2023 Arnold Classic Womens Predictions
The women’s divisions at the Arnold Classic are known as “International” contests, and the 2023 edition of the Arnold Classic will have three such contests in Columbus, Ohio on March 3rd through 5th. Those divisions are Fitness, Bikini, and Wellness. Two of the three contests will have their champions returning to defend their titles, but will they leave as champions or will new titleholders be crowned? We’ve evaluated the fields and made our predictions as to what we think will happen in the Battelle Grand Ballroom in the Greater Columbus Convention Center.
Fitness International
Defending champion Ariel Khadr is coming off a third-place finish at the Olympia to Canada’s own Missy Truscott, who is now a two-time champion. Khadr looks to restart her journey to the top in Columbus, but there is a roadblock in the form of Jaclyn Baker. Baker has been knocking on the door to winning a major title for a while now, and we see the upset being made here. Baker will win her first Fitness International in 2023. Watch for Canadian Tamara Vahn, who is on the rise as well. A top five finish is very likely.
- Jaclyn Baker
- Ariel Khadr
- MIchelle Freuda-Mensah
- Tamara Vahn
- Allison Kramer
Bikini International
The last two champions of this contest are also from Canada. Lauralie Chapados won this title last year, but 2021 champion Jennifer Dorie wasn’t in that lineup. They are both in this show as well as the new Bikini Olympia winner Maureen Blanquisco. You also can’t forget Ashley Kaltwasser, who is trying to become the first three-time winner in show history.
Dorie lost to Blanquisco at the Olympia in December 2022, but we think she adjusts quickly and rebounds well to take this title and set up a very interesting rematch at the 2023 Olympia. Phoebe Hagan will score a top five finish in our opinion.
- Jennifer Dorie
- Maureen Blanquisco
- Lauralie Chapados
- Ashley Kaltwasser
- Phoebe Hagan
Wellness International
The second edition of the Wellness International will be guaranteed to see a new champion after 2022 winner Isabelle Nunes had to withdraw due to injury. That leaves Angela Borges, last year’s runner-up, as the highest finishing athlete in this contest. We see Canadian Kassandra Gillis showing up in her best shape every to compete with Borges for the title. Borges will be too hungry to finally take a major title, and she will leave as champion.
- Angela Borges
- Kassandra Gillis
- Marissa Andrews
- Sunny Andrews
- Alexis Adams
How do you think these predictions will hold up? The only way to find out is for the shows to happen, and those will unfold next weekend. Stay tuned to Muscle Insider for coverage and recaps from Columbus. You can also follow us on Instagram and Twitter @muscleinsider.