Olympia Blog

Episode #4: Figure Olympian Kristal Richardson!

Check it out now on Bodybuilding.com:

http://webcast.bodybuilding.com/fitshow/2008olympia/oseries/2008oseries4.htm

Complete series listing here:

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

Discuss these videos in our forum:

http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=109617971

I think this year will prove to be quite the soap operah.  You never know which way things will go. This is what I think will happen if the top athletes come in conditioned and don’t spill over.

Mr. O

1. Jay Cutler (takes a lot to beat the current king)
2. Victor Martinez
3. Ronnie Coleman
4. Dexter Jackson
5. Toney "the X man Freeman

Ms. O

1. Dayana Cadeau
2. Iris Kyle
3. Yaxena Oriquen
4. Tazzi Columb
5. Heather Policky

Ms. Figure O

1. Valerie Waugaman
2. Gina Aliotti
3. Monica Brant
4. Jenny Lynn
5. Amber Littlejohn

Ms. Fitness O

1. Tanji Johnson
2. Oksana Grishina (beautiful)
3. Jen Hendershott
4. Adella Garcia
5. Kim Klein

Well, here they are folks, my belated Top 7 predictions for each of the Olympia contests this weekend.  I know I might catch some flack on these from the usual suspects, but this is how I see everything unfolding:

Mr. Olympia:

1. Jay Cutler
2. Ronnie Coleman
3. Victor Martinez
4. Darrem Charles
5. Dexter Jackson
6. Toney Freeman
7. Melvin Anthony

Wha?? No Silvio?  No Harris?  No JOJ?  Nope, not in the Top 7, sorry.

Ms. Olympia:

1. Yaxeni Oriquen-Garcia
2. Dayana Cadeau
3. Iris Kyle
4. Heather Armbrust
5. Bonny Priest
6. Antonette Norman
7. Mah-Ann Mendoza

Fitness Olympia:

1. Tracey Greenwood
2. Adela Garcia
3. Jen Hendershott
4. Kim Klein
5. Oksana Grishina
6. Tanji Johnson
7. Angie Semsch

Figure Olympia:

1. Monica Brant-Peckham
2. Amber Littlejohn
3. Jenny Lynn
4. Valerie Waugaman
5. Mary Elizabeth Lado
6. Mary Jo Cooke-Elliot
7. Amanda Savell

Can’t wait until tomorrow!! 

I got this great email from IFBB Figure Pro Meriza DeGuzman about this past weekend’s 2007 IFBB Tournament of Champions Pro Figure competition.  In it, she tells about this past weekend, and also about the fact that she’s now qualified to compete at the Olympia this weekend, after taking 3rd place at the TOC!  I’m posting her thoughts here with her permission for your viewing pleasure!

"Oh my, I’m still on Cloud 9!  It’s been a great year for me.  I earned my pro card in June at Figure Nationals, after three heart-breaking close calls, and with my class, "A" class getting tougher and tougher each show!

I promised Jon Lindsay (California NPC and IFBB promoter) that I’d do his show (Tournament of Champions) if I ever got my pro card.  Well, true to my word, I kept my condition since June and got up on Jon’s stage this past weekend.

To tell you the truth, I was super nervous!  (Butterflies in my tummy!)  I mean, I have stood onstage with the best amateurs in the country so many times, I had gotten fairly comfortable with the other "shorties".  They are all so good now, whew!  I think I was so nervous because I was concerned about how I would compare to the taller girls.  It was funny, actually, standing side by side with Mary Jo Cooke and Nancy Georges, both at least a foot taller than me in their heels!  LOL

One thing that was different was how friendly and supportive the girls were at the show.  It was a surprise, and felt funny, when John Tuman, the head judge, called us by our first names when he was comparing us!  I used to be just a number.  That made me feel special.  The girls are all so sweet and nice - not what I was expecting.  They were so supportive of me because it was my first time.  Mary Jo was great!  And, Heather May French was so sweet, too.  Oh yeah!  the prize money wasn’t bad either!  Sonya Adcock was there, and was so nice and supportive… everyone is so sweet - my pro debut was great!

Plus, honestly, I have looked up to and admired many of the girls at the pro level.  I was more than a little bit intimidated.  Tanji Johnson, for example, has been sort of an idol of mine since I first met her at Emerald Cup 2005.  She’s so sweet and so beautiful, I couldn’t believe it when I found myself standing right next to her in the line up!

Gina and I train in the same gym.  We hang out personally sometimes - we got our nails done on Thursday before the show, and try to coordinate our cardio sessions when we can; she was like my big (little) sister - so sweet, and supportive - but still, she’s "Gina Aliotti", right?  Same goes with Mary Jo Cooke.  I mean, all of these girls are so beautiful, and have been successful as pros, could you believe it?  I was up there too!  and I’m still shocked that I did so well for my first pro show.

I know I’ve got alot of improvements to make, but I am working so hard.  I have some new confidence now, but I know that the girls on stage at the O are on another level!  It’s an honor to be able to stand on stage under that big red "O"!  I still can’t believe it!  Like a dream come true.  I am so blessed for this opportunity.  I can’t wait!

So, watch out, Vegas, and watch out world!  Here comes all 4′11 1/4" of Meriza!"

Meriza DeGuzman
www.MerizaFigure.com

Well…I’ve put this off long enough. Time to give my predictions on the Figure part of the Olympia. I’ve chosen seven people who I think have the best chance of winning the biggest title in figure next weekend. My favorite competitor (Christine Pomponio-Pate) won’t compete this year due to…well…an expansion within the Pomponio household (BIG SMILE FOR HER!) So someone’s besided Jenny, Monica, Mary, and Amber is getting a guaranteed top five spot, but who? We’ll all find out this weekend. But for now, here’s my picks for who could occupy the top spots.

Jennifer Gates
No one in figure has as much momentum building going into the O then Jennifer. In the span of barely six months, she turned pro (Jr. Nationals), placed in the top three in her first pro contest (New York Pro), and won her very first contest among the toughest line-up of the year (Motor City Pro)! She can very well represent the shorter figure girls next week. I’m placing my bet right now: Jennifer Gates will be the name everyone remembers after the O. Bet on it!

Valerie Waugaman
If she’s not on your list for future Figure Olympian, you are f-up in the brain. She’s tall, beautiful, gracious, and is very creative in her posing routine. Yeah, she might have somewhat overdid it last year, but what happpened? Everyone knew who she was after that. If she is not in the top five within a few years (and when I say a few, I mean by next year), I demand that the current Olympia committee step down and bring in some fresh (not really new) blood. To many, V-Dub was robbed at the Figure International this year; let’s hope the same won’t happen at the Olympia!

Amanda Savell
Born in the Volunteer State, Amanda has become one of figure’s most intensely muscular stars. Since she was a former bodybuilder, her physique has that "bodybuilder" presence yet maintains the figure qualities. She will bring her best next weekend, especially since can very close to winning the Figure International in March. If you’ve not seen her training vids that are scattered across the Web, I’d suggest you watch them. She is dead-on proof that figure is not fluff.

Mary Lado
She has got to be at "revenge" mode after she placed fifth at the O, considering in her last contest prior to that…she won the Figure International title (which she successfully defended, btw). I don’t think we’ve seen hide or hair of her since the Figure I. in March, so it will be interesting to see what kind of package she brings to the table. If she gets fifth again…or worse, I would fear for my life! HAHA…just messing with ya. But, seriously, if I were her, I would make sure I’d get a least a top three spot, which could be hard to do considering all that’s competitng, including the following three people…

Amber Littlejohn
She only did one contest last year, which was the Olympia and what did she do? Placed in the runner-up position with a nearly flawlass physique. I don’t know much about her as I do with the other six people I’ve posted, but I’d be a fool if I betted against her. That’s just me. I wouldn’t be the least suprised if she was the one to dethrone Jenny next weekend. She’s that good.

Monica Brant-Peckham
For over a decade, she has insipired more ladies and given men more fantasies than any woman before her. She is the "John Cena" of female muscle. Here’s what I mean by that: Monica’s fans or any fans of female muscle are like the Cena fans; they know a champion when they see one. Never backs down, never quits, always goes above and beyond the call of duty for them. no matter what. The judges are like the Cena haters: their heads are obviously stuck where the sun doesn’t shine. They have something against her that is keeping her from winning a single title, let alone Figure Olympia. The jugdes have their "reasons" and all I have to say about those reasons is this…BULL-SH!TTT! This woman, more then anyone, deserves at least ONE Figure Olympia run before she calls it quits once and for all. I’d mark out if Mo were to win next weekend, but sadly I don’t see that happening.

and now…the reigning champion Jenny Lynn
When I see her, I see "Hollywood". I mean, she seems like a movie star. But she’s not…yet; she’s a real human being with the title everyone in figure wants. And judging by the physiques are being displayed this year, I believe this will be Jenny’s toughest challenge yet. Not winning is one thing; losing your title to someone else is a whole different story. And it might just happen in less than two weeks to Jenny. I mean, Monica won the 1998 Fitness Olympia and placed fourth the following year, so if you’re saying that it won’t happen to her, you’re lying to yourself. However I’ve been wrong before. From what has been told, she looked phenominal several weeks ago. Since she’s been focused on just the O, she might have a better conditioned body than those who’ve had a few shows this year. The same can be said for Amber and Monica. If Jenny really wants to repeat as champion, she better not come in as a competitor, or an athlete, or even a figure champion. She better come in as a goddess. But if there’s one person who can do that, it’s the reigning champ!

Well, there you have it: my "magnificient seven" for the 2007 Figure Olympia. I, of course, wish each of the competitors the best of luck next weekend. You’ve been training for this opportunity for months, and now it’s time to show the world why you made it to the big dance!

Since I’m a huge fan/ambassador of fitness and figure, I’ll do my fitness predictions later on this week.

Everyone’s favorite Figure Olympia competitor, Valerie Waugaman, is now featured in Bob Cicherillo’s "Olympia: The Series” video show!

If you’re enamored with Miss Val as we are, go check her out here!

http://webcast.bodybuilding.com/fitshow/2007olympia/oseries/2007oseries16.htm

Enjoy! 

This Olympia should send the message as to what the judges are looking for in the year ahead. Will it be the same top 6 as usual or will some of the new-comers place in the top 6? There are a number of different physiques and bodies that this is one show certain to cause controversy. Will Jenny Lynn repeat? Who do you like as your top 6?

Those qualified to date:

Sonia Adcock   USA
Gina Aliotti USA
Natalie Benson USA
Suzanne Bock Germany
Monica Brant USA
Gina Camacho USA
Chandra Coffey USA
Mary Jo Cooke-Elliott USA
Andrea Dumon  USA
Jeanette Freed USA
Amy Fry USA
Bernadette Galvan USA
Adela Garcia USA
Jennifer Gates USA
Celeste Gonzalez Spain
Heather Green USA
Danielle Hollenshade USA
Mary Elizabeth Lado USA
Amber Littlejohn USA
Jenny Lynn USA
Shannon Meteraud USA
Inga Neverauskaite Lithuania
Nicole Pitcher-Scott United Kingdom
Christine Pomponio-Pate USA
Zivile Raudoniene Lithuania
Felicia Romero USA
Amanda Savell USA
Chastity Slone USA
Tara Scotti USA
Valerie Waugaman USA
Latisha Wilder USA

If you’d like to read a couple more great interviews with 2007 Olympia competitors, check out IFBB Figure Pro Pauline Nordin’s interviews in the Swedish online magazine column, Better Bodies Buzz:

http://www.betterbodies.se/buzz/

Pauline recently interviewed IFBB Pros Bernadette Galvan, Danielle Hollenshade, and Natalie Benson.  She also recently made her predictions for the 2007 Figure Olympia (see if you agree!)

Pauline’s Interviews:
http://www.betterbodies.se/buzz/Buzz/OlympiaExpo2007int.asp

Pauline’s Predictions:
http://www.betterbodies.se/buzz/Buzz/OlympiaExpo2007.asp

Enjoy!

Hey! It’s Tracey!  I asked some friendly faces of bodybuilding and fitness to make some Olympia predictions.  Check out their opinion and then leave a comment with your picks for Olympia 2007!  

Let’s start off with IFBB Pro and CEO of AHN, FAKHRI MUBARAK:
www.advancehealthnutrition.com
www.myspace.com/fakhrimubarak  

“This year Mr. O is going to be very interesting. I’m going to name my top five and then hopefully make a pick, lol. Ronnie lost last year for the first time since 1998. We all know that Ronnie has been training his ass off all year long to regain that title. That man is not human. He’s from another planet.  He took the sport to a completely new level and has forced everyone else who wants to follow him to do the same. I’m scared to see what he will look like this year when his space ship lands in Vegas and he walks on stage.

On the other hand Jay is not going to want to lose the title after so many years in second place. Jay has always been the ultimate professional in this sport. Every year he has improved to eventually becoming Mr O last year. That’s the dream of every bodybuilder, to be Mr. O. Now that he has achieved that he isn’t about to relinquish the title of the world’s greatest bodybuilder.

Next up is my boy from N.Y, this years Arnold Classic winner Victor Martinez. I’ve seen Big Vic compete since he was an amateur. I was there in N.Y to see him get he’s pro card in 2000 and now he’s one of the top 3 or 4 best bodybuilders in the world. Victor is a great guy and deserves all the success. Even Mr. Ronnie Coleman said that one-day Vic would be Mr. O.  Man that’s some pressure but Victor can handle it!

You can’t name a top 5 in the Olympia without including my homeboy Dexter Action Jackson. Dexter just brings it each and every time. The man has also worked very hard to achieve what he has. Dexter just enjoys being a bodybuilder. He brings that small jointed round muscle belly look that just pops out at you and makes you say WOW!

Rounding out my top five is the X MAN. BIG Tony Freeman. A few years ago my friend and I were talking about who we thought would be the next bodybuilder to make the type of leap Ronnie Coleman did around 1996/1997. We both said it would be Mr. Freeman. He always had the X look but just not the freaky size. He’s a tall big man and needed to fill in. Let me tell you something over the last 2 years he has put on that crazy freak look it takes to be considered the best of the best.

Okay so my predication for the 2007 Mr. Olympia is. Drum roll please…………….I’m going with Jay Cutler and Ronnie Coleman in a tie. Yeah Yeah Yeah I know I punked out but honestly it’s a toss up. Who ever brings that nasty grainy sliced dry hard look we all desire, as bodybuilders will win the 2007 Mr. Olympia.  Good Luck guys!!!!!!!!!!”

The beautiful AVA COWAN gives her picks:

“My top 5 pick for Mr. Olympia if everyone is at their best:
1.  Ronnie Coleman
2.  Jay Cutler
3.  Victor Martinez
4.  Melvin Anthony
5.  Darrem Charles”

Here is ROB CARBO, a contributing writer here at bodybuilding.com:
rob carbo- Carbonics Training Co.  
The King is dead long live the King!!!    
www.realgainz.com/RobCarbo

“Olympia 2007 prediction. Hmmmm!! Jay Cutler upset the applecart last year by becoming the 13th winner in the 42 yr history of the Mr Olympia. I think that can be a good thing. It opens things up again for the likes of Jay, Ronnie, Victor Martinez, Dexter Jackson, Melvin Anthony etc.
We can possibly see a re-occurance of the yrs between 1979 and  1984 when for the only time in O history there was a different winner each year for 5 years running. I think this is going to be very exciting and I am looking forward to it. I will be there, Tracey, to see the new King crowned. With that being  said, I think the winnerrrr and newwww 2007 Mr Olympia will be……………………RONNIE COLEMAN !!!  Heck I’m a powerlifter and the man is strong as hell, I’ve alway’s been a Muhhamed Ali fan  You know-  The Greatest of alllll time !!”

Next up is MONICA STARR, fitness model:
www.monicastarr.net

“Once again, the amazing Olympia is here! This is one heck of a show that draws in some awesome competitors! I have my favorites, just like everyone else. All the competitors work hard to meet their goals so that they are the best ones up on that stage. They diet. They workout. They focus. They strive for the best! There are so many wonderful people competing this year and trying to predict will be difficult. But with that said…Here are my picks:
Mr. O — Ronnie Coleman
Ms. O — Iris Kyle
Fitness O — Jenny Hendershott
Figure O — Jenny Lynn”

RON STONE, fitness model, makes his prediction:
www.ronstone.net

“I would have to go with Jay Cutler. He always looks awesome and deserves it. Super nice guy too. I’m a big fan.”

ARMOND SCIPIONE, fitness model, says:
www.ArmondScipione.com
www.Bodyspace.com/ArmondScipione

“Assuming everyone shows up in shape, here are my top 5:
1. Ronnie Coleman
2. Jay Cutler
3. Victor Martinez
4. Dexter Jackson
5. Melvin Anthony”

Rob Kreider, trainer and model, predicts:
www.robkreider.com

“RONNIE COLEMAN will WIN….fo sure….If Ronnie dials it in smaller..he will win. Jay is blocky and will probably think he needs to be even bigger this year and get even blockier….nuff said… if ronnie dials it in smaller/tighter as he did when he won the arnold classic…its a done deal…if he plays the size game like last year….he will be hanging up his posing trunks.”

So, bodybuiding fans, what say you!? Who will win in the Olympia 2007!?  Leave a comment and make your predictions for Fitness, Figure and/or Bodybuilding!!  

In the 11^th hour, the defending Figure Olympia champion has pulled out of this year’s competition! She has not been reached for comment, so we are not sure her reasons. The article can be found at Flex Online.

Davana Medina

Sorted by contest, ranking, and dollar amounts (USD):

Ms. Olympia

Placing - 2006 Prize Money
1st place $30,000
2nd place $18.000
3rd place $10,000
4th place $7,000
5th place $4,000
6th place $2,000

Fitness Olympia

Placing - 2006 Prize Money
1st place $23,000
2nd place $14,500
3rd place $9,500
4th place $6,500
5th place $4,500
6th place $2,000

Figure Olympia

Placing - 2006 Prize Money
1st place $20,000
2nd place $10,000
3rd place $8,000
4th place $4,500
5th place $3,500
6th place $2,000

Just taking a look at this year’s roster for Olympia shows us just how much. 12 fitness vs. 22 figure. Figure has even become the blame end of the alleged decline in women’s bodybuilding. Are we taking the easy way out? No way.

In a recent podcast with Christine Pomponio-Pate, we discover that figure competitors can be known to train 3-4 hours a day leading up to a contest, the same amount as male bodybuilders!

The general audience is so use to seeing only one division of men’s bodybuilding, so when woman have 3 they feel the need sometimes to think one is lacking or outdoing the other.  Athletes and die fans alike agree, however, that each female division puts forward 200% in each show.

So, lets take the time to check out the roster for this years Olympia. Don’t forget, Fitness Olympia Finals/Ms. Olympia Finals - Friday, Sep 29, 7 PM; Figure Olympia Finals - Saturday, Sep 30, 7 PM. This way you don’t miss any of the action!! Also, there will be a “Meet the Olympians” Event on Thursday, Sep 28, 7 PM.

MS. OLYMPIA

# Name Country How Qualified
1.Yaxeni Oriquen-Garcia  Venezuela 2005 Ms. Olympia 1st place
2 Iris Kyle  USA 2005 Ms. Olympia 2nd place
3 Dayana Cadeau  Canada 2005 Ms. Olympia 3rd place
4 Jitka Harazimova  Czech  2005 Ms. Olympia 4th place
5 Brenda Raganot   USA   2005 Ms. Olympia 5th place
6 Bonny Priest USA  2005 Ms. Olympia 6th place
7 Betty Pariso  USA  2006 Ms. International 5th
8 Annie Riveiccio   USA 2006 Ms. International 7th
9 Lisa Aukland USA 2006 Ms. International 8th
10 Heather Foster USA 2006 Europa Super Show 1st
11 Dena Westerfield USA 2006 Europa Super Show 2nd
12 Colette Nelson USA 2006 Europa Super Show 3rd

FIGURE OLYMPIA

# Name Country How Qualified
1 Davana Medina USA 2005 Figure Olympia 1st place
2 Jenny Lynn USA 2005 Figure Olympia 2nd place
3 Monica Brant-Peckham USA 2005 Figure Olympia 3rd place
4 Amber Littlejohn USA 2005 Figure Olympia 4th place
5 Mary Elizabeth Lado USA 2005 Figure Olympia 5th place
6 Valerie Waugaman USA 2005 Sacramento Pro 2nd place
7 Amanda Savell USA 2006 Figure International 3rd
8 Chastity Slone USA 2006 Figure International 4th place
9 Jane Awad USA 2006 Figure International 5th
10 Christine Pomponio-Pate USA 2006 Figure International 6th
11 Gina Camacho USA 2006 Sacramento Figure 2nd
12 Andrea Dumon USA 2006 Sacramento Figure 3rd
13 Latisha Wilder USA 2006 Pittsburgh Figure 2nd
14 Jessica Paxson USA 2006 Pittsburgh Figure 3rd
15 Tara Scotti USA 2006 Colorado Pro Figure 4th
16 Gina Aliotta USA 2006 California Pro Figure 4th
17 Jennifer Searles USA 2006 New York Pro Figure 2nd
18 Michelle Flake USA 2006 Motor City Pro Figure 3rd
19 Michelle Adams USA 2006 Europa Super Show 2nd
20 Julie (D.J.) Wallis USA 2006 Europa Super Show 3rd
21 Inga Neverauskaite England 2006 Montreal Pro Figure 2nd
22 Nina Luchka Canada 2006 Montreal Pro Figure 3rdI

FITNESS OLYMPIA

# Name Country How Qualified
1 Jen Hendershott USA 2005 Fitness Olympia 1st
2 Kim Klein USA 2005 Fitness Olympia 2nd
3 Adela Garcia USA 2005 Fitness Olympia 3rd
4 Tracey Greenwood USA 2005 Fitness Olympia 4th
5 Julie Palmer USA 2005 Fitness Olympia 5th
6 Julie Childs USA 2005 Sacramento Pro 2nd place
7 Tanji Johnson USA 2005 Sacramento Pro 3rd place
8 Heidi Fletcher USA 2006 New York Pro 2nd place
9 Amy Haddad USA 2006 New York Pro 3rd place
10 Deana Lee USA 2006 All Star Pro 2nd place
11 Regiane DaSilva Germany 2006 All Star Pro 3rd place
12 Mindi O’Brien Canada 2006 Europa Super Show 2nd place