Ed and Betty Pariso, the promoters of the Europa Super Show, have
done a tremendous job of attracting some of the IFBB’s top female
talent. One of the only shows to hold female bodybuilding it promises
to live up to the shows namesake. Not only will some of the top
female bodybuilders take the stage, the fitness and figure pros will
also get a chance to nab an Olympia qualification. All too often the
women take a back seat to the men in the industry but not at this
show. Sure we could go on and on about the prize money and all that
but let’s focus on the positives going into this show.
I trained legs today with the 2005 NPC Colorado overall figure
champion, Jennifer Schumm, and while I won’t be competing in any
world’s strongest man’s contest I can hold my own when it comes to
training legs. Wooo big whoop you trained with a cute figure girl,
right? Well my point is anyone who thinks figure competitors don’t
train hard is simply full of shit. I got my ass handed to me and I’d
encourage any keyboard bandit to train with a figure or fitness
competitor, they are no joke and deserve some props for training the
asses off.
Okay now that I’m done ranting about females training just as hard as
men. Let’s get into an overview of the women set to compete on
Friday. Things kick off at high noon in Dallas for the women.
Women’s Bodybuilding
At the time of writing this there are 25 female bodybuilders set to
take the stage. Many female bodybuilders may be familiar with and a
few others you haven’t heard or seen of in some time. There are a few
favorites that I can see in the top 5 but you never know who will be
the surprise of the show.
The x-factor in this show is going to be Colette Nelson. I don’t
think she will be in the top spot, but she could find herself in the
top 5. If she is in good condition, which is always her downfall, she
will be a threat. She has tremendous shape but can she dial it in?
We’ll see this Friday. Sarah Dunlap is also a contender for the top 5
as she was third in the Charlotte Pro and 4th in the New York Pro in
2005.
5. The last couple of years, Antoinette Norman has faired well in the
smaller shows. She took 3rd in the Lightweight at the 2004 Night of
Champions, 1st at the Charlotte Pro and 2nd at the Lightweight at
this show last year. Toni has some crazy hamstrings and usually in
top shape.
4. Heather Foster who took the 2000 NPC National Championships and
won the 2001 Pro Extravaganza will be knocking on the top 5 door.
Like Colette, I don’t see her winning this show but I can see her
battling it out for an Olympia qualification. She was in 5th place at
this show last year and looking to improve on that. She’s
consistently in the top five and look for her to be here again in Texas.
3. Marika Johansson took 4th at this show last year and could slip
into the the 3rd place slot this time around. Lonnie Tepper did a
video interview with her a couple weeks ago and she looked on track.
I could be a bit generous in the third place prediction here but a
top 5 slot is in the cards.
2. Kim Perez took second in the Heavyweight division last year to
eventually winner Bonny Priest. Kim has some monster delts and should
do well in this show with her shape. I see her definitely in the top
three and a contender for the top position.
1. This could be a total shocker or I end up completely off base. I
am going with Gina Davis to take the whole show in her pro debut.
Gina was the overall and Heavyweight winner of the 2004 Nationals. I
saw Gina at USAs and she looked great. Will she have rookie jitters
or will she take it the stage by storm. This Oklahoma City girl is my
top pick.
Fitness
Twenty-one IFBB fitness pros will take the stage on Friday. The last
couple of years the winners have tended to carry a bit more muscle
then other show winners. Tracey Greenwood and Mindi O’Brien have both
been victorious in the past in Dallas.
Bridgette Newell is always one of the most entertaining women when it
comes to the routines but falls short in the physique rounds. Fans
will be certain to see another tremendous display of skill from her
yet again.
5. Bridgette Murray turned pro last year and has competed once thus
far in her rookie season. She has a strong gymnastics background,
which is apparent in her routines. Her routines are definitely her
strong point. If she can come in a bit leaner then in the past she
will do very well here.
4. Stacy Simmons has some of the most baffling moves you will see in
a fitness routine. With a very strong gymnastics and dance background
it shows throughout her routines. She placed second at this show last
year and looking to improve on her 10th place finish at the Fitness
International earlier this year.
3. Angela Monteleone-Semsch is a consistent top five competitor the
past couple of years. I look for her to move up into the third place
slot and secure an Olympia bid at this show. She’s has a great look
and some incredible strength moves.
2. Tanji Johnson should battle it out for the top slot in this show.
She is coming off a victory at the All Star Pro Fitness earlier this
year. Tanji is a solid competitor and don’t be surprised if she
collects another first place trophy at this show.
1. Julie Palmer is consistently in the top 5 and looking to add
another title to her resume. She won the Charlotte Pro in 2005 and
the NY Pro Fitness in 2004. Will she add another victory in 2006?
We’ll find out Friday.
Figure
There are a number of solid competitors in this line up. There are 25
competitors scheduled to compete in the IFBB Figure division.
Christine Wan will be quarter turn’n her way towards a top 5 placing.
She is definitely capable of being there and was close in the Motor
City show. Another competitor who is one to keep your eye on is Erica
Davidson. She’s a beautiful competitor with an amazing physique. The
question is will she be conditioned enough to crack into the top 5.
She is certainly capable of it.
5. Natalie Benson is my surprise pick for this show. The vast
majority in attendance at this year’s USA competition thought she
deserved the Overall title. None of that matters now that’s she is in
the big leagues of the IFBB. She is a gorgeous woman, with a super
tiny waist and incredible delts. Look for her to be the break out
competitor of the year.
4. Latisha Wilder is one of the shorter IFBB figure competitors but
that doesn’t stop her from having a tremendous presence on stage. She
has a great physique and has placed in the top 3, twice this year.
3. DJ Wallis is coming off a second place victory at the Motor City
show and will look to stay at the top of the pack. She has a great
look and was absent from the stage until this month. A welcome
addition to the line up, unless you’re competing against her.
2. Michelle Adams has yet to grace the stage in 2006 but look for her
to come out with a bang. She’ll be coming in looking to qualify and
should do so at this show. She hasn’t placed above 3rd in a pro show
but I look for her to do so this time around.
1. Amanda Savell was the clear cut winner last year and is looking to
repeat in 2006. I had a chance to speak with Amanda at the USA
championship where she was working for her sponsor, Pinnacle. She
looked contest ready there and no doubt in my mind she will hold onto
her title on Friday evening.
It will be an interesting show and I look forward to seeing how this
show is run. I’ve heard nothing but great things about the venue and
the promoters in their efforts. Safe travels everyone and remember no
liquids on your carry on luggage.
