Pro/Am Contests Blog

The 2006 USA Men’s lightweight Bodybuilding winner, Alex Azarian is prepping for NPC Nationals in Dallas, Texas. He’s still a couple weeks out from the show and holy crap batman, is this guy peeled. He recently posted these photos on getbig.com and causing quite a stir. Many competitors will never reach this level of conditioning, much less two weeks out from a show.

WOW!

Well, I am finally back from the IFBB Amateur World Championships in Korea. I can tell you it was a great and eye opening experience. Let me start of first by saying "Thank you!" to the NPC and Jim Manion for funding and sending a team to Korea to compete.

Secondly, "Thank you!" to Chris Faildo’s family and friends that came from everywhere as far as Chicago and Hawaii to lend us support. Third, "Thank you!" to my teammates, Paul Coats, Shiloe Steinmetz,  Kelli Pettiford and Chris Faildo, as there were no egos on who was the best from the U.S. We all got along really well, from helping each other backstage to just hanging out at Baskin Robbins and Dunkin Donuts (of course that was after everything was over!) This was truly a great experience.

I can tell you now that this wasn’t at all what I expected, however. Going into the World Championships, my expectations were very high as well as those, I’m sure, of my teammates… until we got there and saw what we were up against! Now when I say we, the U.S. team, are all natural - trust me, we are. So unless 90% of the countries came up with some scientifically-engineered protein or something that shuttles the amount of carbs directly into the muscle, something that we don’t know about yet naturally… I don’t think so people.

I can tell you we saw our fair share of growth guts. I personally talked to two athletes that were on GH and insulin. They told me it can’t be tested so they won’t get caught. I thought for a moment this was supposed to be a drug-tested show, a natural to say. Yeah, right!! When you have athletes eating loaves of bread, 12 potatos, bacon and other crap in one sitting right before your eyes and putting it down within minutes, I don’t know about you, but it would make me very bloated for days. But not these guys - it made them harder!!  I guess you would have to see it to believe it.

I guess now I believe that an organization will have their fair share of drug users whether 1 or 30, they will be there. My placing wasn’t what I had expected. I have no one to blame but myself. Now, does that mean I will start using everything in the book? Or even anything close? Hell, no! My satisfaction comes from beating people that are on something. So back to the drawing board I go. With almost a year off and time to grow and reassess myself, I will be back bigger, stronger, and harder in 2008 for the Team Universe.

This experience has taught me a lot. On handling adversity and disappointment. And I have a new mentor. His name is Chris Faildo. This man is a true champion. Watching him conduct himself was very inspiring. Going into the night show, we were all certain he was in the top 6 for the finals, but when we all got to the arena his name was not on the list. Were there tears shed? Of course, not just for him, but I guess we shed tears in our own way for not even placing in the top 6.

After a few moments, however, I witnessed something that I will never forget from this day. Chris wiped the tears, lifted his head up, and went around and shook all of his competitors hands to wish them luck with a smile on his face. Now that’s a true champion!!

After we got back to the hotel and changed and ate, we were all down in the lobby and the competitors were just coming back from the competition with their trophies in hands, and even then Chris congratulated and shook their hands with a smile on his face. That was very inspiring. He could have easily turned the other cheek and blew them off. True champion.

Also to his family and friends, I say “Thank you” for a wonderful week. The people that he surrounds himself with are a true blessing. If you are ever in Hawaii, look him up at Gold’s Gym in Oahu. I know I am, as I am heading there in March and April!! Thank you for everyone’s encouraging words and a special “Thank you!” to Chris Faildo for the talk, and Big E you da man!! I am still laughing bro!!!

See more photos on my MySpace profile.

On October 25th in West Palm Beach, Florida, I made a guest appearance at the Florida Gold Cup Bodybuilding Championships/Zena Collins Figure Championships.

It was a great show and many pros showed up, including Toney Freeman, Marcus Haley, Christina Wan, Tara Scotti, Kristen Nicewarner, and of course Zena Collins.

My wife, Jan Horn, worked the booth with me as we gave out the new issue of the NPC News Magazine where I have several pages of myself inside, including a full-page overall picture.  The competitors were all very grateful that all the pros showed up for this fundraiser for the Wheelchair National Bodybuilding Championships.

Peter Potter looked better than ever and, as always, was busy running the show.  We met the south Florida judges - they were all experienced judges and all looked very professional with matching navy blazers with a crest on the chest.

Frank Dalto was a very busy person as well Saturday night, but he kept a cool head as he oversaw his successful show flow smoothly.  Mike Brooks was the emcee for the show and he’s a nut, to say the least!

I threw out t-shirts to the crowd as I posed, but you only got one if you were on your feet yelling for one!  My son, Steel, and wife, Jan, helped me toss ‘em, and so did Mike (the emcee) - he was funny.  I can’t wait until next year to go again!

Come see me Nov. 10th in Daytona, Florida at Club Boom (the great Shannon Dey’s club).  I will be holding a competitor’s camp - learn how to beat your competition and get some new training techniques to gain muscle in specific muscles in only 3 weeks!

It’s a bit belated, I know, but still worth blogging about.

I attended as a spectator, and was incredibly impressed!  Carla Sanchez looked fantastic and was a wonderful Mistress of Ceremonies.  Christine Pomponio-Pate was in the audience as well, and looked wonderful.  We chatted a bit during intermission, and I’m still awed by how down to earth and nice everyone is.  Best of luck to her and Carla!

On to the competitors.  Colorado has an AMAZING talent pool!  I’m horrible with names, so I will try my best to remember (since I can’t find my program, either).  Competitor #12 was Lindsay, winner of the Collegiate figure class, and her height class, and she is going to be competitive in figure!  The Master’s class winner Terry and #38 Andy V. looked incredible, as well.  Andy was the fan favorite in the model search.  She got my vote for her Avs top (ok, and amazing abs too)!  These ladies (the top ladies in each class) were in great condition, and it was the most competitive show I have seen this year.  

With the Model search (men and women), several figure classes, fitness, men’s fitness (incredibly amusing!), fittest couple, hot mama, and junior fitness it was a very long show to watch.  Again, the talent pool is incredible, and I believe that the sport will be strong in Colorado for a long time to come.

Congratulations to all competitors and winners.

Bikini Model
1. Elizabeth Martin (New Pro)
2. Danielle Clermont
3. Loura Divinagracia

Muscle Model - Men
1. Stanleigh Mitchell (New Pro)
2. Gerry Bossy
3. Cedric McKinney

Muscle Model Women
1. Kristin Sauve

Fitness
1. Danielle Clermont

Fitness Model - Men
1. Stenleigh Mitchell
2. Sean McKrow

Fitness Model - Female - Short Class
1. Chantal Brazeau
2. Rowaida Touma
3. Elizabeth Martin

Fitness Model - Female - Tall Class
1. Danielle Clermont
2. Erica Johnston
3. Deidra Cook

Overall Fitness Model Winner & New Pro - Danielle Clermont

Figure
1. Joeline Parsons
2. Dana Kuipers

Bodybuilding - Female
1. Courtney Lee

Bodybuilding - Male - Junior
1. Colin Herder

Bodybuilding - Male - Masters
1. Patrick Hovorka (New Pro)
2. Gerry Bossy

Bodybuilding - Male - Short Class
1. Jesvy Paratholil
2. Tony Riolo

Bodybuilding - Male - Tall Class
1. Chris Dejaegher
2. Joey Flores
3. Jose Guzman

OVERALL WINNER AND NEW PRO - Jesvy Paratholil

Originally posted on the WOWfame blog.

I received this email tonight from IFBB Figure Pro Petra Mertl regarding this weekend’s IFBB Sacramento Pro Figure contest, and am reposting it here with permission for your reading pleasure!

"Hi Everyone,

Thank you - I am looking forward to do this show because I have heard it is very well organized show.

I had couple of weeks off so now I am ready to come back in even better shape and hoping that this is the show when my life dream come true and I will qualify for Olympia 2008.  Thank you.”

Sincerely,

Petra Mertl
www.PetraMertl.com

I received this awesome email just now from NPC champion bodybuilder Shiloe Steinmetz, who just helped represent the United States of America this past weekend at the IFBB World Championships in South Korea.  I’m posting his experience and photos here, with permission, for your reading pleasure!

“Overall it was a great experience and a wonderful opportunity to see a different culture and opposite part of the world.  Jeju Island in South Korea is a wonderful sight to see.  The food there is quite different and seemed to be very healthy.  A bulk of their diet is seafood and vegetables and that may be a reason I saw very few overweight people there.

As far as the contest goes, it did not turn out like I expected.  Because of the travel and time difference and the difficulty of maintaining a contest diet, I felt I “spilled” over and had a filmy appearence on stage.  I was just not as crisp as I usually get and obviously missed my peak for this show.

Another factor that I feel played a role was being American.  I thought the judges may have a prejudice against us to start.  Not one American on the team placed, and 3 of them missed the cut.  It is possible due to jealousy as I think we have the best bodybuilders in the world here in the States, just look at Ronnie and Jay, for example.

In all honesty, even if I were in my best shape I would not have placed much better, as I was the smallest super heavyweight on stage!  These guys come in “stacked” and do not mess around.  In fairness, we may not be comparing apples to apples, though, as the U.S. team is drug-tested, while other countries are not to qualify.  I did see many “growth guts” and other obvious signs of other athletes being chemically enhanced beyond a doubt.

In spite of how the members of the team did as well as I, I am proud to say I was on the team and proud of my teammates.  It was an honor to represent the NPC and USA and every member of the team looked great.  I thank God for the opportunity to compete in the World Championships and have every intention on competing again next year and improving and getting better all the time!”

Shiloe Steinmetz, R.Ph., CPT
www.ShiloeSteinmetz.com

I received this email this morning from IFBB Figure Pro Kristi Tauti regarding this weekend’s IFBB Sacramento Pro Figure contest, and am reposting it here with permission for your viewing pleasure!

"Hi Everyone,

I am really looking forward to this show.  I have been working hard with my trainer to make the necessary changes to my physique.

I am definitely ready for Sacramento, as I am coming in with a fuller, more conditioned look.  I did four shows back-to-back earlier this year so it has been nice to just focus on training for the Sacramento.” 

Kristi Tauti
www.kristitauti.com

The West Palm Beach Pro/Am on October 13th was a GREAT event that was a ton of fun for everyone involved!  The audience was full of competitors and fans from all around Florida that came to support our sport!  John Organ, the promoter, did a great job in getting the word out about the event and all of the seats were filled.

This show was very special for me.  I am the NPC Chairperson for figure and fitness in the State of Florida.  So, throughout the year, I attend shows almost every weekend and help out the girls backstage.  Every day I have countless e-mails in my inbox from girls asking questions about everything from shoes to tanning to posing and everything in between!  I do my best to assist the girls in our state and help them be the best competitors that they can be.  I also encourage each and every one of them to ENJOY competing and have fun at the shows!

When I walked out on stage for the first time in prejudging I got a lump in my throat because I walked out to loud cheers and support from the audience.  I looked out and saw countless girls who I had worked with backstage over the season cheering for me and offering their support. I couldn’t have asked for anything more!

Me on stage at the 2007 Europa Pro!

All of the competitors, both Pro and Amateur had a ton of fun backstage.  We all talked, laughed and truly enjoyed the experience.  All the girls got along great and were extremely supportive of each other.  Everyone was in GREAT shape and put on an awesome show!

Congratulations to Julie Palmer for her fitness win!  She is truly a first class competitor that never hesitates to take a moment out of her backstage prep to help another competitor.  She deserved this win 110% and is an inspiration to us all!

The West Palm Beach Pro was an incredible way to finish off my 2007 season!  Now it’s time to get ready for 2008!

–
Shannon Dey
www.shannondey.net
Boom Fitness Clubs
IFBB Pro Fitness Athlete
Florida NPC Figure/Fitness Chairperson

I received this email this morning from IFBB Fitness Pro Michele Mayberry regarding this weekend’s IFBB Sacramento Pro Figure contest, and am reposting it here with permission for your viewing pleasure!

"Hi Everyone,

I am really excited to give figure a try.  I’m looking forward to meeting all of the other competitors too, and I think it’s great there are so many countries represented at this show!

I really don’t know what to expect, but I feel good and hope to place well.  Thanks for checking in with me.”

Sincerely,

Michele Mayberry
www.michelemayberry.com

We received word from another NPC USA Figure champ that she will be making her debut in 2007. April Fortier won the Figure D Class earlier this year in Las Vegas.

She’s one of the rare competitors who has competed in both fitness and figure. April placed third at the Team Universe fitness tall class as well as third in the Figure Nationals D Class. Prior to that she placed fourth in both fitness and figure at the 2007 Junior Nationals. April’s had a busy yet successful 2007 competitive season. Fourth to Third to First… Where will she fair in the next level?

When asked how she feels about competing for the first time as a pro she responded with, “I’m so thrilled to be competing in my first pro shows.” April promises to knock out socks off when she steps on stage this weekend at the IFBB Sacramento Pro. She will also be competing in the Kentucky Pro figure show in a couple of weeks.

Mirror, Mirror in my hand…Where O Where will I land?

Good luck, April, in your IFBB pro figure debut!

Note: originally posted on www.hardbody.com/news.

With the FAME North American Championships less than one week away, let’s see what a couple of the competitors have had to say during the past couple of days…

Ava Cowan:

“As I sit here this Sunday before my show next Saturday, I have to say I am ready to go…  I think my main concern was the last bit of loose skin on the back of my legs.  But each day I am getting tighter and tighter.  Thank God!”

The Appealing Ava Cowan!

“My posing is down, and I feel great about my 90 second routine.  I also have to get some alterations on my costume.  I did a full run through and the costume didn’t hold up!  The top clasp came undone, and that is why you must try everything out.  So no big deal, I will just get some things adjusted on it…  So today is my last day of long cardio..then by Wednesday night I will be done and will relax Thursday and Friday.”

Visit Ava Cowan’s blog to read the whole entry (originally posted 10/28/07.)

Diana Chaloux:

“Well I’ve got a little over a week now until my next competition at the FAME North American Championships and I am sooo excited! Physically I feel ready for this show but I’m planning to keep my training intensity up this week. I’ll be doing a lot of extra posing practice this week, but I’m also planning on staying as relaxed as possible so I’m going in for a massage this weekend too… aaaaaahhhh” 

The Delicious Diana Chaloux!

“It’s been an exciting couple of weeks since winning my WNSO pro card that is for sure! What is so great is since this organization promotes so many different types of physiques from swimsuit models to bodybuilders there is a category for everyone so there are no more excuses not to compete!!!”

Visit Diana Chaloux’s blog to read the whole entry (originally posted 10/25/07.)

For show info, visit www.wnsoevent.com.

I received a message on MySpace from Shannon with FAME Media Group informing me that they have an updated show poster for this next weekend’s FAME North American Championships.

For more show information, visit www.wnsoevent.com.

If you’re going to the FAME North Americans, please let me know - I’d like to get a couple of contest reviews on here after the contest. 

I received this email from new IFBB Pro Chris Faildo today, who represented the USA at the IFBB World Championships this past weekend in South Korea.  I’m reposting it here with his permission for your viewing pleasure!

"Aloha -

I had a great time in Korea, but unfortunately the judges did not like my look of my physique.  I did not place in the top 6 after getting into the first call out.  I do not understand as I thought I was in the running for a medal.

Anyway, the USA should be very proud of the USA Team as we did it the natural way.  We are not playing on an even playing field, if you know what I mean…  I did my best and am very proud to have accomplished my goals."

Chris Faildo
www.faildo.com

MySpace giant and NPC Bodybuilder Odis McCullough had this to say about this past weekend’s 2007 NPC Texas State contest:

"Well, I managed to complete my goal of competing in the state championships last night. I placed 3rd in my class of 12 competitors. I am never satisfied with not winning an overall title, but considering all that has happened to me in the last 3 weeks, I felt great just being onstage.

I knew I would be in pain, but I didn’t realize how much pain until I started posing. After the first pose, I couldn’t squeeze without screaming from the pain. So the judges never got to see my real physique. The last 3 weeks since the accident have kept me from doing a lot of exercises that needed to be done to look my best. So, I will say again that I am very happy with the results of last night.

The competition was great. Some of the best bodies in Texas showed up to compete. I love competing with the best! I now realize after last night that I cannot present my best body at The Nationals in 3 weeks. So I will begin my quest of achieving my dream of becoming an IFBB pro next year.

I feel like 2007 has been a great success. My 2 overall wins were awesome. I am knocking on the door of getting that pro card. I want to be at my all-time best when I step on that national stage - let me rephrase that… I will be at my all-time best when I step on that national stage. So, it looks like 2008 will be my year.

My first chance to get a pro card is at the 2008 Team Universe in NYC. I’ll be there! I’m starting on my mission today, and you all will be there with me every step of the way. As always, I’ll have some life lessons as we all travel on this mission. So make sure that you read my blogs every week. I promise to keep you all on a positive track, and oh, by the way… I’ll be giving you a few tips on getting in great shape too. LOL.

So my 2007 competitions are complete. The next time you see competition photos of me will be a completely new physique. I will be competing at 215 lbs to 225 lbs next year. And I will be shredded as usual. That means that I will be 230-240 lbs of lean muscle this off-season. I always stay within 10-15 lbs of my competition weight. And just for you non-believers, I will still be completely natural, as always. I will prove that an all-natural competitor can be an IFBB pro, and win at that level!

Thanks for all the love I’ve gotten from you all this year every time I stepped on that stage. You guys are awesome! I’ll see you next week - love you all.”

Live longer, Live better!

Odis McCullough
http://www.myspace.com/meditate101

This weekend is the 2007 IFBB Sacramento Pro Figure show. Ron "Yogi" Avidan and I will be there covering this event. For more news and updates on this show you can visit http://www.hardbody.com/news

Official list for the 2007 IFBB Sacramento Pro Figure:

1    Arcinas, Huong USA
2    Brown, Darlina    USA
3    Cooke-Elliott, Mary Jo    USA
4    Dumon, Andrea    USA
5    Emborg-Silberg, Maickie    Denmark
6    Flake, Michelle    USA
7    French, Heather Mae    USA
8    Garcia, Chrissy    USA
9    Gonazlez, Celeste Leandro    Spain
10    Kobielak, Aleksandra    Poland
11    Mayberry, Michelle    USA
12    Mertl, Petra    Czech Republic
13    Nicewarner, Kirsten    USA
14    Romero, Rosa-Maria    Australia
15    Tauti, Kristi    USA
16    Valle, Waleska    USA
17    Fortier, April

For show info, visit: www.npcsacshow.com