October Thursday 15th to Sunday 18th. Contest day Saturday 17th. 2009 Natural Olympia on the sunny Gold Coast, Australia Click here to book your Natural Olympia Hotel (mandatory for competitors) exclusive Natural Olympia rates! (bookings close 01/09/09) ACCOMMODATION – For Competitors and Spectators IMPORTANT: Ideal accommodation at this year's Natural Olympia will be difficult to find if you do not act immediately. It is school holidays and the Gold Coast Nitro Grand Prix starts the following week. INBA has been able to secure a set number of ideal hotels and rooms. These rooms not booked by September 1st will be taken from INBA and given to other groups. It is necessary that you book your accommodation through our website prior to September 1st. Even if you have not qualified or are not sure you can attend, it is simpler to cancel a room booking than have the stress of trying to find accommodation. The wonderful experience of the Natural Olympia is the new friendships that are formed with competitors from both your own team and overseas. After many Natural Olympias we know the best way of enhancing this interaction is for everyone to stay at the same hotel and for that purpose INBA have nominated the Mantra Legends as the Natural Olympia Host Hotel. We ask everyone to make this your first choice when booking as everything will be planned on the basis that all competitors are staying at this hotel. Mantra Legends is where Registration will take place on Thursday. We stipulate it's mandatory for competitors (except if you live locally) to stay at the host hotel or our other recommended hotels if the Mantra Legends becomes fully booked. To obtain the largest number of rooms and at a discount we entered a contract with the hotel that our event requires the rooms. Hence competitors "doing their own thing" make it difficult for INBA to deliver a supreme event and experience. How to book your Natural Olympia accommodation: 1. Select a hotel from our list of properties. Give priority to staying at the host hotel as this will be the INBA hub over the four days of the Natural Olympia. When the host hotel sells-out or another hotel suits your requirements better then book at a hotel from our recommended list. 2. Book through our website. We have secured the best rates for these hotels - you should not be able to find better on the internet. INBA have promised we can fulfill our commitment to the hotels. And only rooms booked through our website count towards INBA bookings. 3. Book early - last day September 1st INBA start losing our rooms progressively and lose ALL non-booked rooms on September 1st. Don't put yourself in hardship or away from the action. Map Between Host Hotel and Venue (A) Mantra Legends Resort (B) Southport RSL Club. Click on "View Larger Map" and get specific directions and driving route to the venue, opening/after-party and Gala Luncheon. View Larger Map   2009 Natural Olympia Partners To request our sponsorhip packages please Click on our sponsors logo to go to their website Major Sponsor Gold Sponsors Silver Sponsors Bronze Sponsors     2009 INBA Natural Olympia

Itinerary (subject to change)

Natural Olympia Running Format
Times given are only estimated times your division will be on stage. Please understand it is impossible to know how long each division will take to judge. At the Event we may have an updated schedule.

NATURAL OLYMPIA SHOW ONE	Est. Stage Time
Wheelchair	10.00
Master Figure International (40+)	10.20
Master Men Division - Short Class (40+)	10.35
Master Ms Physique (40+)	10.55
Master Men Division - Tall Class (40+)	11.10
Master Women Bodybuilding (40+)	11.30
GrandMaster Figure International (50+)	11.45
OVERALL Master Figure International (All Winners)	11.55
GrandMaster Men Division - Short Class (50+)	12.05
GrandMaster Ms Physique (50+)	12.25
GrandMaster Men Division - Tall Class (50+)	12.40
GrandMaster Women Bodybuilding (50+)	1.00
UltraMaster Men Division (60+)	1.15
UltraMaster Ms Physique (60+)	1.30
OVERALL Master Ms Physique (All Winners )	1.40
Super UltraMaster Men Division (70+)	1.50
OVERALL Master Men (All Winners)	2.00
Women’s Bodybuilding Class 1 (Under 160cm )	2.10
Women’s Bodybuilding Class 2 (Over 160cm)	2.30
OVERALL Women’s Bodybuilding (All Divisional Winners)	2.50
Mixed Pairs (Routine Only)	3.00
Mr Natural Olympia Professional	3.15
NATURAL OLYMPIA SHOW TWO	Est. Stage Time
Ms Fitness (Routine)	5.00
Standing Disabled	5.20
Junior Men (21 & Under at 1/1/09)	5.35
Ms Fitness (Bikini)	5.55
Figure International Open Class 1 (Under 157.5cm)	6.00
Mr. Natural Olympia Open Class 1 (Under 170cm)	6.10
Ms. Physique Open Class 1 (Under 157.5cm)	6.30
Ms Fitness (Dress)	6.45
Figure International Open Class 2 (157.6 – 165cm)	6.55
Mr. Natural Olympia Open Class 2 (170.1-175cm)	7.10
Ms. Physique Open Class 2 (157.6 – 165cm)	7.30
Figure International Open Class 3 (Over 165cm)	7.50
Mr. Natural Olympia Open Class 3 (175.1 – 180cm)	8.10
Ms. Physique Open Class 3 (Over 165cm)	8.30
Mr. Natural Olympia Open Class 4 (Over 180cm)	8.50
OVERALL Amateur Figure International (Height Class Winners)	9.10
OVERALL Amateur Ms Physique Natural O (Height Class Winners)	9.20
OVERALL Amateur Mr. Natural O (Height Class Winners)	9.30

Notes on Divisions
2009 Natural Olympia also offers divisions not available in Australia. Any Australian competitor who has qualified in another division can take advantage of the multiple-entry and enter one of these if they wish:

Figure International - Follows the popular IFBB/NPC style of non-posing division. Consists of just one round using comparisons and symmetry poses performed in a two-piece costume. Note: The one-piece posing costume previously associated with this division was removed this year and you are not required to purchase one - just a two piece posing costume like other divisions.

Mixed Pairs - judged on routine only.Routine may be 90 seconds in duration.

Bikini Diva - 2 rounds (1) Solid Colour Bikini and (2) Pattern bikini. Judging takes into account competitors attitude and confidence.

Male SportsModel - 2 rounds (1) Beach Wear and (2) Sports Apparel.

Entry
Australian competitors are allowed to compete in two divisions plus mixed pairs. This means you may compete in an open class and an age group class (for example) and mixed pairs. International competitors are not restricted by the number of classes they may enter. The Natural Olympia is an international contest and the entry fee is set in US dollars. However when you enter the fee will be charged in Australian dollars at the time. If the AUD stays around US.80 cents you can expect to pay the following:

1st Division US$150 (AUD$185)
2nd Division US$100 (AUD$125)
Mixed Pairs US$135 (AUD$165)
Professional US$275 (AUD$340)

Buy Show Tickets
Show One $40
Show Two $40
Both Shows $70
VIP (either Show) $60
VIP (both Shows) $100
Online Go to Buy Tickets page and order with a credit card. Simple, secure and fast!
Phone (07) 3265 3553
In person at Bodizone Sport Supplement Store, 12 Railway Parade, Geebung
Contest Day tickets available at the door of the venue on the day - cash sales only.

Australian Competitors - How to Qualify for the 2009 Natural Olympia
There are several qualifying possibilities for Australian competitors in 2009. The discussion only refers to divisions that are offered at the Natural Olympia. For instance, competitors in Teenage, Novice and Intermediate divisions do not qulaify simply because these divisions are not offered at the Natural Olympia.

* Top 3 in any INBA contest held in VIC, NSW, SA and ACT will qualify for the 2009 Australian Titles and provisionally qualify for the 2009 Natural Olympia. The provision in relation to the Natural Olympia qualification is competitors must also compete in the Australian Titles - however your placing at the Australian Titles will not effect your Natural Olympia qualification.
* Top 3 in the WA State Titles will qualify directly to the Natural Olympia. Due to venues been unavailable in Perth, the WA State Titles will not be held until after the Australian Titles. If WA competitors wish to compete in the Australian Titles they can do so without qualifying.
* Top 5 in any contest held in the Natural Olympia home-state of QLD will qualify directly to the Natural Olympia. QLD competitors who qualify for the Natural Olympia can compete in the Australian Titles if they wish.
* Top 3 at the 2009 Australian Titles – this essentially only applies to competitors who have already qualified for the Australian Titles from 2008. If they do not compete in a 2009 event prior to the Australian Titles they need to qualify at the Australian Titles.
* The Gold Medallist of each 2008 Natural Olympia division has qualified directly and can go directly into the 2009 Gold Coast Natural Olympia to defend their title.

Why offer a provisional "early" qualification in 2009?
The concept of an early provisional qualification has helped competitors enormously since it’s inception. It gives contests earlier in the year increased importance and this has decreased the ‘bottleneck’ of competitors at State contests. By providing an 'early qualification' competitors can plan and save for an important contest and trip. Notwithstanding many employers require staff to apply for annual leave months prior to taking holidays. However, the overriding benefit is Australian competitors will only have until 01/09/09 to book accommodation on the Gold Coast. That is the final day our bookings will be held. The Natural Olympia falls over school-holidays and the INDY 300 the following week.

Finally, are you wondering why you have to compete at the Australian Titles enroute to the Natural Olympia? Simply because the purpose of an early qualification is to give competitors concrete notice so they can plan, prepare and organize for an International contest and trip. A provisional qualification is not designed to change the process that is normally required. Except for QLD competitors – we don’t expect them to travel to Melbourne for an event that is held in QLD.

How to travel from Airports to your Hotel

Book a Shuttle Van to your hotel (from either Gold Coast or Brisbane airports)
Book online at http://www.cxbookings.com.au/Pages/bookings.aspx?type=transfer
Price from Gold Coast airport to your hotel is A$22. From Brisbane airports to your hotel is A$44. Gold Coast and Brisbane Domestic passengers upon arrival please wait at your luggage carousel our drivers wearing a blue shirt with your name on a whiteboard will collect you from there. Brisbane International passengers will be collected from the Pre-Booked Ground Transport area through customs doors to the left.

Book a AirTrain service from Brisbane airports to you hotel
http://www.airtrain.com.au/products_airtrainconnect.php
The airtrain from Brisbane International and Domestic airports leave for the Gold Coast every 30 minutes. The trip will take about 90 minutes to the closest train station drop off (Nerang Station). If you take just the airtrain to Nerang station it will cost A$27.50 (one way) and then you will need to take a taxi to your hotel. Otherwise you can buy a AirtrainConnect ticket for $45 (one way) and when you arrive at the station transport will be waiting to take you to your hotel.

AirtrainConnect is our premium service for getting passengers from the Brisbane Airport to the door of their Gold Coast destination. The AirtrainConnect service involves a train ride to a Gold Coast station, and then a chauffeured transfer to your hotel. When you arrive at the airport, staff in the terminal can direct you to the train and tell you at which Gold Coast train station to hop off. When you arrive, your driver will be waiting with your name on a sign to drive you the rest of the way.

Travelling Advice for International Competitors
Minimum time required to recover from the effects of jet lag is one hour for every hour you spend travelling. Try to arrive (Wednesday 14th) in the afternoon or evening so you can sleep and wake at the correct time. When you board the plane in your Country, adjust your watch to the time in Queensland, Australia and eat according to the time here. Same applies to sleep. Drink plenty of water. Eat Lightly. When booking your airline ticket, ask for low fat meals to be served. But also take your own food on the plane with your carry-on luggage. Also bring some packaged food in your suitcase, so you can survive for several meals without the stress of finding bodybuilding food immediately upon arriving. Note: Australian customs is amongst the tightest in the world, all luggage will be screened. You must declare all food items – even candy in your pocket! You will not be able to bring any unpackaged food - regardless if it is cooked - into Australia. If you bring supplements, keep them in original containers as it’s likely custom officials want to inspect your "pills and white powder".

Consider using melatonin tablets (5-8 mg) before bed. This will help you overcome jetlag, the stress of travelling and help you sleep. Melatonin is produced by the pineal gland and in response to darkness. During the day melatonin levels are low. Melatonin can help reset the body clock. Melatonin is not available in Australia, but you can buy in other Countries like Singapore and America.

Don't be critical of your contest condition as you can expect to be 20% off your local contest condition due to the rigours of travel however, everyone is similarly handicapped. That is why I say those who win international events are those who travel best and do not get upset by unexpected situations. Try and plan so you can be very self reliant.

If you are tanning in the hotel, bring your own sheets and pillow case to sleep in the bed. Otherwise, can can get away with just a pillow case and old "jammies" to sleep in. Hotels usually pass-out when they see the tanning stains left behind by bodybuilders and they will charge you an outrageous cleaning fee.

One important message about competing internationally – hope for the best and prepare for the worst. The way another country runs a contest may vary from what you expect, purely because each Countries uses a slightly different format. Also, International promoters only know the extent of who is competing at the last moment. It can throw scheduling out. So be flexible in your mind and last minute preparation. However, rest assured the 2009 Natural Olympia will be a fanastic experience for everyone. The INBA Promoters have run many international events and dedicated 18 months into the planning of the event on the Gold Coast. The 2008 Australian Titles were successfully held in the same venue using the same format, so the Promoters have prepared as diliently as our competitors!

Things to do on the Gold Coast
The Gold Coast is the mecca of tourism for international and interstate visitors. Here is some attractions ot consider during your Natural Olympia stay.

OutBack Spectacular. Dinner and stage show. http://outbackspectacular.myfun.com.au/
Dream World. Tallest, fastest most exciting rides. http://www.dreamworld.com.au/
Sea World http://seaworld.myfun.com.au/
Warner Bros Movie World http://movieworld.myfun.com.au/
White Water World http://www.whitewaterworld.com.au/
Wet 'n' Wild Water World http://wetnwild.myfun.com.au/
Aqua Duck is a bus that goes in water for part of a one-hour tour around Surfers Paradise.
30km of golden beaches
Q1 Towers is tallest residential building in the world, with restaurant and viewing platform. Just around the corner from our Host Hotel.
Jupiters Casino

History of the INBA Natural Olympia
In 1995 Wayne McDonald developed and hosted the World Natural Cup in Australia - the first international drug-free natural physique event outside America. This was the beginning of the International Natural Bodybuilding Association (INBA) which was officially formed in 1997 by Denny Kakos, President of the American Bodybuilding Association. In 1998 Denny Kakos as INBA World President, staged the first Natural Olympia in the land of the original athlete, Greece. The INBA Natural Olympia is now recognised as the pinnacle and most prestigious of natural bodybuilding event in the world - an international, 5 year minimum drug-free competition for the best natural athletes who qualify to compete.

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