2008 Arnold Blog

The women’s show took place last night and there were a few surpsises. Let’s start with the women’s bodybuilding…

The biggest news hit fans when defending champ, Iris Kyle failed to make the top six. Iris finished in seventh place when the dust cleared. You may be wondering why the defending champ fell so far down in the placings. It was obvious when I shot the prejudging that there were more than a couple indications Iris could and should be knocked down in the judging. Why? Well, despite her being called out in the top 3-5 at the prejudging, the judges felt they needed to send a message. What message? I spoke with a couple judges after the show and they informed me that Iris was out of the top six because of the marks on her physique. If you look at the photos, pay attention to her shoulders and her buttocks… You’ll see what I am talking about.

Congrats to Yaxeni for winning the Ms. International. When I saw her at prejudging, I had her pegged as the champ. She looked great and brought the physique we have grown to love when she brings it. She was in excellent condition and brought great symmetry combined with just enough mass, to the stage.

As predicted, Gina Aliotti walked away with victory in the Figure International. I’m a huge fan of Gina’s and she never looked better than she did last night. She presented a balanced physique with just enough hardness to reign supreme. Jennifer Gates showed that a competitor can change drastically in three weeks. I had a sneak peak at what Jen was looking like before the show and I thought she was behind in her prep. I ate my words of predicting her fourth and knew when I saw her at the check-in Thursday that she was ready. Jenn presented a very balanced physique and look amazing. You can see her on the next issue of Muscle & Fitness Hers in a couple weeks. Paola Almerico grabbed a top six placing which was a tremendous accomplishment from her. The most overlooked competitor had to be Juliana Malacarne. I know the judges probably thought she was still too muscular but overall, she is still the most balanced competitor on the figure stage. She has it all from top to bottom when it comes to rock’n the figure stage. Amy Fry landed in third, as I predicted, and looked great. She towered over her competition but showed why she is one of the best competitors in the biz today by bringing a balanced physique to the stage.

Fitness super star Kim Schiedler rocked the stage in Columbus. I hope I spelled her last name right as her father corrected me a couple times backstage on her name. Those who aren’t aware, Kim has had a number of personal issues to deal with while prepping for this show. I won’t go into great detail but long story short, she is getting a divorce and dealing with the stress attached to that. Kim’s physique was much improved from the Olympia and you could tell she was much happier. Her routine was reflective of where she’s at in her personal life, check out the webcast to see it. Jen Hen was in second and I love Jen but I honestly wasn’t that impressed with what she brought this time around. She looked good in the physique rounds and her routine was funny and full of high energy but had too much dancing and booty shaking for my liking. I’d like to see more strength moves and less dancing out of her, but it was still fun to watch and photograph. The biggest gift in the show was given to Julie Palmer in my opinion. I love Jules as a person and this no knock on her but she was not a top three competitor in this show, at least from my vantage point. Her physique was good in prejudging and she placed well in those rounds. I thought her routine had too much set up and was a little hoaky. I didn’t feel as though her routine was that good and I would have her out of the top ten when it came to the routine rounds, but I’m not a judge and making those calls. The judges liked what they saw and placed her high in the routines. Julie Lohre has never looked better and brought a great routine and physique to the stage. She should have been second in my opinion but again I’m not a judge. Oksana was highly favored by many going into this show and while she performed a great routine her physique looked the worst I’ve seen from her since hitting the pro show. Her waist is a little too wide and it looked like she was overdieted. I’d like to see her add some size to her shoulders and improver her lats to give the illusion of a smaller waist.

I’m off to the expo to do some more videos with some of the IFBB’s hottest women. Check back for more info, photos and videos through out the weekend.

Well, it’s that time. AR-NOLD SEA-SON! (clap, clap, clap-ap-ap) AR-NOLD SEA-SON! (clap, clap, clap-ap-ap)  And this year marks the 20th anniversary of one of the most prestigious events in the muscle world, with the Olympia being the only event bigger than the Arnold.  History will be made in all four categories: Men’s Bodybuilding, Women’s Bodybuilding, Fitness, and Figure.

For the guys, a new Mr. International Champion will be crowned as the reigning champion (Victor) had to withdraw due to injury training for this event. No doubt whoever wins this event will carve his name in the annals of the history of not only the Arnold Classic, but in men’s bodybuilding in general. Obviously, there will be plenty of people to give their predictions on the males, so I’ll focus on the females. Before I do that, I’ll will go out on a limb and say that Dexter Jackson will be the new Mr. International.

In part one of the women’s side of things, I’ll discuss my Arnold thoughts on the fitness division, where a new top six will emerge due to the noticeable absences of Adela Garcia, Tanji Johnson, and Julie Shipley-Childs, among plenty of others. This lineup is the smallest that I can recall, but it’s made up of incredible talent, from seasoned veterans to up-and-coming pros, and of course, big-time rookies:

Regiane Da Silva
International flavor at the Arnold, Regiane will once again show the American audience how they do fitness in Brazil. She has appeared in the Arnold for the last couple of years and has brought with her from Brazil very high energy routines and a very strong physique. This year will mark her third consecutive Arnold competition and will definitely be looking to move up in the rankings, especially after placing pretty low at last year’s Olympia.  

Tina Durkin
The 2007 Nationals crowned an amazing champion in Tina Durkin. She brought down the house with her show stealing routine and wowed the audience with an amazing physique to boot. Of course, now it’s time to see if she can hang it with the elite. But if her performance at this year’s Arnold is even a fraction like her showing at the Nationals last year, look for Tina to secure a name for herself at the Arnold.

Bethany Gainey
I don’t know too much about this competitor, but from what I’ve seen of her so far, that could change very, very soon.  She impressed me with her routine at the Arnold last year (but what can you expect, I’m a fan of the King of Pop. That’s Michael Jackson, for those of you that don’t know.) Personally I think she needs to bring up her physique just a tad to move up, but that’s just me, though. Regardless, she’ll definitely be representing Hot-lanta this weekend with her style. I see her attaining a top ten spot.

Tracey Greenwood
Power, beauty, brains, intensity, and veteran status; that’s what you get when you face Tracey. She brings along cool routines, and one of the tightest bodies of any fitness competitor out there, which include her trademark vascular arms. She has paid her dues in the competitive world, as she’s one of the most respective women in fitness. This year will mark her eight year as a pro, and this Arnold will be her sixth. She’s not missed any of the top contests (Arnold and Olympia) since 2003. According to her website, she will bring a smaller but still tight body as well as a new fitness routine. To me, it’s only a matter of time before Tracey will host the Fitness International title over her shoulders. A top four finish is imminent.

Oksana Grishina
In all honesty, I don’t see why she should see herself out of the Top Six at the Arnold. She wowed the audience at the Olympia with arguably the best routine of the competitors. In fact, she won the fitness routine round with a near-perfect score.  Her physique is right up there with the elite fitness stars. With some more exposure in the United States, don’t be surprised if she picks up some major awards in the near future. The Arnold world could be in for a big Russian awakening, and in the word of WWE Raw Superstar Chris Jericho…the fitness world will never…EEEEEVVVERRRRRR…be the same….ag-ain!

Jennifer Hendershott
This has got to be arguably Jennifer’s favorite event as it will be in front of a very loud and supportive hometown crowd. Her body is good, but her routines are what set her apart from the competition. Rules, boundaries, controversies, and limits be damned! Every time she steps onstage, you know you’ll in for a performance you’ll never forget. In fact, very few can surpass her, let alone even attempt to match her in the routine round. That’s why she’s been at the top for so long. She has that “it” factor about her. In my honest opinion, Jenny is by far the best and only person to defeat Kim this year. If Jenny is at her best, she can’t and won’t be stopped. I gave you all fair warning.

Kimberly Scheideler (formerly Kim Klein)
New last name, same incredible physique. But now Kim found herself in a position that shows what a true champion is all about: defending your title. Last year, Kim silenced the critics and finally became Fitness International champion.  Her victory was something many people wanted, but few expected to happen in 2007. She had great momentum heading into the 2007 Fitness Olympia, but came a few points short in capturing the title. You can bet that Kim will be at the top of her game come Arnold time. No one wants to win a title one year, and then lose it the following year. Unless she’s a mess, don’t expect Kim to relinquish the title to Jennifer, Tracey, or anyone else at the end of the month.

Julie Lohre
Her Arnold debut is one that many people are anticipating. Her football routine in 2007 was the talk of the town and won her many followers. You go to practically any female muscle forum, and you will see her husband, Rick Lohre, drawing support and posting her on the web. And she posts in various boards, as well. Personally, I have her in a lock for a top-six position.

Tanya Merryman
For those who have no idea what Tanya is capable of in fitness, you’re in for a treat. Nearly a decade ago, she wowed the crowd during her Fitness America days. Her routines were pro-level to start with, and her physique was perfect, especially her legs. Fast forward to today, and she’s never looked better than she does right now. She’s had to work on her upper body a tad because her lower body is beyond overpowering…yep, af decade later, her legs still rival most competitors.  She’s obviously following her own path to becoming an IFBB veteran and doing things her own way, but as a Fitness America alumnus, she’s got some shoes to fill. The only big Fitness America alumni success story that is going on today belongs to Julie Shipley-Childs, who placed fifth in her first Arnold Classic, a feat that’s not easy to do. But if anyone can follow the path of the Childs and become an IFBB sensation, it’s Tanya.

Mindi O’brien
Canada’s top fitness star has made an impact on women’s fitness. Her routines are high-spirited and her physique would match that of a lightweight bodybuilder’s.  She’s got a huge fan base, and has arguably the best biceps of any fitness competitor at the Arnold, and in all of fitness period.  This Canadian powerhouse has been looked at as one of the best, but has yet to place in the top six. She can change that this month.  

Julie Palmer
A regular in the top six positions at many events, Julie Palmer is among one of the most consistent performers. She brings with her a tight physique and flawless routines wherever she goes. She packs in a good amount of muscle, yet it so balances that having more muscle than most isn’t a problem for her. For the last three Arnolds, she’s places in the top six…at six. It’s guaranteed her spots at the Olympia, but I’d happen to think that this Julie is getting just a wee bit tired of placing sixth at the Arnold. She would like nothing better than to move up to the top three or four. I bet she would settle for even top five. Just as long as doesn’t go below sixth place, she won’t have a problem with her placement. I see her having a top four finish.

Stacy Simons
She’s the senior in the fitness division, as she’s entering her 11th year…as a pro! Congrats girl! This will be her seventh Fitness International (her 39th overall pro competition), and I would like to see her place pretty high in this event, like she did in 2002, when she got a top five finish.  She has great routines and a great muscular physique. Knowing her, she will have something incredible in store for the fitness fans in Columbus. Miss Simons wouldn’t have it any other way.

With that being said, here’s my top six:
1. Kim Scheideler
2. Jenny Hendershott
3. Tracey Greenwood
4. Julie Palmer
5. Oksana Grishina
6. Julie Lohre

Top Three Wildcards: Tanya Merryman, Tina Durkin, Stacy Simons

I’ll post the Figure and Ms. International before the Arnold arrives.

I caught up with Sonia Adcock at the Fit Expo last weekend and whoooo daddy does she look good. Watch out Arnold competitors, this is the best we’ve seen her. Sonia is now with GNC and was at the Fit Expo working their booth. Fans will be able to see her on stage in one week and she’ll also be working the GNC booth at the Arnold Expo. Don’t forget, she is also the new villain in the IRON SIRENS comic book.

Check out her video here.

I have heard from various sources how various athletes are planning to shape up for the coming Arnold Classic.

Marika was on the phone to nearly all of the female competitors yesterday for their status update.

Some of these people have packed on some serious mass, others are going the ultra ripped route.

I think its going to be an awesome showdown with some upsets. I have yet to get a couple more athlete updates so we can give a more accurate prediction come 1pm when we will be giving our live Justin.tv predictions.

Kris

We caught up with East Coast Gym owner, Bob Bonham and asked him his picks for the 2008 Arnold Classic. Who is Bob going with it? Who is gym member, Hollis going with? The two of them disagree on who the champ next week will be. Check out the video to see how they break it down.

Check out the video here.

Unfortunately, I didn’t have the pleasure to get invited to compete in the Ms. International 2008, but I will still be at The Arnold Sport Festival to work and enjoy myself.

It will be exciting to see all events and watch my friends competing in the Ms. International.  During the weekend, I will be working with different companies such as 247bodybuilding.com, Jan Tana, Scivation and also from time-to-time with Bodybuilding.com.

For those that don’t know, I’m doing an Arnold Classic predictions live video chat segment along with my sexy husband Kris Gethin tomorrow for Bodybuilding.com.  It’s at one o’clock p.m. MST.  Stop by if you have a chance.

Make sure to come by and maybe get a signed picture, a DVD or just to say “hi!”  This is a great opportunity to network and meet friends with same interests.  Hope to see you there!

Marika Johansson
IFBB Pro Bodybuilder
http://www.247bodybuilding.com/marika_johansson.htm

Check out the latest on FLEXONLINE.com with IFBB Pro Figure competitor, Gina Aliotti. Gina was strutting her stuff at the IRONMAN/FIT EXPO where she looked better than ever. She shot with the Weider crew two weeks out from the Figure International where she’s a favorite to win the entire show. I gotta give her the nod in my picks as the new Arnold Figure Champ. Look for her in the June issue of FLEX magazine. Props to the folks at FLEX for upping their women’s coverage in ‘08.

Check out the story and more photos at: http://blog.flexonline.com/

Another big "Thank You!" to those who tuned into watch our Iron Man Predictions live video chat last Friday with NGA Competitive Bodybuilder Matt Biss.

This week’s scheduled live, interactive video chat is with industry insider Kris Gethin and his beautiful wife, IFBB Pro Female Bodybuilder Marika Johansson, who will be giving us their Top 10 predictions for the upcoming 2008 Arnold Classic!  This seventh weekly live video chat will take place Friday, February 22, 2008 @ 1:00 p.m. MST (-0700).

So stop by this Friday and chat with fellow BodySpace members Kris Gethin and Marika Johansson live, pick their brains about the upcoming 2008 Arnold Classic, and hear their AC predictions!  Here’s the link:

http://www.justin.tv/bbcom

See also: our Justin.tv Main Page for weekly chats:

http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/justintv.htm

I ran into natural bodybuilding competitor and BB.com writer, Hugo Rivera at the Prolab booth at the Arnold Expo, and did a quick interview with him.

See what the hot products are at Prolab, learn more about Hugo’s new book/DVD combo, and find out who Hugo thought would win the Arnold Classic!

Having problems with the video?  Click here for the downloadable Windows Media version.

I ran into Milos Sarcev (star of The FitShow here on Bodybuilding.com) at the M&F booth at the 2007 Arnold Expo, and asked him for a few predictions about the 2007 Arnold Classic.

Hear what Milos has to say about the myth of “peaking”, plus how he helped train Silvio Samuel and Hidetada Yamagishi recently!

Having problems with the video?  Click here for the downloadable Windows Media version.

We managed to squeeze in a very loud interview with James "Flex" Lewis at the Muscle & Fitness booth at the 2007 Arnold Expo.

See what’s in store for Flex and when his next competitions will be, and who he thought was going to win the Arnold Classic…

Having problems with the video?  Click here for the downloadable Windows Media version.

We caught up with IFBB Pro Bodybuilder, Idrise Ward-El at the Bodybuilding.com booth at the 2007 Arnold Expo!

Hear Idrise’s Top 5 pics for the 2007 Arnold Classic!  My favorite line: "Everybody looks great standing alone…"

Having problems with the video?  Click here for the downloadable Windows Media version.