2009 Arnold Blog

Former UFC® Light Heavyweight Champion Quinton "Rampage" Jackson was at his devastating best last December as he settled his score with Wanderlei Silva via a chilling first round knockout.

On Saturday, March 7, Jackson will look to move one step closer to regaining his title when he takes on the man who beat both Chuck Liddell and Forrest Griffin, Keith "The Dean of Mean" Jardine.

For the third year in a row, the Ultimate Fighting Championship® is heading back to Columbus, Ohio for UFC 96: JACKSON vs. JARDINE, live from the Nationwide Arena on Saturday, March 7, 2009. More information go to UFC.com

Fencers ranging in age from 6-25 years of age gathered recently at Easton Towne Center in Columbus, Ohio to demonstrate their skills to hundreds of on lookers.

They will be competing in the Regional Youth Circuit fencing competition Saturday and Sunday March 7-8 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center as part of the Arnold Sports Festival. United States Olympic Medalists Mariel Zagunis and Sada Jacobson will be presenting the awards.

USA Powerlifting Championships at the Arnold Sports Festival will grow in 2009 as the popular strength competition is directed by USAPL for the second straight year.

USA Powerlifting, based in Columbia City, Ind., has more than 5,500 members who compete in an organization that is committed to drug-free competitions. The group is also the only U.S. member of the International Powerlifting Federation, the oldest and largest governing body for the sport of powerlifting. The IPF, founded in 1971, has members in more than 100 countries.

The USA Powerlifting Championships will again consist of four events: GNC Pro Performance IPF Deadlift Championship; IPF Titan Pro Bench Bash; NAPF Quest American International; and CON-CRET/NutraCea Raw Challenge. All events will take place during the Arnold Sports Festival, March 6-8 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center.

USA Powerlifting president Dr. Larry Maile said this year’s event will feature approximately 155 athletes, up from 125 in 2009.

“It is a once in a lifetime experience for our athletes to come to the Arnold Sports Festival and compete in an event that features more than 17,000 athletes and 150,000 spectators,” Maile said.

Among the feature competitors will be Yukako Fukushima of Japan, ranked No. 1 in the world in the bench press. Fukishima, who weighs 105 pounds, has a career-best bench press of 295 pounds. “That is just insane,” Maile said.

Other athletes to watch include Daniel Williams in the NAPF Quest American International; Tony Reid and Ellen Stein in the CON-CRET/NutraCea Raw Challenge; and defending champions Brad Gillingham and Priscilla Ribic in the GNC Pro Performance IPF Deadlift Championship.

In addition to a larger field, Maile is proud to welcome Eleiko Sport of Sweden on board as an overall event sponsor. The equipment manufacturer has been active in the sport since the company was founded in 1957. Supplement provider CON-CREAT is also a new sponsor for 2009.

“We have done a great deal of work around sponsorship issues this year in an attempt to stage a better event in 2009,” Maile said. “Eleiko Sport will provide equipment and support money that will allow us to really add some value to the event for our competitors.”

For more information go to arnoldsportsfestival.com

The award was adopted by the Arnold Martial Arts Festival in 2007 in tribute to Chris Canning, an outstanding martial artist, who died an accidental death at the age of 15. The recipient will receive the honor in a special presentation held on the second day of competition. The award is a beautiful black piano finished plaque with the above proclamation inscribed in gold letters and personally presented to the recipient by martial arts legend and event chair, Master Tokey Hill.

Each year the award goes to the martial artist who demonstrates the following attributes during the competition:

    * Competes with honor and respect for their opponents
    * Demonstrates excellence in martial arts skill and technique
    * Conducts themselves in the manner of a world class competitor
    * Constantly exhibiting humility
    * Always seeking to raise the level of their performance without sacrificing their humanity in the process.

“For competing with honor and respect for the opponent, demonstrating excellence in martial arts techniques while showing a competitive spirit and a resolve to prevail regardless of the challenge. In so doing, you have brought honor and distinction to the martial arts, to your instructor, school, and the Arnold Martial Arts Festival. Given to the martial artist that exhibited confidence but maintained a humble demeanor, and who conducted themselves in an exemplary manner as an elite athlete and world class martial arts competitor."

This honor given on March 7, 2009, by
Tokey Hill, World Champion 2009 Arnold Sports Festival Event Chairman;
K. Huunjin Cullen, 10th Dan Selection Committee Chairman; and
Arthur Canning, Chris Canning Foundation President.

Canning Award Application Form

More info

New Competition Highlights Pageant Physique

Columbus, Ohio — A new National Physique Committee (NPC) competitive division will be showcased at the 2009 Arnold Amateur Competitions. The 2009 NPC Amateur Bikini Championships will be held Thursday, March 5, 2009 at the Franklin County Veterans Memorial Auditorium. Athletes in this division will be evaluated on the overall balance and shape of their physiques, physical appearance, complexion, skin tone, poise, and overall presentation.

Mike Davies, Co-Promoter of the Arnold Amateur competitions commented, “This division is a welcome competitive opportunity for a wide range of amateur contestants. These are athletes who train to achieve a sleek yet less athletic physique. Their body fat tends to be a bit higher and their training focuses on intense aerobics and limited weight training. There are many athletes who wish to compete on stage without the intense training required for Figure and Fitness competitions.”

IFBB Professional Fitness Competitor Julie Palmer added, “The sanctioning of this new NPC division is an avenue to bring a new league of competitors to the NPC amateur ranks. Ultimately, it will increase the number of Figure and Fitness athletes who arise in time from the NPC Bikini division.”

Each competitor will be asked to walk on-stage alone and perform a Model Walk that will include a walk to the center stage, a front stance, rear stance, and full turn in front of the assembled NPC judges. Competitors will be judged wearing a two-piece swimsuit and heels.

Two divisions will compete as up to and including 5’4 and those over 5’4. Awards will be presented to the top ten in each division. The Overall Champion will receive a limited edition Arnold Fitness Weekend jacket and a one-year subscription to Posedown Magazine.

For more information go to arnoldsportsfestival.com

I was fortunate enough to have an interview with the defending Figure International Champion Gina Aliotti. Will she repeat as champion? We’ll just have to wait until March 6 to find out.

http://www.fitgemsnation.net/page/fitgems-nation-exclusive-1

The Arnold is only 3 weeks away, get all your information about the Festival right here.

The 2009 Arnold Sports Festival, the world’s largest multi-sport fitness weekend, will be held March 6-8, featuring 38 events including 12 Olympic sports. Over 17,000 athletes will compete. Learn more here.

For information on Webcasts, results, reviews, pictures and more check out the 2009 Arnold Sports Festival Main Page right here.

2009 Arnold Classic, Ms. International, Fitness International and Figure International competitor listings;

Arnold Classic

Ahmad Haidar
Branch Warren
Dennis James
Gustavo Badell
Johnnie Jackson
Kai Greene
Marcus Haley
Moe Elmoussawi
Ronny Rockel
Sergey Shelestov
Silvio Samuel
Toney Freeman
Victor Martinez

Ms. International

Heather (Policky) Armburst
Dayana Cadeau
Iris Floyd Kyle
Maria Del Carmen Gomez
Rosemary Jennings
Debi Laszewski
Cathy LeFrancois
Mah-Ann Mendoza
Yaxeni Oriquen-Garcia
Betty Pariso
Brenda Raganot
Isabelle Turell
Betty Viana-Adkins
Dena Westerfield

Fitness International
Jessica Clay
Regiane Da Silva
Nicole Duncan
Tina Durkin
Heidi Fletcher-Sullivan
Bethany Gainey
Tracey Greenwood
Oksana Grishina
Jen Hendershott
Tanji Johnson
Shannon Meteraud
Mindi O’brien
Julie Palmer
Erin Riley
Trish Warren
Nicole Wilkins-Lee

Figure International

Gina Aliotti
Huong Arcinas
Monica Brant
Heather Mae French
Amy Fry
Adela Garcia
Jennifer Gates
Sonia (Adcock) Gonzales
Lenay Hernandez
Georgina Lona
Juliana Malacarne
Zivile Raudoniene
Kristal Richardson
Felicia Romero
Sherlyn Roy
Chastity Slone
Brenda Marie Smith
Erin Stern
Latisha Wilder

I had the privilege to talk to Bethany for a few seconds and ask her about the upcoming Fitness International.

Here is what she had to say;

“After just missing the Olympia in 2008, I have really worked hard in the off season to prepare for 2009. We (my trainer & I) changed up some of my conditioning and I teamed up with a new choreographer to put on a really good show for the fans!!!

I am excited to be competing in my 3rd Fitness International and I feel confident that I will bring my best yet!"

I’m coming in much harder and more separation from my last contest. Along with an additional 12 lbs or so, I’m a lot leaner 3 wks out this time around. I changed my cardio to less intensity actually, and slightly longer duration and its done wonders, I believe.

My goals are always to win, of course, but mainly just to bring a better package each show, and the placings will come. Being realistic, I’d like to place top 5 in my class. The guys are all international IFBB so it’s more of an experience competing against them I think.

I have to thank my sponsor Capital Discount Nutrition out of Schererville IN. They’ve been tremendous supporters. As well as my girlfriend Mirjana and my family, friends and clients. I strive even harder with them behind me.

I got to ask Latisha a few questions about the Figure International at the Arnold and she is ready to go and is shooting to place in the top 5.

Here is what she had to say;

I wouldn’t say that I am doing anything new…just the old standby of training, diet and cardio. I am planning to look a bit more like I did in 2007 versus 2008.

I am always positive when it comes to my feelings about the Arnold. It is a very special show for me. My goal is to place in the top 5 again.

Get your tickets for FRIDAY NIGHT AND COME OUT TO SHOW YOUR LOVE AND SUPPORT FOR THE LADIES OF THE ARNOLD CLASSIC!!!

I had the privilege to talk with Gina Aliotti  and ask her about the Arnold.
Here is what she had to say.

I started my prep 11 weeks out and I feel that I am right on target to peak for Arnold weekend.  My plan is to bring a physique similar to last years Arnold.  I will present a physique that is tighter than the Olympia but even more refined than last years Arnold. I have brought my delts up in order to have a more fuller and rounder look.  With each show, I have learned so much about my body and how it reacts to my training.

This experience has allowed me to transform my physique into what I believe to be my best package yet. Both physically and mentally, this prep has been a very smooth and a low stress process.  I had a great off-season, which has allowed my body and mind to rest and recuperate. This time allowed me to give 100% focus and attention to protecting my title as Ms. International.

I have received many messages of support and inspiration from fans and fellow competitors during the past few months. They are very encouraging and I am thankful to have so many positive people pushing me to be my best. I am excited and anxious to get back on the Arnold stage and I look forward to seeing everyone there.

I will be working the Europa booth on Saturday and would love for everyone to come say hello. I will have copies of my newly released DVD "Gina Aliotti’s Training & Nutrition" and my autographed photos.

Everyone wish her luck, Thanks Gina!

I asked Debi how she was feeling about the Arnold and this is the email I received from her.

“Hi Dean,  No problem….I am excited to be a part of this spectacular event, the Ms. International 2009 and with the level of competitors, it is an honor to be on stage with them.  I have given this preparation my all and anticipate the return of a new improved physique!  I want to thank all of my fans and supporters, I will make you all proud!!!”

Thanks Debi and best of luck.