2013 Figure International Review: Candice Keene is Figure Supreme

On paper, Erin Stern was the favorite. Before the Arnold began, most people had Erin winning her first-ever Figure International title, with Nicole Wilkins sitting out. Any can you blame anyone. I mean, she IS the reigning Figure Olympia champion. Yeah...try telling Candice Keene that, though. She had other plans. Candice, with her best package to date, took home her first major title of her figure career and she did it on her birthday. Needless to say, this was probably the best birthday she's ever had. How many other people can say that they won a major title in their sport on their birthday?!

Best birthday present ever for Candice Keene?! I think so!
Photo credit: Bodybuilding.com

Another one who shocked a lot of people was Heather Dees. Bring HER best package to date, Heather brought in the right amount of muscle and tone to take the runner-up spot. Erin Stern, the favorite heading into the event, placed 3rd, and compared to Candice K. and Heather D., she was far from her best. If the Erin that showed up at last year's Olympia was at this year's Arnold, we would have a whole different story to talk about. No doubt she will learn from this and come back better than before. 4th place went to Candice Lewis, who brought an amazing physique to the stage. Mallory Haldeman continues her first figure run as she placed 5th. Rounding out the top six was fitness-turned-figure competitor Camala Rodriquez. Her physique has always been a strong point during her fitness run, and it's translating to figure quite nicely. The biggest shocker in the figure ranks goes to Ava Cowan, who brought what many believe to be her best physique to date, but was outside the top six.

What are your thoughts about the placings? Agree? Disagree? Has the landscape of figure change with Candice and Heather's performance? Sound off in the comments below and on our Facebook fan page (https://www.facebook.com/fitgemsnation).

FINAL RESULTS:

1. Candice Keene
2. Heather Dees
3. Erin Stern
4. Candice Lewis
5. Mallory Haldeman
6. Camala Rodriguez
7. Ava Cowan
8. Gennifer Strobo
9. Cheryl Brown
10. Kamla Macko
11. Ann Titone
12. Aleisha Hart
13. Candice John
14. Nicole Sims
15. Alea Suarez
16. Giada Simari
16. Natalie Waples
16. Olga Morales

Top 6 Awards (including Candice's speech) (from NPCNewsOnline)



Candice's interview and photoshoot after her win (from NPCNewsOnline)