2016 IFBB Ben Weider Legacy Cup
Bodybuilding, Fitness, Physique, Figure, & Bikini Championships
(Edmonton, AB - September 10, 2016)
There's always a first for everything and this trail blazing event was no exception. Promoted by Darcy Rash of Powerhouse Gym (Edmonton) and US
Promoter Remi Bruyninga, this show brought qualified amateur competitors in North America a chance to vie for an IFBB Pro Card in Canada. Coming
on the heels of the well established North American Championships held a week earlier, it may not have been front and center in the minds of many,
but kudos to Darcy and Remi for their perseverence despite many obstacles along the way. Obviously a Canadian feel for the most part (98% of the entries),
but expect that to change as the show grows! There may have only been around 100 entries this year but ALL the Pro Card recipients were well
deserving and have been very 'close' at previous competitions so the quality was definitely there. A great job by emcee Shawn Ray. More in depth analysis
from this show is at Muscular Development (MD Canada).
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Coming off a class win at Canadian Nationals and a 5th Place at North Americans, Alberta's Ceejay Byam was easily the top choice in Women's Physique.
Combined with her overall presentation, a great representative of the sport going forward. Some real strong contenders in Men's Bodybuilding, particularly
Mahmood Al Durrah and Derek Rafla, but the nod went to Super Heavyweight class winner Riley Janzen.
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Bikini saw the most entries, and ever improving Savannah Aymont had the combination of muscle and shape the judges were looking for to take the
Overall title. Noteworthy was former Alberta ABBA Overall Champion Marissa Rodriguez who placed first in both her open and masters classes.
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Figure had some VERY strong contenders from Nationals back for that shot at an IFBB Pro Card including Michelle Gagnon, Nicki Dery and the eventual
overall winner Michelle Soares.
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Last but not least was BC's Nathaniel Werner (finally) getting past that hurdle to optain his IFBB Pro Card.
It was an absolute privilege to cover this inaugural event and looking forward to witnessing its growth over
the next few years.
Thanks again to the promoters, the CBBF, NPC and the IFBB.
Official results and information are/will be at the IFBB website.
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(Please notify me of any placing or name spelling errors, thanks.)
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