My 2009 Ms. International Review (Iris Reclaims Her Throne)

With a different hairstyle and a more streamlined look yet with unrivaled conditioning, Iris Floyd Kyle redeemed herself from last year's fiasco as she won her fourth Ms. International championship. The minute she step on stage during prejudging, there was no denying that she would go on to win the event, and sure enough, she did. Debi Laszewski came in at an all-time best, placing in the runner-up spot. With this move, she has put herself in a spot to be one serious contender for a major title. Last year's champion, Yaxeni Oriquen-Garcia placed third this year. Heather Armbrust showed that you can't keep a good woman down, as she placed fourth after a disappointing finish in last year's Olympia. Dayana Cadeau's combination of muscle and grace was enough for her to get a fifth-place finish. Betty Adkins would wind up winning sixth place, proving her recent success was no fluke. All six are now eligible to compete for the Ms. Olympia title in September.

Now for the rest of the competitors:

I personally thought Isabelle Turell had a great Arnold debut and could have easily been top-six material. Just a little more time, and she will definitely be a top contender, without question. Cathy and Dr. Dena looked pretty good as well. Maria Gomez may have placed last, but there may have not been a thicker competitor on stage. She has a LOT of muscle mass, but I thought she carried it well.

What are your thoughts about this year's Miss International? Share your thoughts (good or bad), questions, concerns, and rants below.

My 2009 Fitness International Review (Jen Hen is Queen Hen...A-Gain!)

Jenny Hendershott was on a personal agenda...to do something she hasn't done since 2005: win the Fitness International. Wit her coming fresh off her 2008 Fitness Olympia victory, as well as Adela and Kim not competing, Jenny was the frontrunner to take it home. She did not disappoint, as she won this year's event with ease. Julie Palmer went on to finish at an all-time best, as she placed in the runner-up position. Tracey Greenwood, who was thought to be Jen Hen's biggest competition, ended up in third place. She was neck and neck with Jenny in terms of physique, but her routine might have been the difference maker for Tracey. Regaine proved that 2008 was no fluke, as she moved up from sixth place last year to fourth place this year, making her an even bigger contender for the Arnold and Olympia titles. Perhaps the biggest winner besides the champion herself would have to go to Tina Durkin, who finished fifth after having back surgery, which kept her out for the 2008 season. I saw the webcast and she was beside herself when she heard her name announced. For her, it was like winning the event. Rounding out the top six and the Olympia qualifications was Shannon Meteraud, who will be looking to return to the Fitness Olympia for the first time in quite some time.

Now, about the rest of the bunch...

I'm very quickly becoming a HUGE fan of The Black Mamba, Trish Warren. Her physique was amazing, and I enjoyed her routine a good deal. She could have easily been in the top six. Nicole Wilkins has a good fitness debut at the Arnold as well. Oksana had one unbelivable routine...one of my favorites of the entire show. I was surprised to see Tanji Johnson and Erin Riley placed out of the top ten, much less top six. One last thing...was it just me, or did Heidi Fletcher-Sullivan seemed just a tad too soft this year? BTW, she ended up dead last. The Arnold is just not Heidi's contest, huh? Despite that, I still see her as a future elite star in fitness.

What are your thoughts about this year's Fitness International? Share your thoughts (good or bad), questions, concerns, and rants below.

My 2009 Figure International Review (Zivile is Figure's Newest Queen of Queens)

With Jennifer Gates bowing out of this year's Figure International, many people (including yours truly) had Gina Aliotti as a lock to repeat her reign as the Figure International Champion. However, the person who would wind up as champion would be Zivile Raudoniene. Yes, the same person that shocked the world at the Figure Olympia last year by placing third came into her very first Arnold and won it, sending a very clear message to the figure competitors that the soft look is the winning look, whether you like it or not. No, I'm not hating on Zivile whatsoever. I think she's a very beautiful woman, and I wish her nothing but success for her. Gina would end up with the runner-up position. Now she will have to fight off not only Jenn Gates, but also Zivile if she want to claim the one title that's missing in her collection: The Figure Olympia championship. Third place went to Amy Fry once again, who looked great and could have easily have been second. Fourth place went to someone who just glowed like crazy to me: Krystal Richardson. Her overall look and muscle flow made her jump from 10th place last year, all the way to 4th place this year. Felicia Romero, the person I dubbed the "Poster Girl" for the new figure guidelines, came into her first Arnold and finished in fifth place. Rounding out the top six was the very-clear fan favorite, Monica Brant. Everytime she showed up, prejudging and finals, she would get big cheers, and can you blame them? She's a legend. The new kids could learn a thing or two from Mo. All six of them are qualified for this year's Figure Olympia.

Now for various thoughts on the some of the rest of the competitors:

Heather Mae French pulled out the signature model pose, which is very cool, in my honest opinion. Erin Stern looked great in her pro debut, and I predict big things in her future. Juliana Malacarne came in smaller than she did last year, but still seemed too muscular according to her placement. I'm pretty suprised that Sonia got eight, as the Arnold is usually one of her best events. Overall, I thought the figure ladies looked absoulely fantastic, and they should all be proud of themselves. I wonder what the outcome would have been if Adela Garcia and Jennifer Gates were to have entered this contest? Hmm...

What are your thoughts about this year's Figure International? Share your thoughts (good or bad), questions, concerns, and rants below.