Cal this weekend...

[genex]

Hey just about to head down for the Cal. I wanted to wish Pia Johnsen the best for her pro debut. She's our featured calendar girl for May and she is looking fantastic.

Good luck to everyone else competing this weekend!

gene

[HumanFreakShow300]

Yeah, good luck to pia; She is definately working with something.


One.

[genex]

Oh wait, I am sure you'll ask for a photo so here's one from Pia...

[HumanFreakShow300]

Damn!


One.

[Amanda Dunbar]

Pia is looking great! Wish I could come out there to watch the show. Especially to see the new figure debut of Lisa Bickels, I can't wait!

Amanda

[Jason]

Damn!


One.



You took the word right out of my mouth Freak!! :eek: She looks Fantastic!

[Beenaround]

I can't go, gotta be with my Hubby back East to support his recovery from duo knee surgery.
I have a friend, I think she will be in the ltwt, maybe middles. Dawn Principe(Renne' Toneys' friend) and if she makes it down Gabriel Nicander in the hvys
there also will be the annual Venus Beach outdoor contest and I believe Gabes doing this also.
In all these years i've never been down there for that, but know it's suppose to be loads of fun!!!

[Tre]

Damn, Pia is fine. She's got cool watches, too! I'd actually be willing to drive to L.A. to see her.

Best wishes to your husband, Michelle. (what's his name??)

Sorry to hear about Lisa Bickels. I long for the day when we start hearing stories of women defecting from figure to move up to bodybuilding. :)

[boomboomroom1234]

Pia looks amazing like always...what a great body

[Maxt]

Good luck to Gabe. She has not gone unnoticed by Maxt. I have seen her quads, they are unreal! She is a really "built" woman.

[genex]

Here's a pic of Lisa from today. I posted it in another forum here too but I think she should win her figure class and could have won in bodybuilding if she crossed over.

gene

[genex]

My two other favorites in figure were these ladies (sorry I don't have names for them yet)...

[genex]

and the second one...

[genex]

side shot of her

[genex]

Of course I can't not post at least one bodybuilder. Here's Malissa Robles who should win the HWs.

[Amanda Dunbar]

Malissa looks good... different though, I'm not sure why?? What about the rest of the fbbs??

Amanda

[hans]

Sorry to hear about Lisa Bickels. I long for the day when we start hearing stories of women defecting from figure to move up to bodybuilding. :)

Right on Tre, me too!

Hans

[Tre]

Great shots, Gene! How did you smuggle those out of the auditorium?!

[Danitza]

Good picks for Figure Gene!! I loved there physiques!! They came in looking great! Thanks for sharing the pics!

[Maxt]

Hey great to see Malissa is back. She is looking good.

[Scott]

thx gene great pics!

[genex]

Here's the muscular and beautiful (as Andy would say) Raejha Douziech...

[genex]

The 1st callout in thet 2-piece round:
Amber Littlejohn, Michelle Adams and Mary Elizabeth Lado

[genex]

oops - posting the pic this time

[Larg]

Gene,

You real lady charmer you!! How did you get those ladies to all strike the same pose at the same time? lol Great shots!!

[jasons805]

great pics thanks for shareing

[Dr. Superhero]

Has there been a successful figure to bodybuilder cross over? When will the pendulum swing back as I suspect it will? I mean there are just too many women to judge in a figure event.

How many at the Cal this weekend?

[Dr. Superhero]

Any Wa State representative's?

[genex]

I'm not sure who was from WA state. Crashing out here so I can get up for shoots in the morning... later kids ;)

gene

[viclight]

Good call on Malissa Robles Gene, congrat's to her and all of the winners ath the Cal.

[AndyY]

Here's the muscular and beautiful (as Andy would say) Raejha Douziech...
Hey Gene!!

Thanks for referring to me, lol. Beautiful shots! I look forward to seeing more from the Cal's.

See ya soon,
Andy :)

[Tre]

Great shots, Gene!

Becky West is from WA, I'm pretty sure, and it seems some of the figure girls might be from there as well, but there are too many of them to know nowadays.

[Amanda Dunbar]

What about a picture of Cathy L.?? I want to see her new figure look. I heard she looked awesome. :)

Amanda

[genex]

I am a big Cathy Priest fan, but I didn't think she looked as good as a figure athlete as she did as a bodybuilder. Here's a shot of her.

gene

[hans]

I agree Gene - upper body especially. It's one of those cases of an outstanding pro fbber becoming an average figure girl. Still beautiful though of course.

Hans

[Amanda Dunbar]

Wow........... She looks great, but gotta love cathy as a bber, i'm partial to bbing though... but still BEAUTIFUL. I'm happy she's still on stage, she's never going to lose that base she has.

Amanda

[Maxt]

Her arms look a little bit bony and her lower quads seem to have suffered severe atrophy in the vastus lateralis and vastus medialis, for some reason, it doesn't look healthy. I guess figure training takes a completely different dimension when it is undertaken by a former competitive bodybuilder thus requiring a different training strategy. There is also a reasionable amount of loose skin. My guess is she did not win.

[genex]

Nope she didn't here are the results:
http://www.ftvideo.com/genex/results_05/cal/

gene

[Amanda Dunbar]

Disappointing. :( Cathy was always one of my favorite bbers.

Amanda

[Tin Nuts]

Hey Gene, I just read your results for the NPC California. Was there really a class for maters? lol. I'd really like to know what the judging criteria was! :D

I guess even the Masters miss a key stroke every so often.

[Maxt]

I am sure Gabrielle Nicander looked great. I saw recent pictures. Although I consider myself somebody who really appreciates Bodybuilding as a fan, I probably appreciate weightlifting for muscular development more than I do pure bodybuilding for the contest look and its bodywasting aspects. The way Gabrielle Nicander stays in reasonably good condition year-round, but still keeps her shape and curves is great. I like it. Malissa Robles has got the total package however. I am happy for her win. She may compete in the USA, I'd say her best bet would be the Nationals.

[MBell]

Great to see you Gene and great shots as usual. I can't wait to see the rest.

[Dr. Superhero]

Who is Flip Flop?! :confused:

[Maxt]

Flip Flop is the bomb homey.

[Liftingchic]

gosh.. i think cathy was a way better looking bber than figure.. i can't believe how much she changed *shocked*



Lisa bickels looks good though.. good for her..

[genex]

James shot with Lisa so he should have some nice shots of her flexing so you all can see how she looks.

gene

[Tre]

Maybe Cathy will consider doing bench press contests again.

[greg]

Thanks for the pics Gene ! My favorite is Malissa's one : beautiful.

[Maxt]

Yes, more Malissa please, just one for the regulars, she lost the overall though?

[MDF]

Hi,

What happened to Pia Johnsen ???? :confused: - she looked absolutely stunning at the L.A. beach just days before the competition? :( :(

[Tre]

Hi,

What happened to Pia Johnsen ???? :confused: - she looked absolutely stunning at the L.A. beach just days before the competition? :( :(

Looks like she wasn't quite "American" enough (the same condition that struck Debbie Leung at the last GNC) for the judging panel.

Oops - did I just say that out loud?

[genex]

Yeah not being seen much by these judges definitely hurts a lot of the girls. Lisbeth Halikka is finally getting recognized by them, but her physique isn't the best, but at least she got an earlier callout.

I can't wait for Deb to get her due!

gene

[genex]

So I had a great time shooting Catherine Sansom-vanNederveen (that's her name from the previous photo I posted further up this thread).

Here's a shot from our shoot.

gene

[Dr. Superhero]

vanNederveen? Is that a Dutch name? She looks Latin.

[HumanFreakShow300]

I am a big Cathy Priest fan, but I didn't think she looked as good as a figure athlete as she did as a bodybuilder. Here's a shot of her.

gene

Was this her first figure contest?


One.

[Maxt]

Catherine Sansom Vanderveen seems to be a very pretty lady.

[Beenaround]

Hi Gene, just back from the weekend! I know Kat Sanson. She used to train with me in my gym as a bber and did the Cal in 96 or 97, then tried the USA. Surprised to see her!!
Figure is good for her, though she could of been a good lightwt bber.

[genex]

Yeah she definitely could be a great BB. Her husband is Dutch so hence the Dutch name.

Yes, it was Cathy Priest's first figure show.

gene

[Liftingchic]

So I had a great time shooting Catherine Sansom-vanNederveen (that's her name from the previous photo I posted further up this thread).

Here's a shot from our shoot.

gene



great pic genex... I love that suit she is wearing..

[Beenaround]

Kat his part Italian, she was from my area in the Monterey Peninsula.

[Maxt]

Gene did you get the chance to do a shoot with Malissa Robles or speak with her about her future competitive plans?

[genex]

James shot with Malissa so I didn't need to - he should have more info on her as well.

gene

[genex]

Here's a shot of Pia!

[Tre]

That Pia is something else...redefining "hot", if you ask me.

[genex]

Yeah hot=Pia - ouch!

[PiaMarlèn]

One picture of Pia Marlen Johnsen :)

[HumanFreakShow300]

It's more than enough to spark yet another debate on judging, judging criteria, and what exactly they are looking for - why they placed her 17th.


One.

[James]

They placed her 17th because they hadn't seen her competing before so they weren't as familiar with her, and she was in her one piece to start and I personally think she shines even more in the two piece. Don't worry, Pia will get her due!

[Tre]

One picture of Pia Marlen Johnsen :)

Ok, Pia, now you've done it. I was trying to restrain myself, but the only solution I see is that you should marry me and remain in the U.S.

:D

[Tre]

They placed her 17th because they hadn't seen her competing before so they weren't as familiar with her, and she was in her one piece to start and I personally think she shines even more in the two piece. Don't worry, Pia will get her due!

GET RID OF THE STUPID ONE-PIECE - it's WORTHLESS.

There, I said it...again.

Raise your hand if you don't think the one-piece round is bullpuckey.

[genex]

I agree, I'm not a big fan of it.

[rhondariley]

I do agree too Pia has an amazing physique. She should let her hair down for competition. I would like to see her in darker suits. she is definetly up and coming.

[PiaMarlèn]

Hi Guys !


Thank ypu for all the feesback. I really appreciate it. Things are a little different in scandinavia, so here in the u.s I'm just a newbie on how things are working. I agree that next time I'm definitly going for a darker suit. But I also agree with Tre and Gene... I'm not a big fan of the one piece round either. In norway we got three rounds, prejudging all the girls have to wear a plain black bikini with black pumps, wich have to cover heels and toes. 2nd round is one-piece, and third i bikini of choice...

And maybe, I will go crazy... and let my hair out as well...

LOL

Going to Toronto this weekend, and are trying a little smoother and fuller look.

[PiaMarlèn]

:d :d :d :d :d

[Amanda Dunbar]

Pia,

Girl... you look AWESOME! Do I see bodybuilding in your future? ;) hmmmm.... we'd love to see you over on OUR SIDE! You already have the mindset of a bber, why not make the jump? We need more attractive fbbs... your physique is that of a fbb already.

Congrats on how you came in... That is what competing is all about! Keep it up!

Amanda

[Maxt]

Take the plunge. Be an FBB for Christmas.

[Beenaround]

Another one, my friend Kat Sanson-Vanderveen used to compete as a bber, and has a good amount of muscle on her physique, she has nice, round muscle bellies, and Pia here, goodness, I'm the arm gal but am impressed with her "figure" arms. LOL

[boomboomroom1234]

Pia, those pics are great! Is that your husband in that one pic? You have a great body and you must be like the most beautiful girl out there in bodybuilding or figure. Great work keep it up. And for going to be a bodybuilder..with the new rules and such, you never know you could have what the judges are looking for.

Keep up the great work.

[PiaMarlèn]

Pia, those pics are great! Is that your husband in that one pic? You have a great body and you must be like the most beautiful girl out there in bodybuilding or figure. Great work keep it up. And for going to be a bodybuilder..with the new rules and such, you never know you could have what the judges are looking for.

Keep up the great work.


:D

I'm not married, the guy on that picture is a very good friend of mine from norway. He was here to watch the show, and help out. His twin brother competed and won his class in Cal state. (middle heavyweight)
It is true that it is diffigult to know what the judges want... especially for a girl from norway. But I don't want to be any bigger than I am now, so I guess I'll stay a figure competitor still... :p But I think I have the genetics for BB. My muscles respond to training very quickly, and I build muscles easy. I have to hold back on the weight training before competitions.

Take a look at the pictures from Toronto I posted under athletes corner. I think I improved from California, a lot...

[Beenaround]

Is your friends brother a citizen?? As an amateur in USA you supposed to be a citizen as this is a National qualifier for our National shows. :confused:

[Tre]

Is your friends brother a citizen?? As an amateur in USA you supposed to be a citizen as this is a National qualifier for our National shows. :confused:

I don't know the specific rule with respect to national qualifiers (NQ), but there have been numerous non-citizens who've competed in NQs over the years and many have won.

Non-citizens aren't allowed to compete in our national events, but I don't think this is enforced at the NQ level.

[Scott]

http://www.scbodybuilding.com/events/2005/palmettocup/figurea/_C8O0507.jpg

This girl Yolanda LaGarre just won the SC State show Figure last weekend as a non-US citizen.

[Beenaround]

Tre, as you know we as US citizens cannot go overseas and turn pro this way.
I believe that the npc Nat qualifier entry forms are not looked at close, but of course the money is taken. I think if there was a dispute it would seriously have to be looked at by the promoter, as a placing could be taking away from a US citizen that put there all into a show to qualify and say they came in 3rd(top 2 qualify for Nats)and one of these was a non-citizen.
I only have a big beef with this as this happened to me. Quite a long time ago, but happened non the less.

[Tre]

A "pro qualifier" should be a pro qualifier, regardless of where it takes place. I'm totally in favor of opening up things to allow amateurs to compete for pro status anywhere in the world.

[greg]

I agree with you Tre for 3 reasons :
- the first is that I think there should be more pro bodybuilders and more flexibility for amateurs to obtain a pro card.
- the second is that all countries and geographic areas aren't equal in terms of quality of their bodybuilders. The level is very high in the USA and in the Canada.
- the third is more egoistic : I am french and I regret that the only way I have to see my favorite bodybuilders is to travel to the USA and that's not a chip journey !

[Brit Boy]

Pia,

Girl... you look AWESOME! Do I see bodybuilding in your future? ;) hmmmm.... we'd love to see you over on OUR SIDE! You already have the mindset of a bber, why not make the jump? We need more attractive fbbs... your physique is that of a fbb already.

Congrats on how you came in... That is what competing is all about! Keep it up!

Amanda

Make the jump Pia, your beauty will combine extremely well with the extra muscle. Congratulations!!

Ross.

[PiaMarlèn]

new pics! ;)

[BigD]

One picture of Pia Marlen Johnsen :)

I have been a fan of Pia's since I saw a photo of her on the Ironman forum a while back. She even gave me permission to post some of her pics on my own site. Pia is simply stunning. Thanks, Pia! :)