2019 IFBB Pro League Vancouver Pro Show
Fitness, Figure, Bikini, Men's Bodybuilding & Physique Championships
(Coquitlam, B.C. - July 14, 2019)
The fifthe year for this ever growing and popular event, once again at the beautiful Hard Rock Casino Vancouver. The IFBB event was
held on the second day of the Vancouver Pro/Am & Expo, the first day plus Amateur Bikini on the second day being an internationally
eligible IFBB Pro League Qualifier show, the ONLY way to the Olympia stage! Kudos to promoter Michelle Krack, taking the lessons of
putting on the first of this combination of events in 2018 and nailing all aspects of the show, whether for the athletes comofort, the
audience and even the media. A pleasure not only to report on it here, but being official stage photographer for both events once again.
Let's talk about Bikini first. A nice mix of Canadian and International competitors, California's Jasmine Williams took 1st Place. Of
note and improved from last year were Canadians Annette Mountford and Maxine Somov placing 7th and 8th respectively, they were 5th and
6th the year before...which gives an idea of the quality physiques at this show! Following them, from nearby Washington State was Sarah Averna who got
her Pro Card at the Amateur Olympia in Vegas in 2018, a good showing here!
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Open Bodybuilding was particularly exciting as Iran's Hadi Choopan wowed the crowd and the very vocal Persian contingent! Hopefully will be able to
compete at the Olympia in the USA of course...sport should really be above politics.
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Fitness was alive and well at this show. 14 competitors including Chloe Di Tomasso Masse who had won her Pro Card the night before. Stunning routines!
Veteran competitor Sara Kovach was definitely on top of her game with a well deserved win. Canada's Dominique Matthews always with a beautiful sense
of grandeur in her performances, placing second. And always nice to have Europeans compete here, Alison Amos represented the UK in very fine fashion!
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Figure had the biggest sized class with 21 competitors, Anna Banks of Poland took 1st Place.
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Men's Physique went to Canada's Buhwan Chauhan, we've documented his rise to this level from his start in Alberta a few years ago.
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Turning to Women's Physique, this division got people's attention leading into this show with Singapore's Sheikha Nguyen taking overall
and earning her Pro Card. This reporter, among others had no doubt she would do well in the Pros, and it didn't take very long to prove it
with a narrow win over a very "on point" looking Sheila Bleck, now that's an achievement. Both looked extraordinary, Sheikha posing with
extreme confidence almost daring the rest of the field to match her intensity. The judges obviously saw that too...what an extraordinary
career ahead for her in this sport!
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Only 4 in 212 Division, but a very strong showing from Canada's Zane Watson securing first place.
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Thanks to the athletes, promoters, fans, judges, volunteers, exhibitors and
everyone else who contributed to what was truly again a memorable 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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