2006 Canadian Bodybuilding Nationals Contest Report
September
15-16,
2006 - by gene
x hwang
Saskatoon,
SK, Canada - A
cold, wet weekend didn't stop Canada's top physiques from heating up
the stage as the country's best talent stepped up to compete for top
honors in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.
|
Canadian
Bodybuilding Champion Nicole Ball
|
The
big story was Nicole Ball winning her third class title, and earning
her pro status by winning the overall against Lightweight Heather King
and Pam Howard in the heavies. Both others were from Ontario while
Ball hails from Alberta.
The
lightweight class was a showdown between King and Shannon Holman. While
Holman was better conditioned, King got the judges nod and edged her
out to win the class. Third went to Barbara Stanard but Leah Berti
also looked good. Just in her early 20s, Berti has a lot of good years
ahead of her and with her nice structure has a solid future ahead of
her.
In
the middles, Nadia Nardi and Janeen Lankowski were two veterans that
many thought would be pushing Ball. However, Lankowski weighed in as
a heavy and Nardi's conditioning wasn't quite on during the show. That
left it open for Ball, while former Junior champion Cindy Phillips
brought on a revamped physique with a lot more muscle and placed second.
Third went to Masters champion Ellen Partnoy.
The
class was very competitive though with a very nicely shaped Mirna Cruz
looking great as well as Michelle Saunders who came in shredded. Audrey
Pigeon also showcased nice structure and with a little more mass is
someone to keep an eye on.
In
the heavies, Pam Howard brought her best package ever. With a more
streamlined physique and coming in dialed in, she beat out newcomer
Lyris Cappelle. Cappelle, who also works with Team Autumn along with
Howard, was very dry and lean, and has terrific shape. In only her
third show she managed to take second which signifies a great start
in the sport.
Lankowski
took third in the class, and one of the big hitters everyone was looking
out for was Jody Wald. Wald added some nice size and had the mass,
but wasn't tight enough for the judges to place her higher.
The
best music was the Gotan Project that Josee St. Onge performed to.
The tall statuesque athlete moved well on stage and enjoys performing.
In the past, St. Onge was a boxer and she still has that great footwork.
One surprise may have been Carmen Tocheniuk competing in the heavies
after competing in the lightweights last time out.
Tatiana
Anderson looked big and full, but like Wald was not quite tight enough,
while Lisa Shields was extremely cut.
The
juniors was won by 17-year-old Krystan Bellows who was thrilled on
stage with her trophy and showed the youthful exuberance you'd expect
and promises to come back next year with an even better physique.
All
in all, it was a solid weekend. The only problem being the conflict
of the North Americans happening on the same weekend. With only one
pro card available to Canadian bodybuilders each year, the extra opportunity
to compete is even more important. Plus the Canadian athletes are often
of a very high caliber and would do well in competition against their
American counterparts.
Check
out our
message boards for updates throughout the weekend
and to discuss the competition, post your thoughts and chat with
the athletes!
