Pics from the Kiwis in action at the Arnold. Michelle placed 3rd while Karen placed 5th Kristy and Kristy made the Top 10 in their respective classes. Well done to all!
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Seeing all the pics from the Arnold is making us very excited. Go Figure can't wait to be snapping some pics of own at the Australian Pro Show next week!!
Kai Greene Wins!
This from Flexonline.com In a decision that brought a roar from the Veterans Memorial Auditorium, Kai Greene was announced the 2010 Arnold Classic defending champion, edging Phil Heath in second, Branch Warren in third, Dexter Jackson in fourth, Toney Freeman in fifth and Ronny Rockel in sixth.
Based on the atmosphere going into tonight's show, Heath seemed most likely the man to walk away with the winner's spoils tonight, but in a storyline that didn't follow form, he took a disappointing 2nd place award.
While Heath was primed and Greene a tad off this morning, Greene seemed to harden up in the evening show. These changes may have been the difference in the end."
Now we can't wait to see Kai at the Aussie Pro and see how big he really is in the flesh!
Men's Prejudging Pics Phil Heath, Branch Warren, Dexter Jackson and Kai Greene are looking monstrous as they battle for the Arnold Classic. We think Phil Heath might just have a little extra edge this year to take out the title. He just looks thicker and sharper than the rest of the big boys.
The KIWI Girls!!!
This isn't official but we were told that Michelle placed 3rd in the Middleweights while Karen placed 5th and Kristy made the Top 10.
Now you can all enjoy the buzz of being at the Arnolds and all your treats!
Michelle Heggie, 2nd from right
6 Mar. Txt from Michelle Heggie competing in Middleweight class
" Made top 5 and doing photo shoots! Being treated like a celebrity!. Got invited to media party last night, I'm flash blind. Another media dinner tonight with the big wigs! I feel so honoured. Finals tomorrow a.m."
Thanks Shaun, would be great if you could keep me posted with any other news you may know from. Looks like the kiwi girls are holding their own in the lineups.
" I don't think its a case of secrecy from N.Z.F.B.B. Its just so much work for so few workers and those like Terry are busy DOING the business not TELLING the business. Im not saying this is right as communication is important but I don?t think its been done maliciously. However I do feel there has been lack of respect for some athletes.
Lets look at Maureen O'Connell. 4 times national figure champion in both senior and open figure class. 6 times overall regional champion.
As a national champion through the last 2 presidents she has been backstage marshall, tanned first timers, has brought more than 50 novice athletes to the nzfbb and puts many many bums on seats at every show she competes in. Was a finalist in this years Maori sports awards and hosts her own radio show on radio watere where she regularily promotes bodybuilding.
Despite all of these accolades she has to read that other athletes have been presented with opportunities that she didn't even know existed??.. and why? because the others asked for it. AND good on them, if you don't ask you don't get, and I have every confidence the girls will rock and do very well.
..but come on, should'nt a multi national champion be PRESENTED AND REWARDED with opportunities instead of having to go and LOOK and BEG for them when pro cards were approved to athletes placing lower.
I think maybe a courtesy call from nzfbb to say 'hey Maureen there are ladies interested in turning pro and ladies interested in competing in the amateur division in the Arnold classic, and as a loyal member of the nzfbb and as a past and current national champion would any of these things be appealing to you? and if so, we would be happy to support you as you have supported us. We would recommend that x or y would be a good avenue for you to take and wish you all the best.'
hooray, now that its official on NZFBB site, I can tell you that the NZ athletes who'll be heading to Columbus to stand on the big stage at the Arnold are Karen Montague, Kristy Thomson and Michelle Laurin.
All these girls are seasoned athletes having competed on the NZ scene for many years. Kristy and Karen have competed in both figure and recently bodyfitness where Kristy won the overall bodyfitness title while Karen won the tall class.
What can we say about Michelle. She's competed in over 20 shows in NZ and placed 1st in most of her weight class. She won the Overall title in 08.
Good luck to all the girls in their preparation! Lisa
I think we need to respect the privacy of those that are competing there. I know that some of those people who have been selected to go wish to remain anonymous so they can focus on their prep without the scruitiny of others.
From what I understand those that are at a level of international stage quality have been approached to consider applying to compete. We don't have many that fit this criteria at present.
Lets be supportive in those that are going to represent NZ and make their mark on the international stage. Gone are the days when there used to be a lot of competitors having the exposure to the international circuit whether it was Australia or further abroad.
Seems that we are becoming indiciative of the tall poppy syndrome
All I want to get across is the need for more communication from NZFBB then noone would get suspicious of the organisation.
You do a fantastic job(s) for NZFBB Terry, I admire your passion and your thick skin to be able to handle the barrage of complaints and hassels that come your way on public forums. But it would be nice to know who else is on the committee.
Perhaps when you get a moment, you could tell us more about the committee ie what their background is, their passion for bodybuilding or even some pics! Or perhaps the president can say a few words occasionally as we rarely hear from him on the site. Maybe a nice christmas message from him, rather than you as secretary would be a nice touch in the christmas season.
Hope you stick it out with NZFBB as you would be a great loss to them if you ever decide to call it quits.
I can't see any logic or justification in your latest comments, Lisa. I've already stated there was never an intention to initially select a team for the Arnolds - hence no request for applications until now. Also, the rule change you refer to was posted on our site 20 MINUTES after the motion was passed ... I can't see how we could notify our members any quicker than that! Anything that OUR members need to know gets posted on the appropriate site - www.nzfbb.org.nz.
I really do get tired when so many people look to this site or nzbodybuilding.co.nz for the official word on what is happening with the NZFBB and take anything said as gospel. I'm so sick of the constant complaints from people who are always negative and suspicious and have and never will bother to get involved and help to do the huge amount of work that the few of us (Execs, Judges, Event Organisers) are expected to do each year.
I just think there needs to be more protocol and procedure going on. There's a perception that things seem to just 'happen' without your public knowing what's going on.
So if some major events or rule changes are going to occur in the future ( ie like with the bodyfitness rule change, Pro cards and Arnold Team) perhaps if you could just keep members informed more regularly whether through your site or personal mailouts we may not get the dramas like recent times.
Maybe that could be NZFBB's New Year's Resolution?
Anyway its christmas enough of the past, lets move on and cheer the people that are going to the Arnold on!
I disagree that we should have advertised originally for competitors to attend this event, Lisa. Up until about 2005 we did select teams to attend the Australasian Champs and various IFBB World events. It is standard practice that any member can apply to attend these events without being "selected" and a lot do this. It's the same way people turn Pro in NZ - they apply to have their Pro card application endorsed .. currently we don't automatically awards or endorse cards (although this will happen for the Overall Figure and Bikini winners at the 2010 NZ IFBB event on March 20).
There was no intention initially to send competitors to the Arnold Classic, but now that a few have applied, we effectively have an unofficial "team" of NZ competitors.
We funded 4 competitors to IFBB World events this year, plus we awarded subsidies of between $200 and $250 to approx 15 competitors to attend Nationals. It's good to have $$$ to do this now!
Comments
Shaun
" I don't think its a case of secrecy from N.Z.F.B.B. Its just so much work for so few workers and those like Terry are busy DOING the business not TELLING the business. Im not saying this is right as communication is important but I don?t think its been done maliciously. However I do feel there has been lack of respect for some athletes.
Lets look at Maureen O'Connell. 4 times national figure champion in both senior and open figure class. 6 times overall regional champion.
As a national champion through the last 2 presidents she has been backstage marshall, tanned first timers, has brought more than 50 novice athletes to the nzfbb and puts many many bums on seats at every show she competes in. Was a finalist in this years Maori sports awards and hosts her own radio show on radio watere where she regularily promotes bodybuilding.
Despite all of these accolades she has to read that other athletes have been presented with opportunities that she didn't even know existed??.. and why? because the others asked for it. AND good on them, if you don't ask you don't get, and I have every confidence the girls will rock and do very well.
..but come on, should'nt a multi national champion be PRESENTED AND REWARDED with opportunities instead of having to go and LOOK and BEG for them when pro cards were approved to athletes placing lower.
I think maybe a courtesy call from nzfbb to say 'hey Maureen there are ladies interested in turning pro and ladies interested in competing in the amateur division in the Arnold classic, and as a loyal member of the nzfbb and as a past and current national champion would any of these things be appealing to you? and if so, we would be happy to support you as you have supported us. We would recommend that x or y would be a good avenue for you to take and wish you all the best.'
Small phone call BIG MESSAGE."
All these girls are seasoned athletes having competed on the NZ scene for many years. Kristy and Karen have competed in both figure and recently bodyfitness where Kristy won the overall bodyfitness title while Karen won the tall class.
What can we say about Michelle. She's competed in over 20 shows in NZ and placed 1st in most of her weight class. She won the Overall title in 08.
Good luck to all the girls in their preparation!
Lisa
From what I understand those that are at a level of international stage quality have been approached to consider applying to compete. We don't have many that fit this criteria at present.
Lets be supportive in those that are going to represent NZ and make their mark on the international stage. Gone are the days when there used to be a lot of competitors having the exposure to the international circuit whether it was Australia or further abroad.
Seems that we are becoming indiciative of the tall poppy syndrome
You do a fantastic job(s) for NZFBB Terry, I admire your passion and your thick skin to be able to handle the barrage of complaints and hassels that come your way on public forums. But it would be nice to know who else is on the committee.
Perhaps when you get a moment, you could tell us more about the committee ie what their background is, their passion for bodybuilding or even some pics! Or perhaps the president can say a few words occasionally as we rarely hear from him on the site. Maybe a nice christmas message from him, rather than you as secretary would be a nice touch in the christmas season.
Hope you stick it out with NZFBB as you would be a great loss to them if you ever decide to call it quits.
Merry Christmas Terry!
I really do get tired when so many people look to this site or nzbodybuilding.co.nz for the official word on what is happening with the NZFBB and take anything said as gospel. I'm so sick of the constant complaints from people who are always negative and suspicious and have and never will bother to get involved and help to do the huge amount of work that the few of us (Execs, Judges, Event Organisers) are expected to do each year.
So if some major events or rule changes are going to occur in the future ( ie like with the bodyfitness rule change, Pro cards and Arnold Team) perhaps if you could just keep members informed more regularly whether through your site or personal mailouts we may not get the dramas like recent times.
Maybe that could be NZFBB's New Year's Resolution?
Anyway its christmas enough of the past, lets move on and cheer the people that are going to the Arnold on!
There was no intention initially to send competitors to the Arnold Classic, but now that a few have applied, we effectively have an unofficial "team" of NZ competitors.
We funded 4 competitors to IFBB World events this year, plus we awarded subsidies of between $200 and $250 to approx 15 competitors to attend Nationals. It's good to have $$$ to do this now!