2006 Year End Review

[Eddie]

Well now that the 2006 Bodybuilding & Fitness season is drawing to a close....

I'm wondering what everyone thinks was the ultimate hightlight of the year??


-Iris Kyle regaining her Olympia title.

-All the ladies who became pros this year...including long-time veteran Lora Ottenad.

-All those who moved up the latter of recognition on the pro and amateur levels.

-The way many of the events were promoted and managed so greatly.

-The BB special espisode done on Inside Edition.


It seems like all those are things that should be highly appreciated but if one aspect had to be pick out....
what do you all believe it would be??

Of course you can share what your own personal highlight of the year was well.

[hans]

I thought this was a cool thread idea so I split it off from the discussion about 2007 - thanks Eddie.

I'm going to have a think about my highlights of 2006 as well.

Hans

[Eddie]

Wow....I was just about to say, where in the world did this come from? - cause I didn't post it....LOL... :o

I didn't know a reply post could be turned into a whole new thread.

Hmm, ohwell - guess its true what they say - you learn something new everyday.

Thanks for the props Hans, definately means a lot coming from you.... :)


I thought this was a cool thread idea so I split it off from the discussion about 2007 - thanks Eddie.

I'm going to have a think about my highlights of 2006 as well.

Hans

[Echo]

On the NPC/amateur scene, the most significant developments for 2006 included:

1) No major judging controversies in the high profile national-level competitions.

2) The dominance of heavyweight competitors in the national-level events as overall winners, i.e. - Heather Policky, Sherrie Smith, Lora Ottenad.

3) Dwindling numbers of Women's bodybuilding competitors at local/regional NPC competitions. This is becoming an increasing concern.

On the IFBB/pro scene, the most significant developments for 2006 included:

1) IFBB creates incentives for more Women's pro competitions beginning in 2007.

2) Iris Kyle recaptures Ms. Olympia title.

3) Annie Reveccio, Lisa Aukland, and Bonnie Priest begin to consolidate positions as upper echelon pro competitors.

4) Judging controversies continue at the pro-level, most notably at the 2006 Europa Supershow.

[kimferrell]

Echo, I won't disagree with you that the number of female competitors has seen a decline on the local/regional level. I really just wanted to point out that just when you think the numbers are down, there comes a show and the girls come out of the wood work! I did this years Northern Kentucky show and there were 22 competitors in female bodybuilding! To give you an idea by comparison, Junior USA's had fewer than that, and Junior Nationals had 27 total. The John Sherman didn't even have 20 if I'm not mistaken.

The Northern Kentucky is probably one of the bigger shows in the midwest though, yielding over 200 competitors each year for the last 3 years. So the bigger shows tend to bring more girls. The Kentucky state had a whopping 2 girls this year. So it's all over the place. It would be great to get some new blood around, so hopefully 2007 will be a better year.

[Echo]

Echo, I won't disagree with you that the number of female competitors has seen a decline on the local/regional level. I really just wanted to point out that just when you think the numbers are down, there comes a show and the girls come out of the wood work! I did this years Northern Kentucky show and there were 22 competitors in female bodybuilding!

Hi Kim!

Thanks for informing us about the Northern Kentucky Bodybuilding Championships and the success of that event. Unfortunately, what is going on in Northern Kentucky is not reflected in many other contests throughout the country. There might be some things things that we can learn from the promoters of that event.

For example, your official biography indicates that you reside in the state of Indiana. Certainly, there must be something unique about the Northern Kentucky Championships that would cause out-of-state competitors, like yourself, to enter that contest. Couldn't you just as easily entered contests in your home state, or in other nearby states such as Illinois, Ohio, or Michigan, which are greater populated?

Perhaps you could tell us why you and others have chosen to enter that contest. Is it more fun? Is it held in a good location? Do the promoters use different methods to promote it? Is there more grass roots involvement from local gyms? Do they permit cross-over entries from figure to Women's bodybuilding? What's going on in Northern Kentucky?

And, thank you, Kim, for recognizing what is going on at the local level. I note that many forum members look only at the Nationals or the USA Championships and base their opinions on the state of Women's bodybuilding only on the results of those high profile events. Sadly, I think that Ed Pariso was correct the first time (July 2006) when he characterized Women's bodybuilding as "a dying sport" on the 2006 Europa thread. Sooner or later, we are going to have to start coming up with ideas to beef-up the number and quality of competitors at the local/regional level.

[Maxt]

The highlight of the year in Bodybuilding was not Inside Edition. It was probably the Nationals in Miami Beach.

[MarkH]

Lora Ottenad's perseverance being rewarded.
Sherry Smith joining the pro ranks.
Lisa Bickels' return.
Amy Neal's emergence as a future star.
Dena Westerfield's outfits

[Amazon Lover]

Well now that the 2006 Bodybuilding & Fitness season is drawing to a close....

I'm wondering what everyone thinks was the ultimate hightlight of the year??Heather Policky winning her Pro card ...it will be interesting to see what she looks like and how she goes next season, will she regain her title or will she loose it to one of the many great up & coming competitors in the ranks? ...time can only tell :)

[MarkH]

What title are you talking about, Amazon Lover?

[Eddie]

Thank you, Kim, for recognizing what is going on at the local level. I note that many forum members look only at the Nationals or the USA Championships and base their opinions on the state of Women's bodybuilding only on the results of those high profile events. Sadly, I think that Ed Pariso was correct the first time (July 2006) when he characterized Women's bodybuilding as "a dying sport" on the 2006 Europa thread. Sooner or later, we are going to have to start coming up with ideas to beef-up the number and quality of competitors at the local/regional level.

Well of course people based their opinions on those contests Echo.... :rolleyes:

They are the pinnicale events of the amateur ranks where the next group of professional competitors are choosen. And where fans from around the country attend it.....not everyone goes to every regional or state event.

And if those state athletes like to compete in local events so many then why can't they step up and do more national shows as well?? Like Kim said, there wasn't big numbers at the Jr. USA which is suppose to be a stepping stone to the USA.....or at least that's what I've been told.

But I know that money plays a part in it too as far as travel and hotel expenses.

PLUS ECHO....I asked at the beginning what were the HIGHTLIGHTS of the year.

Not the lowlights and controversies. So it would seem that you also didn't understand this thread.

[Eddie]

Yeah - I think that was another of my favorite moments of '06 too.

Now I hope Lisa's pro career will be just as successful.


Lora Ottenad's perseverance being rewarded.
Sherry Smith joining the pro ranks.
Lisa Bickels' return.
Amy Neal's emergence as a future star.
Dena Westerfield's outfits

[Echo]

Well of course people based their opinions on those contests Echo.... :rolleyes:

Yes, of course, "people" who are not fully involved in the sport of bodybuilding.

They are the pinnicale events of the amateur ranks where the next group of professional competitors are choosen. And where fans from around the country attend it.....not everyone goes to every regional or state event.

Yes, you could say that that the national-level contests are the "pinnacle" contests. And while not all fans attend every local/regional contest, all athletes must earn national qualification by competing successfully at the local/regional level. Any person who seriously thinks that they are a true "supporter" of this sport should be concerned about the trends at the local/regional level.

And if those state athletes like to compete in local events so many then why can't they step up and do more national shows as well?? Like Kim said, there wasn't big numbers at the Jr. USA which is suppose to be a stepping stone to the USA.....or at least that's what I've been told.

Could you please re-read and edit this paragraph. As written, it makes no sense. Therefore, the question is impossible to answer.

But I know that money plays a part in it too as far as travel and hotel expenses.

Travel/lodging expenses are less of a factor at the local level and are probably not a factor in the dwindling number and quality of competitors at the local/regional level.

PLUS ECHO....I asked at the beginning what were the HIGHTLIGHTS of the year.

The "highlights" of 2006 can be anything the individual person wants them to be based upon her/his personal experiences, feelings, etc. Therefore, one persons "highlight(s)" are just as interesting and valid as the next one. But, it takes a bit more thought to contemplate what the significant events and trends have been in the sport of bodybuilding this past year.

.... So it would seem that you also didn't understand this thread.

Eddie, I have competed in this sport at a high level, I also had been married to a national-level competitor, and I have continued to support the sport of bodybuilding at different levels. I may not understand you or "your thread," but I do understand the sport of bodybuilding. For me, bodybuilding is a little more than looking at pictures over the internet for personal titillation.

[kimferrell]

first i would like to say in my opinion, Lisa Aukland winning the Atlantic City was pretty awesome as was Heather Policky winning USA's-she looked phenomenal! At nationals, all the class winners were deserving too, no huge controversies again.


ECHO: to give you my own insight to the shows around the Kentucky area, or more so the tri state area of Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana,and the athletes who compete in them: some people have no desire to move beyond the local level, why???? anybody's guess. I had different aspirations to push myself as far as I could go in the sport. I won the overall at my first 2 shows, the second was the Northern KY. The next logical step in my opinion was Junior Nationals. I got my ass kicked, but I did it all the same. I got 6th, which for my 3rd show is tolerable although I still don't agree with my placing but what can you do....work harder!!! make changes, etc...

I think the Northern Kentucky is special because the people who own Beverly International promote the show, Roger and Sandy Reidinger. They are very dedicated to the sport and are such great people to be around. The athletes are treated well, they are supportive of everyone who gets on stage-regardless of their placing or shape/condition, the venue is great-convention centerin Northern Ky,and they make it fun with good mcee's, and great guest posers.

Other shows around the midwest, and I won't get specific as to which ones, are just poorly promoted. You know a show is the same time each year but the NPC doesn't even know where it's going to be or the venue changes at the last minute, terrible mcee's, etc....we've all been to a show or two that were run by someone inexperienced or not supportive of the sport, but just wants to make a buck.


There are lots of reasons shows can be successful and attract more athletes. Why the winners don't go on to national level is something I cannot answer for except for myself. I want to move up and compete on a greater level. The playing field is more level for me now, although I'm still on the rookie end of things and have my work cut out for me. I respect the sport and I love it. Some people are comfortable at the local level, there's less competition and less quality unfortunately.

I hope that gives you some insight.

sorry to hijack this thread, maybe we should make a new one for this? about local vs. national competions??

[Echo]

Great post, Kim! No, you did not "hijack" the thread at all. You provided us with some good information and an interesting perspective. I hope to read more from you on this subject and other important topics in the future.

Over the years, the folks at Beverly International have done a lot to help bodybuilders. It is not surprising that a contest that they promote would be so popular. Thanks again, Kim, for the information.

[Duckbump]

The major surprise of the year....Yaxeni placing 7th at the Olympia unable to regain her title.

[Echo]

The major surprise of the year....Yaxeni placing 7th at the Olympia unable to regain her title.

You're right. That was most definitely a big surprise.

[hans]

first i would like to say in my opinion, Lisa Aukland winning the Atlantic City was pretty awesome

I agree - great to see Lisa win!

Hans

[Eddie]

Eddie, I have competed in this sport at a high level, I also had been married to a national-level competitor, and I have continued to support the sport of bodybuilding at different levels. I may not understand you or "your thread," but I do understand the sport of bodybuilding. For me, bodybuilding is a little more than looking at pictures over the internet for personal titillation.

I had to sit back and chuckle at this for moment.

Well you are right about one thing at least.....you certainly do not understand me.

But its ok.....I sort of pride myself on being a rather complex kind of guy..... :cool:

And listen - just because you were a competitor and were involved with one, doesn't make you the ultimate expert on all that is bodybuilding.

Now you did bring up some good moments from '06 which was all that was needed, but also brought up the low points and that's not where we wanted to go with this thread. No one else was doing it but you.

That's all I was trying to point out....but for you to say that all I do is look at internet pictures for "tentillation"
was completely out of line..... :mad: You have No Idea what I have been doing as far as keeping a pulse to FBB.

So I think it would help if you stop letting your arrogance blind you....and actually try to pay attention to what your writting sometimes.

You think your trying to edcuate someone....when all your really doing is just insulting their intellegence.

If that's what your about.....then I don't what to have any further dicussions with you.
And I'm sure you would come back at me and say you could care less...
So my response to that in advance is............GOOD!!!

Because I definately won't loose any sleep if I never have to respond to....or get a response from you ever again.

Now that I'm done addressing you.....I'm getting back on topic.

[Eddie]

I agree with Kim and Hans.

That Lisa Auckland win was well overdo. And well as getting the Most Improved Award.

Of course on the amateur level we can't forget about Sherry Smith's big victory as well. :banana:

[Maxt]

No I'd say the award goes to Lora Ottenad, Debi Laszewski, Lisa Bickels and Jamie Troxel. That was one of the best shows in decades. Most improved awrd goes to Kris Murell. Big Kris is an approaching juggernaut on the amateur scene so take notice-2006 gave you a glimpse of destiny.

[Maxt]

Yes, of course, "people" who are not fully involved in the sport



Eddie, I have competed in this sport at a high level, I also had been married to a national-level competitor, and I have continued to support the sport of bodybuilding at different levels. I may not understand you or "your thread," but I do understand the sport of bodybuilding. For me, bodybuilding is a little more than looking at pictures over the internet for personal titillation.Echo, you are making a big whoop dee do over nothing again. Please don't confuse support with criticism. How much money do you spend on supplements, apparel, shows, videos, How many V.I.P. tickets do you buy from promoters? There are differnet ways to support bodybuilding. There are guys who support bodybuilding yet never buy magazines, V.I.P. tickets, videos or supplements but they find a way? While I do not doubt you support bodybuilding, you must expand on how you do this? What can other people do to be more like you in the way you support bodybuilding? Compete-true. Give free advice on contest prep strategies? Bring it? Now....What is with all of the drama over your ex and your divorce? Is it hard to have two people dieting for two different shows and having mood swings and lifting together, getting competitive, getting jealous of each others degrees of success-yes, just look at the case with Sally and Ray McNeil for an extreme example.

[Maxt]

One of the culprits of dwindling numbers of female bodybuilding competitors at the local shows is Planet Fitness. They are a corporation that is promoting Fitness clubs that are against bodybuilding. That is a bad thing in my opinion but it is profitable. The reason it is profitable is the marketing strategy: a club for people that are unaquainted with free weight training so a lot of people are confused. Even though I like gyms and I continue to use them: the trend against bodybuilders in clubs like Planet Fitness is a lot to fight against so we must unite and be diligent protectors of the right to bodybuild and not miss our workouts and let our arms get smaller either regardless as to whether we are competitive bodybuilders or into the strength and the power events. The trend toward wellness and no grunting and groaning fitness clubs comes at the EXPENSE of bodybuilding. It isn't totally worth ignoring. While I don't see the demise of bodybuilding at the expense of some totally different sport like skateboarding or bicycle motorcross, I am a little disturbed at Planet Fitness and worried not as many teens and young twentysomethings are getting involved in bodybuilding.