North American Championships 2013

Promoter Gary Udit has done it again. On the weekend of Friday, August 30 and Saturday, August 31, 2013, at the Sheraton in Station Square, Pittsburgh, the largest recorded number of competitors to date registered for the 2013 IFBB North American Championships. Approximately 845 competitors registered—1,200 with crossovers—all with the hopes of winning the coveted prize: an IFBB pro card.

The IFBB North American Championships is one of the largest shows put on for top National Level competitors from Canada, Mexico, and the United States in bikini, fitness, figure, physique and bodybuilding, all coming together with the hopes of winning and becoming one of the newest pros to grace the IFBB scene. With no muscle left unconditioned and no pose lacking strength and precision, the elite competitors made sure to bring their best physiques to date to this two-day event, which provided competitors, fans, and supporters a show like never before. Gary Udit put on an event that did not disappoint, and if this year’s turnout was any indication, one can only imagine the IFBB North American Championships will only get bigger each year.

Canada’s MUSCLE INSIDER was in attendance to provide live play-by-play of the IFBB North American Championships for the IFBB fan, bringing to all the intensity and rush that was felt by everyone in attendance. With record numbers registered, the elite from Canada, Mexico, and the United States were ready to battle it out and claim victory. The calibre of competitors was impressive, and it was evident that none of them were going to make the judges’ job easy. The gloves were off, and the fire within every competitor came through. This was going to be a show like no other.

As a Canadian media source, MUSCLE INSIDER’s focus and attention was on our Canadian competitors, making sure to provide as much information as possible to the fans, friends, and family who could not be there; however, one couldn’t help but notice and be drawn toward the physiques of the competitors from Mexico and the United States. The size, conditioning, and development could not be ignored.

Day one of the 2013 IFBB North American Championships showcased bikini, women’s and men’s physique, fitness, and women’s bodybuilding. Prejudging for this day was lengthy. The judges were left with a mere 20 minutes before the finals would begin. However, it was all worth it, because now the newest IFBB pros would be revealed.

Women’s Bodybuilding

Women’s bodybuilding featured a strong Canadian lineup among the competitors. The women brought to the stage symmetry, proportion, and definition that had several of the Canadians earning top-five placings. From Ontario, Amanda Aivaliotis won first in the Heavyweight Open and first in the 35+ Heavyweight classes. Amanda was back to maintain her wins from last year and successfully did so with a very dry and tight physique. Also from Ontario, Heather King won first in the 35+ Middleweight and second in the Middleweight Open. British Columbia’s Dawn Alison came second in 35+ Heavyweight and third in the Heavyweight Open. Newfoundland’s Heather Manuel came in fourth in 35+ Heavyweight and fifth in the Heavyweight Open. Rounding out the Canadians placing in the top five was Ontario’s Robin Hillis who came in fourth in the Heavyweight Open and fifth in 35+ Heavyweight. This group of competitors from Canada showcased some of the veterans of the stage, who will be back for more soon.

The United States, meanwhile, was all muscle perfection for the judges as the IFBB pro card winners of the night went to Glenese Markes (Overall) and Christine Sabo (Masters Overall 35+).

Women’s Physique

Women’s physique has grown in popularity over the last few years. It is becoming one of the classes attracting the more muscular figure competitors and a smaller bodybuilder shape. With its introduction into the Olympia this year, numerous competitors are looking for that last attempt to earn their IFBB pro card status. For physique, IFBB pro cards were handed out to the top two in each class, as well as the Overall, Masters 35+, and Masters 45+. Canada once again brought out some great competitors and produced three new IFBB pros. Saskatchewan’s Shelly Yakimchuk earned her IFBB pro card by taking second in 35+ and Open Women’s Physique Class C. Symmetry and balance, along with a solid routine, enabled Shelly to make her mark. Ontario’s Shannon Byers was another IFBB pro card winner, taking second in Women’s Physique 35+ and Open Women’s Physique Class D. Canada’s third IFBB pro card went to Ontario’s Maria Mikola, who placed second in the Women’s Physique 45+ Class B. All these ladies showed great physiques and were rewarded for their hard work by becoming the latest IFBB pros. Alberta’s Liza Miranda placed fifth in Women’s Physique 35+ Class B, in a solid group of fellow competitors.

The Overall IFBB pro card winners were Desunka Dawson (Overall), Holly Chambliss (Masters Overall 35+), and Lisa Grasso (Masters Overall 45+). Again the United States showcased strong, muscular, but feminine physiques, with conditioning and elegance.

Men’s Physique

The ever-popular and growing division of men’s physique had an extremely well-rounded and large number of competitors present. Many names onstage were well known through the NPC events, while several new physiques caught the attention of many. As in women’s physique, IFBB pro cards were handed out to the top two overall in each class, as well as the Masters Overall 35+ and 40+. Tyler Stines won in the Overalls and earned his IFBB pro card, as well as Willie Spencer, who won his IFBB pro card in both Masters 35+ and 40+. Willie proved that age is just a number, and his physique was unmatched.

Bikini

Easily one of the fastest growing divisions with the largest number of competitors, the bikini ladies brought it all to the stage. With poses showcasing ease, grace, and über-feminine lean bodies, this division had to be one of the more challenging to judge due to the extremely high numbers of ladies onstage. Ontario’s Tressia Murphy had a top-five placing with her fourth in Bikini 35+ Class F. The IFBB pro cards went to the winner in each class, as well as to the Overall, Masters 35+ and 45+. Crystal Nelson took the Overall and was named one of the latest IFBB pros, as well as Ronda Porter in Masters 35+ and Jennifer Burger in Masters 45+.

Fitness

Women’s fitness has to be one of the most demanding divisions. Not only is it about the overall physique, and presentation onstage with the mandatory poses, but it is also about the athleticism showcased in the action-filled and acrobatic routines. Canada earned another IFBB pro card thanks to Alberta’s Gloria Mohninger, who placed fifth in Fitness Class A. Fitness IFBB pro cards were also handed out to Kimberly Stroup, who won the Overall, and Natalie Graziano. All the ladies demonstrated strength and beauty through fun, athletic, and energizing routines.

One of the highlights from the fitness division was Barbie Thomas. Having no arms, Barbie walked the stage among her able-bodied fellow competitors and displayed grace and a routine that had all sharing in her pride. She was a prime example of what it means to be an athlete and following your dreams and goals.

Figure

Another ever-growing division, the figure class’s popularity was evident as the numerous women walked the stage perfecting their quarter turns, with defined shoulders and tightly crafted physiques. Canada earned several IFBB pro cards, as well as a large group with top five placings. IFBB pro cards went to Samantha Rioux from P.E.I. and Tamen Stuve from Alberta. Both women brought strong, conditioned, and proportioned physiques to the stage with confidence and style. Canadians also earned top-five placing in several of the classes, including Ontario’s Jessica Macmillan, who placed second in Open Figure B and Masters 35+ Figure B, British Columbia’s Rachel Killam placing fifth in Open Figure E, Alberta’s Kim Gramlich placing fifth in Masters 35+ Figure C, and Ontario’s Michelle Balcombe placing fifth in Masters 35+ Figure D.

Additional IFBB pro cards were presented to Holly Mitchell in Figure 35+, Jacqueline Timberlake in Figure 45+, and Meg Kruse in Figure 55+.

Men’s Bodybuilding

One of the most anticipated groups to take to the stage was that of men’s bodybuilding. The competition brought out some familiar faces and some new, all hoping to earn one of the last few IFBB pro cards left. Canadians Ron Partlow and Kip Brown were back onstage just weeks after competing at the CBBF Nationals in Halifax. Alberta’s Ron Partlow placed second, and Ontario’s Kip Brown placed third, both in the Men’s Superheavyweight 35+. They each brought larger and mass-dense physiques to the North Americans than at the CBBF Nationals, and it was a tough decision for who earned the top spot. Ontario’s Frank Grieco placed fifth in Men’s 50+ Light-Heavyweight.

It seemed that the tough battle was between the United States and Mexico. Symmetry, proportion, size, mass, and overall conditioning all were key factors in which of the men would earn his IFBB pro card status. In the end, it seemed that the United States dominated for the win. The remainder of the IFBB pro cards were handed out to Overall winners Akim Williams (Open), Alejandro Cambronero (Light-Heavyweight), Julius Page (Masters Overall 35+), Brad Davis (Masters Overall 40+), Douglas Dolphin (Masters Overall 50+), and Anthony Costa (Masters Overall 60+).

All in all, each of the 845 competitors brought the best of the best to the 2013 IFBB North American Championships. With multiple newly named IFBB pros and many more having caught the attention of the judges and media present, it’s fair to say that Gary Udit has outdone himself again. Canada left its mark with several IFBB pros added to the list, as well as numerous top five placements. The dedication, focus, and strength of all was evident, and every competitor should be proud of his or her achievements.