She placed 12th in the 2009 Europa Super show and didn’t have the muscle needed to hang with the top 10. I think the bikini division suits her much better and her personality is fitting for it. Look for her to own the stage and she could be in the mix for a top spot.

Christie Marquez – Christie made her pro debut at the Muscle Contest event where she finished 15th. She’ll look to improve on her placings here but in order to do so it will come down to her presentation. If she can present herself better than she did in Cali she could move up.

Kristal Marshall - Kristal Marshall will be making her pro debut after an overall win at the 2009 NPC USAs. This fit momma knows how to present with some attitude on stage. She’s confident and sexy when she takes the stage. Something that the judges will notice. Look for her to be in the mix for a top spot here.

Shay Monroe – I like this woman when she rocks the curly hair. It may seem like a silly thing to mention but when Shay took the stage in Orlando, her prejudging hairstyle just wasn’t her, at least in my opinion. When she showed up at the evening show her hair was curly and she appeared more confident. She has good energy on stage when she’s relaxed and having fun. Look for her to be in the top 2-3 call-outs.

Shelsea Montes – When Shelsea took the stage at the Pittsburgh Pro we saw an improved physique and improved presentation from the Orlando Pro. Some of that may have been first time rookie jitters in Orlando. She walked sexier, appeared more confident and her body looked a bit tighter. She narrowly missed 4th place and an Olympia qualifying spot to Tianna Ta. Look for her to be in the top spots here.

Marzia Prince - Marzia finished 7th in her pro debut and will face some tougher competition here than in Orlando. She’ll need to come in much sharper and be tighter in this show if she hopes to crack the top five. Her challenge is bringing in tight, toned legs without getting too skinny in her arms. We’ll have to see how she looks here.

Kira Rivera – Kira has a nice physique and again it goes back to presentation. If she is relaxed and poses herself a bit better I think she will move up from her 10th place finish. She was 4th in Orlando and we’ll see where she ends up in NYC.

Sheryln Roy - Sherlyn is a competitor that’s on the bubble. She made the transition from figure to bikini. She looked small in figure but at times looks a bit too muscular for bikini. She presented herself much better in Pittsburgh and showed some attitude. If she continues to do that she’ll be in the mix. She took the flower power to a whole new level by incorporating not only one in her hair but also onto her suit. The peanut gallery at the show had mixed reviews.

Alea Suarez – Alea was right in the mix and one point behind Sherlyn at the PA show. She should find herself in one of the top two callouts here but she’ll be facing some tougher competition as well. I look for her to be in the top ten and challenging for a top five spot.

Tianna Ta - T2 finished in fourth last weekend and brought a much tighter and tinier physique to the stage than she did at the 2009 NPC Nationals. She should be in the mix for a top five spot again this weekend. Her stage presence also improved dramatically over the last year. It’s cool to see her come into her own and get more comfortable with being on stage.

Event Details:

WHEN:
Saturday, May 8th

Prejudging – 11am
Finals – 6pm

WHERE:
Tribeca Performing Arts at BMCC
199 Chambers Street
New York, NY 10007

VENUE MAP LINK

For tickets call: 516-933-1111 or visit www.bevfrancis.com