We've learned over the years that the Olympia titles are guarded closely and bestowed on only the most deserving. When the reigning champ doesn't return to defend the title, the judges have the pressure of selecting a new face to join the pantheon of champions. Fortunately for the judging panel at the 2009 Fitness Olympia, a 3-time champ showed up to make their job that much easier.
With reigning champ Jen Hendershot skipping the show, the pre-contest favorite was former three time Ms. Fitness Olympia, Adela Garcia. At the prejudging, Adela stood at the center of the first callout (SEE COMPARISON AND INDIVIDUAL PHOTOS HERE) and at the finals she brought a routine that was good enough to back it up the physique. For Adela, the challenge has always been bring a routine to match her stellar physique. Coming off a year-long layoff due to knee surgery, her challenge was even greater, but this champion proved her worth and rose to the top. He closest challenger was Tanji Johnson, who brought the best physique of her career to complement a hip-hop inspired routine that brought the house down. Capped delts, tiny waist, and finally great conditioning were the highlights of Tanji's one and two-piece rounds. Even the fans that usually remain in a coma during the fitness portion of the show came to life to voice a few boos for Tanji not taking the top prize. Despite her best effort, Tanji couldn't overcome Adela's top notch physique. As it stands, Adela finds herself tied with Susie Curry as the only 4-Time Ms. Fitness Olympia champion.
In third place, Tracey Greenwood slid by with a weak routine that was carried by the best physique in the contest. Well-conditioned with perfect symmetry and muscle balance, Tracey was the best onstage at the prejudging, but her routine at the night show lacked energy and flair and prevented her from the victory she so desperately wanted. Fourth place went to Julie Palmer, or "DJ Jules" as she was known during her RUN-DMC inspired routine. Fifth was Tina Durkin, who had one of my favorite physiques of the night. She has crazy capped delts and what looks like a 15" waist, but it was almost too much v-taper without enough leg muscularity to match and balance her physique. Expect Tina to keep moving up the ranks. Finally, 6th place went to Rx Muscle-favorite Myriam Capes. The little Canadian has a cute physique and she's finally learning how to dial in her conditioning. Her routines never disappoint and she could be a future Olympia champ if she can maintain this upward trajectory. Check out Miriam's routine from the 2009 Europa to get an idea of how well she moves on stage.
Other notable performances of the night include Nicole Duncan's fabulous MJ - inspired routine and Shannon Meteraud's "MILF" outfit that garnered a huge applause. I might not agree, but tonight Adela Garcia is a deserving champion and Tanji Johnson will have to settle for second place and 2009 award for most improved. As the year has gone on, I've become a big fan of fitness and developed tremendous respect for the girls that give us a few minutes of athletic excellence at every show they compete at. Congratulations to Adela; she's now got 364 days left to figure out how to become the first and only 5-time Fitness Olympia champ. . .and with comeback potential like Adela, don't doubt next year's outcome for a minute!
CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO WRAP UP of the WOMEN'S FINALS with DAVE, JOHN, and SEAN.
