Christine Pomponio: The Return of the Original Petite Giant?

2026 has been an eventful year for Christine Pomponio...good and not-so-good. We won't post them here out of respect for her, but they are serious enough for her to not do Petite USA (a pageant she has done since 2022) nor will she defend her Ms. Elite Universal Global USA title. However, on her social media post on July 7, she mentioned that she was not done with the pageant world...but also alluded to stepping back on the IFBB stage for the first time in 2 decades. She has KINDA brought it up here and there but for the first time in YEARS, Christine has really sounded more willing to dust off the clear heels and run it back one more time. We've been rooting for this for a while, as you can see in a previous post we made, but it looks like in 2027 or 2028, we might be getting our wish to see one of the original figure queens back on a physique stage. 

Here is what she said on her Instagram and Facebook regarding a potential run-back on the IFBB stage as well as also continuing to be part of the pageant world as well:

To be honest, I am highly considering also getting on stage once again returning to Fitness competitions. Being an IFBB professional fitness competitor, I am getting the desire to return, it has been 19 years since I became pregnant and thought that my winning streak and fitness journey for years was over. However, I am not yet finished with the pageant side of my career either.

Christine in her three Olympia appearances (2004-2006)

Let's be real...who says she can't do both? Definitely not us! There have been quite a few pageant women that have also stepped on physique stages in the same year and have done quite well in both. They didn't choose one or the other. They were wise in how they trained depending on if they were doing traditional pageants or physique competitions. And Christine?! She has had YEARS of training experience, so she knows what she needs to do, depending on where she wants to step on stage at. And as far as Christine stepping on stage, she has more choices to compete in. She can remain in figure, or she can go for bikini, wellness, or fit model. If the IFBB is something she really wants to do next year, expect her to get her training going at some point this year once she is able to get her ordeals in order. 

Christine's Petite USA appearances (2022-2025)

And for those that have followed us for years, you know we have been Team Christine long before FitGems Nation was even a thing, so best believe we will be keeping you all informed on what she plans to do in 2027 and beyond. For those that can remember, Christine was the first petite woman to dominate the figure division, where being small was a disadvantage, but she was determined to make her height a strength, which she successfully did with a pro win, 2 Figure International appearances (both top 6), and 3 Olympia appearances (top 6 in all of them, with her last one in 2006 being in the top 4). How cool would it be to see the Original Petite Giant return to the IFBB one final time and also how cool would it be for her sons to see how their mother got her name in the first place?! That ALONE is motivation to step back on stage. All we know is 2027 could turn out to be a VERY interesting year one of the First Ladies of Figure...and we can't wait to see how all of this unfolds!

Christine winning the 2005 IFBB Tournament of Champions Pro Figure and 2025 Elite Miss Universal Global USA

For more on Christine, make sure to follow her on Facebook (main page and fan page), Instagram, and Threads.

2020 Olympia: The Show WILL Go On!

Well...you all know what's going on in the world right now, so I don't need to speak on it no more than I need to. So all I'll speak on is how the Olympia will be done this year with everything that is going on right now.

This Monday, it was announced that the Olympia WILL be a go, and it will happen December 16-20. Yes, you heard that correct, folks. The Olympia is taking place during the holidays! But that's not the only big change happening for the Olympia. Beginning this year, it will be move from the Las Vegas Convention Center to Planet Hollywood right in the center of the Las Vegas Strip. That is MASSIVE because Las Vegas is the city that never sleeps (outside of right now, obviously) and to move it to the center of the Strip puts more eyes on it than ever before, and it gives more of a fan-friendly feel to it, which is something that Jake Wood, the new owner of the Olympia, wanted to go: give the Olympia back to the fans as best as he can, and these changes (and more to come in the months ahead) seem to indicate just that. Tickets for all the Olympia festivities will go on sale May 25th (Memorial Day). If you have purchased Olympia tickets prior to the changes, you should receive a full refund. If you haven't, make sure to check with Ticketmaster. No, your previous purchase will NOT be transferred over to the new dates/locations. You must purchase new tickets when they go on sale May 25th.

With the new dates and location established...now lies the following: When is the last day to qualify for the Olympia and what shows are even taking place this year?! Today, NPC News Online announced that Sunday October 18th will be the last day to qualify for the Olympia. Here's a list of all the competitions that are set to go on to qualify for the 2020 Olympia:

Women's Bodybuilding (BTW, so glad Ms. Olympia is BACK!!!)

2020 IFBB MR. BIG EVOLUTION PRO WOMEN'S BODYBUILDING on 07/12/20 in Lisbon, Portugal
2020 IFBB OMAHA PRO WOMEN'S BODYBUILDING on 7/18/2020 in Omaha, Nebraska
2020 WINGS OF STRENGTH IFBB PRO LEAGUE YAMAMOTO NUTRITION CUP TAMPA WOMEN'S BODYBUILDING in 07-31/08-01/2020 on Tampa, Florida
2020 IFBB SAVANNAH PRO WOMEN'S BODYBUILDING on 8/29/2020 in Savannah, Georgia
2020 WINGS OF STRENGTH IFBB PRO LEAGUE YAMAMOTO NUTRITION PUERTO RICO WOMEN'S BODYBUILDING on 8/29/2020 in San Juan, Puerto Rico
2020 IFBB NEW YORK PRO WOMEN'S BODYBUILDING on 9/5/2020 in Teaneck, New Jersey
2020 IFBB PITTSBURGH MASTERS WOMEN'S BODYBUILDING Over 35 on 09/02-05/2020 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
2020 IFBB PRO LEAGUE WINGS OF STRENGTH RISING PHOENIX WOMEN'S BODYBUILDING on 9/5/2020 in Phoenix, Arizona
2020 IFBB EVLS PRAGUE PRO WOMEN'S BODYBUILDING on 9/26/2020 in Czech Republic
2020 IFBB PRO LEAGUE WINGS OF STRENGTH CHICAGO PRO WOMEN'S BODYBUILDING on 10/16-17/20 in Chicago, Illinois

Women's Fitness

2020 WINGS OF STRENGTH IFBB PRO LEAGUE YAMAMOTO NUTRITION CUP TAMPA FITNESS on 07-31/08-01/2020 in Tampa, Florida
2020 WINGS OF STRENGTH IFBB PRO LEAGUE YAMAMOTO NUTRITION PUERTO RICO FITNESS on 8/29/2020 in San Juan, Puerto Rico
2020 IFBB PRO LEAGUE WINGS OF STRENGTH ARIZONA PRO FITNESS on 9/5/2020 in Phoenix, Arizona
2020 IFBB PRO LEAGUE BEN WEIDER NATURAL PRO FITNESS on 9/19/2020 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
2020 IFBB PRO FITNESS on 10/10/2020 in Atlanta, Georgia
2020 IFBB PRO LEAGUE WINGS OF STRENGTH CHICAGO PRO FITNESS on 10/16-17/20 in Chicago, Illinois

Women's Figure

2020 IFBB ZHANNA ROTAR CLASSIC PRO FIGURE on 7/18/2020 in Los Angeles, California
2020 WINGS OF STRENGTH IFBB PRO LEAGUE YAMAMOTO NUTRITION CUP TAMPA FIGURE on 07/31-08/01/2020 in Tampa, Florida
2020 IFBB MONSTERZYM KOREA PRO FIGURE on 08-22-23/2020 in South Korea
2020 IFBB SAVANNAH PRO FIGURE on 8/29/2020 in Savannah, Georgia
2020 WINGS OF STRENGTH IFBB PRO LEAGUE YAMAMOTO NUTRITION PUERTO RICO FIGURE on 8/29/2020 in San Juan, Puerto Rico
2020 IFBB PITTSBURGH MASTERS FIGURE on 09/02-05/2020 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
2020 IFBB PRO LEAGUE WINGS OF STRENGTH ARIZONA PRO FIGURE on 9/5/2020 in Phoenix, Arizona
2020 IFBB NEW YORK PRO FIGURE on 9/5/2020 in Teaneck, New Jersey
2020 IFBB PRO LEAGUE BEN WEIDER NATURAL PRO FIGURE on 9/19/2020 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
2020 IFBB PRO LEAGUE KY MUSCLE FIGURE OPEN on 09/19/20 in Louisville, Kentucky
2020 IFBB TITANS PRO FIGURE on 10/3/2020 in San Diego, California
2020 IFBB BATTLE IN THE DESERT PRO FIGURE on 10/03/20 in Las Vegas, Nevada
2020 IFBB PRO FIGURE on 10/10/2020 in Atlanta, Georgia
2020 IFBB MONSTERZYM PRO FIGURE on 10/10/20 in Seoul, South Korea
2020 IFBB PRO LEAGUE WINGS OF STRENGTH CHICAGO PRO FIGURE on 10/16-17/20 in Chicago, Illinois

Women's Bikini

2020 IFBB BATTLE AT THE FALLS PRO BIKINI on 5/9/2020 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota
2020 IFBB PATRIOTS CHALLENGE BIKINI on 7/11/2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada
2020 IFBB NORTHERN CALIFORNIA PRO BIKINI on 07/11/20 in Sacramento, California
2020 IFBB VANCOUVER PRO BIKINI on 07/11-12/20 in Vancouver, Canada
2020 IFBB WASATCH WARRIOR PRO BIKINI on 7/11/2020 in Salt Lake City, Utah
2020 IFBB MR. BIG EVOLUTION PRO BIKINI on 07/12/20 in Lisbon, Portugal Sandra Ferreira
2020 WINGS OF STRENGTH IFBB PRO LEAGUE YAMAMOTO NUTRITION CUP TAMPA BIKINI on 07/31-08/01/2020 in Tampa, Florida T
2020 IFBB MUSCLECONTEST BRAZIL BIKINI on 8/1/2020 in Sao Paulo, Brazil
2020 IFBB BRITISH PRO BIKINI on 8/2/2020 in Watford, United Kingdom
2020 WINGS OF STRENGTH IFBB PRO LEAGUE YAMAMOTO NUTRTIION SAN ANTONIO PRO BIKINI on 8/8/2020 in San Antonio, Texas
2020 IFBB PACIFIC USA XXII BIKINI on 8/8/2020 in San Diego, California
2020 TAHOE PRO BIKINI on 8/8/2020
2020 IFBB GOLDEN STATE PRO BIKINI on 08/22/20 in Sacramento, California
2020 IFBB WORLD KLASH PRO BIKINI on 8/22/2020 in Port Charlotte, FL
2020 IFBB MONSTERZYM KOREA PRO BIKINI on 08/22-23/2020 in South Korea
2020 IFBB OPTIMUM CLASSIC PRO BIKINI OPEN on 08/29/20 in Shreveport, Louisiana
2020 WINGS OF STRENGTH IFBB PRO LEAGUE YAMAMOTO NUTRITION PUERTO RICO BIKINI on 8/29/2020 in San Juan, Puerto Rico
2020 IFBB PITTSBURGH MASTERS BIKINI on 09/02-05/2020 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
2020 IFBB PRO LEAGUE WINGS OF STRENGTH ARIZONA PRO BIKINI on 9/5/2020 in Phoenix, Arizona
2020 IFBB NEW YORK PRO BIKINI on 9/5/2020 in Teaneck, New Jersey
2020 WINGS OF STRENGTH IFBB PRO LEAGUE HOT SPOT TANNING HURRICANE PRO BIKINI on 9/19/2020 in St. Petersburg, Florida
2020 IFBB PRO LEAGUE BEN WEIDER NATURAL PRO BIKINI on 9/19/2020 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
2020 ASIAN GRAND PRIX PRO BIKINI on 9/20/2020 in Seoul, Korea
2020 IFBB EVLS PRAGUE PRO BIKINI on 9/26/2020 in Czech Republic
2020 IFBB MUSCLECONTEST VIETNAM BIKINI on 9/26/2020 in Vietnam
2020 IFBB POWERHOUSE CLASSIC PRO BIKINI on 9/26/20 in Ypsilanti, Michigan
2020 IFBB MUSCLECONTEST PHILIPPINES BIKINI on 10/3/2020 in Subic Bay, Philippines
2020 IFBB MINNEAPOLIS OPEN BIKINI on 10/3/2020 in Minneapolis, Minnesota
2020 IFBB PRO BIKINI on 10/10/2020 in Atlanta, Georgia
2020 IFBB MONSTERZYM PRO BIKINI on 10/10/20 in Seoul, South Korea
2020 IFBB PRO LEAGUE WINGS OF STRENGTH CHICAGO PRO BIKINI on 10/16-17/20 in Chicago, Illinois
2020 AUCKLAND PRO BIKINI on 10/17/2020 in Auckland, New Zealand
2020 IFBB SACRAMENTO PRO BIKINI on 10/17/20 in Sacramento, California
2020 IFBB FITPARADE PRO BIKINI on 10/18/2020 in Budapest, Hungary

(WOW...on the final weekend of Olympia qualifying there will be four shows for the bikini division! SHEESH!)

Women's Physique

2020 IFBB OMAHA PRO WOMEN'S PHYSIQUE on 7/18/2020 in Omaha, Nebraska
2020 IFBB PRESTIGE CRYSTAL CUP PRO WOMEN'S PHYSIQUE on 7/25/2020 in Boca Raton, Florida
2020 WINGS OF STRENGTH IFBB PRO LEAGUE YAMAMOTO NUTRITION CUP TAMPA WOMEN'S PHYSIQUE on 07-31/08-01/2020 in Tampa, Florida
2020 IFBB EUROPA PHOENIX PRO WOMEN'S PHYSIQUE on 08/08-09/2020 in Phoenix, Arizona
2020 IFBB OPTIMUM CLASSIC PRO WOMEN'S PHYSIQUE Open on 08/29/20 in Shreveport, Louisiana
2020 WINGS OF STRENGTH IFBB PRO LEAGUE YAMAMOTO NUTRITION PUERTO RICO WOMEN'S PHYSIQUE on 8/29/2020 in San Juan, Puerto Rico
2020 IFBB PITTSBURGH MASTERS WOMEN'S PHYSIQUE on 09/02-05/2020 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
2020 IFBB PRO LEAGUE WINGS OF STRENGTH ARIZONA PRO WOMEN'S PHYSIQUE on 9/5/2020 in Phoenix, Arizona
2020 IFBB PRO LEAGUE BEN WEIDER NATURAL PRO WOMEN'S PHYSIQUE on 9/19/2020 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
2020 IFBB PRO WOMEN'S PHYSIQUE on 10/10/2020 in Atlanta, Georgia
2020 IFBB PRO LEAGUE WINGS OF STRENGTH CHICAGO PRO WOMEN'S PHYSIQUE on 10/16-17/2020 in Chicago, Illinois

To view all shows past the Olympia qualification dates, including the first official pro wellness shows (they will not be represented at the Olympia this year), check out the PDF here: http://www.ifbbpro.com/wp-content/uploads/image/2020/calendar/calendar.pdf. For the 2020 Olympia Qualification Systems rules, check them out at http://www.ifbbpro.com/all-categories/news/2020-olympia-qualification-system-2/. If you want to see who has already qualified for the Olympia and is on their way to qualifying, check out the current rankings at http://www.ifbbpro.com/all-categories/oqs/2020-olympia-qualified-athletes-and-point-standings/.

I do want to mention that things can change at anytime so be weary of that. However, I do find it good that the IFBB has worked their butts off to try and get a competition season going for the athletes during one of the most unprecedented times in our world's history. To all of you competing, good luck to you all. To those waiting it out on competing until 2021, FitGems Nation fully respect your decision as well. It has been quite the year for everyone. To all of you out there...STAY SAFE AND USE SOME COMMON SENSE NO MATTER WHAT YOU DO. Take care, everyone!

For more on the Olympia including tickets and the latest up-to-date information, check out their website at https://mrolympia.com/.

Juliana Malacarne...IFBB Wellness Pro?!

As most of you know by now, the NPC and IFBB will be bringing the wellness division in 2020. This is a popular division internationally that has produced some incredible physiques that are not seen as much in the United States. Now with the division coming to the States next year, it would not be surprising to see competitors searching for wellness competitors overseas for possible looks. I'm going to assume the look for the NPC/IFBB will be similar to what is overseas, but don't quote me on it right now as nothing has been said as of this article. But when they do get everything set, we'll post our thoughts on it.

Most wellness divisions in other federations have their competitors to have a muscular physique without much separation that appear athletic and aesthetic. Despite nothing set in stone as far as the look that will be rewarded in the NPC and IFBB, it has not stop people from guessing who will be the IT look for the division..including us. In fact, if the division is in need of an example already in the IFBB, we know someone...Juliana Malacarne.

Muscular, shapely, athletic, asthetic, non-shredded or dry...exactly what Juliana is now, and exactly what the wellness division could be?! We'll see!
Photo credit: Juliana herself

I know you are probably thinking..."Wait...this site is seriously suggesting that a 4x Miss Physique Olympia be the measuring stick of the new wellness division?" Yes, THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT I'M SUGGESTING! Especially the way Juliana looks now. Look no further than her recent post. She still trains hard despite not stepping on stage since 2017 (remember, she said she was taking a break, she NEVER said she was completely retired yet), and she looks downright amazing these days: a muscular, shapely, athletic, aesthetic, and healthy look that isn't shredded or dry...exactly how the wellness divisions across other federations are. Juliana has stated that she would love to return to the stage if it seemed she could do it without sacrificing her femininity, and the wellness could be just that. There are a few more we would like to see do wellness, but based off how she is now, Juliana is at the top of the list.

She defined women's physique...and if she chooses to, could defined IFBB Wellness!

So what do you think? Does Juliana have the wellness look? Who do YOU think has what YOU believe to be the ideal wellness look for the IFBB? Comment below or let us know via our social media platforms.

Don't forget to follow Juliana on her social media platforms:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/julesfit10/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/julesfit10
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julesfit10

NXT Diva Competing at the 2015 Arnold

DISCLAIMER: All photos used belong to their original owners. 

As you all probably know by now, the lists for the 2015 Arnold on the pro side have been released, with the biggest and best names in the industry competing for top honors in one of the biggest shows of the year. One name that stood out to me was Ashley Sebera for the fitness side, known as the Fitness International. Some of you probably know her by a different name...Dana Brooke. Yes, THE Dana Brooke from NXT, WWE's developmental brand. My initial thought about this was..."Was this a mistake? The committee knows she's part of WWE, right? Do they even ALLOW this? But after seeing the retweets from Triple H (WWE's COO) and Sara Amato (NXT trainer), that's when it hit me. A WWE performer is going to represent the entire wrestling world in one of the largest fitness competitions in the world.

Former WWE Divas Aksana (real name Živilė Raudonienė) and Kaitlin (real name Celeste Braun) were former IFBB and NPC figure competitors who stopped competing to become WWE Divas. Torrie Wilson and Lisa Maria Varon were fitness competitors before entering the world of professional wrestling. So how and why is Dana (we'll be using her WWE name going forward in this article) able to compete in one of the top fitness shows in the world AND still be a WWE/NXT Diva? Better question is...why not?

Dana is one of the top prospects in NXT who has not (as of this writing) made it to the TV roster (or NXT's home, the WWE Network...$9.99 a month, no commitment needed. I know, cheap plug). Known as the Killa Barbie, she has shown a lot of promise as a tough-as-nails performer who could be one of the next top female powerhouses in WWE, based off fans who have seen her perform during NXT live events. SO...back to the point of "What's the big deal of Dana making the Arnold list?"

If memory serves me right, this will mark the first time in WWE history that a WWE performer UNDER CONTRACT will compete in a fitness event. The ladies I mentioned earlier competed in fitness competitions but stopped after entering WWE. This practically guarantees big opportunities for the WWE and IFBB to showcase their companies to new people. IFBB, while big, doesn't have nearly the mainstream media power that WWE has. Can you imagine the exposure the IFBB can get if some of the Arnold was shown on WWE programming? WWE, in turn, will have a massive amount of fit talent (male and female) they can look at and scout for the next breed of Superstars and Divas for WWE and NXT. The company will be like kids in a candy store trying to see who can one day lead their company.

What's in it for Dana? To bring two words together and show both audiences why she's one of the top athletes on the planet. The thought of a good deal of the crowd chanting "NXT! NXT! NXT!" during her swimsuit round and fitness routine round brings a tear and a smile to my face knowing one of our own is returning home to represent everything she loves: fitness and pro wrestling. For more reasons than you know, Dana is already a winner.

2015 is her year...she makes history on March 6th. 

We would like to publicly wish Dana the best of luck as she prepares to represent pro wrestling in one of the biggest stages in the fitness industry and we would like to thank Paul Levesque (Triple H), Sara Del Ray (Sara Amato), and WWE/NXT for giving Dana the opportunity to make history. Good luck Dana! FYI, you can follow Dana on Twitter at https://twitter.com/DanaBrookeWWE and Instagram at http://instagram.com/ashasebera_danabrooke

The 2015 Arnold Sports Festival is March 5-8 at the Columbus Convention Center in Columbus, Ohio, with the Fitness International Prejudging and Finals on March 6th. Click here for ticket information. 

Never Too Late: Tara Chandler Makes IFBB Debut Seven Years After Earning Pro Card

When one competes in the National Physique Committee (NPC) in hopes to one day becoming a pro in the International Federation of Bodybuilders (IFBB), what usually happens is when one gets an IFBB Pro card, they usually Compete within a year after earning their pro cards, maybe even just a few weeks after. However, it does not mean you HAVE to be in a rush to compete in the pro rankings. Sometimes, it's best to wait it out and see when is the best time to test yourself among the best in the industry.

Left: Tara at the 2007 Nationals. Right: Tara at the 2014 Emerald Cup. Welcome to the IFBB, Tara!
Photo credit: Muscular Development (put together on Picmonkey)

Tara Chandler won her pro card at the 2007 NPC Nationals in the figure division. During that time, Gina Alotti, Jennifer Gates, and Jenny Lynn were at the top of the pro rankings. The one-piece swimsuit round was also part of the figure division as well. Fast forward seven years later, Nicole Wilkins, Erin Stern, Candice Keene, and Camala Rodriquez-McClure are the top names in pro figure and the one-piece swimsuit round is a thing of the past. Tara made ​​her pro debut at the 2014 Emerald Cup, a competition she competed in as an amateur figure competitor. Placing despite lower than many hoped, it was clear to all that saw her that day that Tara could be a major part of the figure division. Her Physique was complete, great shape, size, and conditioning that fits right in (in my honest opinion) with today's top pros. Whatever her flaws and her team saw were worked out at her next show, the New York Pro, where she came in with Physique an even more refined than what she had at the Emerald Cup. 

To us, it's only a matter of time before Tara is up there with the top stars in the division, especially if she keeps bring a similar package to what she's brought in her first two shows as a pro. A wise man once said, " Good things comes to those who wait. " We at FitGems Nation think Tara Chandler is a perfect example of that. We look forward to seeing more of her in competition in the near future. Good luck in the IFBB, Tara!

Tara @ 2014 New York Pro. What's next? We'll soon find out!
Photo credit: Muscular Development

2013 Bikini International Review: India Claims Victory

Nathalia Melo was dubbed as a favorite to win as she's the reigning Bikini Olympia champion. Nicole Nagrani was dubbed as a favorite to win as she was the first-ever Bikini International champion and a former Bikini Olympia. India Paulino came in as A favorite and left as THE champion.

India is queen of bikini
Photo credit: Bodybuilding.com

India's sassiness and overall beauty is what has made her a fan favorite since bikini began. She was able to pull out the right combination to win her first big title in bikini. Nathalia ended up being runner-up, but I think if all bikini competitions were judged based off the rear only, Nathalia would end up winning every contest she entered, and everyone else would be going for 2nd Place, at best. Nicole had some...well... noticeable modifications since last year (Look at this year's photos and photos from last year, and you'll see what I mean). She ended up in 3rd place. Yeshaira Robles made her Arnold debut and placed 4th. Jessica Paxson placed 5th and has been one of the few that has made a very successful transition from figure to bikini. Jamie Baird, also a top competitor, rounds out the top 6. 

The bikini division looks to be a India-Nathalia-Nicole show for 2013, much like how it was toward the end of 2012. What are your thoughts about the placings, though? Agree? Disagree? Sound off in the comments below and on our Facebook fan page (https://www.facebook.com/fitgemsnation). 

FULL RESULTS:

1. India Paulino

2. Nathalia Melo

3. Nicole Nagrani

4. Yeshaira Robles

5. Jessica Paxson

6. Jaime Baird

7. Jennifer Andrews

8. Tiffany Marie Boydston

9. Tawna Eubanks

10. Ashley Kaltwasser

11. Anna Virmajoki

12. Lacey DeLuca

13. Abigail Burrows

14. Lexi Kaufman

15. Noy Alexander

16. Marcela Tribin

India's emotional interview and photoshoot after her win (From NPCNewsOnline)

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)

2013 Ms. International Review: Iris Makes History Yet Again

Let's just be honest here...anytime you see the name "Iris Kyle" on a competitions list, the best you're going to do is 2nd place. This is not to take anything away from any competitor whatsoever, but when you have that "it-factor" like Iris has, you can't beat it, no matter how hard you train. Iris has "it" and it helped her to capture a record 7th Ms. International title, no doubt making her THE best female bodybuilder of all time.

Iris just might be the best of all time.
Photo credit: Bodybuilding.com

Yaxeni Oriquen, last year's winner, placed in the runner-up spot. Yaxeni is another one who is hard to beat, and is one of the VERY FEW that can claim to ever beat Iris. Debi Laszewski keeps improving show after show after show, as does Brigita Brezovac. Both ladies placed third and fourth place, respectively. Cathy LeFrancois ended up in fifth place, and Angela Debatin, who hasn't been on stage in a while, rounded out the top 6. Not a bad return for Angela! BTW, her 6th place was the highest placing for her to date at an Arnold event.

Believe it or not, Iris CAN be beaten. She IS capable of losing. But the way things are going for her, unless she is absolutely off, Iris is going to be unstoppable for quite some time. What are your thoughts about the placings? Agree? Disagree? Do YOU think Iris can be beat? Sound off in the comments below and on our Facebook fan page (https://www.facebook.com/fitgemsnation).


FULL RESULTS:

1. Iris Kyle
2. Yaxeni Oriquen-Garcia
3. Debi Laszewski
4. Brigita Brezovac
5. Cathy LeFrancois
6. Angela Debatin
7. Kim Buck
8. Olga Puzanova
9. Tazzie Colomb
10. Jeannie Paparone
11. Eleni Kavva

Top 6 Results (including Iris's speech) (from NPCNewsOnline)


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

4th Annual FitGems Awards...IT'S TIME TO VOTE!

First and foremost, thank you all for the nominations for this year's awards!

The nominations are in for this year's awards, and the ballot is ready for you to vote for your favorites. A few changes have been made to the categories, from some omitted and some added in. As mentioned before, whatever did not get enough was filled in by how well competitors did and were presented in 2012. It was not easy to do, as so many of you had banner years this year. All voting will take place on MisterPoll this year. No email votes, no Twitter, no Facebook, just Mister Poll. It makes things much simple and also gives everyone equal footing when it comes to getting votes, as momentum can turn on a dime at any given moment. Vote however many times you can until January 1st. Winners will be announced early January.

In addition to the categories, there is one big new award this year, the Robert Kennedy Woman of the Year award. This goes to the fitness competitor/personality that had the most impact on the industry in 2012. This award is named in honor of Robert Kennedy, who passed away early this year after losing his battle with cancer. Every female is eligible for this award. At the bottom, you have to type in the name of the person you think deserves that honor. ONLY ONE NAME PER VOTE FOR THIS CATEGORY. MULTIPLE NAMES WILL MAKE YOUR BALLOT NULL AND VOID.

The link to vote is here: http://www.misterpoll.com/polls/572112.

Please share this link with everyone you know. The more you share the link, the better your chances are of winning. While you can't vote via social media, you can promote is via your fan pages on Facebook, Twitter, Tout, Tumblr, message boards, and even your own websites/blogs. If you are on Twitter, use the hashtag #4thAnnualFitGemsAwards to discuss the awards and to promote yourself if you are nominated.

GOOD LUCK TO EVERYONE!!!

Update on Wrestling's Fitness Knockouts

Last month, I made a post about how TNA Knockouts Rosita and Madison Rayne were making their fitness competition debuts this year. This past weekend, both ladies, as well as fellow former TNA Knockout Roxxi (real name Nicole Raczynski), made some serious waves in the fitness world, including one of them making a big case heading into one of the biggest events on the year this weekend.

Rosita and Roxxi competed in the WBFF New England this past weekend and BOTH ladies placed in the top ten in their divisions. Roxxi has been competing for quite a while, but this was Rosita's first fitness competition. Congrats to both ladies on their awesome performances at the WBFF New England.

Madison Rayne entered the Jenn Hendershott All Women's Weekend and Big Shott Classic and competed in bikini and placed 2nd in her class. Adding to her win a few months ago, she is riding a big wave of momentum entering the NPC Nationals this weekend. Should she place in the top two in her class, she will become an IFBB Pro, and will join a very elite class of people to be a top active wrestler AND a pro in the fitness world. 

Once again, we congrats all three ladies on a job well-done this past weekend and wish them all best of luck as they move ahead in their careers, on stage and in the ring! 

Olympia Qualification Series Announced

Just announced today, the IFBB is launching an Olympia Qualification Series! What the heck is that, you ask? Take a look at this:

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA, March 13, 2012 - The IFBB Pro League, in conjunction with Joe Weider’s Olympia Weekend, announced the creation of the IFBB Pro Olympia Qualification Series, a points-based system that will help determine qualifiers for all six IFBB Pro Olympia divisions.


The IFBB Pro Olympia Qualification Series will award points to competitors placing in the top 2 to 5 of all Pro League events. At the end of the Olympia qualifying season, the five (5) competitors with the highest points totals in the IFBB Pro Olympia Qualification Series will qualify to compete at Olympia Weekend.

Since the winner of each competition automatically qualifies, no points will be awarded for first place. Additionally, competitors placing in the top 5 at the Olympia automatically qualify for the following year.

The IFBB Pro Olympia Qualification Series will be effective immediately, and point totals for all 2012 contests will be included.


“We think this is a great way to expand the number of Olympia qualifiers beyond those who win contests and to build excitement for all IFBB Pro League events throughout the course of the year,” IFBB Pro League Chairman Jim Manion said. “It ensures that the best of the best will be competing on the Olympia stage.”


Points and qualifications in the IFBB Pro Olympia Qualification Series will be awarded as follows:


TIER 1 – ARNOLD CLASSIC
2nd – 8 Points
3rd – 7 Points
4th – 6 Points
5th – 5 Points

TIER 2 – SHERU CLASSIC, ARNOLD CLASSIC EUROPE
2nd – 6 Points
3rd – 5 Points
4th – 4 Points
5th – 3 Points

TIER 3 – NEW YORK PRO
2nd – 5 Points
3rd – 4 Points
4th – 3 Points
5th – 2 Points

TIER 4 – ALL OTHER IFBB PRO LEAGUE COMPETITIONS
2nd – 4 Points
3rd – 3 Points
4th – 2 Points
5th – 1 Point

To view the IFBB Pro Olympia Qualification Series standings, as well as the current qualifiers for Olympia weekend, click on the links below.

Men’s Bodybuilding 

212 Showdown
Women’s Bodybuilding
Figure
Fitness
Bikini
Any questions regarding IFBB Pro Olympia Qualification Series should be directed to the Olympia office via email at rchang@weiderpub.com.

Source: http://npcnewsonline.com/olympia-qualification-series-announced/9768/

Seriously...how freaking awesome is this!! This is effective immediately, so the importance of doing well in the St. Louis Pro and Australian Pro this weekend (as well as the remaining contest of 2012) just went up a BIG notch just like that. I have a feeling there's gonna be a few more competitors entering contests now with this new qualification series. Kudos to the IFBB on getting this together.
 

2012 Arnold List Released

It's OUT!!!! The 2012 Arnold list has just been released. Did you favorites make it on there?

2012 Ms. International (15)
Maria Rita Bello
Brigita Brezovac
Kim Buck
Tina Chandler
Alevtina Goroshinskaya
Monique Jones
Iris Kyle
Debi Laszewski
Cathy LeFrancois
Zoa Lindsey
Geraldine Morgan
Yaxeni Oriquen
Kim Perez
Alina Popa
Maria Segura

2012 Fitness International (17)
Michelle Blank
Jodi Boam
Myriam Capes
Regiane Da Silva
Tina Durkin
Allison Ethier
Adela Garcia
Oksana Grishina
Tanji Johnson
Diana Monteiro
Julie Palmer
Kayde Puckett
Camala Rodriguez
Daniella Ruban
Kizzy Vaines
Sheri Vucick
Bethany Wagner

2012 Figure International (16)
Jelena Abbou
Teresa Anthony
Cheryl Brown
Krissy Chin
Ava Cowan
Heather Dees
Alicia Harris
Raquel Hernandez
Candice Keene
Gloria Keplinger Tarpley
Sue Knott
Larissa Reis
Erin Stern
Gennifer Strobo
Latisha Wilder
Nicole Wilkins

2012 Bikini International (18)
Jennifer Andrews
Jaime Baird
Abbie Burrows
Juliana Daniell
Sonia Gonzales
Candyce Graham
Diana Graham
Jessica Jessie
Lexi Kaufman
Nathalia Melo
Justine Munro
Nicole Nagrani
India Paulino
Jessica Paxson
Natalie Pennington
Monique Ricardo
Tianna Ta
Christine Vargas

There will be more Arnold-related posts as we get closer to the big event. Until then, congrats to everyone that made the list! 2012 Arnold...here we come!! 

3rd Annual FitGems Awards: And the Nominees Are...

Thank you to everyone that nominated their favorites for the 3rd Annual FitGems Awards! Without further ado, here are the nominees:

COMPETITOR CATEGORIES 

Pro Female Bodybuilder of the Year
Iris Kyle
Yaxeni Oriquen
Brigita Brezovac
Debi Laszewski
Alina Popa
Isabelle Turell

Pro Figure Competitor of the Year
Nicole Wilkins
Ava Cowan
Erin Stern
Kat Rameriz
Candice Keene
Ann Titone

Pro Fitness Competitor of the Year
Adela Garcia
Tanji Johnson
Nicole Duncan
Michelle Blank
Tina Durkin
Stacy Wright

Pro Bikini Competitor of the Year
Nicole Nagrani
Sonia Gonzales
Amanda Latona
Jamie Baird
Nathalia Melo
Vanessa Campbell

Amateur Female Bodybuilder of the Year
Michelle Brent
Amanda Alger
Kira Neuman
Kimmie Morgan
Judy Gallard
Cynthia Colon

Amateur Figure Competitor of the Year
Wendy Fortino
Allison Moyer
Joni Neilson
Allison Frahn
Shelly Albetta
Cheryl Davis

Amateur Fitness Competitor of the Year
Amanda Hatfield
Lisha Dean
Meredith Miller
Sheri Vucick
Whitney Jones
Viko Newman

Amateur Bikini Competitor of the Year
Diana Graham
Candace Grayam
India Paulino
Noe Alexander
Skye Taylor
Jennifer Rankin

Amateur Physique Competitor of the Year
Jill Rudison
Jillian Reville
Rachel Baker
Tracy Bodner
Susie Fuller Torres
Dana Bailey

International Female Bodybuilder of the Year (Pro or Amateur)
Brigita Brezovac
Debi Laszewski
Alina Popa
Yaxeni Oriquen
Maria Rite Bello
Dayana Cadeau

International Fitness Competitor of the Year (Pro or Amateur)
Myriam Capes
Jodi Boam
Regaine De Silva
Mindi O’Brian
Oksana Grishina
Minna Pajulahti

International Figure Competitor of the Year (Pro or Amateur)
Larissa Reis
Rachelle Chase
Tracey MacDonald
Emily Stirling
Rosa Marie Romero
Candice John

International Bikini Competitor of the Year (Pro or Amateur)
Nathalia Melo
Jelena Abbou
Dina Al-Sabah
Justine Monro
Noemi Olah
Willeke Verhaar-Davis

Breakout Pro Female Bodybuilder of the Year
Monique Jones
Brigita Brezovac
Alina Popa
Sarah Hayes
Claire O’Connell
Angela Salvagno

Breakout Pro Figure Competitor of the Year
Sabrina Taylor
Candice Keene
Ava Cowan
Ann Titone
Teresa Anthony
Alicia Harris

Breakout Pro Fitness Competitor of the Year
Michelle Blank
Jodi Boam
Camala Rodriguez
Nicole Duncan
Myriam Capes
Stacy Wright

Breakout Pro Bikini Competitor of the Year
Christina Vargas
Diana Graham
Nathalia Melo
Vanessa Campbell
Jennifer Andrews
Jamie Baird

Breakout Amateur Female Bodybuilder of the Year
Michelle Cummings
Amanda Alger
Cynthia Colon
Pat Wentz
Pam Franklin
Judy Gallard

Breakout Amateur Figure Competitor of the Year
Tracey MacDonald
Yolanda Alvarado
Sue Knott
Essence Moneti
Laura Bailey
Wendy Fortino

Breakout Amateur Fitness Competitor of the Year
Amanda Hatfield
Paula Williams-Guliman
Sheri Vucick
Regan Grossman
Meredith Miller
Cicely Kyle

Breakout Amateur Bikini Competitor of the Year
Sherrie Carnicle
Candyce Graham
Diana Graham
India Paulino
Noy Alexander
Rebecca Staggs

Breakout Amateur Physique Competitor of the Year
Rachel Baker
Nikki Warner
Tracy Bodner
Cheryl Cooke
Dana Bailey
Jennifer Robinson

Inspirational Competitor of the Year
Mah Ann Mendoza
Tanji Johnson
Mikalia Soto
Jennifer Gates
Mandy Henderson
Ann Titone

Comeback of the Year
Mah Ann Mendoza
Amanda Hatfield
Helle Neilson
Mindi O’Brien
Dorit Silverman
Jennifer Gates

Competitor Who You Would Love to See Return To the Stage in 2012
Valerie Waugaman
Danny-J
Christine Pomponio-Pate
Jenny Lynn
Heidi Sullivan
Lenda Murray

Fitness Personality of the Year (Model/Trainer/Spokesperson)
Brittany Beede
Jillian Michaels
Jennifer Nicole Lee
Danny-J
Aubrie Richeson
Jamie Eason

Moment of the Year
Jr. Nationals 2011, where every figure class winner was of color (first in NPC history)
First-ever IFBB event in India (Sheru Classic)
First-ever Arnold Class Europe Fitness
Mindi O’Brien announcing retirement from fitness
Dayana Cadeau and Mah Ann Mendoza announcing their retirements from female bodybuilding at the Olympia
Nicole Nagrani winning the first-ever Bikini International  


MISC. Categories 

NPC Show of the Year
Nationals
Jr. Nationals
Jr. USAs
USAs
Team Universe
North Americans

IFBB Show of the Year
Olympia
Arnold
Ft. Lauderdale Pro
St. Louis Pro
Toronto Pro Supershow
Sheru Classic

WBFF Show of the Year
Worlds
Alberta
New England
Quebec
Eastern US
B.C.

Promoter(s) of the Year
Jack and Ann Titone
Stryker X
Ed & Betty Pariso
Tim Gardner
Jon Lindsay
Brent Jones

Organization of the Year
IFBB
NPC
WBFF
INBF
NABBA
Fitness America/Universe

Female Physique Site of the Year (non-competitor) (NOTE: FitGems is NOT eligible due the fact that FitGems is running the contest)
Siouxcountry
Promoting Real Women
Hardbody News
Rx Girl
Fitness Rx
Fit Model TV

Female Competitor Blog of the Year
Ashley Cooper (http://ashleycooperfitness.blogspot.com)
Mindi O’Brien (http://mindiobrien.blogspot.com/)
Stacy Wright (http://stacywrightfitness.blogspot.com/)
Ester Alexander (http://estheralexander.blogspot.com)
Nikki Roxx (http://healthhugsandheadlocks.blogspot.com/)
Cindy Phillips (http://cindyphillips.blogspot.com/)

Facebook Female Fan Page of the Year
Brittany Beede
Ava Cowan
Monica Brant Fan Page
Danny-J and Aubrie Richeson the Sweaty Betties
Tracy Bodner
Tonya Burkhardt-IFBB Fitness Pro

Photographer of the Year
Marc Thyssen
Bill Comstock
Dan Ray
Isaac Hinds
Jeff Binns
Mike Eckstut

Blogger of the Year
Jason Adams
Isaac Hinds
Dean Sucich
GeneX
Carl Burkins (dallas3)
Area Orion

Industry Blog of the Year (by a fan, industry member, company, etc.)
Promoting Real Women (http://promotingwomen.blogspot.com)
Hardbody News (http://www.hardbody.com/news)
KrivStudios Blog (http://krivstudiosblog.wordpress.com/)
Fit Model TV (http://fitmodeltv.wordpress.com)
Area Orion (http://areaorion.blogspot.com)
Female Muscle Universe (http://femalemuscleuniverse.blogspot.com)

Industry Facebook Fan Page of the Year
Fit Model TV
Siouxcountry
Promoting Women in Bodybuilding Fitness and MMA
Hardbody News
No Division Left Behind; Women’s Bodybuilding
Marc Thyssen Photography

Female Celebrity Muscle of the Year
Elizabeth Hasslebeck
Kelly Ripa
Hope Solo
Poppy Montgomery
Celeste Bonin (WWE’s Kaitlyn)
Trish Stratus

Physique Paysite of the Year
HerBiceps (www.herbiceps.com)
HDPhysiques (www.hdphysiques.com)
KrivsStudio (http://www.krivsstudio.com/)
Female-Power (www.female-power.net)
Awefilms (www.awefilms.com)
Femflex (www.femflex.com)

Male Supporter of the Year
Jason Lannigan (Sioux)
Jason Adams
Curt James
Jack Titone
Carl Burkins (dallas3)
Isaac Hinds

Female Website Site of the Year
Mandy Henderson (www.mandyhenerson.com)
Stephanie Wilkes (www.stephaniewilkes.com)
Ann Titone (www.anntitone.com)
Brittany Beede (www.brittanybfit.com)
Monica Escalante (www.monfit.com)
Tanji Johnson (www.tanjijohnson.com)

Supplement Company of the Year
Scivation
Gaspari Nutrition
BSN
Top Secret Nutrition
MAN Sports
Optimum Nutrition

Team of the Year
Team Bombshell
Total Package
Team Brownie
Tanji Johnson’s Save Fitness
Team O’Brien
Oddo's Angels


Trainer of the Year
Jack Titone
Kim Oddo
Noel Fuller
Shannon Dey
Mindi O'Brien
Erik Ledin

To vote for your favorites:

1. Email your votes at admin@fitgemsnation.net (Put 2011 FitGems Awards in the subject line) YOU CAN VOTE ONCE PER DAY PER EMAIL. No daily mutiple emails will be accepted. Those will be thrown out.
2. If you have Twitter, you can tweet your votes to http://twitter.com/fitgemsnation and use the hashtag #2011FitGemsAwards. Remember, if you do this, state the category as well as your choice for that particular category. YOU CAN DO THIS AS MUCH AS YOU CAN...JUST MAKE SURE YOU DON'T GO TO TWITTER JAIL! LOL...
3. If you're a member of the following sites, you can send me your votes via private message:

• Siouxcountry (under cray17)
• RxMuscle (under FitGems)
• FTVideo (under cray2005)
• Unreal Muscle (under FitGems)
• Muscular Development (under cray17)

4. You can vote on our online poll at http://www.misterpoll.com/polls/543717. Vote as many times as you can here!

Do you have to vote for ALL the categories?! NO, however...It would be nice if you could, though. To the nominees: let your fans know that you are nominated for awards and get them to vote for you! All voting stops when the ball drops in New York (which means Midnight/11 Central). In other words, when New York City rings in 2012, no more votes will be accepted. Winners will be announced in mid-January.

GOOD LUCK TO ALL THE PARTICIPANTS!!!

3rd Annual FitGems Awards-NOMINATE YOUR FAVORITES!

The 3rd annual FitGems Awards are right around the corner, and we hope to make it in the words of WWE' 12,"Bigger. Badder. Better" than ever before! The categories have changed a bit with new categories entering the fray:

Nominate UP TO FIVE people for the following categories, with the top 6 names for each category to be put on the ballot: 

COMPETITOR CATEGORIES

Pro Female Bodybuilder of the Year
Pro Figure Competitor of the Year
Pro Fitness Competitor of the Year

Pro Bikini Competitor of the Year
Amateur Female Bodybuilder of the Year

Amateur Figure Competitor of the Year
Amateur Fitness Competitor of the Year
Amateur Bikini Competitor of the Year
Amateur Physique Competitor of the Year NEW
International Female Bodybuilder of the Year (Pro or Amateur)
International Fitness Competitor of the Year (Pro or Amateur)
International Figure Competitor of the Year (Pro or Amateur)
International Bikini Competitor of the Year (Pro or Amateur)
Breakout Pro Female Bodybuilder of the Year
Breakout Pro Figure Competitor of the Year
Breakout Pro Fitness Competitor of the Year
Breakout Pro Bikini Competitor of the Year
Breakout Amateur Female Bodybuilder of the Year
Breakout Amateur Figure Competitor of the Year
Breakout Amateur Fitness Competitor of the Year
Breakout Amateur Bikini Competitor of the Year

Breakout Amateur Physique Competitor of the Year NEW
Rookie Competitor of the Year (any division; must have competed starting THIS YEAR) NEW

Inspirational Competitor of the Year NEW

Comeback of the Year NEW
Competitor Who You Would Love to See Return To the Stage in 2012
Fitness Personality of the Year (Model/Trainer/Spokesperson) (formerly named Fitness Entrepreneur of the Year)
Moment of the Year (when certain people win a competition, return to the stage, retire, etc. This is for any federation and can be about any of the divisions)

MISC. Categories

NPC Show of the Year
IFBB Show of the Year
WBFF Show of the Year NEW

Promoter of the Year NEW
Organization of the Year NEW
Female Physique Site of the Year (non-competitor) (NOTE: FitGems is NOT eligible due the fact that FitGems is running the contest)
Female Competitor Blog of the Year
Facebook Fan Page of the Year (Competitor/Fitness Personality) NEW
Photographer of the Year
Blogger of the Year
Industry Blog of the Year (by a fan, industry member, company, etc.)
Industry Facebook Fan Page of the Year NEW
Female Celebrity Muscle of the Year NEW
Physique Paysite of the Year
Male Supporter of the Year (through shows, message boards, donations to competitors, etc.)
Female Competitor Site of the Year
Supplement Company of the Year
Team of the Year NEW

Trainer of the Year NEW

Voting for the Ones to Watch will be a bit different from previous years. You can nominate up to three people from now until the end of the year, and during the FitGems Awards Ceremony, we'll announced the top five names of those to watch in the coming year in each category below:

Pro Figure Competitors
Pro Fitness Competitors
Pro Bikini Competitors
Pro Women's Physique Competitors
Amateur Female Bodybuilders
Amateur Figure Competitors
Amateur Fitness Competitors
Amateur Bikini Competitors
Amateur Women's Physique Competitors
Fitness Personality (Model/Trainer/Spokesperson) (formerly Fitness Entrepreneur)


You can send your nominations through Twitter (http://twitter.com/fitgemsnation) using hashtag #FitGemsAwards2011, email your nominations (admin@fitgemsnation.net), or leave a comment on this post on our Facebook fan page (http://www.facebook.com/fitgemsnation). I'll also take your nominations through private messages (PMs) through the following message boards:

Siouxcountry (under cray17)
RxMuscle (under FitGems)
FTVideo (under cray2005)
Unreal Muscle (under FitGems)
Muscular Development (under cray17)

You can nominate between now and Wednesday, November 30th. On December 2nd, check back on the blog for the official list of nominees. After that, voting will begin that same day and will last through the rest of December, with the winners announced sometime in mid-January (Exact date and format of the announcement of nominees to be determined on a later date).

Good luck to everyone! :)