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Chrissy Burton had a stellar 2007 competitive season and it looks like things are on track again in ‘08. She won the 2007 Contra Costa and today she added the 2008 Emerald Cup overall figure title to her impressive competitive resume. The Emerald Cup, promoted by Brad and Elaine Craig, has grown into one of the best NPC National qualifying events.
Congratulations Chrissy.
I had a chance to speak with Arnold Amateur Competitor Jenn Jackson about her Arnold Prep last week.
While the interview did not go as expected, Jen gave us something to report nonetheless. As we head into the Flu season here in the Midwest, she told us that she came down with a nasty case of it that has completely thrown her final week prep “out of whack”.
Jen told me that, “…I really regret having to pull out of the Arnold, but there is just no way it’s going to happen. I’ve been battling this thing for the past few days and I’ve just not been able to shake it. I tried to stick with it and stay in the gym, but I finally had to give way and let my body get some rest.
My diet, workouts and cardio had to be put on hold so I could get over this. I’m still feeling pretty bad and I’m just not willing to put on the stage what I feel would be a less than 100% package.
It’s extremely disappointing after much hard work and preparation over the past 10 weeks. I wish everyone good luck and will be thinking about you all this weekend.”
I asked her what her competitive plans hold as she’s spent so much time prepping for this show. She’s not sure right now and is just focused on getting better but she told us that she’ll definitely be making an appearance at NPC Jr USA’s.
Get well Jen and we’ll look to seeing you rock the stage in May.
The start of the 2008 competitive season has arrived. This weekend the familiar smell of Pro Tan is back. It kicks off at the IRONMAN Pro this weekend in Los Angles, California. If you’ll be there let me know and say hello.
Official Web Site: www.ironmanpro.com
PRESS CONFERENCE/MEN’S WEIGH-IN Friday, Feb. 15 (4 p.m.)
West Hall A. One of the most exciting events every year! Meet with Iron Man publisher John Balik and Lonnie Teper, the most accomplished emcee in bodybuilding, as they introduce and weigh in all its pro competitors. All industry and mainstream press, VIP guests and Expo attendees are invited to participate. Get a sneak peek at these amazing bodies and see if you can predict who will win the IRON MAN Pro XIX title.
MEET THE PROS Friday, Feb. 15 (5 p.m.)
West Hall A. We’ve asked the competitors to stick around in the Main Stage to mingle and meet attendees, so take this opportunity to wish your favorite athlete good luck and grab a photo or two with them as well!
IFBB IRON MAN PRO BODYBUILDING COMPETITION (JUDGING)
Saturday, Feb. 16 (10 a.m.) - West Hall B. The IFBB Iron Man Pro bodybuilding contest, now in its 19th year, is the longest-running IFBB professional bodybuilding event on the West Coast. The TOP FIVE finishers will qualify to compete in the ‘08 Mr. Olympia. Total prize money is $30,000.
Competitor list includes Toney Freeman, Gustavo Badell, Phil Heath, Silvio Samuel, Desmond Miller, Will Haris, Troy Alves, Johnnie Jackson, Eddie Abbew, and many others.
NPC IRON MAN FIGURE COMPETITION
Saturday, Feb. 16 (12 p.m.) - West Hall B. Featuring the world’s hottest, fittest female bodies on one stage! This has been an extremely popular event over the years. The overall winner will receive a photo shoot with Iron Man Magazine’s celebrated photographer, Michael Neveux, and will be featured in Iron Man Magazine.
IFBB IRON MAN PRO BODYBUILDING & NPC FIGURE (FINALS)
Saturday, Feb. 16 (6:30 p.m.) - West Hall B. The Finals event features individual posing followed by the exciting posedown of the top 5 to determine the ultimate Iron Man Pro Champion who will take home $15,000.
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SHOW SCHEDULE
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Press Conference/Men’s Weigh-in, Friday, Feb. 15 at 4 p.m. (West Hall A)
Meet the Pros, Friday, Feb. 15 at 5 p.m. (West Hall A)
Men’s Judging: Saturday, Feb. 16 at 10:00 a.m. (West Hall B)
Figure Judging: Saturday, Feb. 16 at 12 noon (West Hall B)
Finals: Saturday, Feb. 16 at 6:30 p.m. (West Hall B)
FitExpo Hours: Fri/Sat/Sun, Feb. 15, 16, 17 (West Hall A)
*Schedule subject to change. Check www.ironmanpro.com for updates.
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TICKETS
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Judging + FREE Saturday Expo ($40)
Finals + FREE Saturday Expo ($70, $50)
*VIP Package ($125) includes Judging/Finals + 3-Day
Expo pass, BEST CENTER SEATING and the 2008 IRON MAN Pro DVD.
Call to order 800-447-0008 (24/7) or online www.ironmanpro.com. All seats are assigned.
Tickets also available at:
Max Muscle Venice
259 Hampton Dr, #A, Venice, CA 90291
Tel: 310-581-9885
IRON MAN BOX OFFICE
Los Angeles Convention Center, West Hall
Friday, Feb. 15 - 3pm to 7pm
Saturday, Feb. 16 - 9am to 8pm
Competitor list to date for NPC IRONMAN FIGURE:
Kristina Perez
Laurie Eldredge
Lucinda Witte
Brianne Shaw
Soumaya Wilmore
Holly Humphreys
Kathryn Payten
Debbie Bell
Hanna Fox
Alma Ramirez
Ana Tigre
Dore Madere
Delinia Lewis
Lisa Lynn-Calhoun
Lynette Brooks
Danitza Freigher
Jennifer Kline
MaryAnn Pangelinan
Venus Ramos
HardBody Interviews Lenay Hernandez, NPC Figure Competitor
Class B winner & Overall Figure Champion of the 2007 Gold Cup
By: Rick Lohre, Hardbody.com Contributor
HB.com – What got you interested in competing in Figure?
L.H. - The thought crossed my mind in 2004 but with many obstacles in the way I was unable to pursue my dream. I spoke to IFBB Pro Paola Almerico at the gym about my interest and we arranged to meet that week on a Sunday afternoon…I had a decision to make.
I looked up to her and how far she has gotten in the sport and how much knowledge she had gained . Someone told me “It has always been your dream to compete, now is the time”.
HB.com – How did the meeting go?
L.H. – Paola was determined to help make my dreams come true. We decided on the 2007 Gold cup which will get me nationally qualified if I placed top three, with only two months and two weeks we started working hard. I have to thank both Paola and her husband Nelson for their support.
HB.com – How did preparations begin?
L.H. – Paola helped me at the gym with my weights, the posing and the make up. Nelson did my nutrition and body fat They worked as a team, the best team I have ever met.
HB.com – So how did it go?
L.H. –October 27th, 2007 was a night that I will never forget!! We had a goal of top three. Friday night I did not sleep because I wanted this so much; this was my “DREAM”.
During pre-judging my heart was beating as fast as it ever has when I stepped on that stage with my class. I was in the first call out in both the one piece and the two piece. At the night show they called the top 5 out, my heart stopped when they called out second place and it wasn’t my name, I broke into tears knowing that I more than exceeded my goals!!
Not only had I placed first, now I was going for the overall. Thinking back, Paola’s first show was on that same stage in 2005 where she won her class and the overall. As I stood on stage awaiting the judges final tally, they called Paola out to hand the trophy to the overall winner…..it was me.
I hugged her as hard as I could (she is my idol, my friend, my trainer and I look up to her in so many ways). We both cried and hugged, my trainer was giving me the trophy she once received on that same stage two years ago, and it was incredible. I cannot even begin to imagine how I felt and feel till this day, I never thought I would take the overall title.
HB.com – What are your plans now?
L.H. – My future plans are to continue competing, I have the passion and love for it. Hopefully one day I will be on stage with her.
Ladies this is your chance to be part of one of the best NPC stages of the year. This show is held in conjunction with the IRON MAN Pro Bodybuilding and Fit Expo. Every major magazine and photographer will be there. The overall winner receives a photo shoot with Michael Neveux for a pictorial in Iron Man magazine. Don’t miss the opportunity to shine.
Check-In: Judging: Saturday, 2/16/08, 10:00 a.m. (Petree Hall - backstage)
Finals: Saturday, 2/16/08, 5:30 p.m. (Petree Hall - backstage)
Schedule subject to change. Check online at www.ironmanmagazine.com for updates.
Venue:
The Los Angeles Convention Center, 1201 South Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90015.
Underground parking on premises $12.
Parking and Traffic Information: Radio Station 1630 AM.
Petree Hall is inside West Hall building, behind Staples Center.
No video or flash photography allowed.
No food or beverages allowed in the auditorium.
See www.ironmanmagazine.com for map and directions.
Eligibility: Open to all 2008 NPC registered athletes in good standing. Unregistered athletes can purchase cards on the day of event from NPC Officials.
Entry Fee: Figure $60 before Jan. 31, 2008; $100 thereafter. Credit card, money order or cashier’s check payable to Iron Man Magazine. No refunds.
Payment: Payment due with contract. All major credit cards, check, money order accepted. Payment in U.S. Dollars. No refunds.
Awards: Trophies for top 3 plus one overall. Overall Winner to receive a photo shoot with Michael Neveux for a pictorial in Iron Man magazine.
Posing Suits: Figure competitors are allowed to wear 2-piece multi-colored “V” style suits with make-up and earrings for the FINALS EVENT ONLY. The rules on posing suits for Judging remain unchanged.
Hotel: Host hotel, the adjacent HOLIDAY INN CITY CENTER, is $140 a night for singles or doubles. Mention Iron Man FitExpo to get this special rate by calling them at 888-336-3745 in February. 1020 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90015 - www.hicitycenter.com.
Tickets: Judging ($40) + Finals ($70) = $110. Figure Special: $80/combo. Includes (1) Saturday FitExpo Entrance. Restrictions may apply.
Showtimes:
Men’s Judging: Saturday, Feb. 16 - 10:00 a.m. (Petree Hall)
Figure Judging: Saturday, Feb. 16 - 12 noon (Petree Hall)
Finals: Saturday, Feb. 16 - 6:30 p.m. (Petree Hall)
FitExpo Hours: Fri/Sat/Sun, Feb. 15, 16, 17 (West Hall)
*Schedule subject to change. Check www.ironmanmagazine.com for updates.
Contact:
Sonia Melendez, Iron Man Magazine
1701 Ives Avenue, Oxnard CA 93033
Tel: 805-385-3500, ext. 332
Fax 805-385-3515
sonia@ironmanmagazine.com
