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.

3rd Annual FitGems Awards: Fitness Personality of the Year

Congrats to JAMIE EASON on winning Fitness Personality of the Year at the 3rd Annual FitGems Awards!

Photo credit: Myfittribe.com

The minute the name "Jamie Eason" was put on the ballot for Fitness Personality of the Year, it seemed to be a matter of who would be the runner-up (which will be listed below). Jamie is one of the biggest names in this industry, and I'm not talking top competitor big, I mean, mainstream-people-know-her-easy name. She has appeared in a few mainstream projects here and there. The best feature about Jamie is not her physique (which is definitely nothing shabby), but her kind heart and respect for others. She's also seen by many as a role model who has battled and tamed cancer. When it comes to fitness personalities, Miss Eason (soon to be Mrs. Eason, yes she's off the market, fellas) is in a league of her own.

Runner-up: Jillian Michaels and Jennifer Nicole Lee (tied)

Others nominated included Brittany Beede, Danny J, and Aubrie Richeson

3rd Annual FitGems Awards: Moment of the Year

Congrats to Jr. Nationals 2011, where every figure class winner was of color (first in NPC history)at the 3rd Annual FitGems Awards!

True words can't do this photo justice.
Photo credit: RxMuscle.com

There are moments in this industry that can forever change the industry, for better or worse. The moment that won this award was definitely for the better. The 2011 Jr. Nationals crowned several IFBB Pros, like they do every year, but last year was different. Each figure class winner was of African-American aka black decent. This is significant because that has NEVER happened in the history of the NPC. I'm of color, so this meant a LOT to me to see all six of these women win their respective classes. If you want to read more about how I felt about this personally, click here.

Runner-up: First-ever Arnold Classic Europe Fitness

Others nominated include First-ever IFBB event in India (Sheru Classic), Mindi O’Brien announcing retirement from fitness, Dayana Cadeau and Mah Ann Mendoza announcing their retirements from female bodybuilding at the Olympia, and Nicole Nagrani winning the first-ever Bikini International.

3rd Annual FitGems Awards: NPC Show of the Year

Congrats to NATIONALS on winnning NPC Show of the Year at the 3rd Annual FitGems Awards!

Photo credit: Bodybuilding.com

With the addition of women's physique (and men's physique for that matter), records were being shattered like crazy this year in terms of competitor participation. The NPC Nationals is usually the biggest NPC show of the year, but it was taken into overdrive in 2011 with close to 1,000 competitors (Keep in mind that was not any fitness classes or masters classes)! In total, 4 female bodybuilders, 6 women's physique competitors, 6 figure competitors, and 6 bikini competitors turned pro. In other words, 22 women entered the IFBB during Nationals weekend. That's a lot of pro cards!

Runner-up: Jr. Nationals

Others nominated include Jr. USAs, USAs, Team Universe, and North Americans. 

3rd Annual FitGems Awards: IFBB Show of the Year

Congrats to OLYMPIA on winning IFBB Show of the Year at the 3rd Annual FitGems Awards!

Photo credit: IFBBPro.com

The Super Bowl of bodybuilding (as most would call it), the Olympia has showcased the best of the best the sports has to offer. Last year saw Adela Garcia and Iris Kyle continuing their dominant ways in fitness and women's bodybuilding, respectively. Nicole Wilkins regained the Figure Olympia title after losing the title to Erin Stern a year earlier, and Nicole Nagrani (at the age of 19) took her place among the Olympia elite by beating then-champion Sonia Gonzales to win the Bikini Olympia title. Next year will be more exclusive than before with new Olympia qualifications to bring only winners and special invites to the show. While the 2012 will be smaller in volume, it should increase by quality.

Runner-up: Arnold

Others nominated include Ft. Lauderdale Pro, St. Louis Pro, Toronto Pro Supershow, and Sheru Classic.

3rd Annual FitGems Awards: WBFF Show of the Year

Congrats to WORLDS on winning the WBFF Show of the Year at the 3rd Annual FitGems Awards!

3X WBFF Pro Figure Champion Emily Stirling @ 2011 Worlds
Photo credit: WBFF official website

The WBFF is quickly becoming the fastest rising physique organizations in the world, and the WBFF Worlds is a testament to that. Stars like Chady Dunmore, Miryah Scott, Diana Chaloux LaCerte, Julie Bonnett, Alexandria Johnson, and more took to the stage to showcase the best the WBFF has to offer. Emily Stirling, who many call "The Face of the WBFF", reclaimed the Pro Figure World title she lost from Monica Brant in 2010, making Emily the organization's first-ever 3x World Champion. Every year, the WBFF gets bigger and better every year, so don't be surprised if the 2012 WBFF Worlds is absoultely CRAZY when it takes place in September!

Runner-up: Eastern U.S.

Others nominated include Alberta, Quebec, New England, and B.C.

3rd Annual FitGems Awards: Promoter of the Year

Congrats to ANN AND JACK TITONE on winning Promoters of the Year at the 3rd Annual FitGems Awards!

Photo credit: Michelle Beck (posted first on Siouxcountry)

The Titones are among the most respected couples in this industry, with Jack being a nutritionist and Ann being a IFBB Figure Pro. They promoted the St. Louis Pro Figure and Bikini show in 2011 last year to a great response from the attendees, competitors, and those online. They will help anyone however they can when it comes to competition and just flat out being their for them. Expect more from the Titones heading into 2012 and beyond.

Runner-up:

Others nominated include Stryker X, Tim Gardner, Jon Lindsay, and Brent Jones.

3rd Annual FitGems Awards: Organization of the Year

Congrats to IFBB on winning Organization of the Year at the 3rd Annual FitGems Awards!

Nicole Wilkins, the current face of IFBB Figure
Photo credit: MuscleContest.com

Promotions have been stepping up to provide better competition for those who want to compete, but one thing hasn't changed...the top promotion is still the International Federation of Bodybuilders. When you think of bodybuilding, the name IFBB comes to mine instantly, much like how people think of WWE instantly when the word wrestling is brought up. The IFBB has had its big moments in 2011, including hosting a figure show in India and fitness show in Spain for the first time ever. Competitors have cemented their legacies this year by winning and defending titles. Next year, the IFBB will introduce women's physique to their rankings and with their new Olympia qualification rules make their "Super Bowl" more prestigious than ever before. If you thought the IFBB was big now, just wait until 2012.

Runner-up: NPC

Others nominated include WBFF, INBF, NABBA, and Fitness America/Universe

3rd Annual FitGems Awards: Female Physique Site of the Year

Congrats to SIOUXCOUNTRY on winning Female Physique Site of the Year at the 3rd Annual FitGems Awards!

Photo of Abbye Eville, which represents Siouxcountry and what they represent.
Photo credit: Siouxcountry's Facebook's fan page

It's awesome to see more and more sites being established for the females in this industry, but when it comes to impact on the females in this industry, Siouxcountry is tops. Many competitors from different organizations enter the site to talk about the industry, view preview photos, sell suits, and get the (to me) best contest coverage around. Plus, what other site has photo gatherings at contests?!?! Many have done better in their contests by joining Siouxcountry. People get to know each other better because of this site. I can honestly say that if it wasn't for that site, many friendships and partnerships would probably would be in existence. A site is only a good as its members, and I can honestly say that Jason Lannigan (aka Sioux), the amazing moderators there (who I respect greatly), and all the members there make Siouxcountry like no other site in the industry. To visit and join the site, go to http://www.siouxcountry.com.

Runner-up: Fitness Rx (http://www.fitnessrxmag.com/)

Others nominated include Promoting Real Women (http://promotingwomen.blogspot.com), Hardbody News (http://www.hardbody.com/news), Rx Girl (http://www.rxmuscle.com/rx-girl-home.html), and Fit Model TV (http://fitmodeltv.wordpress.com). 

3rd Annual FitGems Awards: Female Competitor Blog of the Year

Congrats to MINDI O'BRIEN on winning Female Competitor Blog of the Year at the 3rd Annual FitGems Awards!

Photo credit: RxMuscle

Some competitors share a blog with their fans, so they can keep up with what they are doing. Some use blogs as training blogs, some use it to share their recipes and daily lives and tips with their fans. For some, a blog is their actual website. Mindi O'Brien has used her blog for this and more. She announced her retirement on her blog. While she will be missed on the competition scene, expect her to update her blog with news on her and her fitness team, Team O'Brien. To visit her blog, go to http://mindiobrien.blogspot.com/.

Runner-up: Stacy Wright (http://stacywrightfitness.blogspot.com/)

Other nominated include Ashley Cooper (http://ashleycooperfitness.blogspot.com), Ester Alexander (http://estheralexander.blogspot.com),Nikki Roxx (http://healthhugsandheadlocks.blogspot.com/), and Cindy Phillips (http://cindyphillips.blogspot.com/). 

3rd Annual FitGems Awards: Facebook Female Fan Page of the Year

Congrats to AVA COWAN on winning Facebook Female Fan Page of the Year at the 3rd Annual FitGems Awards!

Photo credit: Ava Cowan's Facebook fan page

When it comes to popularity, there are VERY FEW that have the fan base like Ava. That was made perfectly clear as she overwhelmed everyone else in this category.Ava is one of the most devoted competitors out there when it comes to making her fans happy. Everything you would want to know about Ava, all you have to do is "like" her on Facebook. It's great to see competitors use the social media machine to get closer to their fans, and Ava is among the best, if not THE best, at this. If you haven't done so yet, go on and "like" her at https://www.facebook.com/AvaCowanOnline.

Runner-up: Monica Brant (https://www.facebook.com/monicabrantfanpage)

Others nominated include Brittany Beede (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Brittany-Beede/175975545820582), Danny-J and Aubrie Richeson, AKA the Sweaty Betties (https://www.facebook.com/TheSweatyBetties) Tracy Bodner (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Tracy-IslandGirl-Bodner-Fan-Page/224878527524596) and Tonya Burkhardt (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Tonya-Burkhardt-IFBB-Fitness-Pro/115849285092492)

3rd Annual FitGems Awards: Photographer of the Year

Congrats to DAN RAY on winning Photographer of the Year at the 3rd Annual FitGems Awards!

Photo of Heather Dees. Photo credit: Dan Ray's Facebook

Dan Ray has become one of the most requested photographers in the industry today. His photos are all over the place. There's a very good chance you've seen them on several official websites and Facebook fan pages. His photos are also located on some contest sites as well, such as RxMuscle. Don't be surprised if you see more of Dan Ray's work in 2012. BTW, despite us having the same last name, we are not related in any way whatsoever. LOL.

Runner-up: Isaac Hinds

Others nominated include Marc Thyssen, Bill Comstock, Jeff Binns, and Mike Eckstut. 

3rd Annual FitGems Awards: Blogger of the Year

Congrats to ISAAC HINDS on winning Blogger of the Year at the 3rd Annual FitGems Awards!

Photo credit: Bodybuilding.com

Isaac Hinds is no stranger to speaking his peace when it comes to things. Whether you like his opinions or not, he's gonna to tell you about the industry and the people in it as he sees fit (no pun intended). Do you have to like it? NO. Do you have to read his stuff? NO. But those that do tend to have somewhat of a better understanding of the industry. On his predictions, he's usually about right on things. I'm not saying bet the barn every time he makes a prediction on his blog, but I would take his stuff seriously if I were you.

Runner-up: Jason Adams

Others nominated include Dean Sucich, GeneX, Carl Burkins (dallas3), and Area Orion.