Well...it's just about here. The Arnold Classic is just days away, and for the ladies, this will be the official kickoff of the competition season. If you're not in the least bit excited about this contest, then you're probably halfway in a coma. Many interested scenarios will be taking place in Columbus, Ohio this weekend.
For Ms. International, Yaxeni will be looking to defend her title and rewrite her name in the history books, and Iris will look to avenge her controversial loss last year. Like a true champion, Iris came back strong later on in the year and won her fourth Ms. Olympia title, and Betty Viana-Adkins emerged as a serious threat to a major title when she placed second at the O. Something's gotta give.
The Fitness International will see a new champion crown, as Kim Scheideler (2007-2008 Champion) has retired from competition, leaving a new champion to be crowned. Jenny Hendershott has emerged as the one to beat, as she will be in front of her home crowd. However, there are those such as Julie Palmer and Tracey Greenwood, who had their best years to date last year. Tanji and Regaine have been itching to be among the top three, and others such as Heidi and Mindi have made major strides over the last couple of years. If there's any place for someone to step up, it will be the fitness division.
The Figure International will also be one to watch, as Gina Aliotti (defending champion) is an odds-on favorite to repeat as champion, with the 2008 Figure Olympia Champion Jennifer Gates bowing out of the competition. For those that are keeping score, this contest will be just about one year ago that the new figure guidelines, so this will make it the first time the figure guidelines will take place at the Arnold. Judging by the physiques that were judged, will Gina repeat? She does have something big going for her, both Jenny Lynn and Mary Lado (the other Figure International Champions) have won back-to-back Arnold. But with Zivele, Felicia, Adela, Monica, Juliana and Erin (among others) competitng, this won't be an easy feat.
Look for my predictions on the pros sometime Tuesday.
The Arnold Amateur will see up-and coming stars compete, as well as the debut of the much anticipated bikini division. There's been a lot of talk about this division, both good and bad. This weekend, all the talk (or most of it anyways) will be put to rest as we see what bodies are presented on stage and what bodies get judges. All in all, this is one Arnold that is a can't-miss event. Unfortunatley for me, yours truly won't be able to attend the show, so the webcast will have to do. To everyone that is going to the show, have fun, be safe, meet some new friends, and make this a trip you will never forget.
Side note: Thanks to everyone that voted on the American Gladiator poll. I asked Would YOU like to see American Gladiators back? 43% said yes with some major modifications (I wholeheartely agree), 31% would rather not and stick with the ESPN Classics, and 25% of you said yes.
This month's question is After a year in effect, do you consider the new figure guidelines a success or failure? I know I was going to post on this earlier; I will sometime after the Arnold. To everyone competing this weekend...BEST OF LUCK TO ALL OF YOU!!!!!!!!!
