July and August were pretty exciting months for competitors all across Canada as the CBBF Nationals were underway in Halifax and British Columbia. Due to the yearly increase of competitors qualified to compete at the National Level, the CBBF Nationals had to be separated into 2 events, on 2 different days, over the months of July and August. This enabled the competitors of the various classes their time to shine on the set stages. With numbers over 500 and 17 IFBB Pro Cards ready to be won, the 2013 CBBF Nationals were ready to begin with the Bodybuilders on July 6 2013 in Halifax, followed by the Bikini, Fitness, Figure and Physique on August 17 2013 in British Columbia.
The CBBF Nationals in Halifax was host to over 200 of Canada’s top Bodybuilding competitors for both the men and the women. 6 IFBB Pro Cards were up for grabs to the Overall winners and Masters in the various weight classes. There were many familiar faces on the stage, as well as a good number of new competitors, all bringing their best with the hopes that it was more than enough to earn their IFBB Pro Card. With all classes and divisions represented on stage, anywhere from 3 to 20 competitors in a class, and the best muscular conditioning representing Canada, it was clear that the judges would have a difficult time. As with many shows and events where there is a competition and judging is involved, the fans, supporters, family and friends make sure to share their thoughts on who they feel should be part of the Top 3 and ideally winning an IFBB Pro Card. So after hours of pre judging all of the talented competitors, it all came down to the Finals and who would be named an IFBB Pro. The results are as follows:
IFBB Pro Card Winners:
Men’s Overall Winner: Henri-Pierre Ano (PQ)
Women’s Overall Winner: Tananarive McGowan (ON)
Men’s Overall Masters Bodybuilding Winner: Christopher Wong (ON)
Women’s Overall Masters Bodybuilding Winner: Tananarive McGowan (ON)
Additional IFBB Pro Card winners:
Daphne Madigin (AB) (Women’s Lightheavyweight)
Zane Watson (ON) (Men’s Heavyweight)
Roughly 5 weeks later, the CBBF Nationals made their way to British Columbia, where over 300 competitors representing bikini, figure, fitness and physique for both men and women were getting ready to take to the stage, with the hopes of winning one of the 11 IFBB Pro Cards. Similar to Halifax, the number of competitors ranged anywhere from 3 to 20 and all of the classes and divisions covered. One change that was made to the Physique Class for both the men and women, was the addition of another height class do to the popularity and increase of competitors. As well, 2 IFBB Pro Cards would be handed out to the Top 2 Overall Winners. There were many familiar faces of returning competitors that graced the stage, as well as those that were new but ready to hold their own among the veterans. Emotions were high and the excitement could be felt by all in attendance on and off the stage. With over 20 groups of competitors to judge, it all came down to the final decisions of who would be the Overall Winners and who would be the next IFBB Pro. The results are as follows:
IFBB Pro Card Winners:
Men’s Physique Overall Winner: Chris Gurunlian (PQ)
Women’s Physique Overall Winner: Leah Johnson (NS)
Masters Figure Overall Winner: Jolene Fonseca (ON)
Figure Overall Winner: Emily Zelinka (ON)
Masters Bikini Overall Winner: Valerie Cantin Boyd (BC)
Bikini Overall Winner: Belinda Kiriakou (ON)
Fitness Overall Winner: Dominique Matthews (PQ)
Additional IFBB Pro Card winners:
Wayne Chambers (ON) (Men’s Physique Medium)
Lise Thexton (ON) (Women’s Physique Tall)
Erin Oakie (ON) (Figure D)
Breanne Hensman (AB) (Bikini Medium)
All in all, the 2013 CBBF Nationals proved to be a huge success in both Halifax and British Columbia. Now Canada has 17 new IFBB Pros representing their class and country proudly when they make their decision to step on stage with the IFBB. The hard work, time, commitment, dedication and struggles that each and everyone of the competitors made to become a National Level competitor did not go unnoticed. Many will continue on their journey to compete and for others, doors within the industry have been opened, but what each and everyone of those that stepped on stage either in Halifax or British Columbia need to remember is that they are the best of the best!