Contest Report #1 by Melita Jagic (Australia)

The INBA Natural Olympia is arguably the most prestigious natural bodybuilding event of the natural bodybuilding contest season. Drug-free athletes gather from all corners of the world to compete at this greatly anticipated event. For the more seasoned athletes, it was another Natural O and another exotic destination to add to their list. The enormity of their accomplishments and sacrifices somewhat replaced by the usual contest prep jitters. For newcomers, who were stepping-up to international competition for the first time, it was perhaps the fulfillment of a lifelong dream.

The event was blessed with warm, sunny Gold Coast days, and the catch-phrase advertisement, “Queensland. Beautiful one day, perfect the next” did not seem far from the truth. The blue skies and pristine beaches an idyllic backdrop for the most amazing natural physiques set to rock the Gold Coast. Spread over four days and four different locations, this extended Natural Olympia contest was to be a truly unique event. The atmosphere and camaraderie amongst fellow competitors was extraordinary. Whether out walking through the streets or doing photo shoots on the beach with Rob Czempinski, competitors - even if complete strangers - would greet each other recognizing the tell-tale signs of a contest-ready warrior hiding underneath a colourful uniform.

With a record breaking 350+ competitors attending the Natural Olympia this year, the 200 strong Australian team was joined by competitors from a host of countries including the bruising USA team, Indonesia, New Zealand, Italy, France, Russia, Nigeria, Egpyt, Canada, UK and the Czech Republic.

After registering Thursday afternoon at the Mantra Legends, our splendid host hotel, most of the competitors were off to Shooters Bar, just off popular Cavill Ave, Surfers Paradise, the venue for the Official Opening and first evening of competition. The ambience was fun and relaxed. The audience, mainly INBA competitors and their friends, were all eager to get the Natural Olympia officially under way.

The Female and Male SportsModels were the first divisions adjudicated and awarded 2009 Natural Olympia Medals Thursday evening. In an attractive display of beauty blessed with chiseled, symmetrical bodies the 30 Sportsmodels presented natural physiques in their finest condition. After two rounds, which consisted of bikini and gym wear, Emily Troise was crowned the Female Sportsmodel winner ahead of 14 other hopeful contenders. The striking brunette from Australia had tough competition with so many gorgeous girls vying for the crown, yet she still managed to pull off another impressive victory taking her Natural Olympia Titles to three. In second place was Carla Donovan from (AUS) followed closely by Justine Switalla (AUS) in 3rd.

First place, Adam Browner a professional model from Melbourne, proved to be too polished in the Male Sportsmodel division. With a great six pack and infectious smile Adam beat out his closest rivals Alexander Hausen (AUS) and Sario Kalms (AUS) who came 2nd and 3rd respectively.

Friday afternoon was all about Divas. Bikini Divas. This division required a lot of attitude and sass. Most of the girls had plenty of this. If they didn’t, they needed to get some quick smart as the Bikini Diva division was held on a stage in the centre of Cavill Mall. It was a free-to-view event and going by the turn out of crowd it proved to be a very popular one. The sultry and very sexy Carla Donovan (AUS) won this division. Bubbly blonde Esther Hartog (AUS) placed 2nd with Juliet Cotterill (AUS) in third place. All twelve competitors looked amazing and need to be commended for braving the Cavill Ave tourist crowd.

Early Saturday morning at the Southport RSL Club, famous Indigenous Australian and didgeridoo player, Adrian Burragubba, performed a traditional Australian Aboriginal Welcome Ceremony for the Natural Olympia crowd. Soon after, the first division of the day was under way.

In the Master Figure International (40+) Helen Longmuir (AUS) was declared the winner. Helen was leaner and had slightly more muscle on her frame than Catherine McGillivary (AUS) 2nd. Carita Costa (USA), who was slightly softer than the other two, came 3rd. The Figure International class follows the popular NPC/IFBB style of non-posing division. Judging is based on quarter turns only, where symmetry and condition are the deciding factors.

The Master Men-Short Class (40+) consisted of ten competitors all with amazing physiques. Last year’s Universe 40+ champion, Paul Anderton (AUS) had a battle on his hands and ended up taking third in a very tough line up. In second place was multi-titled South Australian champion Carlos Azevedo. Carlos has a beautiful physique with lots of thick, mature muscle but it was to be razor sharp Matt Nicholson (AUS) who would take first place. A consistent competitor and lifetime athlete, Matt’s condition and muscle mass proved to be too good on the day.

Eighteen competitors lined up for the Master Ms Physique (40+) division. With quite a few champions amongst them it made this class a very tough one to judge. All the ladies looked to be in amazing condition. Sam Attrill’s (AUS) polished stage presence set her apart from the rest of the line-up. Sam has a nicely balanced physique and knows how to show it off to her best advantage enabling her to take first place. The 2007 Overall Natural Olympia Ms Physique champion, Karen Flaherty (AUS), placed 2nd and the very elegant Karen Crossan (AUS) coming in a close 3rd.

Bradley Cope (AUS) dominated the Master Men-Tall Class (40+). His frame held a lot of hard, chiseled muscle for someone so tall. He won first place quite comfortably. In second place, Maude Suteja (AUS) had a pleasing physique with good balance between his upper and lower body. Suteja was simply out muscled by Cope on the day. Last year’s Natural Universe and Natural Olympia champion, Roger Waters (UK) was very hard and in good form but had to be content with 3rd place.

Next on stage was the Women’s Bodybuilding (40+). Debbie Urquahart (AUS), a long-time and multi INBA Australian and Natural Olympia champion, she was the leanest athlete on the day. Debbie, who always compete in great condition, won this division ahead of the ever smiling, Fimka Hampson (AUS). Fimka has some good muscle on her physique but needs to come in just a little harder in the legs to take on Debbie. Third place went to Debbie Keen (AUS), who was lean and hard but lacked the muscle size of the other two ladies.

The GrandMaster Figure International (50+) first place went to Kay Wiseman (AUS). Kay has beautifully shaped shoulders and a physique that women half her age would aspire to. Runner up to Kay was Cheryl Farrell (AUS). Cheryl had a very polished stage presence, great back and nice tight waist. Coming in third was Jenny Madders (AUS) who presented well but wasn’t quite as tight as the first two place getters.

The Overall Master Figure International saw Helen Longmuir and Kay Wiseman return to the stage and run through their quarter turns once again. It wasn’t long before the judges announced Kay as the overall winner.

Ian Bowden (AUS) won the GrandMaster Men Short Class (50+) hands downs yet again. Bowden, a seasoned competitor, seems to be getting better and better each time I see him up on stage. His muscle mass and condition proved too much for 2nd placed Basilio Leong (AUS) and Terry Sawa (AUS) 3rd. Leong carried a good amount of muscle on his frame but wasn’t quite as sharp as Bowden. Sawa had the condition but needed a bit more muscle to be a contender for first or second.

The GrandMaster Ms Physique (50+) title went to Marlene Henderson from New Zealand. Marlene was in awesome condition with a physique that defies her age. She was one of the few competitors who chose to wear a g-string on the day and who could blame her! Her amazing glutes proving to be a real asset in this tough competition. Second place went to Kay Wiseman (AUS) with Karen Jessop (AUS) placing third. All three women were in outstanding shape and a true inspiration to women no matter their age.

Tony Haranas (AUS) and Joe De Monet (AUS) went head-to-head for the third time this year in the Grandmaster Men Tall Class (50+). It would be a 3-0 win for Tony Haranas as the judges saw fit to give him first place yet again. Tony is a testament to what you can achieve by living a bodybuilding lifestyle for most of your life. Awesome muscle mass and great condition. De Monet brought his best package to the stage for the season but it would not be enough to out muscle Haranas. In third place was Wayne Britton (AUS) who had a very pleasing shape but lacked size in the legs compared to the top two.

The oldest age classes GrandMaster Women Bodybuilding (50+) only had one competitor, as did the Super UltraMaster Men (70+). Joy Crockett from New Zealand performed the compulsory poses and was given a gold medal for the women’s bodybuiling division. Ever youthful, Dieter Horn took out the Men’s 70+ class.

The next division, the UltraMaster Men (60+) saw the beautifully balanced physique of Steve Rosenbaum (NZ) take first place. Rosenbaum, like fellow team mates Marlene Henderson and Dieter Horn, defied his age leaving me baffled as to what is in the New Zealand water that keeps these three looking so fantastic! Veteran competitor, Carey Greentree (AUS) was in 2nd place and in 3rd was crowd favorite Duncan McLean (AUS). Inspiring stuff from all these men in their 60’s.

Christina La Sota (AUS) won the UltraMaster Ms Physique (60+) dominating with her great condition and awesome back development. Close in 2nd place was Karola Parsons (AUS) and Janice Lorraine (AUS) in 3rd. A short time later, Lorraine came back on stage for the UltraMaster Women Bodybuilding (60+) and took 1st place over Cheryl Miller (AUS). Awesome work to all ladies.

The Overall Master Ms Physique was close between Sam Attrill and Marlene Henderson. Eventually the judges decided that Sam had the right balance of muscle and curves, along with beautiful stage presentation to take out the title of Overall Master Ms Physique.

Next the Overall Master Men proved to be a very close competition between the short and tall Master Men 40+ competitors, Bradley Cope and Matt Nicholson. Cope had lots of size on his frame but Nicholson was in the shape of his life with superb condition. It would be up to the judges to determine whether size or condition would be the deciding factor. In the end Cope out-muscled a very sharp Nicholson and took the Overall Master Men title.

In the Women’s Bodybuilding Class 1 (Under 160cm) Melissa Pearson (AUS) took first place honors. Pearson was the leanest athlete on stage yet still had plenty of muscle to push the bigger girls out of the top position. Monika Greich (AUS), 2nd, has great symmetry and lots of muscle mass but needed to be a little bit sharper if she was to challenge Pearson. 3rd place went to firefighter Darlene Garber (USA), who seemed to be having a great time up on stage.

Having competed in the Master Women’s Bodybuilding and not getting a place, Jennifer Miller (AUS) returned to the stage in the Women’s Bodybuilding Class 2 (Over 160cm) to win this class. Jennifer looked better than she did earlier in the day. She has great development in her back and delts and seemed the clear winner in this division. Second place went to Fimka Hampson (AUS) with Tania Inwood (AUS) close behind in third.

It was then time for the winners of all women’s bodybuilding classes to return on stage and determine who would be the Overall champion. It didn’t take too long for the judges to deliberate and crown Debbie Urquhart the 2009 Overall Bodybuilding Ms Olympia - a little bit of history repeating itself as Deb’s posing music seemed to suggest.

There were four couples in the Mixed Pairs division at this year’s Natural Olympia. The class was being judged on routines only, so it was important for the couples to work well together. Husband and wife team, Melissa and Warwick Pearson (AUS), both in great shape, looked quite comfortable performing their routine and took out third place. In second place Kirsty Hall and Angus Bailey (AUS) entertained the crowd with some polished posing but it was to be Mandy Knowles and Bradley Cope (AUS) who would take first place. Their routine set to “Circle Of Life” from “The Lion King” was the best of the day and with Brad’s size and Mandy’s condition these two looked to be the clear winners.

The last division of show one saw the big boys in the Mr Natural Olympia Professional division come on stage to showcase some serious muscle. The line-up was dominated by the USA team, with Australia close behind in the number of competitors. Aussie, Tim Martin made his pro debut at this show, placing 5th in a line-up of nine competitors. He bought a great package with good conditioning to the stage and was rewarded on Sunday during the Gala Awards for Best Routine, deservedly as it was the most entertaining of the day.

In 3rd place, Joel Ramintas (AUS) just edged out Thomas Anderson (USA). Anderson 4th, presented well on stage and carried more muscle mass on his frame than Ramintas, however, it was to be Ramintas’ slightly harder physique that saw him take third. A new look Michael Waddington (AUS) blew everyone away with his size and managed to challenge Kiyoshi Moody (USA) for the top spot. In the end Waddington’s impressive physique was not enough for Moody. Full muscle bellies, lots of size and great symmetry saw Moody take 1st place over Waddington in 2nd.

Show Two started off with the very athletic Ms Fitness girls. After three rounds consisting of routine, bikini and dress, Rebecca Tarzia (AUS) was announced the winner. Her dynamic routine coupled with a very pleasing, yet athletic figure, guaranteed her a first place finish. In second place was petite Cleo Brown (AUS). Cleo was extremely flexible whilst performing her routine and showed off some great explosive moves with her streamlined physique. Third place went to Elise Thompson (AUS) who had some good muscle on her but perhaps needed to be a little tighter to have placed higher.

The physically challenged class is a unique opportunity for athletes with disabilities to participate in shows like the Natural Olympia. It allows us, as an audience, to recognise the athletic greatness inherent in all people with physical challenges. The INBA supports the athletic endeavors of the remarkable athletes in this division. Athletes such as Andy Harrison, 1st (AUS) in the Standing Disabled class, who have overcome great adversities and still be able to stand proud on stage. Andy was in his best condition for the year. With his great back development and cheerful stage presence, he managed to beat his competition. David Buckmaster (USA) 2nd, who had great delts and arms just nudging out third placed Clayton Turner (AUS).

Next on stage, nineteen competitors lined up for the Junior Men’s division. The condition and muscle that these young guys have is mind blowing. If this is the standard at this point in their careers, Australian body building definitely has a great future. Nathan Wallace (AUS) was the clear cut winner. The amount of muscle this guy carries just sets him apart from most of the others in his class. He has everything going for him; mass, symmetry and great presentation. Maybe he just needs to smile and enjoy himself a little bit more on stage. His closest competition came from a shredded Ben Wortley (AUS) 2nd. Wortley had the best condition but just lacked the muscle size of Wallace. In third place was Jordon Boddam-Whetham (AUS) who has quite a nice physique, it was just unfortunate he was up against two of the best natural juniors in Australia.

Bailee Doolan (AUS) won the Ms Figure International Open Class 1. The only other competitor in this class was the stunning Nicky Jacobson (AUS) who obviously came 2nd. Nicky was a tad tighter than Bailee but Figure International is all about symmetry and presentation and the judges favored Bailee’s overall package for this class.

The Mr Natural Olympia Open Class 1 proved to be controversial. There was some confusion, as INBA allow competitors to compete in both amateur and professional divisions until they accept prize money. The scenario being that Joel Ramintas (AUS) and Thomas Anderson (USA) walked back on stage to compete with the amateurs. Perhaps if the Professional class was at the end of the show it would have been accepted a little better as these two competitors would appear to competed in the amateur class first and then progress to try their luck in the professional division. What appeared to everyone was two “pros” stepped back into the amateur ranks. Pros who compete with amateurs have nothing to gain and everything to lose. Which is exactly what happened in this case. Thomas came 2nd & Ramintas placed 3rd, both were beaten by amateur Shawn Mason (AUS). Shawn was wide, I mean really W-I-D-E!!! His huge back and hard hamstrings, by far his best features, stole the show. In 4th and 5th place respectively was Glenn Gattellaro (AUS) and Matt Nicholson (AUS). Both in amazing shape just a little unlucky with the circumstances.

In the Ms Physique Open Class 1 we saw a battle between two great champions, Janet Kane (AUS) and Karen Flaherty (AUS). Both ladies seasoned competitors and in great shape pushing each other for the top spot. It was down to the judges to decide whether to go for Janet’s harder more muscular look or Karen’s beautifully balanced figure. In the end Janet with her wide shoulders and tiny waist took 1st place and Karen 2nd. 3rd placed Gemma Irving (AUS) had great lines and an awesome shape.

Natalie Braic (AUS) won the Figure International Class 2 from her closest rival Michelle Witomski (AUS), 2nd. Natalie’s superb symmetry and great condition saw her win this class. Michelle looked great and after eight shows in her first year of competing, was very happy to place second at her first Natural Olympia. In third place was Wendy Young (AUS). Wendy comes in hard and was a little unlucky not to do better this year. Hopefully we’ll see more of her next year on the competition circuit.

The next class on stage, Men’s Open Class 2, witnessed Justin Firgaira (AUS) doing battle with Stan Tautalonoa (NZ) and Owen Batty (AUS). In a class of fifteen quality competitors the top three were outstanding. Owen Batty, a rookie to the Natural Olympia did himself proud and took third place in a very tough lineup. Batty has great lines and a very balanced physique but when you’re up against the likes of Stan “The Man” Tautalonoa and Justin Firgaira, third place is a great achievement. Stan, as always, had plenty of quality muscle. He really is blessed with an amazing physique. It was just unlucky for him that Firgaira was a little sharper, particularly in the lower body, to take 1st place.

The biggest division of the day belonged to the Ms Physique Open Class 2 with a total of 29 competitors. The depth of the field was incredible. The girls standing three lines deep waiting to be be judged was an awesome sight. Needless to say there were many champions in the midst of all the ladies and without a doubt the judges had their work cut out for them. The top three came down to Natalie Braic (AUS) Sam Attrill (AUS) and Karla Gambell (AUS). Karla looked to be in her best ever condition. With her confident stage presence and entertaining routine she looked happy to receive third place just behind Sam Attrill, 2nd. Sam did well, proving that age is no barrier as the overall Masters physique winner could have taken out this class as well. However, Natalie Braic took first place honors, making it two Olympia titles for this champion.

April Witt (USA) won Ms Figure International the Open Class 3. Her fuller muscle bellies combined with great symmetry made her the clear winner. In this class of three competitors, Belinda Wasowski (AUS) came 2nd and the very lean Kirsten Ey (AUS) was 3rd.

The Men’s Open Class 2 had Phillip Hodgson (AUS) and Nathan Wallace (AUS) go head to head in a tough battle. Hodgson, the current Open Class 2 Australian champion, just nudged Wallace out of top position with his great lines and overall condition. His wide back and hard hamstrings made him very impressive from the rear. Wallace looked happy with his 2nd place position and rightly so. With a total of eighteen men in this line up the Junior Olympia champion proved he could hold his own in the tougher open class. Mike Sloan (AUS) did extremely well coming in 3rd place. He managed to beat previous champions with a well balanced physique earning him a spot in the top three.

The Ms Physique Open Class 3 saw another huge line up of ladies grace the stage. In a field of 28 competitors, Clare Ross, the current Australian Masters 40-49 champion, emerged as the victorious champion. A very lean athlete, Clare was in crisp condition, with a nicely developed back and tight abs. Always happy to be on stage Clare was a deserved winner. Second place went to Leonie Mischewski (AUS) who had a very pleasing shape. Leonie’s superbly muscled legs, beautiful flowing lines and her graceful stage presentation clinched her second spot. Third placed Rebecca Micich (AUS) was in great form but unfortunately was not as hard as the top two ladies.

The last class on stage was the Men’s Open Class 4. The field of 21 competitors was dominated from the outset by the awesome Kiyoshi Moody (USA). Having already won the professional division, Kiyoshi was in first place all the way. His 5’10” frame carries A LOT of balanced muscle. Great quads, great back, great delts and arms... in fact great everything, winning not only this class but also the Overall Mr Natural Olympia title hands down. Second place went to Jason Konrath (AUS). Jason brought a very tight physique to the stage and looked amazing. He was rock hard from top to toe but was simply out muscled by Moody for the top spot. Third place went to newcomer, Obi Akintaju (Nigeria), who only weeks before won the INBA Australian Novice Men Title. Obi definitely has a great future ahead of him in the sport of bodybuilding. Beautifully balanced, with thick muscle, it will be interesting to watch his progress over the next few years.

Finally it was time to decide the Overall Open Champions. Natalie Braic went on to win the Amateur Figure International title. An amazing effort at her first ever Natural Olympia! The battle for Overall Amateur Ms Physique Natural Olympia was a battle between Janet Kane, Natalie Braic & Clare Ross with Janet Kane being crowned the overall champion and as mentioned previously, Kiyoshi Moody won the Overall Natural Olympia Championship.

With the competition, divisions and judging done and another Natural Olympia dusted, the gala luncheon on Sunday was the final function on the agenda. Held at the Shoreline Restaurant at Seaworld Nara Resort, INBA officials, competitors, family and friends sat back and enjoyed a relaxed lunch with a few laughs whilst watching the “extra” awards being presented. Chad Brann (USA) won for best arms, Stan Tautalonoa (NZ) best male chest, April Witt (USA) best female chest, Michelle Witomski (AUS) best booty, Matt Nicholson (AUS) most positive athlete, Tim Martin (AUS) best routine and Marco Addis (ITALY) best biceps.

The INBA must be commended for running a very professional show. Congratulations to Jason Woodforth for hosting a brilliant event. Jason went well out of his way making sure that all the athletes were very well looked after. He also did a great job of compering the show, keeping the crowd entertained for the entire day. Well done Jason!

Finally, to all the athletes that participated at this competition, kudos to you all. Everything from the massive battles on stage (and that just to get noticed by the judges) to the quality and depth of the line ups, was unforgettable! For each and every one of you, what you put on stage was the culmination of years of hard work and sacrifice, simply to be the best of the best in natural bodybuilding... and that is truly what the Natural Olympia is all about.

Contest Report #2 by Jiri Stepanek (competitor) from Czech Republic (translated from Czech).

The Natural Olympia program was divided into four days, the first day of registration and photography, the second day of the conference judging fitness models, the third day of a major competitive natural bodybuilders and gala luncheon and special awards on the fourth day of the official outcome.

Saturday's main competition I pleasantly surprised, I expected a great level, but the reality still greatly exceeded my expectations! I’ve been in natural bodybuilding a long time, I have had many competitions in the Republic, Slovakia, Western Europe and North America. I have never, but never seen any competition so very high, almost excellent in all aspects ranging from security for all competitors, from the organizers; above-friendly behavior and willingness to solve everything and all assistance, up to and above all, a huge level of starters, both the number of competitors, as well as their readiness. It was great!

The auditorium was packed with spectators and the atmosphere more like at a football match. In most major categories of 12 to 20 competitor, sometimes 25. Started a total of 352 athletes, mainly from the Americas, Europe and Australia. I waited for me to start in the Masters category, from 40 to 50 years. This category was divided into two groups, small and tall men, up to 175 cm and over 175 cm. At a height of 175.5 cm height, I was probably the smallest among the large, in the larger category of men was 12 competitors. Judges, I was invited twice to compare the top five and one in the top six ...Medal for the first three places, won a beautiful and very large medals, athletes from the fourth to last place received a nice classic Medals size (Jiri placed 6^th). The fact that me pleasantly surprised by the Natural Olympia was sensational sporting level of both men and women in over 50 categories and over 60 years!

The whole bodybuilding luncheon program concluded that the Federation is INBA provide transportation for all athletes. On Sunday afternoon after the luncheon and the closing, we spent swimming in the sea, and thus ended our program and part of bodybuilding began to change to the part of the tourist.

Finally, I declare I have to evaluate the Natural Olympia as most successful event, which was dramatically above all my existing competitions in many ways. This is not definitely say that the other competitions were bad, but was simply Olympia Olympia!

Contest Report #3 by Lori Braun (USA).

2009 INBA Natural Olympia Vegas Style

The Austrailians really know how to put on a show. The 2009 INBA Natural Olympia took place in Gold Coast, QLD Australia. The host hotel even sounds like heaven: Mantra Legends and just happens to be on the corner of Surfers Paradise Blvd. But, it’s the itinerary that gets me. There is a party EVERY NIGHT!! There was an opening party Thursday night, ”includes judging of Female & Male Sportsmodel Divisions & Guest Posing from various Countries”, a Friday night pre party ”for our SportsModels and Divas and maybe those who still need to drop a little water?” and major after-party on Saturday! The show was a first class event with incredible planning down to the minute. Simular to the IFBB Olympia there were VIP opportunities to meet and mingle with the stars of the weekend. The INBA has also recently adopted the single symmetry round for figure division that the NPC has been adhearing to this past year. The turn out for the show was awesome. The competitor list was an international resume.