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2022 Optimum Classic Preview and Predictions

By: 
Roger Lockridge

Many bodybuilding fans have their eyes on the New York Pro this coming weekend, but there is another big show that deserves attention. The 2022 Optimum Classic is taking place on Saturday, May 21st at the Shreveport Convention Center in Shreveport, Louisiana. The agenda for this show is headlined by IFBB Pro League action in Classic Physique, Men’s Physique, Women’s Physique, and Bikini divisions. There are Masters contests that will be held as well.

The full roster can be seen over at the IFBB Pro League website. We’re going to focus on the main divisions because the winners of those contests will qualify for the 2022 Olympia, which takes place Dec. 16-18 in Las Vegas, NV.

Classic Physique

The Classic Physique contest is going to feature a blend of talent, and there may be a diamond in the rough here. None of the athletes competing have Olympia experience. So, someone is punching a ticket to make his debut. Someone who has been in the mix at multiple shows has been Aaron Sparenberg, who will be in this contest. Don’t be surprised if he leaves as the man of the weekend. The rest of the top three depends on who is on or who is off that day.

Aaron Sparenberg

Kelvin Hinde

Anthony Barbera III

See below for detailed competitor's list:

Men’s Physique

Joshua Guidry is the favorite for this contest thanks to his third-place effort in the 2022 Boston Pro in March. That momentum can serve him very well in this contest. Making his return to the stage after a two-year absence is Chevy Phillips, who will be in the mix for the top three. If Guidry is off, and Phillips made improvements during his time away, first is a possibility. The same can be said for Napoleon Amos.

Joshua Guidry

Chevy Phillips

Napoleon Amos

See below for detailed competitor's list:

Women’s Physique

The women’s physique contest is wide open. Several contenders in this lineup have been in the mix at multiple competitions. Candice Willmore could be one to watch as the callouts are announced. She will likely be in the last one, and a win wouldn’t be a shock. Competitors as Jennifer Faccinto and

Candice Willmore

Marie-Solange Essoh

Jennifer Faccinto

See below for detailed competitor's list:

Bikini

Last, but certainly not least, is the Bikini division. Mexico’s Eli Fernandez will be in this show, and she graced the Olympia stage in 2021. She will be the favorite to take the win in this show and earn qualification for the 2022 Olympia. Standing in her way are several contenders, including Rachael Oberst and Mary Newton, who finished in 7th place at this contest one year ago.

Eli Fernandez

Mary Newton

Rachael Oberst

See below for detailed competitor's list:

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