2010 Figure International Results (Nicole Makes History; Erin is Bridemaid Again; Heather Shines; Mindi's Streak is Over; Felicia Rebounds; Larissa is Vegas Bound)

Nicole Wilkins-Lee came as a favorite to win for the simple fact that she was the reigning Figure Olympia champion. There were those wondering would the soft trend continue in 2010 or would someone a bit harder take the Figure International title. Whether fans liked it or not (and trust me, there's a lot that DON'T like it one bit), soft is in for figure, and could be in for the long haul as Nicole (with a perfect score) captured the Figure International title. This win makes her the second woman to ever win both the Figure International and Figure Olympia titles, joining the likes of Jenny Lynn. Unlike Jenny, though, Nicole is the first female EVER to simultaneously reign as Figure International AND Figure Olympia champion. All thoughts and feelings aside about the direction of figure, I would like to say congrats to Nicole on this achievement.

For those that wonder where I stand on the whole figure issue, be on the lookout for a blog post about it in the very near future.

Erin Stern was once again runner-up at a figure contest, after she was runner-up at last year's Ft. Lauderdale show. She is someone that MANY people would love to see the new figure look go around. Erin's not hard, but she had an attainable athletic look that no one would mistake her for being a bikini competitor. Presentation is key in figure, and if Erin can nail it soon, I don't see her leaving the top rankings in figure for quite some time, regardless of the trend.

Heather Mae French might just have the soft look that people wouldn't mind see awarded. Personally, I thought she was the more balanced of the top six, and her shape was incredible. I don't get the bright pink, though. Kinda hurts my eyes, and I can see why she might have not gotten 2nd place...or even 1st place. It will be interesting if a simple change in suit color affect her placing, should she decide to leave the pink route. Speaking of suits, her two-piece suits reminds me of a certain former figure competitor that goes by the name of Christine Pomponio-Pate. Click here and here and see if you can spot what I'm talking about.

Mindi Smith's streak of victories came to a end this weekend, as she placed 4th in a tough line-up. Some people said that she looked a bit disappointed when her name was called. Well..she's been hearing nothing but first, first, first her entire figure career, so I think she has every right to feel a bit disappointed. Noticed I said disappointed, not bitter. She came in a bit harder than what she did at the Phoenix Pro, and that might have been her downfall. Nethertheless, she's heading to the Olympia, and will no doubt find a way to make a big statement as a figure star to watch in 2010 and beyond.

Felicia Romero bounced back from a fourth place position at the Phoenix Pro to a fifth place finish at the Arnold. No, that is not a typo. Yes, you're probably wondering how can anyone bounce back from a fourth place finish going to a FIFTH place finish? Simple, her physique improved from the Phoenix Pro. She keeps this up, and she will be back to her winning ways before you say "UNCLE!!" BTW, interesting colors on the one-piece suit, Felicia.

Rounding out the top 6 was someone that surprised me last year, Larissa Reis. The woman looked incredible and muscular, but it flowed evenly. Maybe it's just me, but it seems her legs somewhat overpower the rest of her physique, which isn't surprising as most Brazilian woman have incredible leg structure. If she can balance her legs with her upper body, or vice versa, then she could be a dangerous threat to the figure scene for quite a while.

All six beautiful ladies are set to have a date with destiney, as all six are qualified for the 2010 Figure Olympia.

Rest of the Best:
Monica Brant, the eternal fan favorite, placed just shy out of the top 6, with a smaller yet conditioned physique. If I can count the amount of people that want to see this look of figure awarded again, I would be one rich...fill in the blank. :) Kristi Tauti's tight physique was awarded a eighth-place spot. Andrea Watson aka The Figure Hobbit, made her Arnold debut in awesome faction, despite, like Mindi Smith, her winning streak came to an end as well. She will rebound, just like Rosa Marie Romero, who's coming off the heals of her breakout performance at the Phoenix Pro, which earned her an Olympia qualification. Like I said before, there may not be a more elegent poser in figure like Rosa. She brings something new and different to the table, and it will be interesting to see if she brings it in her first Olympia this September. Monica Mark-Escalante placed 11th, looking FAR better than what she did at the Phoenix Pro. A little more exposure and conditioning on her part, and she will be a force to reckon with in the very near future. Latisha Wilder (who placed 12th) STILL doesn't get any love from the judges, as many people (yours truly) don't seem to get what Latisha is doing wrong. Maybe one day, the judged will get it.Candice Houston and Christina Casoni placed 13th and 14th, respectively. Krissy Chin and Kim Tilden tied for 15th place. Sherlyn Roy (minus her signature flower), Alicia Harris and Angela Mraz round out the deep figure field.

FULL RESULTS:

1. Nicole Wilkins-Lee
2. Erin Stern
3. Heather Mae French
4. Mindi Smith
5. Felicia Romero
6. Larissa Reis
7. Monica Brant
8. Kristi Tauti
9. Andrea Watson
10. Rosa-Maria Romero
11. Monica Mark-Escalante
12. Latisha Wilder
13. Candice Houston
14. Christina Casoni
15. Krissy Chin - Tie
15. Kim Tilden - Tie
17. Sherlyn Roy
18. Alicia Harris
19. Angela Mraz

Do you agree or disagree with the placings? Share your thoughts on the comments below.