2009 Olympia Blog

I got the chance to interview Trish Warren for FitGems. Look for the Black Mamba to make some serious noise in the Fitness Olympia competition as she competes in her second straight Olympia. Last year, she was in the top 10. Where will she end up this year?

http://fitgems.blogspot.com/2009/09/fitgems-olympia-interview-trish-warren.html

On September 25-26, 2009, Joe Weider’s Mr. Olympia Weekend returns to the Orleans Arena and the Las Vegas Convention Center in sizzling Las Vegas, Nevada for what promises to be the most exciting event in the contest’s 44-year history.

The title will be battled out by current Olympia Champion Dexter Jackson, 2-Time Mr. Olympia Jay Cutler, Phil Heath, Dennis Wolf and many more strong and talented professionals looking to be crowned the 2009 Mr. Olympia Champion.

With the Olympia fast approaching we have created a way for you to be part of the Olympia Team.  If you would like to take part in the design process of the merchandise that will be sold at the Olympia, please log on to www.MrOlympia.com and click on the t-shirt design contest.  You will have access to uploading up to six (6) exclusive designs for a chance to win tickets to the 2009 Olympia.

Be there for all the fireworks as the most talented athletes in the world battle it out to determine who truly is the best in men’s and women’s bodybuilding, fitness and figure.

Ron Avidan

Day one of the Olympia is in the books. I caught up with a number of the females competing this weekend and most are in great spirits.

Nicole Wilkins is competing in her first Olympia. As if that wasn’t enough to keep one’s nerves on edge, Ms. Wilkins tells me she will be getting married in four weeks. Yep, that’s correct she has been planning her wedding AND getting ready for the O. She will be going on a honeymoon to Belize after the wedding. Congrats!

Felicia Romero tells me she has brought up her legs since Houston. She’s sporting some blue streaks in her hair to match her blue suits. She is always a stunner.

Jane Awad tells me the casting for the new TV show went great and a decision on who is in could come as early as the next two weeks. Jane’s stoked to be competing and says the high fat, no carb diet has worked wonders for her. Her and her husband have been busy with their "Train with Jane" facility in Canada.

Teresa Anthony is also competing in her first Olympia. When not eating Orange Roughy she seems to be enjoying the experience of Vegas. I caught up with "T" after a rather large, sweaty man seemed distraught. The gentleman was upset that the women were not included in the Press Conference. Teresa said she didn’t mind cause it was her first time at the Olympia. I assured her she missed out on nothing and it seems the fans are more upset than the competitors.

Bernadette Galvan looks stunning. She feels she’s found a good look for her physique after competing for months on end. Bernadette is a very friendly woman and looks great. Don’t be surprised if you see her compete in another show this year.

Jenn Gates has point blank never looked better. This little woman is spot on and she came to shake things up. One thing is for certain, nothing will be shaking on her this weekend. She has a glow about her this weekend and exudes a sense of confidence I’ve never seen from her. Don’t be surprised if the announcement of "Jennifer Gates" is higher than 3rd place.

Lenay Hernandez is a little Cuban spit fire who loves to bust my chops. Lenay will be a bit lighter than Houston, where she placed second, and is genuinely excited to be at the show. She still needs to work on her wide-grip pull-ups as she is only at 20. Kidding, this 25 year old beauty will be turning some heads this weekend.

Julie Ann Kulla also in her first Olympia is sporting a slightly darker hair color. Striking as always, Julie Ann is ready to take the stage and has high hopes for her first dance.

Jessica Paxson-Putnam looks hotter than ever. This blonde beauty turns heads every where she goes. Despite the challenges of her husband getting ready for Nationals, Jess has been able to focus on bringing her best to the stage. Definitely one of the few women who looks every bit as good on contest day as they do in the off-season.

Julie Palmer and I at Meet the Olympians.

Heather Armbrust is crabby and tired, which means she’s ready. Heather had a long line of fans throughout the Meet The Olympians. She’s definitely one to watch and could definitely shake things up today.

Jenn Hendershott is full of energy. SHOCKER! I know. Jenn tells me to shut my yap about her dancing too much and to wait till I see her routine this weekend.

Tracey Greenwood has never looked better. It must be those happy pills she’s taking because this girl is here to make some noise. I look for her to have her best Olympia placing this weekend.

Mindi O’Brien is ready to rock but tells me she re-injured her calf. She’s had to back off on her routines this past weekend as her calf has been bothering her since the Atlantic City. This girl is full of energy and I don’t see a silly calf holding her back.

Regiane Da Silva is nuts. This woman is straight up crazy and I love it. She will rock the routine rounds today and look for her to make a move into the top 6. She has more energy than a kid on a Halloween sugar binge.

Julie Palmer looks great and will undoubtedly be in the first call-outs for the physique rounds. She tells me that she’s left the monster props behind and the only thing she’ll use in her routine fit in her carry-on luggage. Julie could have her best Olympia placing here. She’s worked on her gymnastics since the Arnold and says she’s ready.

The crowd loves it and the athletes are having a great time giving each other crap about the others’ problems! The crowd is going crazy! Watch it here:

http://webcast.bodybuilding.com/fitshow/2008olympia/webcast/jtv/2008olympia_jtv.html

Phil "The Gift" Heath has arrived in Las Vegas. Leaving nothing to chance Heath flew into Sin City early. Look for Phil to be on top of his game later this week as he makes his Olympia debut.

Bodybuilding.com has announced the return of celebrity host Kim Lyons.  A former IFBB Fitness Professional, Lyons spent two seasons on the NBC hit show “The Biggest Loser” and has recently joined the Dr. Phil Show as a resident personal trainer.  Webcast Coordinator Dan Solomon explains, “Kim has emerged as one of the fitness community’s most high profile personalities. Through all of her success, she remains loyal to her IFBB family.  Kim’s talent and professionalism will add a great deal to the overall production.”

Kim Lyons, Russ DeLuca and Gunter backstage at the ‘07 Olympia.

Tune in on Friday and Saturday (6:30pm PT) as MuscleTech Presents Joe Weider’s 2008 Olympia Weekend – brought to you by Bodybuilding.com, the exclusive home of the Olympia worldwide webcast. For more information, visit www.Bodybuilding.com.

Check out these stylin’ new, gothic BB.com t-shirts that we’ll be giving away free at our Olympia Expo booth this year!

Stop by and say ‘hi’ and be among the first to sport the new look.  Kudos to Crystal in our Marketing Department for the sneak preview!

Enjoy! 

Sad news to report. Reigning champ, Adela Garcia has suffered an injury and will require knee surgery sometime next week. The 3x Champ is disappointed that she will not be back to defend her title but tells me she will be back and expects a full recovery. Read more about it on HARDBODY.com.

Phil is into his Olympia prep and is ready to show people that he means business. The local CBS station recently profiled Phil and his current FLEX cover. Check out how Phil can still play the piano and sink a few shots on the basketball court.

http://cbs4denver.com/video/?id=44135@kcnc.dayport.com

The 2008 Olympia Weekend is rapidly approaching and Bodybuilding.com will be covering the event like no other site.

Here are a few of the things that are planned.  Check out some of the things we have going on this year:

http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/2008_road_to_olympia.htm

WW

In speaking with Jay Cutler last weekend at the 2008 NPC Junior California contest in Pasadena, where he was guest posing, Jay told me that he already started with contest diet, and he will not disappoint his fans. Wearing his Muscletech tank top, Jay said he will complete and win, becoming a three time Mr. Olympian!

Also in the audience and lobby was Silvio Samuel, another competitor who will compete in the Olympia. Silvio looked great, and in one week, at the 2008 Houston Pro on the 4th of July Weekend, it looks like he will win that show, gaining some serious momentum for the Mr. Olympia, which will be his next contest appearance.

As for myself, I will be there for the whole weekend, starting on Thursday with the annual Press Conference, for what is my 12th year going to the big show. I will be shooting pictures for bodybuilding.com, as well as videos, and stories, along with Isaac Hinds, and others.

I hear Bob Cicherillo is going to host the Mr. Olympia again, and there will also be a 202 and Under IFBB show too, as well as a Flex Bikini Model search, which will end up with the winner getting money and a sponsorship contract.

Oh, and soon, I will be giving you some Olympia trivia questions, to see if you really know you stuff.

Editor’s Note: Check out all the BB.com 2008 Olympia Coverage here:

http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/2008_olympia_main.htm

It was a pleasure to meet so many of the people from bodyspace. It was a long weekend of taking photos, videos, interviews and trying to squeeze in some sleep. I’ve received a number of emails from people thanking us for the coverage. We’re glad you like it. We strive to bring the best content to everyone here on bodyspace.

I let myself get a little run down and sick while in Vegas. I will be blogging more in the next couple days once I finally get some sleep.

The funniest thing all weekend was the Mr. Puniverse Contest. If you haven’t watched the video or checked out the photos, you have to do so! It was classic.