HARDBODY Fit Female News & Events

Tomorrow the IFBB female bodybuilders will take the stage at the NY Pro. The event will be held at the Tribecca Performing Arts Center in New York. Below is the competitor list for tomorrow’s event. I like Cathy LeFrancois to repeat as the champ once again. Who do you like for the win?

COMPETITOR LIST
Irene Anderson
Fabi Antoine
Debbie Bramwell
Myriam Bustamante
Maria Calo
Giusy Caputo
Tazzie Columb
Beverly Direnzo
Maria del Carmen Gomez-Seguro
Rosemary Jennings
Marika Johansson
Cathy LeFrancois
Nancy Lewis
Maryse Manios
Nadia Nardi
Jeannie Paparone
Betty Pariso
Claudia Partenza
Jennifer Sedia
Antoinette Thompson
Diana Tinnelle-Stanback
Dena Westerfield

IFBBpro.com has posted photos from last weekend’s New York Pro Fitness. Check out the one-piece photos here.

Check out the photos on FLEXonline.com from the NY Pro Fitness.

New York Pro Fitness Comparisons.

Davana Medina, the first IFBB Figure Olympian, and Jenny Lynn the second, were in attendance at the NY PRO Fitness event. J.M. Manion caught up with the two for a photo opportunity and I can’t say I blame him. Davana looks like she could compete now and Jenny is back on track after last year’s setback.

Will we see Davana back on stage? Hmmm… We’ll have to wait and see.

Davana Medina, J.M. Manion and Jenny Lynn in the Big Apple.

I’ve been informed that 3-4 of the women missed their mandatory moves or performed the mandatory moves out of order. You will see this reflected in the scores from the routine round. Should be interesting to see who benefits and who gets hurt by this.

Stay tuned for more NY Pro Fitness updates.

After the physique rounds as well as the 45-second round, our East Coast Correspondents have it going…

1. Shannon Meteraud
2. Bethany Wagner
3. Nicole Wilkins
4. Tina Durkin
5. Mariam Capes
6. Trish Warren

I’m not at the event and pictures can only tell so much. Based on the photos alone, I’d give the physique rounds to Bethany Wagner. She has improved her physique in a big way since we last saw her. We’ll see how the women fair in their two-minute routines tonight. Who will take the top 3 spots and qualify for the Olympia? We’ll know in a few hours.

After the two piece round, the top six look to be…

Meteraud
Wagner
Capes
Warren
Wilkins-Lee
Durkin
The top three in the one-piece physique rounds looedk to be Shannon Meteraud, Tina Durkin and Bethany Wagner. Durkin was knocked down in the two-piece. I’m told by a few that she was too small and not full enough. Capes usually has a great routine, which could launch her into top three contention if the scoring is close in the physique rounds. Nicole’s lower body, in particular her quads are over-powering her upper body and keeping her out of the top three spots in the physique rounds. The women will perform their 45-second routines next and then come back later tonight for the 2 minute routines and the finals.

Check back for more later.

Live from the Big Apple, Hardbody has ya covered on all the action. Our East Coast correspondents tell me that the top call-out in the one piece are:

Wilkins-Lee
Meteraud
Durkin
Warren
Capes
Wagner

They give Meteraud the nod in this round. Check back for more updates as they happen.

Shannon shows she still has ups.

Shan-na-na, Shan-na-na,  HEY HEY HEY Goodbye… Hold up. Wait a minute. Shannon Meteraud may be a veteran to the stage but don’t start singing her goodbyes just yet. She placed sixth at the Fitness International and is looking to take home top honors in the NY PRO Fitness. I caught up with Shannon as she heads into the Big Apple.

What have you worked on since the Arnold?
Trying to keep my sanity!!!!! Actually, just been doing the same ole thing. I was happy how the Arnold went, so we just kept pluggin’ away. Same ole hours of cardio and those wonderful days of routine practice!

Were you surprised to you qualified for the Olympia?
I wouldn’t say surprised. My goal was to make top 6 so I was thrilled with that accomplishment. Getting the “O” qualification out of the way was just a bonus.

Has it been hard staying on a diet since the Arnold?
YES!  I have my 2 girls and it’s Easter time so there is a ton of candy floating around the house. I had to make Easter Bunny frosted cookies for my daughters Easter party and not lick my fingers  I’ve been dieting since November! Orange Roughy and asparagus just aren’t cutting it., but I’m hangin in there.

What’s the goal for the NY Pro Show?
Well you know everybody always trains to win so of course that is my goal!

How’s the hip or is it the knee, whatever fragile bone that gave out last year? Kidding but seriously how is your knee?
Actually Dear Isaac, it’s my knee/leg. I broke my tibia, bruised my patella tendon, and partially tore my ACL. And let me point out that all the YOUNG chickies are tearing ACLs left and right. Anyway, it’s doing fine thanks for asking. I feel it from time to time, but don’t put me out to pasture yet.

Thanks Shannon and good luck in NYC!

Nicole Wilkins-Lee returns to the NY Fitness stage.

IFBB Pro Nicole Wilkins-Lee is heating things up on and off the stage. She competed at the Fitness International, shot with FLEX magazine for their annual swimsuit issue and is headed to the Big Apple in hopes of qualifying for the Olympia. WHEW! Check out what Nicole had to share days out from tomorrow’s New York Pro Fitness.

How’s it feel to no longer be a rookie in fitness?
It feels great! Each year I learn more about myself and have a better idea of what to expect against the best girls in the world. I am much more comfortable onstage although I still get butterflies just before I walk out!

Did you enjoy competing in fitness over figure at the Arnold?
You know that I am going to say that I love them both! What an honor just to be on the Arnold stage. I love the competition but nothing can beat the rush of performing a fitness routine in front of a huge crowd.

What have you worked on since the Arnold?
I will be coming into NY about 3-4lbs leaner and we added a few parts to my two minute routine to speed it up a bit. I feel great and right where I need to be. NY has been good to me in the past

Nicole turned pro at the Team Universe by winning the overall fitness AND overall figure there.

Fav supplement to use while dieting?
Whey protein and Glutamine

Goal for the NY Pro?
TO WIN! I’m not gonna lie! I train to win and I want that Olympia qualification again.

Life of a married woman any different than the single life?
Alan and I have been together for 6 years and he has been with me from the very beginning of my career. He is a huge support and comes with me to every show. It is nice to be with someone who understands and enjoys the fitness lifestyle. We own a business together and I couldn’t imagine my life without him! He’s awesome ♥

Did you give Adam Sandler any training tips?
Haha! He was such a nice guy! But to be honest I think he was more interested in Jay Cutler than us girls. He approached Jay first and was congratulating him on his accomplishments and we were all standing there with our mouths open! Holy crap! He was like a foot away from us! Jess, Erin and I asked if we could take our pic with him and he was totally down to earth. He looked like he was wearing pjs though - I guess when you are the Sandman you can do whatever you want right!?

Word is that you’ll be doing figure in Orlando - right?
Yep - I’m going for a double qualification again I need to get the heck out of the snow here in Michigan!

Kick some butt in NYC Nicole.

IFBB Fitness Pro Tina Durkin

I caught up with IFBB Fitness Pro Tina Durkin days out from the NY PRO Fitness competition. Check out what the rising fitness star had to say.

Currently live in: Alexandria, VA (Originally From Ohio)

You’re a mom right, how many children do you have? One (Evelyn-5)

What’s your occupation besides a pro fitness competitor? Personal Trainer/US Air Force Reserves, E-6 is my rank

How did you get into competing? I watched Ms. Fitness on ESPN back in HS and said “I can do that”… it just took me 12 years the guts to try. I then started in WTF to warm up. I actually attended Jenny’s PHAT camp and she told me about Mike Davies. He basically had to talk me into trying a NPC show… and well you know the rest. I met Mike in 2006.

What did you do different this year from year’s past to improve your physique? DIET DIET DIET… LOL! I actually feel like I’m stronger now that I’ve had back surgery. I’m more careful working out now but I’m able to do so much more. My back problem did not happen overnight so I’m sure it kept me from performing my best in the past.

Favorite supplement while prepping for a show? REDLINE RTD

Goals for New York Pro Fitness? Hey, I’m in it to win it!!!! No really, I just wanted to get my name back out there and have fun. I would like to clean up my routine and work on my stage presence. I feel a little rusty being off a year.

Socks with Sandles or no socks? OMG… †if you wear socks with sandles I would kill you!!! (So NO WAY)

Good luck in New York Tina!

The IFBB New York Pro Fitness will take place this Saturday in New York, NY. Thirteen women will head to the Big Apple in search of victory. My predictions for this show are below. As always, this is intended to be in good fun and not taken personally. I don’t know how any of these women will look come showtime and if their routines will rock the house or not. The top three qualify for the Fitness Olympia.

1. Tina Durkin - If Tina shows up looking like she did at the Arnold this show is hers. She’s been a bit under the weather but if she’s able to come in healthy I see her notching her first pro win. Her physique at the Arnold was the best we’ve seen on her and her routines have greatly improved.

2. Shannon Meteraud - The granny of the group still has some gas in the tank. The veteran returned to the Arnold stage and placed sixth. The pressure is off Shannon to qualify for the Olympia, since her Arnold placing took care of that. If Durkin isn’t at her best, Shannon could find herself in the winner’s circle. Don’t be surprised if Shannon does find the top spot in this show and sends Durkin to the brides-maid position.

3. Nicole Wilkins-Lee - Nicole has all the tools to be the future of fitness. If she comes in a bit tighter than she did at the Arnold she will be in the mix for victory here. She’s still young and her muscles are maturing but I like the look she brings to the fitness stage.

4. Trish Warren - Trish will hold her own in the physique rounds at this show and if she can stay in the mix in the routine rounds she could qualify for the Olympia by slipping into the top three. It won’t be easy but she’s done it before. It will all come down to how well she performs her routine as to whether the top three are in the cards for her.

5. Erin Riley - Erin brings a ton of raw energy to the stage with her routines and will have the advantage of not traveling far to compete. You saw some of her insane training in the weeks leading up to the Arnold, if you haven’t check them out here. If I were Erin, I’d avoid the heavy lifting and strongman type of training. She carries a great deal of muscle and has a tremendous back, however a more stream-lined look would suit her better. The routine rounds she’ll do better than the physique rounds, it’s just a matter of where.

Wild Card: Myriam Capes has come a long ways in the last two years with her physique. She has an incredible routine and if she comes in conditioned she could challenge for a top five spot. She certainly will hold her own in the routine rounds.

Visit IFBBpro.com for the complete competitor list for this event. What do you think? Who do you have in your top three?

The IFBB Pro fitness ladies return to the stage on April 11, 2009. The New York Pro Fitness returns to the Tribecca Performing Arts Center in New York, NY. The NPC show has been named after long-time NPC contributor, Steve Stone.

The pro competitor list is posted at IFBBpro.com.
• Tina Durkin
• Ryall Graber
• Stephanie Irick
• Donna Jones
• Nicole Wilkins-Lee

The two piece round from the New York Pro is featured on IFBBpro.com. Check out the photos from each competitor in the figure division.

Two-Piece Round in NYC

Photos from the New York Pro Figure are posted on IFBBpro.com. Thanks to Tony Blinn for continuing to support the women’s side of things.

Ziville wins in New York.

The night belonged to the competitor absent from the early lists… Ziville Raudoniene. When I spoke to Ziville at the New York Pro Men’s contest earlier in the year she mentioned she’d be back to defend her title. We haven’t seen much from her and since she wasn’t on the list I assumed she decided to skip the contest. The only thing she skipped was cheat meals as she was on point and the clear favorite from the moment she took the stage. She’s one of the competitors that shines more in person than she does in photos. Beautiful girl, nice balance to her physique and spot on conditioning. She will successfully defend her New York Pro Figure title.

Second will go to the rookie Julie Ann Kulla. Everything fell into place for her tonight. Her color, suits, hair, makeup, conditioning, muscularity… She had it all. Julie Ann looked better at this contest than she did when she won the Jr. Nationals title. Like Lenay Hernandez she will get the runner-up title and make a name for herself right out of the gate.

Who will get that last qualifying spot to the Olympia? It will either be Huong Arcinas or Jelena Abbou. Jelena is already qualified but Huong is not. Huong is the shortest competitor on stage but the most complete in my opinion. When you look at her physique top to bottom she has it all. Great calves, symmetry, muscularity and conditioning. This was the best I’ve seen Huong and she could get the nod. Jelena looked great and you’re either a fan of her physique or not. She was more polished in her presentation tonight than at the Europa. I personally like her look and she has done all she can do with her genetics. Super tiny waist, great presentation, beautiful with nice conditioning. It will be close between these two.

Based on the callouts I have Candice John in fourth. I’m not familiar with the Trinidad competitor and was surprised to see her called out in the first round. It is proof that when people want to cry “politics” and “the name game” that it isn’t the case. She was tied for 16th at this show last year so landing in the top five is a huge accomplishment for her. She has a nice physique with good symmetry and balance.

The top five as I have them on my scorecard:
1. Ziville Raudoniene
2. Julie Ann Kulla
3. Huong Arcinas
4. Jelena Abbou
5. Candice John

3-5 could be any mix of Houng, Jelena and Candice. We’ll have to wait and see how the final scores come out.

Other thoughts from the show…
Teresa Gillian is doing very well in her second pro show. She’ll be in the 6-8 range and looked great. Nice symmetry and balance. I wasn’t a huge fan of her make up as it looked a bit muddy on stage. Overall though her presentation continues to improve and is doing a great job.

Natalie Benson was a bit soft from behind and despite getting good callouts I didn’t have her as high as she will most likely end up. She did look better than at the Europa show and appeared much tighter.

Krissy Chin will find herself on the outside of the top 10 most likely. I thought she could have been in the second round of call outs but it wasn’t meant to be for her this time around.

Becky Clawson was much improved from her previous shows and moved up in her call outs. This was definitely her best showing as a pro.

Tana Clough has an amazing physique. She came in a bit too hard for her debut. Had her conditioning been backed off a bit she would have faired better. Tana also needs to work on her posing. This is her first pro show so there were most likely some first time jitters. If she is little less hard and presents herself better she will move up at the Atlantic City contest.

Erica Fuest made her return to the stage but wasn’t at her best. She is lacking the muscle maturity and wasn’t in the condition she needed to, in order to do well here. Erica plans to compete at the Tournament of Champions so she should be improved there.

Juliana Malacarne should do female bodybuilding. I love her physique and she carries a ton of muscle beautifully. She will never crack the top 5 in figure, in my opinion. If she were to compete in female bodybuilding she would be winning every lightweight competition she entered.

Jessica Steffens is a pretty woman and has a nice upper body. Her legs need to drastically improve for her to do well in the pro ranks of figure.

Ziville should repeat at New York Pro Figure Champ.

The quick skinny from New York…

The competitors all checked in last night and if they missed check-in last night they were able to do so this morning. IFBB Fitness Pro Kim Scheideler (formerly Klien) helped promoter Bev Francis with the process.

JM Manion drove in from PA to cover the show for NPC NEWS and will be shooting the winners on Sunday.

Two of the top contenders in the Figure F class were chatting it up with each other. Monique Minton and Alicia Marie were chilling in the lobby. Alicia was contemplating what to do with her Friday and Monique was feeling good with some fats and carbs in her system.

American Gladiator Mike O’Hearn was spotted carrying in groceries with her girlfriend Sheryln Roy. He was trying to be undercover with a five o’clock shadow and a hat on.

Tanji Johnson is in the Big Apple and brought and entire crew. They were doing a few impromptu photo shoots in the lobby showing off the team jackets.

Jen Hendershott is in attendance and will be cheering on one of her pupils, Lishia Dean. She tells me Lishia has ditched the “rock star” routine and will be bringing something new in hopes of nabbing a pro card. We’ll see how she fairs in the routine round tonight.

Carla Sanchez brought a number of women from her Performance Ready Team. Figure competitor Tara Green, who is a pilot, had her co-pilot give a shout out to the PR TEAM over the intercom. Look for Liza Kampstra, Jamie Meade and a few other PR figure divas to be in the mix this weekend.

Houng Arcinas tells me she is “on” and ready.

Krissy Chin said she was excited and ready to go.

Tracey Greenwood decided not to attend due to the imposing weather the local area is scheduled to have tomorrow.

The prejudging starts tonight at 6:30pm EST. Check back here for more info and stop by bodybuilding.com for photos throughout the weekend.

It’s time for another IFBB Figure show this weekend and three Olympia qualifications are on the line. Which ladies will prevail when they take the stage Friday night at the Tribecca Performing Arts Center? Looking at the line up there are a few women who stand out to me as being in the top call-outs. It all depends on who shows up at their best but let’s assume they all do.

My picks for the top callouts…
• Jelena Abbou - She’s already qualified for the Olympia so the pressure is off her to land in the top three. Anyone who knows Jelena knows that won’t stop her from coming in at her best. This Jersey girl has her sights set on the title and will have the hometown advantage at her side. Look for her to land in the top three in this show.

• Julie Ann Kulla - Julie Ann won the overall crown at this year’s Jr Nationals and has the potential to make a splash in her pro debut. She has the look that has been consistently rewarded and I look for her to be in the top callouts at this show. Don’t be surprised if you see this Minnesotan making the trip to Vegas in a couple weeks, as a Olympia competitor.

• Krissy Chin - Krissy returns to the stage where she turned pro. She’s consistently improved from show to show this year and should find herself in the top callouts in this line up. Will she prevail as she did last year? Highly possible for her to be making a trip to Vegas as well.

•  Huong Arcinas - She’ll be the shortest competitor on the stage but don’t be fooled by her height. Huong has one of the most complete physiques from top to bottom and can more than hold her own against the taller competitors. She should find herself in the top callouts.

Others who could be in the mix and could be as high as 3rd.

• Natalie Benson - This is a make or break show for Natalie. When she is on, she’s great but when she is off she is out of the top five. If Natalie brings a smaller, tighter package then she had at the Europa she could be in the hunt for the Olympia. The softer look doesn’t suit her physique because of the amount of muscle she carries.

• Teresa Gillian - She had an impressive debut in Dallas with a 7th place finish and has the makings of a solid pro. She should find herself in the first or second callouts in this line up and has a look that is often rewarded. The biggest challenge for Teresa is her stage presence and presenting her physique with confidence. That will come in time and if she’s able to strut her stuff she should be in the mix.

• Tivisay Briceno - I like her physique and thought she could have been in the top five at the Europa Super Show. She’ll hold her own in the Big Apple and will undoubtly be in the top ten. The question will be how high in that top ten? We’ll see.

• Allison Jones-Williams - She presents a nice physique and should find herself in the mix of the top couple of callouts. It will be a battle for her to get into the top five but don’t rutle it out.

The Darkhorses:
• Tana Clough - We haven’t seen her take the stage as a pro but she shined at last year’s Jr. Nationals. She has a very balanced, aesthetically pleasing physique. She could be in the mix in the top three or at the bottom of the pile. She carries a fair amount of muscle and the determining factor for Tana will be her conditioning. If she comes in too hard she’ll be on the outside looking in but if she finds a nice balance look for her to be called out early.

• Erica Fuerst - The California girl makes her return to the stage after a long lay-off. When she is on she’s great but if she is off she’s standing on the sidelines. The key for Erica to do well will be her conditioning. She’s struggled as a pro to nail it but if she finds the right balance here she could fair well. We’ll have to wait and see which Erica shows up in New York.

Check back here throughout the weekend as I provide updates on the show. Best of luck to all the competitors and remember these are only my opinions and we all know the saying about opinions.

There are currently 25 figure pros slated to take the stage this weekend in New York. Who do you like for the win? For more info on this event visit, IFBBpro.com.

1. Jelena ABBOU, USA
2. Huong ARCINAS, USA
3. Natalie BENSON, USA
4. Tivisay BRICENO, USA
5. Krissy CHIN, USA
6. Becky CLAWSON, USA
7. Tana CLOUGH, USA
8. Serena COOPER, Canada
9. Erica FUERST, USA
10. Marie GIBBON, USA
11. Oksana GRISHINA, Russia
12. Jacqui JARRETT, New Zealand
13. Candice JOHN, Trinidad
14. Allison JONES-WILLIAMS, USA
15. Donna JONES, Australia
16. Carol KING, Barbados
17. Jeanette KOLONIAS, USA
18. Julie Ann KULLA, USA
19. Juliana MALACARNE, Brazil
20. Arina MANTA, Australia
21. Karen MULLARKEY-BARRINGER, USA
22. Larissa REIS, Brazil
23. Jessica STEFFENS, USA
24. Rosalind VANTERPOOL, Barbados
25. Tessa WOOD, USA