Marc Thyssen @ Arnold 2012

One of the top rising stars in fitness photography, Marc Thyssen will be shooting at the 2012 Arnold! Within the last two years, he put together FitHeat and Fitness Supermodel Weekend, which were unprecedented in this industry. The list of names who have shot with him are no joke: Monica Brant, Christine Pomponio-Pate, Felicia Romero, Myriam Capes, Larissa Reis, Adela Garcia, Nicole Wilkins, Heather Dees, Sonia Gonzales, Rose-Marie Romero, Sabrina Taylor...just to name a few. He plans to take 2012 by storm, and you can be part of the action.

To book Marc, visit his website at http://www.marcthyssen.com/, or email him at marc@marcthyssen.com. You can also "like" him on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/marcthyssenphotography. Oh, by the way, you MIGHT want to make a decision this month if you want to save you a little money. If you put down a deposit before the end of the month, you will be booked at 2011 prices. Next month, the prices of shoots go up, so act early to save some cash! Tell Marc that FitGems sent you.

Nicole Wilkins: Why 2011 Was Her Defining Year in IFBB Figure

In 2009, Nicole Wilkins climbed to the top of the IFBB Figure division by winning the Figure Olympia title, the biggest championship in figure. Obviously, this was a major win for her and a big win for the new faces of the division, but WOW...she got some serious flack on some message boards, even the most polite ones. Obviously, she had her supporters but her detractors. I think the problem was for some was that her look was seemingly (at the time) too small and not hard enough for figure. Some feel there were physiques out there better than hers. That, and the previous champions (Davana Medina, Jenny Lynn, and Jennifer Gates) came in pretty conditioned (size varied between the three, though) From what I saw online, fans weren't exactly too thrilled with the outcome of the 2009 Figure Olympia competition.

Nicole @ 2009 Figure Olympia
Photo credit: Muscular Development

She made a bit of improvements since then trying to show others that she deserves to be at the top of the figure world. While the changes were there ever-so-slightly, and there were some willing to embrace it, the detractors still outweighed the supporters. But everyone has their defining moment, that one moment where everyone (those for and against you) stands up and takes notice. That moment came at the 2011 Tournament of Champions when Nicole stepped on stage. Most people though she would be the favorite to win, but no one, not even yours truly, expected her to come in the way she did that day. I had to take a double take to make sure the woman was indeed Nicole Wilkins.

The Nicole Wilkins that shut the detractors up. 2011 Tournament of Champions
Photo credit: MuscleContest

She clearly added significant size, definittion, and cutness to her physique. I honestly don't know how many pounds of muscle she added since her 2009 Figure Olympia win, but it was clear as day that it was a nice amount. Add to her posing, beauty, and structure, and you got the ultimate figure machine. Nicole might have not been the woman people wanted to be the face of IFBB Figure back in 2009, but that has changed big time now. I'm not saying everyone has suddenly become a fan of hers, but others are starting to see Nicole as a rightful champion. If she keeps this up in 2012 and beyond, Nicole might want to start making room for more medals and trophies. Just saying.

An improved Nicole @ 2011 Figure Olympia
Photo credit: FitnessRx

What are YOUR thoughts on Nicole Wilkins? Did you think 2011 was the year she proved herself? Do you like THIS Nicole better than the old one? Sound off in the comments below.

3rd Annual FitGems Awards: The Big Ones (Pro Division)

Anyone who steps on stage is already a winner, but there are few that can truly consider themselves THE best in the world at what they do. Based off your votes, you considered them the ones that owned 2011. They have won titles and stepped on the Olympia, with some of them preparing to step on the Arnold stage in a couple of months. These competitors also have developed loyal fan bases who made their presece known in the voting polls and various social media ways. Ladies and gentleman...I present to you...the top pro competitors of 2011, as voted by YOU! (Photo credit goes to Muscular Development and Fitness Rx).

Pro Female Bodybuilder of the Year: IRIS KYLE

Runner-up: Alina Popa
Others nominated include Yaxeni Oriquen, Brigita Brezovac, Debi Laszewski, and Isabelle Turell.

Pro Figure Competitor of the Year: AVA COWAN

Runner-up: Nicole Wilkins
Others nominated include Erin Stern, Kat Rameriz, Candice Keene, and Ann Titone.


Pro Fitness Competitor of the Year: TANJI JOHNSON

Runner-up: Adela Garcia
Others nominated include Myriam Capes, Tina Durkin, Michelle Blank, and Nicole Duncan.

Pro Bikini Competitor of the Year: JAIME BAIRD

Runner-up: Amanda Latona
Others nominated include Nicole Nagrani, Sonia Gonzales, Nathalia Melo, and Vanessa Campbell.

3rd Annual FitGems Awards: The Big Ones (Amateur Division)

Anyone who steps on stage is already a winner, but there are few can can consider themselves THE best in the world at what they do. Based off your votes, you considered them the ones that owned 2011. Some of them have won titles and pro cards, heck some of them even qualified for the Olympia and have been selected for an Arnold invite in 2012. And fan bases showed their loyalties to their favorites big time in the biggest categories of them all. Ladies and gentleman...I present to you...the top amateur competitors of 2011, as voted by YOU! (Photo credit goes to Muscular Development and Fitness Rx).

Amateur Female Bodybuilder of the Year: KIRA NEUMAN

Runner-up: Michelle Brent
Others nominated include Amanda Alger, Kimmie Morgan, Judy Gallard, and Cynthia Colon.

Amateur Figure Competitor of the Year: CHERYL DAVIS

Runner-up: Allison Moyer
Others nominated include Wendy Fortino, Joni Neilson, Allison Frahn, and Shelly Albetta.

Amateur Fitness Competitor of the Year: SHERI VUCICK

Runner-up: Whitney Jones
Others nominated include Amanda Hatfield, Lishia Dean, Meredith Miller, and Viko Newman.

Amateur Bikini Competitor of the Year: SKYE TAYLOR

Runner-up: India Paulino
Others nominated include Diana Graham, Candyce Graham, Noe Alexander, and Jennifer Rankin.


Amateur Women's Physique Competitor of the Year: JILL RUDISON

Runner-up: Dana Bailey
Others nominated include Jillian Reville, Rachel Baker, Tracy Bodner, and Susie Fuller Torres.

3rd Annual FitGems Awards: International Competitor Winners

The United States isn't the only country that provides great things. Canada, Mexico, the United Kindom, Africa, China, Japan, and many others have given the IFBB some of the best talents the industry has to offer. There are those that have gained such a following that fans all over the world consider them the best the international world has to offer. On that not, congrats to the International Competitors of the Year in their respective categories! (Photo credit goes to Muscular Development and FitnessRx)

International Female Bodybuilder of the Year: ALINA POPA

Runner-up: Yaxeni Oriquen
Others nominated include Brigita Brezovac, Debi Laszewski, Maria Rite Bello, and Dayana Cadeau. 


International Fitness Competitor of the Year: OKSANA GRISHINA

Runner-up: Mindi O'Brien
Others nominated include Myriam Capes, Jodi Boam, Regain De Silva, and Minna Pajulahti

International Figure Competitor of the Year: ROSA-MARIE ROMERO

Runner-up: Larissa Reis
Others nominated include Rachelle Chase, Tracey MacDonald, Emily Stirling, and Candace John.


International Bikini Competitor of the Year: NATHALIA MELO

Runner-up: Jelena Abbou
Others nominated include Dina Al-Sabah, Justine Monro, Noemi Olah, and Willeke Verhaar-Davis

3rd Annual FitGems Awards: Breakout Pro Awards

Congrats to the following on winning the Breakout Pro at the 2011 FitGems Awards! These competitors entered 2011 and took over with a force. Some of the nominees have went on to turn pro later on in 2011. 2012 could be a big year for them. (Photo credit for all photos to Muscular Development and Fitness Rx)

Breakout Pro Bodybuilder of the Year: ALINA POPA

Runner-up: Monique Jones
Others nominated include Brigita Brezovac, Sarah Hayes, Claire O'Connell, and Angela Salvagno.


Breakout Pro Figure Competitor of the Year: AVA COWAN

Runner-up: Alicia Harris
Others nominated include Sabrina Taylor, Candice Keene, Ann Titone, and Teresa Anthony.

Breakout Pro Fitness Competitor of the Year: NICOLE DUNCAN

Runner-up: Michelle Blank
Others nominated include Jodi Boam, Camela Rodriquez, Myriam Capes, and Stacy Wright.


Breakout Pro Bikini Competitor of the Year: JAIME BAIRD

Runner-up: Nathalia Melo
Others nominated include Christina Vargas, Diana Graham, Vanessa Campbell, and Jennifer Andrews.

2011 FitGems Awards: The Breakout Amateur Winners

Congrats to the following on winning the Breakout Awards at the 2011 FitGems Awards! These competitors entered 2011 and took over with a force. Some of the nominees have went on to turn pro later on in 2011. 2012 could be a big year for them. (Photo credit for all photos to Muscular Development and Fitness Rx)


Breakout Amateur Bodybuilder of the Year: CYNTHIA COLON

Runner-up:  Michelle Cummings
Others nominated include Amanda Alger, Pat Wentz, Pam Franklin, and Judy Gallard.


Breakout Amateur Figure Competitor of the Year: WENDY FORTINO

Runner-up: Laura Bailey
Others nominated include Tracey MacDonald, Yolanda Alvarado, Sue Knott, and Essence Monett.

Breakout Amater Fitness Competitor of the Year: SHERI VUCICK

Runner-up: Amanda Hatfield
Others nominated include Paula Williams-Gulliam, Regan Grossman, Meredith Miller, and Cicely Kyle.

Breakout Amateur Bikini Competitor of the Year: INDIA PAULINO

Runner-up: Diana Graham
Others nominated include Sherrie Carnicle, Candyce Graham, Noe Alexander, and Rebecca Staggs.


Breakout Amateur Physique Competitor of the Year: DANA BAILEY

Runner-up:  Nikki Warner
Others nominated include Tracy Bodner, Rachel Baker, Cheryl Cooke, and Jennifer Robinson.

3rd Annual FitGems Awards: Inspirational Competitor of the Year

Congrats to TANJI JOHNSON on winning Inspirational Competitor of the Year at the 3rd Annual FitGems Awards!

Photo credit: IFBBPro.com

Inspiration comes from a lot of things; willing to come back from injury, showing people you can do it despite the odds, never giving up on your dreams, etc. Tanji Johnson is the definition of inspiration. She has come ever so close to capturing the Fitness Olympia AND Fitness International title on several occasions over the past few years. Many call her the best that has yet to win a major fitness title. What people see in her is her drive to be a top competitor and the heart she has for the sport she loves. I feel after her competiton days are over, she will continue to be an inspiration to others.

Runner-up: Jennifer Gates

Others nominates includes Mandy Henderson, Malikia Soto, Mah Ann Mendoza, and Ann Titone

3rd Annual FitGems Awards: Comeback of the Year

Congrats to MINDI O'BRIEN for winning Comeback of the Year at the 3rd Annual FitGems Awards!

Photo credit: RxMuscle.com

We all love a good comeback story, and there were quite a bit of them. Mindi's comeback was a great one, however it has a bittersweet ending for fitness fans. Mindi returned to the fitness stage in 2011 at the Toronto Pro Supershow, placing 3rd in fitness, qualifying her for the 2011 Fitness Olympia. Back complications kept her from competing at the event, but she decided to compete at the first-ever Arnold Classic Europe Fitness, placing in 6th place. Shortly after competing there, she announced that she would retire from the sport. This is a big blow to fitness, as she was viewed as Canada's top fitness competitor at one point in time. Despite not winning an Arnold or Olympia, she will be viewed among the best in the history of the IFBB Fitness division.

Runner-up: Jennifer Gates

Others nominated include Mah Ann Mendoza, Amanda Hatfield, Helle Neilson, and Dorit Silverman.

3rd Annual FitGems Awards: Competitor Who You Would Love to See Return To the Stage in 2012

Congrats to JENNY LYNN on winnning the FitGems Award for Competitor Who You Would Love to See Return To the Stage in 2012 at the 3rd Annual FitGems Awards!

Photo credit: IFBBPro.com

Competitors come and go, but there are those that many of us feel should give it one final shot. Jenny Lynn is someone many of you would love to see return to the stage one more time (based off your votes). It would be nice to see how she would match up with Nicole Wilkins, Erin Stern, Ava Cowan, Candace Keene, Heather Dees, and the new breed of IFBB figure competitors. Jenny's physique has never really been on the vascular, hard side (which is what Davana Media was during the early days of figure), but more of the full, athletic side, which is seemingly what the IFBB wants these days. I honestly think Jenny can go one more round and show the newbies how to get the job done in the world of figure. She wasn't a multi-time Figure International and Figure Olympia champion for nothing!

Runner-up: Lenda Murray

Other nominated include Valerie Waugaman, Christine Pomponio-Pate, Heidi Sullivan, and Danny-J.