2009 NPC USAs Review by Juan Carlos Lopez

Akane Nigro

The heat of Las Vegas, NV was not as scorching as the years before, there was rain but no monsoons. The was the first year bikini would be implemented and the totals were over 300 for women alone. The economy has not impacted people's desires to chase for the pro card. The NPC's amazing business model has stood over any type of business model I have seen in other industries.

Figure A was for Akane Nigro from California, Mandy took yet another second place trophy back home. Susan Salazar who was my pick for the show took 3rd. A few physiques that stood out are Wendy Fortino given her good symmetry and athletic look. Tina Francis is another amazing competitor who has excellent lines.

Candice Houston

In Class B Candice Houston finally took first and pro card, the Las Vegas native has been to so many shows and only now enjoys her pro card. Monica Mark took second after a year absence and was looking amazing as always. Josie Zamora took third in the class as well. Other physiques that stood were Jenn Smyth (4th), Ann Pratt (5th), Tina Cross (6th) and Shannon Bennett.

Emily Nicholson

For the C Class the numbers were large, Emily Nicholson finally got her card too with a great package. Ann Titone looked very good and took 2nd. Nichole Guenter came in third place. In this class some competitors that stood out are Casey Brocato with very nice lines, Alexandra Porshnikoff former Emerald Cup class winner and Khristy Poteat, Megan Phi has good potential too.

Listy Allen

In Class D youngster Listy Allen surprised in her first National show and took first and overall. Jenny Lewis a judges favorite placed 2nd and Ryan Everson from Oregon placed 3rd. Kristy Mckinney, Tiffany Waddell, Heather Udy, Shonda England, Rene Racicot, Courtney Bynog are competitors that will be important to watch out in future shows.

Jennifer Woodruff

Class E was Jennifer Woodruff, second place Kimberly Sheppard looked amazing. Stephanie McDonald another Texas native took 3rd. A few competitors stood out in the class being a smaller one were Danielle Edmonds and Parilee Bryngelson.

Taylor Waldrop

Class F was for Colorado native Taylor Waldrop, in second Jeanne Nimmer who has been clawing the top placings in the last shows. Nicole Miles took 3rd place in this class. Catherine Zidell 50+ took 9th, great achievement for this judges and competitor, showing the youngster how its done.

Amanda Latona

Bikini A is Michele D'Angona took first in the short 3 competitor class given the new height definitions. Bikini B was for Michelle Gullett who has won every show and class in the past year. Class C was for Bikini Kristal Marshall who took the class and overall. In class C some other great competitors stood such as Kelly Willis, Heather Chittick and Abby Lindemann. Class D was for Amanda Latona who barely beat Mary Jarmolowich who was looking amazing as well. Class E was for Jaime Baird who had placed 1st in Jr. Nationals. Natalie Pennington from the Bay area took second place. In Class F Monique

Mary Jarmolowich

Minton having switched from figure took the class in bikini and her pro card. All class winners took a pro card and it seems as the next year there will be quite a few competitors for pro shows. So far 11 pro Bikini cards have been awarded.

Angela Salvagno

Female bodybuilding had many new competitors as some are just waiting for Nationals in order to win their class and pro card. This time 2 pro cards were going to be awarded and yet the numbers weren't as high. The lightweights were for Margeret Negrete, Denise Dinger in second and Laurie Smith took 3rd with a nice great look. Akila Pervis took the middleweights and the second pro card over Kristen Haratyk who was very conditioned and had nice symmetry, this was a very close call. Many did not agree with the outcome but its the judges who determine the outcome. The heavyweights was for Angela Salvagno who took the class and overall after 2 years without competing and giving birth to a child. Her physique was very sharp and had that X shape. Right next to her was veteran Christine Sabo who was a close call to Angela. Ladawn McKay with a great package took third place. Heavyweights was for Holly Geersen whose legs are great in size and shape, she has improved ten fold since 2004 Jr. Nationals. Michelle Brent took second and is still chasing the pro card.

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