ABB At The 2008 Europa Super Show & Sports Expo

American Body Building (ABB) will be actively sampling products and cheering on competitors at the 2008 Europa IFBB & NPC Super Show this weekend at the Dallas Convention Center. As The Force in the Gym since 1985, ABB is the force behind IFBB Pro Bodybuilder George Farah who will be looking to qualify for the 2009 IFBB Mr. Olympia, as well as IFBB Figure Pro Becky Clawson who will be trying to quality for the 2008 Ms. Figure Olympia. ABB also supports NPC National Level Figure Competitor Jennifer Rankin.

Our company has always been focused on bodybuilding and strength conditioning,” said Bob Corbett, Tradeshow & Events Manager for ABB in Aurora. “Our extensive product line covers the full range of needs, whether it’s diet and energy, pure hydration, high protein or power and recovery. We’re proud to, once again, be part of this super show.”

A leading brand in the sports nutrition industry since 1985, American Body Building is part of Optimum Nutrition. To strictly control every aspect of powder, energy bar, liquid, and capsule product production, ABB owns and operates its own state-of-the-art cGMP-approved manufacturing facilities.

Do you know how much PROTEIN you Need? Find out with our Free Protein Calculator at Bodybuilding.com!

Source: NPI Center

Photo Credit: Roland Balik

ON Proud To Sponsor The 2008 Europa Super Show & Sports Expo

As a proud sponsor of the 15th Annual 2008 Europa IFBB & NPC Super Show, the Optimum Nutrition (ON) team will be busy handing out samples and cheering on competitors at the Dallas Convention Center this weekend. Optimum Nutrition athletes participating in the show include IFBB Pro Bodybuilder George Farah, who will be trying to qualify for the 2008 IFBB Mr. Olympia in September. IFBB Figure Pro Becky Clawson, her sights set on qualifying for the 2008 IFBB Ms. Figure Olympia, and NPC National Level Figure Competitor Jennifer Rankin will also be competing.

Optimum Nutrition’s leadership in the sports nutrition industry is based on our long history of listening to our customers, and delivering unprecedented quality and consistency,” said Bob Corbett, Tradeshow & Events Manager for ON in Aurora. “You can see this commitment at work in our interaction with show attendees and enthusiastic support of competitors at every level.”

Since 1987, Optimum Nutrition has succeeded by providing only the very highest standards of powder, energy bar, liquid, tablet and capsule products. The company owns and operates its own state-of-the-art cGMP-approved manufacturing facilities to strictly control every aspect of the production process.

Looking to be more fit then you were in 2007? Let Bodybuilding.com provide everything from workout plans to nutritional supplements.

Source: NPI Center

NPC Female Bodybuilder Lilli Ewing 60 Days Out!

NPC Female Bodybuilder Lilli Ewing is getting ready to compete again and she sent genex these shots.

According to Lilli: "My daughter is going to take some posing suit shots of me. I'll send some. I have bricks for abs now. I haven't had those since 1994. :-) I'm going for the 8 pack. I've been practicing gymnastics and have my walkover down pat again so I'm practicing to do backhandspring and/or side aerial in my bodybuilding routine. Definitely though I'm now practicing my mandatories!My goal is to win the NPC Ironman then move up ...then do the NPC Emerald Cup again, Open Middle.

Lilli"

Source and Photo Credit: GeneX

NPC Figure Competitor Abbe Dorn in Semi-Finals of American Gladiators

Tune in to NBC on Monday, August 4th, 2008 and watch NPC Figure Competitor and Denver Police Officer, Abbe Dorn show off her strength, power and beauty in the American Gladiators semi-finals!

Will she make it to the finals? Watch and see!

The finals will air immediately following her semi-finals debut.

Abbe recently competed in the 2008 NPC Colorado State Fitness and Figure Championships, placing 5th and is currently training for the NPC Carla Sanchez Fitness Fiesta on October 4th, 2008.

Good Luck Abbe!

See the Specials of the Week at Bodybuilding.com!

Source: Bodysport

2008 IFBB North American Schedule Update

Important Pre-Judging Changes!

If you are competing in Cleveland in 5 weeks at the 2008 IFBB North American, or have purchased tickets, please read carefully!!

SCHEDULE CHANGE
In the interest of a more efficient production the competition schedule has been changed.

People who have purchased tickets under the old schedule will be contacted and the correct tickets will sent out.

Any necessary refunds will also be sent immediately.

FRIDAY PREJUDGING
Meeting at 3:00 pm
Competition at 4:00 pm
Men Open, Men Over 40 and Men Over 50

SATURDAY PREJUDGING
Meeting at 7:30 am
Competition at 8:30 am
Women Bodybuilding, Open Figure and Masters Figure 1-pc and 2-pc suits

SATURDAY FINALS
Competition at 5:00 pm
All Divisions

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2008 NPC USA Preview: Men's Bodybuilding

We're two days away from the biggest amateur bodybuilding event of the year, the 2008 NPC USA Bodybuilding, Fitness and Figure Championships in Las Vegas Nevada.

Who will be the next in line to win an IFBB Pro Card and join a list of past overall winners that includes Phil Heath, Melvin Anthony, Dennis James, Chris Cormier and Flex Wheeler?

Check out the list of Five Burning Questions heading into Friday's prejudging...

QUESTION NO 5: Who’s breaking out?

For the second year in a row, over 300 competitors will take the stage on Friday and Saturday. Who among those will be the breakout star? Twenty-five-year-old Brandon Curry, the 2007 USA and Nationals heavyweight runner-up, seems the most likely. But there’s no guarantee there will be one. On the men’s side, there hasn’t been a USA grad who’s successfully transitioned to the next level since 2005, when Phil Heath stormed to a heavyweight and overall win. Before Heath, the last USA grad to develop into a top tier pro was Melvin Anthony in 1999. The past two men’s overall winners – Omar Deckard (2006) and Ben White (2007) have yet to make their mark, and it doesn’t appear likely that they ever will. On the women’s side, Felicia Romero earned her pro card in Vegas by winning her class in 2006. Since then she has the same number of professional wins (three) as Heath over the course of her two-year career. So if Curry isn’t your breakout star here, you should find her in the figure ranks.

QUESTION NO. 4: Will someone come out of nowhere and win a Pro Card?

Every year, it seems, someone shows up and takes everyone by surprise winning – or at least coming very close – a class after coming from relative obscurity. Curry flew under the radar last year and ended up as the runner-up in the heavies, while Al Auguste came out of nowhere to challenge eventual winner Peter Putnam in the light heavies. In 2005, Heath announced his presence a month earlier by winning the Junior Nationals, then cruised to the overall here in his first attempt at a pro qualifier. In 2003, Richard Jones, competing for just the second time, won the heavyweight and overall. This year could very well be one in which a newcomer to the national-level stage hits pay dirt in his first appearance in a relatively weak super heavyweight class and in a light heavyweight class where none of last year’s top-five finishers return.

QUESTION NO. 3: Did Peter Putnam make a mistake by skipping the USAs?

That question won’t be answered until November. Putnam entered the 2007 USAs as the competitor everyone was talking about. He ended up winning the light heavyweight class, but not his pro card, then finished second at the Nationals behind eventual winner Charles Dixon – all of which did little to damage his reputation as one of the top – if not the top – competitors in the NPC. But Putnam’s decision to sit this one out will allow another name to emerge from the light heavies and, if that competitor doesn’t win his pro card, challenge Putnam for supremacy in the light heavies at the Nationals. Curtis Bryant placed seventh in the heavyweight class at the 2007 Nationals and is dropping down to compete in the light heavies, which could spell trouble for the rest of the class. 2007 Junior Nationals light heavyweight winner Brandon Ray and Tamer El-Guindy, who is moving back to light heavyweight after finishing second in the middleweight class a year ago, could also contend.

QUESTION NO. 2: Who will win the Super Heavies?

Grigori Atoyan is the front-runner after placing second in the supers at both the USAs and the Nationals and winning the class at the North Americans in 2007. But the 35-year-old Atoyan will be pushed by a few super heavies on the rise. Edward Nunn displayed some potential after placing fifth in the super heavies at last year’s Nationals, while Sean Allan is riding some momentum after winning the overall at the Junior Nationals last month.

QUESTION NO. 1: Curry Coming of Age?

A year ago, Brandon Curry was the surprise of this contest, coming out of nowhere to storm to a second-place finish in the heavyweight class, then do the same at the Nationals. It seemed only a matter of time before Curry earned his pro card. Well, that time is now. Yes, the pressure – anything less than a heavyweight win and one of the two pro cards will be viewed as a disappointment – on Curry will be tremendous. But Curry is the marquee name heading into the USAs, the only proven commodity on this level. The knock on Curry a year ago was his conditioning and his legs. He likely will be the most complete bodybuilder on at Artemus Ham Hall this weekend, with a pro-caliber upper body right now. If his conditioning is there, the night will belong to Curry.

End of Year Clearance at Bodybuilding.com!

Source and Photo Credit: Flex Online

Bodybuilding.com Airs First-Ever Webcast of the NPC USA Bodybuilding & Figure Championships

Bodybuilding.com, the Internet’s most- visited bodybuilding and fitness site and largest retailer of nutritional supplements, is airing the first-ever webcast of the 2008 NPC (National Physique Committee) USA Bodybuilding and Figure Championships, an IFBB Pro Qualifier. The exclusive rights to this highly-demanded webcast are part of a three year (2008-2010) title-sponsorship of the NPC USAs.

Fans not lucky enough to see the NPC USA Championships live in Las Vegas July 25th-26th will be able to watch them for free at Bodybuilding.com starting at 3PM (MST) on Monday July 28th. Viewers will have one full week to watch as much of the action as they want; all emceed by award-winning journalist Lonnie Teper (Iron Man). A DVD will then be available for purchase at http://www.repetrope.com/.

“We are so proud to be able to bring the USAs to our visitors around the world. For the first time ever, fans that can’t make it to Las Vegas will be able to see this world-class event,” says Bodybuilding.com CEO Ryan DeLuca.

The NPC USA Championships are scheduled to have another record year with over 300 men and women from across the country competing on stage at this premier pro-qualifying event. This highly-anticipated show has had the Bodybuilding.com Forum buzzing with discussion over the heated competition for months now.

For more information visit 2008 NPC USAs

2008 NPC Masters National Figure Championships Competitor Lists

2008 NPC Masters Figure National Championships
July 18 & 19, 2008
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Figure Competitor List...

Figure Over 35 A
Debbie Bell
Gina Molinaro
Kristyn Rhoades
Susan Maruca
Valerie Tinsley
Lisa Sandercock
Suzanne Jimenez

Figure Over 35 B
Jennifer De Joya
Tasha Richer
Janet Winchester
Tracy Chenaul-Shank
Nancy Fuentes
Shannon Bennett
Wendy Kaszer
Candice Houston
Melody Chao
Melanie Burger
Fredericia Brant
Tara Green
Patrice Vignola
Sabrina Sonner

Figure Over 35 C
Sandra Brewer Stakely
Dawnice Beckley
Amy Brown
Tracy Ciccone
Shawna Charboneau
Heidi Hansen-Carlin
Carla Machado
April DeLaPaz
Ann Pratt
Katerina Tarbox
Grace Rivera
Daphne Bascom
Elissa Schlicter
Jill Lindsey
Carmen Demske
Brenda Dunsmore
Angela Kegler
Sherry Harrison
Tricia Trosclair
Robin Infante
Martha Vucsko
Linda Smith
Chrissy Burton
Joy Dematas
Jennifer Kline

Figure Over 35 D
Jan Horn
Tracy Guarino
Shelly Hillesheim
Nanci Kerr
Brenda James
Michelle Mazulis
Deborah Judy
Joanna Frichtel
Joanne Ott
Veronica Ruth

Figure Over 35 E
Joanna Wilson
Becky Youngberg
Stephanie McDonald
Natalie Calland
Bonnie Wilson
Tina White
Ursula Cristofaro
Neely Simmons
Judy Weichman
Kathleen McLain Zamora
Gail Meadows
Holly Powell
Lisa Sonterre Hausfield
Holly Beck
Jeanne Nimmer
Marie Ann Newman

Figure Over 35 F
Amanda Marinelli
Elizabeth Sandoz
Brandie Gardner
Maria Corsaro
Jennifer Peckham

Figure Over 45 A
Elizabeth Hinkelman
Valerie Tinsley
Melanie Burger
Sabrina Sonner
Elissa Schlicter
Martha Vucsko
Linda Smith
Robin Gizzi
Denise Dinger
Michele Frank

Figure Over 45 B
Elizabeth Hinkelman
Joanna Frichtel
Joanne Ott
Bonnie Wilson
Gail Meadows

Figure Over 55
Shirley McManus
Kathy Cook
Deborah Freeman
Maureen O’Connell

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NPC Bodybuilder Peter Putnam to Appear on MTV's Made

As he closes in on the 2008 NPC Nationals and - he hopes - earning an IFBB Pro Card, Peter Putnam will have something else to focus on as he gets closer to Atlanta, Georgia. Putnam recently discovered that he was selected to appear on MTV's Made, in which he will be the primary coach on an episode centering around the competitive side of the bodybuilding industry.

The appearance will be the second for a member of the Putnam family on the program. In June, IFBB Figure Pro Jessica Paxson-Putnam appeared on an episode of Made.

"I was contacted a few months ago by one of the producers who had been made aware of me through Jessica's appearance on the show," Putnam said. "I went through a lengthy interview process and eventually was selected. Jessica just had an opportunity to appear on Made as a coach and it was a great experience for her. It's a neat coincidence that we are both receiving the opportunity around the same time and both sharing these experiences together."

The filming will begin in the near future and could take a number of weeks to complete, which means it will coincide with Putnam's preparation as he attempts to improve on his runner-up finish in the light heavyweight class at the 2007 NPC Nationals, where he finished behind Charles Dixon.

"It makes this stage of my preparation a bit more difficult," Putnam said, "but I couldn't pass this up. I'm confident that I will be 100 percent at the Nationals and will bring an improved package from last year. Atlanta is my hometown, so I'm planning on being the best I've ever been."

See the Specials of the Week at Bodybuilding.com!

Source: Flexonline

Photo Credit: Bill Comstock/www.musculardevelopment.com

2008 NPC USA Championships Women's Bodybuilding Competitor List

2008 NPC USA Bodybuilding and Figure Championships
July 25-26, 2008
Las Vegas, Nevada

Women's Bodybuilding Competitor List current as of July 10th, 2008...

Heavyweight
Julie Assa
Gerri Deach-Davis
Shanna Girod
Jennifer Gutierrez
Vicki Manfredi
Yamile Marrero
Kris Murrell
Gabrielle Nicander
Ashalyn Porter
Angela Rayburn
Christine Sabo
Dianne Solomans
Isabelle Turell

Light-Heavyweights
Holly Bacola
Diana Bumanglag
Karen Choat
Kathryn Connors
Anne Dudash
Holly Geersen
Holly Nicholson
Kelly Patrick
Christy Resendes
Gina Spengler
Lisa Taubenheim
Kimm Winn

Middleweight
Natalie Barnett
Kelly Dobbins
Dee Lazard
Kira Neuman
Claire O'Connell
Akila Pervis
Donna Randall
Greaig Rebecca
Holly Robey
Heather Sage
Diana Tinnelle
Beth Wachter

Lightweights
Brenda Beitia
Tracy Bodner
Maria Davis
Barbara Fletcher
Leann George
Jacqueline Horan
Patricia Houston
Rita Rae
Dora Trikoupis

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2008 NPC USA Championships Men's Bodybuilding Competitor List

2008 NPC USA Bodybuilding Championships
July 25-26, 2008
Las Vegas, Nevada

Men's Bodybuilding Competitor List current as of July 10th, 2008...

Super Heavyweights
Sean Allan
Grigori Atoyan
Robert Burneika
Mark Byers
Franco Dattilo
Kirk DeFrancesco
Eric Domer
Kenny Gipson
Alex Jacobsen
Drew Jemmott
Todd Jewell
Allen Mallad
Malcolm Marshall
Kenny Milne
Korbie Nitiforo
Sherwin Pagtakhan
Eric Posejpal
Aaron Rhea
Eric Sanders
Ron Stevens
James Swanson
Eboni Wilson

Heavyweights
Mark Alvisi
Lee Banks
Erich Blancaflor
Mark Christensen
Brian Copeland
Brandon Curry
Parenthesis-PD Devers
David Fenty
Les Galloway
Chulsey Graham
Gary Harden
Harry Johnson
Doug Lang
Michael Liberatore
Jeff Long
Ricardo Ocampo
Vladimir Sizor
Kevin Sperling
Adam Young

Light-Heavyweights
William Ayoubi
Elton Bates
Curtis Bryant
Peter Ciccone
Nathan Detracy
Tamar El-Guindy
Rene Endara
Joshua Fred
Garrett Hawkins
Allen Hicks
Shawn Mack
Omar Monroig
Gregory Peeples
John Peshia
Carlos Pinto
Craig Pratt
Legislador Rich
Randall Rogers
Troy Tate

Middleweights
Tim Anderson
Arleigh Bumanglag
Kam Gallman
Jesse Lopez
George Maiorano
Rob-Roy Pyfer
Todd Scott
George Thibault
Scott Turner
Ali Washington
Jacob Wilson

Welterweights
Paul Aigbirior
Michael Bautista
Bret Bradshaw
Victor DelCampo
Shavis Higa
Steve Karnya
Brent Kutlesa
Richie Medina
Joe Pearson

Lightweights
Rick Brewer
Cory Deese
Jabar Miles
Malkuist Sigge
Tim Ward

Bantamweights
Franklin Bugner
Scott Foster
Noel Frias
Paul Howe
Wayne Hugar
Scott Hutchinson
John Jr. Ligsay
Hernan Rodriguez
James Shumpert
Alan Watari

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2008 NPC USA Championships Figure Competitor List

2008 NPC USAs Figure Championships
July 25-26, 2008
Las Vegas, Nevada

Figure Competitor List current as of July 10th, 2008...

Class "A" Competitor List
Jessica Brichta
Mary Cencich
Jamie Costa
Denise Dinger
Carin Hawkins
Mandy Henderson
Shawna Kondo
Katherine McPhee
Prudence Moe
Sarah Nakajima
Akane Nigro-Ismeal
Tiffany Procopio
Lisa Sandercock
Gemma Santos
Joni Starkey
Aketa Thomas
Ann Treesukosol
Rosalind Vail
Huong Vo
Raven Wiencek

Class "B" Competitor List
Shannon Bennett
Sheila Bratten
Kim Carmichael
Laurie Costa
Vicki Counts
Jennifer DeJoya
Traci Hall
Candice Houston
Jennifer Jackson
Devin Kenney
Crystal Lowery
Monica Mark
Jenn Migliacci
Laura Millar
Heather Misra
Keri Moser
Kenyatta Parham
Lauren Pearlman
Kiana Phi-Lewis
Angie Platten
Mona Liza Reyes
Denise Rose
Shari Santos
Kerri Simpson
Michele Suszek
Misi White

Class "C" Competitor List
Michelle Anderson
Laura Bailey
Kim Bell
Lori Brooks
Chrissy Burton
Sherrie Carnicle
Carmen Demske
Brenda Dunsmore
Bea Fox
Shannon Furstenberg
Cynthia Herndon
Lisa Hutchinson
Danyell Johnson
Monique Jones
Enji Khoo
Doneker King
Joy Kushner
Allison Malone
Marga Martin
Wendi Medders
Dawn Melanie
Patricia Moore
Edy Neal
Emily Nicholson
Kristin Nunn
Lori Pavesi
Ann Pratt
Rada Reyes
Grace Rivera
Emily Roberts
Lauren Rosen
Traci Saba
Elissa Schlichter
Ana Tigre
Ann Titone

Class "D" Competitor List
Kimberly Agnew
Juliet Banks
Stacey Barta
Jackie Buckley
Valerie Carlino
Joanna Frichtel
Corinna Frikken
Kelley Green
Tracy Guarino
Ashley Harrell
Alicia Harris
R. Echelle Harris
Shelley Hillesheim
Bethany Karlin
Kelli Kratt
Jillian Mabin
Michelle Mazulis
Kristy McKinney
Jennifer Myers
Joni Neilson
Jill Oksenhorn
Laura Pine
Tanya Rhoades
Robyne Roveccio-Palmer
Amanda Schenk-Darce
Jessica Troha
Christine Vaillancourt
Tiffany Waddell

Class "E" Competitor List
Wendy Bogard
Natalie Calland
Rachel Chapman
Ursala Cristofaro
Tami Delzenero
Danielle Edmonds
Hannah Fox
Magoa Galloza
Ginny Gardea
Heather Lynn Jones
Nikki Key
Jenny Lewis
Ilona Maj
Amy Lee Martin
Stephanie McDonald
Jaime Meade
Kat Morrill
Amanda Quinlan
Alecia Rankovic
Mendi Sakamoto
Aletha Tatge
Nola Trimble
Nicole Vitale
Becky Youngberg

Class "F" Competitor List
Christine Aguilar
Michelle Battista
Brigitte Blount
Katie Coles
Kristen Crigler
Brandie Gardner
Stephanie Gruner
Jennifer Hernandez
Kelly Hill
Jessica Livingston
Sunshine Loustaunau
Monique Minton
Veronica Ramirez
Tandy Robinson
Jessica Shannon

101 Ways to motivate yourself and get in shape. Number 43 may surprise you. Read all 101 NOW at Bodybuilding.com!

Beauty and Brawn: Female Bodybuilder Megan Abshire Sets Sights on Louisiana Title

With the face of Cinderella and the muscles of a Chicago Bear, Megan Abshire likes being unusual. Regular women's clothes can't fit her 16-inch biceps, 27-inch waist and 25-inch thighs, which are so big that she can no longer cross them.

When she's not lifting weights, Abshire trains police dogs that sniff out explosives and narcotics on cruise lines and airplanes. She's even a professional wrestler, aka Katrina, who regularly beats on Lady X in a South Louisiana promotion called Bayou Classic Wrestling.

But Abshire's pretty face and muscular physique don't always win her fans in her daily life.

"I do get some negative attention because I'm a woman and I'm muscular," said Abshire, 22. "That's not what's accepted in society. People think all women should be thin.

"I try to keep a positive view. I like being different. I was born different. But when people have a negative view of me, I just try to be as sweet as possible."

Abshire shows her beauty and brawn as she competes in the NPC Louisiana Bodybuilding and Figure Championships Saturday at the Heymann Performing Arts Center. Tickets are on sale at the Heymann Center box office and all Ticketmaster outlets.

Saturday's contest is Abshire's first competition.

"I'm very nervous and very excited," said Megan, daughter of Roger and Judy Abshire of Kaplan. "But I have a long history of competing in my family.

"I've always been athletic for as long as I can remember. I had biceps since I was probably 5."
Abshire's competitive drive goes back to elementary school, when she discovered that she was faster than most boys her age. She started running track, which led to weight training, then powerlifting and bodybuilding by her teen years.

Two years ago, Abshire really started to pack on muscle. She worked out seven days a week and ate six meals a day.

But in recent weeks, Abshire has had to eat less and workout more to get the lean, defined muscles needed for competition.

Her day starts at 5:30 a.m. with cardio exercise on an empty stomach, so she can burn as much fat as possible. After working on the job all day, Abshire returns to gym for an hour of weight training and another hour of cardio.

Those intense workouts are without potatoes, rice and other carbohydrates that would provide energy, but would also cloud her muscular definition.

"That's why I feel so bad," said Abshire. "I started cutting back on the carbs six weeks ago and it's getting worse and worse.

"I expected it to be hard, but not this hard. The diet will make or break a bodybuilder. I can train all day, but to starve myself, it's very tough. I've called (my coaches) crying, wanting to quit, so many times. They were like no, you gotta keep going."

Abshire, who would like to become a professional bodybuilder, has also caught the eye of World Wrestling Entertainment and other pro wrestling groups. But for now, she wants to do well in Saturday's contest - then pig out.

"That night, I want a cake in the car, in my bikini, and I want to eat it with my hands. My mom has been feeling so bad for me because she sees how bad I've been killing myself.

"She said we're getting you whatever you want on Sunday. I want a cake on the way home."

Want to go?
What: NPC Louisiana Bodybuilding and Figure Championships
Judging: 9-11 a.m. Saturday; finals: 6-10 p.m. Saturday
Heymann Performing Arts Center
$37.50, $25.50 and $19.50 plus handling fees
291-5555

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Source and Photo Credit: TheAdvertiser

The 2008 NPC Bill Grant Classic Bodybuilding & Figure Classic Preview

Time is fast approaching for the 3rd Annual NPC Bill Grant Bodybuilding & Figure Classic on Sunday, July 27th, 2008 in Allentown, Pennsylvania. The Bill Grant Classic is part of the Lehigh Valley SportsFest, a 4-day total sports festival that draws more than 10,000 athletes, 150,000 spectators and includes over 40 athletic events. BE A PART OF IT!

The 2008 NPC Bill Grant Classic will be staged outdoors to re-create the spirit of "old school" bodybuilding from the great days of Muscle Beach in Venice, California. Admission is FREE for all spectators.

Don't miss this year's entertainment featuring IFBB Pro's Brian Chamberlain and Evgeny Mishlin and Newcomer Taylor Boyd. Live performances by Jaquetta Perry, a rising star in the world of inspirational music, Jersey Connect performing Hip Hop to Reggae and R&B to Gospel and Notorious Groove performing Old School R&B, Soul, Funk, Motown & Southern Rock & Roll.

We look forward to having you join us in our most successful event yet. To participate in the excitement contact me at info@billgrant.net.
Best Regards,
Bill Grant
Mr. America/Mr. World
Muscle Beach Hall of Fame
http://www.billgrant.net/

Event Details
Date: Sunday, July 27th, 2008
Time: Check-in/Weigh-in: 10:00am - 11:30am
Mandatory Competitor's Mtg: 12:00pm
Pre-judging: 1:00pm
Finals: 1 hour after Pre-Judging is over.

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Bodybuilder Johnnie Jackson 765 lb. deadlifts

IFBB Pro Bodybuilder Johnnie Jackson deadlifts 765 pounds for two reps at Stroud's Fitness Center on June 9, 2008.

Johnnie plans to compete in a powerlifting meet later in June, 2008, before competing in the IFBB Europa Pro Bodybuuilding Championships in Dallas in August, 2008.



Looking to be more fit then you were in 2007? Let Bodybuilding.com provide everything from workout plans to nutritional supplements.

Peter Putnam Passing on 2008 NPC USAs

It's not so much a prediction as much as it is a fact: Peter Putnam will not duplicate his performance from last year's NPC USA Bodybuilding, Fitness and Figure Championships in Las Vegas, Nevada, where he won the light heavyweight class. But history will not fail to repeat itself because there will be a better bodybuilder standing in his way. Putnam will not be repeating his winning performance because he won't be competing, instead choosing to focus his efforts on winning the light heavyweight class, and an elusive pro card, at the 2008 NPC Nationals in Atlanta, Georgia.

"I was very pleased with my outing last year," Putnam said. "I felt like going in there and taking the class solidified my status as a top amateur. Even though I didn’t get the pro card I walked away with a sense of it being more about the timing. I just just wasn’t my time."

Unfortunately for Putnam, it wasn't his time at the 2007 NPC Nationals either, where he finished as the runner-up to Charles Dixon in the light heavyweight class in an extremely close decision.

"Winning my class at the NPC USAs was a very proud moment in my career," Putnam said. "Now since the only thing that I’ve not done is take my class at the NPC Nationals ... I feel kind of like I did in 2006 when I was the runner up at the USAs, then came back in '07 and sealed the deal. I would like to do same at the 2008 NPC Nationals."

Putnam is in the midst of what he says has been a productive off season in which he plans to get up to around 240 pounds, 15 more than he was a year ago. Putnam barely made weight at last year's Nationals, when he had to weigh in twice to make the light heavyweight class limit of 198 1/4 pounds.

"Making weight is going to be a big challenge," Putnam said. "This off season has been about improving upon my existing package. A big deciding factor was the amount of time to have an off season. If I was to have done this year's NPC USAs, I would have been basically replicating the same package that I brought to the NPC Nationals. I want to take the time to further my physique and come in fuller, rounder and harder with more detail. I want to walk out on stage and as soon as the judges see me have them say, It's his class tonight. But I’m not going there just for the class win. I’m going there to try to take the overall."

According to Putnam, the fact that the 2008 NPC Nationals will be held in Atlanta, Georgia, was extra motivation.

"It's a big deal being back in my hometown of Atlanta, the first place I ever competed," Putnam said. "That's where I first stood on stage and that's where I'm hoping to earn my pro card."

Since he won't be competing, who does Putnam see as the favorites to earn pro cards at the NPC USAs?

"You never know who could show up," Putnam said. "When Phil Heath won the overall in 2005 there was a guy by the name of Fakri Mubari who knocked out everyone and took them all by surprise, so you never know. Deshaun Grimez went from 12th or 13th to winning his class the next year. But with the names I know entering the show, if Brandon Curry is in shape, Brandon Curry gets one of the two cards. I don’t want to put my money on anyone else because going to be a fight. The Superheavies for me is a big unknown. I think you wil see some new names emerge in the light heavies. As far as I’m concerned, the light heavyweight class is wide open."

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NPC Superheavyweight Jeff Long Signs With Team MD

Jeff Long, the man that Steve Blechman describes as "Jay Cutler Jr. with Paul Demayo calves", has officially penned an exclusive contract with Team Muscular Development.

On June 14th of this year, the 24-year old New Jersey native will be entering the much anticipated NPC Jr. Nationals which will also feature rising star, 2006 NPC Excalibur overall champ, Trey "The Phenom" Brewer.

This onstage battle should help infuse new interest into the sport of bodybuilding and help to usher in a new era of young upcoming champions.

What's even more interesting is that both men will also be entering this year's NPC USA Championships in Las Vegas, NV on July 28th and 29th in hopes of earning their IFBB Pro cards.

Only time will tell if this "clash of titans" will prove to be the epic battle it's lining up to be on paper. Either way, the anticipation is worth the price of admission!

At only 5' 6" tall, Jeff has weighed as much as 285lbs in the offseason and he's packing a freakish-looking 245.

When asked what he'll weigh onstage, Jeff answers very matter-of-factl: "I'm not worrying about the scale. I just want to be as ripped as possible."

These very wise words from such a young competitor may prove to be the key to bringing home that ever elusive IFBB Pro card come July.

Whatever the case, Team MD will be their supporting the newest member of their ever-expanding extended family.

Source and Photo Credit: Muscular Development

2008 Emerald Cup Women's Fitness and Bodybuilding Contestants List

2008 NPC Emerald Cup Bodybuilding, Fitness & Figure Championships
Bellevue, Washington
April 19th, 2008
(National Qualifier)

Female Competitors List:

FITNESS

Women’s Fitness Under 5-03
Kim Scoffins, Fitness Unlimited, Maple Ridge, CAN
Paula Williams-Gulman, Med Spa, Coeur D Alene, ID

Women’s Fitness Over 5-03
Erin Nomura, Gold’s Gym, Missoula, MT

FIGURE

Figure 5-02 and Under
Shannise Brown, Body by O, Montvale, NJ
Nikki Browner, Gold’s Gym, Las Vegas, NV
Jamie Costa, Body by O, Henderson, NV
SueEllen Dent, Gold’s Gym, Enfield, CT
Amanda Friedman, Construction Zone, Issaquah, WA
Kari Keenan, Gold’s Gym, Bozeman, MT
Shawna Kondo, Gold’s Gym, Mountain View, CA
Julie Lee, LifeQuest Fitness, Pasco, WA
Pauline Mitchell, Body Renew, Anchorage, AK
Jocelyn Mallard, Balance Fitness, Calgary, CAN
Adriana Medina, Urban Ginetics, Bellevue, WA
Nicki Pimm, Gold’s Gym, Calgary, CAN
Jennifer Thomas, Vision Quest, Auburn, WA
Jen Turnbull, 24 Hour Fitness, Bellevue, WA
Misi White, 24 Hour Fitness, Elk Grove, CA
Paula Williams-Gulman, Med S, Couer D Alene, ID
Tiffany Widdifield, Gold’s Gym, Bothell, WA
Patricia Wilson, Lifetime Fitness, Scottsdale, AZ

Figure Over 5-02 to 5-03
Susanna Backman, Masters Training, Sweden
Chrissy Burton, Infinite Fitness, Windham, NH
Carole Castillo, NASWI Gym, Oak Harbor, WA
Delores Fitzgibbons, 24 Hour Fitness, Broomfield, CO
Dawn Kirkham, Summit FC, Flagstaff, AZ
Katrinka Knox, Gold’s Gym, Eugene OR
Lisa Lattery, Body By O, Calgary, CAN
Cydney Little, Joe Pratt, Portland, OR
Carlee McKeever, A-List Physiquez, Scottsdale, AZ
Kerri Simpson, 24 Hour Fitness, Vancouver, WA
JaNae Stewart, Gold’s Gym, St. George, UT
LuAnn Van Akin, Gold’s Gym, American Fork, UT
Jennifer Willims, The Fit Stop, Olympia, WA
Martina Young, Oz Fitness, Eugene, OR

Figure Over 5-03 to 5-04
Leah Bacon, Fitness World, Vancouver, CAN
Heather Baird, Balance Fitness, Calgary, CAN
Brandy Carestia, PhyZique Fitness, Missoula, MT
Cinzia Clapp, CMC Personal TS, Eagle River, AK
Caroline Deeter, Gold’s Gym, Portland, OR
Kay Friend, NW Muscle, Medford, OR
Danyell Johnson, Bodysport FC, Las Vegas, NV
Casey Jovan, Mike Davies, Draper, UT
Bridgit Hake, Courthouse AC, Salem, OR
Allison Malone, 24 Hour Fitness, Clakamas, OR
Erin Nomura, Gold’s Gym, Missoula MT
Jessica Norlander, The Gym, Las Vegas, NV
Angela Pagett, 24 Hour Fitness, Kirkland, WA
Alexandra Porshnikoff, Yahoo!, Sunnyvale, CA
Kim Scoffins, Fitness Unlimited, Maple Ridge, CAN
Dana Wilson, Gold’s Gym, Scottsdale, AZ

Figure Over 5-04 to 5-05
Kirby Barry, Define Fitness, Calgary, CAN
Shelley Bush, Mt. Hood AC, Sandy, Oregon
Leslie Deucher, Leslie Deucher, Orem, UT
Ryan Everson, Northside Fitness, Spokane, WA
Theresa Fawcett, Bodylogic, Puyallup, WA
Paula Franklin, Innovation Fitzone, Calgary, CAN
Karin Kimura, Body by O, Boise ID
ShaNay Norvell, HEAT Atlanta, Atlanta, GA
Michelle Scott, Evolution, Bellevue, WA
Glenna Viland-Weltzin, Lifetime, Goodyear, AZ

Figure Over 5-5 to 5-06
Suzanne Barlas, Body Central, Crownsville, MD
Nichole Christy, Construction Zone, Issaquah, WA
Connie Gallo, Steve Nash, Granville, CAN
Katie Heath, Katie Heath, Salt Lake City, UT
Dorian Holmes, Kiva Conditioning, Bothell, WA
Fiona Krug, Fis Body Shop, Spokane, WA
Jennifer LaBrie, Evolution, Bellevue, WA
Robyne Roveccio-Palmer, Body by S, Tempe, AZ
Austine Powell, Gold’s Gym, Kirkland, WA
Tracy Royer, Body by O, Calgary, CAN
Jennifer Sandberg, 24 Hour Fitness, Portland, OR
Robin Sinclear, KOR, Chico CA

Figure Over 5-06 to 5-08
Roz Alexander, Planet Fitness, Singapore, China
Maura Berger, Body by O, Manhattan Beach, CA
Amanda Bollinger, Gold’s Gym, West Jordan, UT
Anna Brown, 24 Hour Fitness, Sherman Oaks, CA
Brandie Brugh, PhyZique Fitness, Missoula, MT
Isabel Estolano-Franklin, Gold’s, Santa Cruz, CA
Ginny Gardea, Club Fit, Canby, OR
Catherine Holland, Downings Gym, Corvallis, OR
Lauren Huber, Pro Sports Club, Kirkland, WA
Melissa Johnsen, Home Gym, Meridian, ID
Brenda Jones, Gold’s Gym, St. George, UT
Adrena Mason, Gold’s Gym, N. Providence, RI
Janice Maurer, PhyZique Fitness, Missoula, MT
Jan Meredith, Elite Body, Fircrest, WA
Christine Moore, Prime Fitness, Bonney Lake, WA
Linda Nelson, Bodylogic, Puyallup, WA
Hannah Ringholm, Hawthorn AC, Hillsboro, OR
Chaana Rosenthal, Energy Fitness, Portland, OR
Mendi Sakamoto, Club Sport, Tigard, OR
Heather Skaar, 24 Hour Fitness, Beaverton, OR
Casey Tuttle, PhyZique Fitness, Missoula, MT
Joanna Wilson, Thorbecke’s FLC, Centralia, WA
Michaela Xavier, XBodyFitness, San Jose, CA

Figure Over 5-08
Alisyn Barrial, USA Sportsplex, Eugene, OR
Mary Hallman, Elite Body, Fircrest, WA
Trisha Hess, Gold’s Gym, Woodinville, WA
Juliana Jade, LA Fitness, Federal Way, WA
Kristinam McEllrath, 24 Hour Fitness, Portland, OR
Jessica Shannon, LA Fitness, Peoria, AZMasters

Figure Over 35
Julie Barnett, Freedom, Camano Island, WA
Wendy Bogard, Club NW, Grants Pass, OR
Melanie Burger, Body By O, Pleasanton, CA
Ranee Elder, Liane Seiwald TS, Golden, CO
Lynn Fitzhum, Evolution, Bellevue, WA
Rosa Hurst, Gold’s Gym, Cumming, GA
Laurie Joslin, Marunde Muscle, Sequim, WA
Sandy Jung, Define Fitness, Calgary, CAN
Laura Kathryn, Gold’s Gym, Bothell, WA
Brittani Simpson, 24 Hour Fitness, Portland, OR
Tina Tachell, Gold’s Gym, Redmond, WA

Masters Figure Over 40
Linda Auman, Gold’s Gym, Salt Lake City, UT
Sheila Bratten, The Alaska Club, Fairbanks, AK
Lorna Cavin, Gold’s Gym, Venice, CA
Heidi Hansen-Carlin, Stay Fit Gym, Ketchikan, AK
Karla Coe-Specker, Next Level Fitness, Plano, TX
Michelle Cole, PhyZique Fitness, Missoula, MT
Denise Dinger, Las Vegas AC, Las Vegas, NV
Shanna Fisher, Andrea Duman, Scottsdale, AZ
Debbie Fowler, Powerhouse Gym, Anchorage, AK
Diane Green, Graham Fitness, Graham, WA
Lori Pliska, Bam Bam, Portland, OR
Connie Potter-Frame, PhyZique FS, Missoula, MT
Leticia Swanson, Marunde Muscle, Sequim, WA
Tommy Thompson, Bodylogic, Puyallup, WA
Janice Zander, Work It Out, Maple Valley, WA

Masters Figure Over 50
Sherry Bowman, Gold’s Gym, Eugene, OR
Lisa Carson, Tahoma AC, Maple Valley, WA
Kathy Cunningham, Avanti , Bellevue, WA
Robin Gizzi, Gold’s Gym, Campbell CA
Peggy Goldman, Evolution, Bellevue, WA
Deborah Harney, Get Fit/Stay Fit, Ketchikan, AK
Diane Schwandt, Anytime Fitness, Tumwater, WA
Elizabeth Stevenson, Define Fitness, Calgary, CAN

BODYBUILDING

Women – Lightweight
Millie Cleveland, the AC, Hamilton, Bermuda
Lisa Curry, Jungle Gym, Fairbanks, AK
Ann Gannon, Oz Fitness, Spokane, WA
Cindy Goodrich, Construction Zone, Issaquah, WA
Connie Kubu, Gold’s/Regal, Spokane WA
Christen Kwan, Parkgate RC, N. Vancouver, CAN
Wendy Lindquist-Pronick, GWF, Abbotsford, CAN
Genevieve Moreno, Gold’s Gym, Eugene, OR
Julie Warren, Atlas Fit Foods, Washougal, WA

Women – Middleweight
Kay Friend, NW Muscle, Medford, OR

Women – Heavy
Shawn Tan, Change It Up, Bellingham, WA
Peggy Willis, Gold’s Gym, Spokane, WA

Masters Women Over 35
Julie Assa, Body by O, Valley Center, CA
Lilli Ewing, SGVictory/Dave Palumbo, Seattle, WA
Cindy Roedinger, Peak Fitness, Palmer, AK
Glenda Shepard, Elite Body, Fircrest, WA

Masters Women Over 50
Jan Guenther, Edmonds CC/PTS, Edmonds, WA
Deborah Harney, Get Fit/Stay Fit Gym, Ketchikan, AK
Teresa Maine, Moses Lake H&F, Moses Lake, WA
Denise Rathwick, Innovative Fitness, Seattle, WA

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Source: Femstrong

2008 NPC Emerald Cup Backstage Figure Gallery

The Seattle Times newspaper put up a small but nice gallery of backstage shots of some Figure Competitors at the 2008 NPC Emerald Cup.

Check out the Gallery Here:
2008 NPC Emerald Cup Backstage Pictures

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2008 IFBB Arnold Classic Amateur Women's Bodybuilding Competitors List

2008 IFBB Arnold Classic Amateur Women's Bodybuilding Championships
February 29th - March 2nd, 2008
Columbus, Ohio

Official Competitors List as of today...

Lightweight
1. Glenda Bozett Northport, New York
2. Millie Cleveland Smiths Parish, Bermuda
3. Ellen Ferra Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania
4. Antoinette Gast. APO, AE
5. Maryann Glascock Fairfax Station, Virginia
6. Cindy Goodrich Seattle, Washington
7. Lisa Janusz Lewis Center, Ohio
8. Karen Jones Ft. Worth, Texas
9. Dee Lazard Houston, Texas
10. Genevieve Moreno Eugene, Oregon
11. Shona Pryce Riviera Beach, Florida
12. Penny Ruff Hiram, Georgia
13. Lori Snyder DuBois, Pennsylvania
14. Joanne Stewart New Zealand
15. Ebony Thomas Lansing, Illinois
16. Carrie Walend Lorain, Ohio

Middleweight
1. Barbara Barnowich Halethorpe, Maryland
2. Colleen Brock Lakewood, Ohio
3. Tammy Jackson Fresno, California
4. Alisha Morrow Peoria, Illinois
5. Holly Nicholson Las Vegas, Nevada
6. Christy Resendes Fairhaven, Massaccucetts
7. Ayeda Silent Clayton, Delaware
8. Carrie Simmons Philadelphis, Pennsylvania
9. Alicia St. Germaine Harrison Twp, Michigan
10. Becky West Malibu, California

Heavyweight
1. Marylynne MacKenzie Niagara Falls, Ontario Canada
2. Fie Ottosen Loesburg, Virginia
3. Evy Rustad Oslo, Norway

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