2017 IFBB League Vancouver Pro Show
Fitness, Figure, Bikini, Men's Bodybuilding & Physique Championships
(Vancouver, B.C. - July 8-9, 2017)
The third year for this now annual tradition. Repeating what we said last year, 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 2016! The beautiful Vancouver waterfront
backdrop makes this show a real 'destination event'. Getting right to results, Bikini saw
16 incredible athletes take the stage, many familiar to this reporter having seen them come
up through the ranks, not only in Canada but in the Pacific Northwest...Jamie Collins and Sondra
Blockman. Sweden's Frida Paulsen Stern epitomized the "blonde bombshell" look, hard to ignore
onstage, placing first. Second placer Evelyn Mihaly's polished presentation was evident. 2016
Canadian Champion Yulia Berezina continues to impress at the Pro Ranks, third place here!
|
Open Bodybuilding was a real treat for muscle afficianados again, with 16 competitors in total!
The judges definitely took their time with comparisons and the audience rooted their favorites
on...eventual second placer Regan Grimes got a lot of screams, a star in the making for sure.
The top spot went to Michael Lockett. The winner of all these divisions get a bye to the Olympia.
|
Fitness made a nice resurgence here, much like at the Toronto Pro Show we covered earlier
this year. 10 competitors in all. Not only athletic routines, but stunning stage presence
all around. In a virtual dead heat were the top three of Emma Paveley, Ryall Graber and
Fiona Harris. Each had their own strong points...the elegance of Emma's routine, Fiona
as Catwoman and the tumbling of Ryall...not to mention 7 other great performances!
|
Figure had just 8 competitors, Martina Yabekova continuing her winning ways in her
home city on the road to the Olympia. Maria Sharp got her feet wet at the Toronto
Pro show with her Pro debut, but she was much more dialed in and fuller here, nice
job taking 2nd place! Vancouver loves welcoming Janaina Ferriera every year, 3rd place this
time. And Jeni Sperling Briscoe (after a few stints in WPD) dusted off her posing
heels for this show.
|
In his very first Pro Show, Anthony Scalza took 1st Place, beating a good group of international
competitors!
|
Women's Physique was particularly entertaining with Jodi Boam being at her best (truly a pleasure
to watch perform onstage) and smiling from ear to ear. Great to see after a warm-up injury hampered
her fitness routine at the Toronto Pro Show. Again, good to see those who we've seen go through the
ranks do well...Keri Ann Heitzman from Oregon placing 2nd and Emilija Martic placing 4th. Emilija
made her Pro debut at the IFBB Arctic Pro held a few weeks earlier (covered by this reporter on
Muscle Insider, check it out!)
|
I'll repeat what we said last year, 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! He defended his title up in Alaska earlier this year, but this
show really was VERY competitive so no shame in placing third. Ricardo Correia was the unanimous choice of the
judges. There's always a good Korean contingent and following at this show. While last year's runner-up Nam Eun Cho
took 4th, countryman Kim Junho generated great response from the audience with his streamlined look, a deserving
2nd place.
|
Last but not least was the emerging popularity of Classic Physique, 17 competitors in all.
Beautifully coreographed routines all around, definitely becoming an audience favorite.
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
|
(Please notify me of any placing or name spelling errors, thanks.)
(click for full size)
|
