The NZIFBB Pro Am showcased the best in NZ amateur figure, bikini,male bodies and the cream of NZ's Pro athletes in the 212 class and ofcourse the 11 awesome bikini Pros, including current Ms Olympia Ashley Kaltwasser, who took the time to venture down under to show off their bodies for us.
The prejudging ran super efficiently with the show taking just over 2 hours to complete, this awesome effort must go to Kenny O'Malley's partner Bianca who was in control at both day and night show. During the contests we some great talent come through in |
Australian IFBB Promoter Tony Doherty and NZIFBB Present Moe Moussawi |
the bikini classes which is making this class harder and harder to judge as the level has shifted to another gear. Some standouts include Russian Olya who nudged out the equally gorgeous Aimee Chitty to take out the Open Tall title. Fellow russian Olga also presented a great bikini body to take the Nov Short title. The Open Figure Short was a rematch between Sheena Martin who was fresh from her 2nd place at the Arnold Classic and cutie Camilla Payne. Both had great walks and presented themselves well but perhaps it was Sheena's slightly leaner body that edge her out. Sheena went on to win the Overall and her Pro Card.
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Sam enjoying the spoils of victory
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While there was a sea of bikinis, there was only 9 figures in this show. They were 9 great figures though! All the girls were in great condition and presented their bodies well on stage with confidence. But all eyes were on Jess Coate and the crowd were there to see what a 3rd place at Arnold Class looks like and Jess didn't disappoint. She was still looking lean, full and ofcourse capped out with those great dets that helped her win the Overall Title here too.
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The sold out crowd for the night show |
Like the bikini, the Physique Men's class is going from strength to strength and the standard is getting higher with each show. Generally the winners on the night were big lean guys with great abs, and mega watt smile. The toughest class was probably the Open Men's with Sam Andrews, Daniel Mazzola and Paul Kennerly. All these guys were in great condition but perhaps it was Sam who had the better symmetry that won him the class.
Hopefully its not sign of the future of bodybuilding but there was only about dozen male bodybuilders at this show! The Junior Men's winner has made some great changes since the Nationals as he was looking leaner and fuller. I think the Novice 70-80kg class was probably the best line up on stage for their condition across the board. The other great watch was the Open Men class with Andrew, Geordie and Sam showing off their cuts and great condition. However it was Sam who took out his class and eventually the Overalls, which meant he finally receives his dream of a Pro Card. That dream of Pro competition was quickly realised as he was up against some of the best of the kiwi and international Pros later in the evening.
Talking about Pros, it was great to see the Bikini Pros on stage showing us how the Pros do it. From their immaculate hair and makeup (I believe this was done by our own kiwi lass Gina Petrie Make Up artist), nails, the way they walked and posed on stage, all their moves were utterly professional and no doubt an inspiration to all the bikini athletes out there. The contest was won by current Olympian Ashley Kaltwasser but the kiwis weren't too far behind with Jade MacKinnon and Sheena Martin placing 4th and 5th respectively.
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