Much like Mr. Olympia, the 2009 Figure Olympia contest is wide open and ready to bring some new faces to the forefront of the sport. Reigning champ Jen Gates is preggers; Arnold Champ Zivile Raudoniene left for the WWE; Mary Lado isn't on the list (I don't know where she is), so it's time to usher in some new blood. With over 200 ladies fighting it out at every pro-qualifier, there's little doubt the figure division is deep; even the rookies are tried and tested.
So while John Romano is busy next to me cranking out his epic poetry on the men, I figured it was time someone laid down some predictions for the ladies. Just like everyone else in the industry, my authority is meaningless and self-proclaimed, my knowledge fleeting, and qualifications minimal, but after a year on the Rx Muscle cross country death march, I've developed somewhat of an eye for this thing called figure. Here are my predictions.
1. Gina Aliotti......distinguished service award.
2. Heather Mae French....a little harder then she was in Houston, but just as sexy. And I'm going to get this out of the way now - THAT COUNTS! She's also symmetrical and has an ideal amount of muscle.
3. Nicole Wilkens -Lee....she'll have to tighten up from her win last week in NY, but the judges love her shape.
4. Jessica Putnam....the new hot blond to take over for Zivile? What she lacks in muscle she makes up in symmetry and beauty.
5. Erin Stern....the rookie has the best lines on the stage. She's figure's version of the X-Man. Her condition is perfect to most, but too hard for some.
6. Jenny Lynn...former champ brings her best package of the year, but it's not enough to stop the new blood.
7. Kristal Richardson....tiny waist, well put together, nothing missing.
8. Amy Fry....third at the Arnold, she is just flows well.
9. Krissy Chin.....the Chinster breaks the top 10.
10. Larissa Reis....why did the judges just realize she's good? I can't say for sure, but when she steps onstage her body and beauty does all the talking.
New faces to watch: Rx Muscle favorites and Olympia rookies Sherlyn Roy and Alicia Harris could screw up my predictions and I hope they do.
As you can see, even with a couple dogs out of the show, there's no lack of talent or depth. The pre-judging starts at 11:00am sharp and the finals are Saturday night along with the men. Stay tuned to Rx Muscle for:
(1) LIVE PLAY-BY-PLAY,
(3) Wrap-up articles by yours truly
(4) Interviews with all the winners.
