2016 IFBB League Vancouver Pro Show
Fitness, Figure, Bikini, Men's Bodybuilding & Physique Championships
(Vancouver, B.C. - July 9-10, 2016)
The second year for this now annual tradition. Promoter Michelle Krack outdid
herself if that's possible, combining the prestigious BCABBA Provincials with an
even larger group of IFBB Pro Competitors than in 2015! The beautiful Vancouver waterfront
backdrop makes this show a real 'destination event'. Getting right to results, Bikini saw
a relatively small but strong field enter. New Jersey's Dayna Maleton has been a top
contender recently and took this show. It was good to see a number of familiar faces who qualified from recent Canadian
National level shows compete here, among them Kat Delima, Lucy Kim and Kaitln Watson.
Anna-Lee McKill represented the host Province nicely!
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Open Bodybuilding was a real treat for muscle afficianados, with 14 competitors in total!
In the end Big Ben Pakulski took the title, many of the routines were very nicely
choreographed...these guys have some 'dance' skills.
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Only 5 competitors in fitness but it was great to see a much improved Dominique
Matthews rock the stage, being privileged to have seen some great routines from
her over the years at CBBF Nationals. Her gymnastics and strength moves were incredible!
In second place was Jeanine Taddeo featuring some serious contortionist skills and fun with
a ribbon. The always elegant Chika Aluka placed third, can really grab an audience plus
a very impressive physique, a work of art! Kim Scoffins placed fourth, it amazes me how
she constantly comes up with new and innovative routines over the years. Rounding up the
field was BC's own Debbie Clarke with an equally solid routine.
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Turning to Figure, good international representation for sure, Puerto Rico's Jessica
Reyes Padilla had excellent proportions and muscle shape/size to take the class. Exotic
looking Azaria Glaim took second and is definitely climbing in the rankings. Janaina Ferreira
returned from last year to take third. Look out for our Canadian Champion from 2015 Melissa
Bumstead in the future, a striking look on a tall competitor. She placed third. I recall
Emily Zelinka and photographing her reaction to being named Overall winner at Nationals
in this same city a few years ago. She looks better than ever, great job placing fifth!
Also great to see some Northwest competitors who I've photographed at Emerald Cup, etc.
come up to do this show, notably Laura Donegan, Darcy DeFrees and Kassie Kemmis.
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Men's Physique is one of those categories that's really tough to judge, but the
judges always seem to get it right, that combination of muscle but can be on
the cover of a fitness publication. Jared Goodrich placed first, and of note,
local crowd favorite Mirko Maras managed to squeek into the top 5, great showing!
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Women's Physique was absolutely stellar and a real highlight of this competition. Starting
with the winner, the legendary Mindi O'Brien has still got it! Great lines and a lean look,
you can see her Fitness background comes through in her routine. Then there's Ontario's
Eleonora Dobrinina...from 'Fitness model' to OMG, she's destined for Olympia greatness in
Physique! Hard work, discipline and a great attitude is all we can say. She looked happy,
healthy and brought her best package ever! Oregon's Lisa Stark rounded up the top 3,
beautiful proportions and nice presentation, seen her moving up the NPC ranks to get here.
Stunning Mi Hyun Jung from Korea combined beauty with full muscle shapes, definitely a
highlight of this class. Rounding up the Top 5 was the wonderful Carmen Tocheniuk. After
years of struggling to find her niche/weight class, etc. finally getting that Pro Card
has given her a "new lease on life" in the sport, and it showed onstage! When your top 5
does not include stars like Jodi Boam and returning champ Leah Johnson, you know this
show brought some seriously tough competition! Great to see BC competitors Jeni Briscoe
(who recently competed at the Arctic Pro in Anchorage) and in her Pro debut Michelle
Mcbeth. A great class, top to bottom!
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If you don't want super freaky (in a good way), the 212 Men's Bodybuilding Division is for you. Mark Dugdale
is dominating this division at the moment, and with good reason! Size, definition, proportion and VERY dialed
in on show day, a tough combination to beat! One of the most entertaining and memorable competitors here was
second placer from Korea, Nam Eun Cho...quads for days! And quick kudos to the new Division, 'Classic Physique',
was great to see Washington State's Matt Pattison enjoying his time onstage with this new discipline! Veteran
competitor Derik Farnsworth was second, and Canada's own Ali Najafian placed third. Only 5 in this class but it's
certain to grow.
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Thanks to the athletes, promoters, fans, judges, volunteers, exhibitors and
everyone else who contributed to what was truly a second game changing show on the
West Coast! An absolute honor to be Official Photographer for the IFBB event once
again, we have some fantastic photos to share with the competitors, thanks for
their support!
Official results of the Pro show can be found at
The IFBB Professional League
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(Please notify me of any placing or name spelling errors, thanks.)
(click for full size)
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