Olympia

Who Will Win the First Bikini Olympia?

September 21, 2010 By Isaac Hinds 8 Comments

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.

Filed Under: Olympia, Polls

2010 Olympia Schedule of Events

September 20, 2010 By Isaac Hinds 1 Comment

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

Filed Under: Olympia

Mindi Smith Withdraws from The Figure Olympia Due to Health Reasons

September 20, 2010 By Isaac Hinds 8 Comments

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

Filed Under: Olympia

Oksana Grishina Olympia Interview

September 18, 2010 By Isaac Hinds 2 Comments

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).

- Read the full interview here.

Filed Under: Olympia

Figure Olympian Candice Keene – Believe in Yourself

September 15, 2010 By Isaac Hinds 1 Comment

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.

Read the full interview on bodybuilding.com.

Filed Under: Olympia

IFBB Figure Pro Erin Stern – Gunnin’ For Numero Uno

September 15, 2010 By Isaac Hinds 2 Comments

Closing in on her second Figure Olympia, Erin Stern was kind enough to take time out of her carb depletion and trips to the gym for an interview. Erin is considered by many to be the biggest threat to Nicole Wilkin-Lee’s Figure crown. Find out what’s on Erin’s iPod and what she’s eating on Bodybuilding.com.

Excerpt:

What advice do you have for other women who are wanting to compete and emulate what you’ve achieved?
If this is your passion, go for it! Make a business plan, market yourself, work hard, then work harder, and always be professional. You can learn something from everyone you meet. Be specific with your goals – and if you can do it yourself, great – if not, don’t be afraid to get help!

Check out the complete interview on Bodybuilding.com.

Filed Under: Olympia

Tianna Ta Interview: Tackling Her First Olympia

September 15, 2010 By Isaac Hinds 1 Comment

IFBB Bikini Pro Tianna Ta shares a bit about herself and some tips on how she nabbed a sponsorship in the fitness industry. Tianna qualified for the Olympia at the Pittsburgh Pro and will look to make her presence known at the first ever Bikini Olympia next Friday. Check out the full interview on Bodybuilding.com.

Excerpt:

What advice would you offer women in regards to shooting and picking a photographer?
Research, research, research! When I started modeling, there was one thing that I always kept in the back of my mind: my morals! That will never change. I always researched a photographer before I worked with them, to make sure that I liked his/her style. Just because someone owns a camera, it does not make them a photographer. Just as someone who takes pictures to post on Facebook, does not make them a model. Credibility takes you a long way. I never wanted to and never will work with a photographer who has a bad rep. This industry is not as big as it seems and girls talk to each other. Anyone who has multiple bad recommendations, I will never work with, so ask previous models who they have worked with and how their experience was. Also, if you are looking to shoot with someone, ask the photographer to send you their release before hand so you can read it. It has never happened to me, but I know girls who were given releases after they shot with a photographer, and if they didn’t sign it, the girls would not receive their pictures. So don’t let them waste your time, and don’t waste theirs!

Check out the full interview on Bodybuilding.com.

Filed Under: Interviews, Olympia

Nicole Nagrani – The IFBB’s Youngest Bikini Pro Heads to the Olympia

September 15, 2010 By Isaac Hinds 4 Comments

I caught up with Nicole Nagrani days before heading to the first ever Bikini Olympia. Find out how the youngest IFBB Bikni Pro (only 18) juggles dieting, training and an accelerated Med Program. She’s not your average 18 year old.

Excerpt:

Some people say girls should be 18 or older to compete in the bikini division. Do you agree?
I have to say that I am neutral on this topic. Personally, I competed in teen figure before 18. Since Bikini is a relatively new division, I don’t think people actually realize that Bikini athletes train as hard as the other athletes in the bodybuilding industry. I know I work just as hard as my mother, if not harder and she is a figure competitor. The subject of being young and competing in this division only becomes an issue because of the stereotype that comes along with it. People think it’s just pretty girls strutting around the stage, but it’s really not. I think people need to look at this division as a sport, instead of a pageant, and then when it comes to age it really will not be such a controversial issue because people will realize that it’s girls walking around the stage showing off their hard work and not just being flirtatious posers.

Check it out on Bodybuilding.com.

Filed Under: Interviews, Olympia

Bodybuilding.com Announces Exclusive Olympia Webcast

September 13, 2010 By Isaac Hinds Leave a Comment

If you’re unable to attend this year’s Olympia, you can tune in via the FREE live webcast available exclusively on Bodybuilding.com.

Bodybuilding.com Announces Exclusive Olympia Webcast
You’ll Have the Best Seat in the House!

Bodybuilding.com, the leader in Internet bodybuilding content, is proud to announce an exclusive agreement that brings the 2010 Joe Weider’s Olympia Weekend to bodybuilding fans around the world. For the 4th consecutive year, Bodybuilding.com – the world’s #1 most-visited bodybuilding website – will provide a LIVE webcast of the year’s biggest event FREE of charge.

Mark your calendars for Friday September 24th and Saturday September 25th as Jay Cutler, Phil Heath, Branch Warren, Kai Greene, Dexter Jackson and 22 of the world’s best battle for the right to be called Mr. Olympia. In addition to the prestigious Mr. Olympia contest, Bodybuilding.com’s coverage from Las Vegas also includes LIVE webcasts of the Fitness Olympia, Figure Olympia, Ms. Olympia and the inaugural Bikini Olympia.

You’ll enjoy the best seat in the house with exclusive access to the backstage “Pump-Up” room and interviews with the contenders. Veteran commentator Dan Solomon returns to lead a team of announcers that includes Radio Host Larry Pepe, Industry Expert Sommer Robertson, and IFBB Fitness Pro Carla Sanchez.

If you can’t make the trip to Vegas, join us at Bodybuilding.com for a LIVE presentation of the 45th annual Olympia Weekend, brought to you at home by Optimum Nutrition and Bodybuilding.com!

For more information and expanded Olympia coverage, visit Bodybuilding.com’s Olympia Main Page at http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/2010-olympia-main.htm

Stay tuned for more info on the Olympia and lots of previews before the big event!

Filed Under: Olympia

Hardbody Figure Olympia Poll

September 13, 2010 By Isaac Hinds 1 Comment

The Figure Olympia will be here in no time and Nicole Wilkins-Lee will look to defend her title. A number of women have their sights set on the champ and will look to dethrone her in Las Vegas. Davana Medina and Jenny Lynn successfully defended their Figure Olympia titles, can Nicole?

Many feel Erin Stern has the best chance at the title but what do you think? Will Nicole repeat or will someone else be the next Figure Olympia queen?

Filed Under: Olympia

2010 Hardbody Fitness Olympia Poll

September 6, 2010 By Isaac Hinds 1 Comment

We’re just days away from the 15th Annual Fitness Olympia. This year has a number of story lines leading into it.

Mia Finnegan was the very first Fitness Olympia champ in 1995 and she’ll return this year. Adela Garcia will attempt to make history by winning a record 5th title. She’s currently tied with Susie Curry with 4 titles to her credit. Tracy Greenwood, Julie Palmer and Jen Hendershott are all sitting out this year. Tracey announced her retirement earlier this year and Julie Palmer is expecting her first child. Jen Hendershott has been busy with her off stage business.

This leaves the top six wide open. We’ll likely see Adela and Tanji Johnson battling it out for the crown but that’s not a given. Trish Warren has been coming on strong in her latest shows and could be a contender. Oksana Grishina has one of the best routines and continues to improve her physique. Shannon Meteraud is no stranger to big shows and a strong candidate for the top five. Camala Rodriquez will be competing in her first Olympia and many people thinks she’s a top three threat. She certainly has the potential.

Filed Under: Olympia, Polls

Ms. Olympia Contender & Hardbody Poll

September 3, 2010 By Isaac Hinds 7 Comments

The Ms. Olympia is just three weeks away. Three of last year’s top six women will not be competing this year. Lisa Aukland and Betty Pariso have both retired and Heather Armbrust is sitting this one out. Iris Kyle has dominated the Ms. Olympia the last four years. Will anyone be able to topple her this year?

olympia-hardbody

Yaxeni Oriquen-Garcia won this show back in 2005 but since then it’s been all Iris. Many felt Heather Armbrust had the potential to beat Iris but we won’t see that battle in Vegas. Instead, Yaxeni and new-comer Brigita Brezovac have the best chance at beating Iris. What do you think… Will Iris win her 6th Olympia title or will someone else take the top spot in three weeks?

Filed Under: IFBB & NPC, Olympia, Polls

2010 Olympia Countdown

September 1, 2010 By Isaac Hinds 4 Comments

The 2010 Olympia will be here in just a over three weeks. We’ll be there covering the action and looking forward to another great Olympia weekend. If you plan to attend or are working a booth let us know in the comments below.

Get more information and tickets to the show at mrolympia.com.

Filed Under: Olympia

Erin Stern’s Road to The Figure Olympia

August 22, 2010 By Isaac Hinds 3 Comments

Top IFBB Figure Pro Erin Stern is back and she’s giving you an exclusive look at her return to the Olympia stage. Erin is making a run at the Figure crown and has positioned herself as one of the favorites heading into the big dance.

sternroad

Contest prep is never the same from show to show. The body changes, we add more muscle, get a little older, have more/less stress, or change gyms! I started my “diet” last week… this will be my first prep in my new hometown of Tampa, Florida. Everything is great except for the EZ-Bake oven in my apartment, which makes cooking in bulk a near impossible feat. The first time I placed a pan of chicken in the oven, the oven door wouldn’t shut. Then, with a pan that fit, it took an hour to cook. So, I’m learning to love boiled chicken! I’m eating six clean meals a day and increasing the volume and intensity of my workouts. I’m lifting six days a week – with legs twice in the rotation – a heavy day with powerlifting and a functional day with more traditional bodybuilding exercises. I’ve been meeting people for “track practice” twice a week, with a high intensity day and a sprint endurance day. It has been great because I still get the jitters (or a nervous tummy-ache) when I know the practice will be a hard one… just like I used to feel in college!!!

Physical training is going really well, I’m taking progress pictures every week and comparing shots side by side on my computer. It’s great to see the subtle changes in the pictures! For the mental preparation, I revisit “Egylo,” my alter-ego stage persona from the last few shows. Egylo isn’t me, and I’m terrible at pretending/acting… my true emotions show on my face every time (see “terror” on my face at Arnold Classic ’09, “joy” at Arnold ‘10). I really enjoy going up on stage, I just get nervous!

My goal for this show is to just be me… I can walk in heels, pose, and smile like I’m having fun…because I will be! I don’t need to hide behind a persona or squeeze into a character who just doesn’t fit me! I’m also learning that being “polished” for the stage doesn’t require a bump-it and teezed-up beehive hairdo… goodbye Aqua Net!

More to come on my Road to the O.

Erin
www.erinstern.com

Filed Under: Erin Stern's Sprint Show, Olympia

Larissa Reiss’s Countdown to The Olympia

August 21, 2010 By Isaac Hinds Leave a Comment

Gain a little insight into Figure Olympia competitor Larissa Reiss’s prep by way of her Nutrex video blogs. Proof that every competitor is a bit different in how they prepare for a competition.

Part One:
Larissa discusses how she starts and ends her day with chanting. The Vegas resident says it’s too hot to run outside but puts on a sauna suit and hits the treadmill.

Part Two:
Larissa talks about the little details of competing and spends the majority of the video getting treatment on her hair.

The Figure Olympia will be held next month in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Filed Under: Olympia

Baby On Board… No Olympia for Julie Palmer

July 19, 2010 By Isaac Hinds 5 Comments

The 2010 Fitness Olympia will be significantly different. There will be a few names missing from the usual top five. One of the top contenders will be sitting out this year’s event but with good reason. Julie Palmer is expecting her first child and will have to obviously pass on this year’s event. Does this mean we’ve seen Julie on stage for the last time?

JULIEPALMER

Julie Palmer has solidified herself as a top contender in any show she enters. She took home top honors at the Phoenix Pro show and was the runner-up at the 2010 Fitness International. She had her sights set on the Olympia title but that will have to wait a bit.

I caught up with the new momma-to-be to find out her thoughts. Julie shared, “Both Mike and I are very excited that we have been blessed. I am due in January and hoping to be back on stage by next August for the Europa and qualify for the 2011 Olympia after the baby. Fitness means a lot and I have no desire to step away from the sport after the baby. I look forward to cheering on all the ladies this year at the Olympia and of course the Arnold next year.”

Congratulations Mike and Julie!

Filed Under: Announcements, Industry News, Olympia

Mia Finnegan, The First Ever Fitness Olympia Champ is BACK

May 4, 2010 By Isaac Hinds 11 Comments

If you’ve read the current issue of Muscle & Fitness Hers, you may have seen mention of this story. I wrote about a possible return of IFBB Fitness Champ Mia Finnegan in my “Twist & Turns” column. A few people have contacted me and asked if it’s all talk or if she is really going to get back on stage. I followed up with Mia… so what’s the scoop?

Longtime industry insider, Lonnie Teper put me in touch with Mia at the 2010 Arnold Classic and I had a chance to speak with her for a couple of hours. It was the first time I had met Mia and it was cool to chat with one of the pioneers of fitness. Mia has an extensive background in gymnastics and a resume full of impressive accomplishments. Mia brought her gymnastic skill set to the 1995 Fitness Olympia and left the first ever fitness champ in the IFBB.

miareturn2
Mia Finnegan at the 2010 Arnold Expo. Looking great at age 43!

Three kids and fifteen years later, the original Fitness Olympia champ is back. She confirmed with me that she will be competing in the 2010 Fitness Olympia at the age of 43. Mia says she’s never felt better and in the shape of her life. It’s a full-time job with children at ages 10, 7 and 4 so why come back now? When I asked her, she mentioned it’s something she wants to do and is physically able so why not? Hey can’t argue with that. As a past Olympia champion, Mia is pre-qualified to compete in the fitness portion of the Olympia. This holds true for all Olympia champs in their respective discipline. She couldn’t come back and compete in the Figure Olympia unless she qualified to do so.

Mia confirmed with me that she is coming back and she will be competing on the 2010 Fitness Olympia stage. When asked if she was certain of the comeback she shared, “Yee ha, rock-n-roll. Suit, music and routine moves selected, just putting it all together.” In case you doubt her commitment she knew exactly how many days it was until the show. Mia went also shared that she will be competing in the 2010 Europa Connecticut show. The event doesn’t have fitness so she will be competing in the figure division for the first time in her IFBB career. Why compete in figure before the Fitness Olympia? “It’s just as a warm up to the Fitness Olympia as I have not been on stage in 14 years,” Mia shared. She last competed in the 1996 Fitness Olympia where she finished in the runner-up position.

It will be interesting to see how she fairs against today’s pros. Can the original champ hang with the likes of Adela Garcia and Jen Hendershott? We’ll find out in September when Mia returns.

Filed Under: Industry News, Olympia

Aliotti Opts Out of The Olympia

April 29, 2010 By Isaac Hinds Leave a Comment

FLEXonline.com has announced that Gina Aliotti will skip this year’s Olympia. Those of you who visit hardbody.com often know that Gina skipped the Arnold and tied the knot last month. She tells FLEX that she is focusing on her marriage and her web site. You can read the entire story here.

aliotti_skipper1
photo from FLEXonline.com

Filed Under: Olympia

Ms Olympia Competitor Photos

October 7, 2009 By Isaac Hinds Leave a Comment

Fans of female bodybuilding will want to hop over to IFBBpro.com and check out some of the mandatory moves from the Ms. Olympia competition. Photos taken by yours truly.

Filed Under: Olympia

Olympia Video Interviews

October 7, 2009 By Isaac Hinds Leave a Comment

Did you catch all the video interviews from the 2009 Olympia? If you haven’t checked them out, click on over to bodybuilding.com where you can see Jen Hendershott, Mike O’Hearn and others get their interview on. Some are funny, some are cheesy, some might leave you wondering What The…?! but there’s a little something for everyone.

Here’s an interview with Ms. Figure Olympia Nicole Wilkins-Lee. Jen Hendershott tries to recruit Nicole to compete in Fitness and in case you didn’t know, Jen wasn’t competing this year. This video was taken before the show where Nicole went on to win the title in Figure.

Check em out on the bodybuilding.com video portal.

Filed Under: Olympia

New BSN & UFC Octagon Girl Natasha Wicks Interview

October 6, 2009 By Isaac Hinds 1 Comment

We caught up with the newest BSN girl, Natasha Wicks at the 2009 Olympia Expo. Natasha won the UFC Octagon Ring Girl search in July. In case you missed the profile on her, check it out here. The Olympia Expo was just getting started when we chatted with the rising star. Natasha is a very sweet girl and welcomed addition to the BSN roster. Check out the video to find out more about this blonde beauty.

natashawicks

Natasha at the BSN booth during the 2009 Olympia.

Filed Under: Interviews, Olympia

Brock Lesnar & Trish Stratus at The Olympia Expo

October 5, 2009 By Isaac Hinds 2 Comments

You never know who you’ll see at the Olympia Expo. Our West Coast man, Ron Avidan was scouring the scene for bodybuilding.com and snagged this photo of two former WWE super stars. Former WWE star turned UFC champ Brock Lesnar poses with former WWE Diva Trish Stratus. The two were on hand signing autographs for fans during the Olympia weekend. Brock could be seen at the Dymatize booth while Trish was at the Oh YEAH! booth. Both drew huge crowds during the Olympia Expo.

Brock Lesnar and Trish Stratus at the Olympia.

Check out more expo photos from the Olympia weekend on bodybuilding.com.

Filed Under: Olympia

Figure Chix & Gang Signs

October 3, 2009 By Isaac Hinds 5 Comments

Figure women are a gang of their own. Figure Olympians Sheryln Roy, Jessica Paxson-Putnam, Nicole Wilkins-Lee and Erin Stern took a break from pumping up to throw up their best signs. HOLLA HOLLA FIGURE LAAAADIES.

chix
Watch out for this gang of figure chix.

See more photos of the figure gang backstage at the Olympia here.

Filed Under: Olympia

Figure Olympia One Piece Photos

October 1, 2009 By Isaac Hinds Leave a Comment

IFBBPro.com has featured the Figure Olympia One Piece from JM Manion. Check out the photos here.

Filed Under: Olympia

Mindi O’Brien Injury Update

October 1, 2009 By Isaac Hinds 1 Comment

Mindi O’Brien pulls off some crazy moves during her fitness routines. While performing her two-minute routine at last weekend’s Fitness Olympia, Mindi left the stage holding her lower back.

mindiback

Mindi has battled with nagging injuries throughout her IFBB Pro fitness career but has managed to always bounce back. She shared on her blog what she was going through leading into the Olympia. She writes, “As it got closer to the Olympia, my back has proceeded to get worse and I have been on anti-inflammatories, receiving treatments (massage, physio and chiropractor care) I had x-rays taken a week before the Olympia and it turned out that my back was a lot worse than I had expected. My spinal cord is impinged and my vertabrae are all out of alignment (from the neck to the lower back) and my hips are totally locked up.”

She goes on to share, “It’s going to be a long journey, but I am excited on getting healthy and getting back on track and having the opportunity to progress onto bigger and better things…I am not calling it a day just yet, but right now my focus is getting my mind and body healthy again…..I only have one body and it needs to last me a long time!!!” Mindi shares more about her Olympia experience in detail on her blog.

Get well Mindi and thanks for the always entertainin routines.

Filed Under: Industry News, Olympia

The Coolest Woman I Met at The Olympia

September 30, 2009 By Isaac Hinds 6 Comments

She wasn’t a competitor. She wasn’t talking about her tan being off. She wasn’t stressing about having the right suit. Nah, none of those things stressed out this bubbly woman full of life. It was a refreshing conversation about life, setting goals, never giving up and a variety of other things in a span of about 10 minutes. There are times when you meet people and think, wow that was a cool. The woman I’m talking about is Arlene Ann Latona. Arlene is the proud mother of FLEX Bikini Model Search winner, Amanda Latona. Arelene’s 60th birthday was last Wednesday and she has more energy than most the 20-somethings working the expo. A supportive family is refreshing to see and should be the norm but unfortunately many times in the fitness industry the exception.

amanda_arlene
Amanda and her mom after her win in Vegas.

me_arlene
Arlene give a thumbs up at the FLEX booth with some dork in a blue shirt.

A big HARDBODY shout out to Arlene for reminding us all to have fun and stay the course.

Filed Under: Misc, Olympia

Busta Rhymes Replaces Lonnie Teper as ‘The Expert’

September 29, 2009 By Isaac Hinds 3 Comments

You never know who will show up at the Olympia. One celeb in attendance was Busta Rhymes the man behind “Touch it”. Busta was a super cool guy backstage and told me he was like a kid in a candy store being there. He was stoked to join Ron and I as our new “expert”. Sorry Lonnie, Ron and I trade up when we cash in a new expert.

Busta joining Ron and I for the “Yogi Point”.

Filed Under: Olympia

2009 Olympia Weekend Pictures

September 28, 2009 By Isaac Hinds Leave a Comment

Another Olympia is in the history books and we have thousands of photos to document it. This weekend was an incredible weekend with each contest creating new superstars and unexpected surprises. We were all over the place… taking photos from in front of the stage, backstage, in the expo and places in between. Check out the thousands of photos from Olympia weekend on bodybuilding.com.

http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/2009-olympia-pics.htm

Filed Under: Olympia

2009 IFBB Figure Olympia Results

September 28, 2009 By Isaac Hinds 3 Comments

Nicole Wilkins-Lee took home top honors on Saturday night becoming the fourth Figure Olympia winner. Past winners are Davana Medina, Jenny Lynn and Jenn Gates. Congratulations to everyone who made it to the big dance. Look for a report/review coming soon.

1. Nicole Wilkins-Lee
2. Gina Aliotti
3. Heather Mae French
4. Kristal Richardson
5. Amy Fry
6. Erin Stern
7. Jenny Lynn
8. Jessica Paxson-Putnam
9. Felicia Romero
10. Monica Brant
11. Sonia Gonzales
12. Larissa Reis
13. Alicia Harris
14. Kristi Tauti
15. Meriza DeGuzman
16. Teresa Anthony
16. Houng Arcinas
16. Krissy Chin
16. Patricia Mello
16. April Rountree
16. Sherlyn Roy
16. Brenda Marie-Smith

Filed Under: Contest Results, Olympia

Fitness Olympia Results & Report

September 26, 2009 By Isaac Hinds 2 Comments

Adela Garcia returned to the Olympia stage for the first time since 2007. A knee injury kept her out of competition until the 2009 Europa Super show, which she won. Adela came into Vegas the show the odds-on favorite and she lived up to the expectations. She was consistent in each round and it lead to her 4th Fitness Olympia title.

2009 Fitness Olympia winners.

Many felt she’d be pushed the hardest by Tracey Greenwood but it was Tanji Johnson that came the closest to the title. Tanji brought her best physique ever and coupled it with two great routines. She also can say she won the last IFBB pro fitness 45-second routine.

Tracey Greenwood slipped to third in large part for not being at her best in the routine rounds. She did improve the balance of her physique but it leaves you wondering… Will Tracey hang it up or will we see her back again next year? She wouldn’t give me an answer but enthusiastically told me, “you’ll be the first to know Isaac, well second after J.M.”

Julie Palmer was also thought to be a contender for the title but wasn’t as sharp as she needed to be this time out. Her conditioning was a bit off in the prejudging, particularly in her glutes and hamstrings. Her evening routine has some good gymnastic skills however it lacked the flow needed to be in title contention. It looked like Julie knew she was off when she took the stage by the expression on her face. Look for her to bounce back at the Arnold with her conditioning and make a run at the top spot.

I was the most impressed with Tina Durkin and had I been a judge (which I’m not) she would have been one or two in the physique rounds but she landed in fourth. Keep your eye on Tina, she’s one who will be a contender in the years ahead. She nailed her physique conditioning at the Arnold and here. I thought her routine was good and continues to evolve.

Myriam Capes has also come a long way with her physique and her routines are solid. I’m very impressed with what she has done in two years. I’d never guess she could transform her physique the way she has and has made a believer out of with her potential.

The rest of the pack…

I caught a lot of slack from some women for me predicting Trish Warren in the bottom spot. It’s nothing personal peeps. Where did she finish? Well, next to the bottom and would have most likely been in that spot had Mindi not injured herself during the two-minute routine. Again nothing personal and just stating my opinion, which apparently was shared with the judges this weekend. Trish’s routine needs to continue to evolve to be a contender. The Jen Hendershott choreography influence could be seen with the attitude and dance moves but a little too much dancing, in my opinion. She did have some of the best toe touches though. Her physique improved and if she can bring a better routine to the stage she can be in the money.

Trish flying through the air on Saturday night.

I think we saw Shannon Meteraud take the fitness stage for the last time and again it’s nothing person but her physique looked like it was tired. Nicole Duncan has mad potential and great routines. As she continues to find the formula for competing in multiple shows look for her to be a top contender in a couple years.

Congratulations to all the ladies for making it to this level. Many attempt to reach the Olympia but only the best do. View photos from the Fitness Olympia here.

Fitness Olympia Results
1. Adela Garcia
2. Tanji Johnson
3. Tracey Greenwood
4. Julie Palmer
5. Tina Durkin
6. Myriam Capes
7. Shannon Meteraud
8. Nicole Duncan
9. Regiane Da Silva
10. Trish Warren
11. Mindi O’Brien

How did the “experts” fair in their top six? Well not to toot my own horn but I was the only one who had the top six pegged, albeit not in the correct order but close.

Isaac’s Predictions:
1. Adela Garcia
2. Tracey Greenwood
3. Tanji Johnson
4. Julie Palmer
5. Myriam Capes
6. Tina Durkin

Ruth’s Predictions:
1. Adela Garcia
2. Tracey Greenwood
3. Julie Palmer
4. Tanji Johnson
5. Regiane DaSilva
6. Myriam Capes

Lonnie Teper’s Top Six Predictions:
1. Adela Garcia
2. Julie Palmer
3. Tracey Greenwood
4. Tanji Johnson
5. Regina DaSilva
6. Tina Durkin

Ron Avidan’s Predictions:
1. Adela Garcia
2. Tracey Greenwood
3. Julie Palmer
4. Regaine Da Silva
5. Tanji Johnson
6. Shannon Meteraud