The
Gene X Awards
Written by James Cook
Photography by GeneX and James Cook
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Newcomer
of the Year (pro)
Helle Nielsen
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Newcomer
of the Year (amateur)
Amanda Dunbar
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Well, I know
it's a little late in the month, (I've been busy OK? lol) But Gene and
I have been putting our heads together and we came up with our awards
for the years best. Now these are catagories that we selected and the
winners are based on who we both felt were the best of the year.
The catagories
begin with "Best Newcomer" (Pro & Amateur). For the Pro's
it was pretty obvious for us that Helle Neilson was our number
one pick. For amatuers, it was way harder as there are so many terrific
new faces. But in bodybuilding, so much is dependant on the genetics you
are blessed with. We felt that Amanda Dunbar has a terrific shape
that will only get better with time. So keep
watching this girl!
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Best
Lower Body (pro)
Helle Nielsen
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Best
Upper Body (pro)
Betty Pariso
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Best
Lower Body (amateur)
Christine Moore
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Best
Upper Body (amateur)
Gina Davis
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Best
Fitness Athlete (Pro)
Tracey Greenwood
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Best
Fitness Athlete (Amateur)
Stacy Jensen
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Best
Figure Athlete (Pro)
Dina Al-Sabah
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Best
Figure Athlete (Amateur)
Chandra Coffey
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Best
Bodybuilder (Pro)
Yaxeni Oriquen
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Best
Bodybuilder (Amateur)
Annie Rivieccio
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We liked
Yaxeni Oriquen as the best of the year because her shape is so
terrific. Ripped in all the right spots with very few flaws.
As for the
amatuer class, although Annie Rivieccio is now a pro, we felt that
she slugged it out so long in the amatuer ranks that she deserves this
award. Her physique has continually improved over the years and she will
make a great pro competitor. (and not dissapearing from the scene like
some of the other new pros). Her physique is awesome and we wish her the
best.
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Most
Improved Bodybuilder Debby Bramwell
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Debby
Bramwell (2002)
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This
was a difficult catagory as there were several notable people who
we saw improvements from 2002, including Melanie Thompson, Sherry
Smith and Tonia Williams. But it was Debby Bramwell that
made me say "whoa" when she walked on the stage at the
2003 USA Championships. Her upper body is amazing, but she has also
been able to dial up the size and hardness in her legs, which is
a difficult task for some competitors.
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Debby
Bramwell (2003)
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Most Photogenic
Category
This is my
favorite catagory and I've included reasons why these are our picks. These
are competitors who we have worked with in 2003. If you are an aspiring
fitness model or would like some tips on how to improve yourself in front
of the camera, take note as there is some good info here.
| Gene's
Top 2003 Picks (From Gene's Photoshoots) |
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Most
Photogenic (Amateur)
Andrea Trent
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Most
Photogenic (Pro)
Joanna Thomas
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| I've
also worked with both of these ladies and I can say that they are
terrific. Probably the best thing each has in common is that they
are not afraid to experiment and try different poses. This is really
important in getting good shots. They also have a selection of good
outfits to choose from. |
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James'
Top 2003 Picks (From James' Photoshoots)
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Best
Outfits: Malissa Robles
Malissa
Robles told me that she loves to shop for clothes... and it
shows! She came to the video shoot with a lot of stuff to choose
from and that was really important. She also is helpful in making
suggestions in what looks best on her. When I first met Malissa
at the California Championships, she had brought a selection of
outfits to the contest in anticipation of doing some shoots. So
these are two important rules if you are a competitor: 1.) Don't
jet home first thing Sunday morning after the show 2.) Bring some
outfits (gym stuff included) for photo shoots.
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Best
Poser for the Camera: Marja Lehtonen
This
was an easy one and why Marja Lehtonen is probably one the
best performers in female muscle media today. She has so much muscle,
that even the craziest poses look awesome! She is also very creative
with her poses. Whether I'm shooting video or photos with Marja,
I don't need to give much instruction. She can hit different shots
for hours if need be. Just press the 'record' button and she goes
to work. Another thing I like about Marja, is that she is very confident
in her posing. She hits a pose and holds it for a beat or two. She
won't 'squirm' too much to find the right pose, she just hits it.
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Most
Photogenic Amateur: Amanda Savell
I'll
be the first to admit, my photography skills are average at best,
but girls like Amanda Savell really make your shots look
good. You look at her face and your captivated. I shot with Amanda
the day after her contest in Los Angeles and she came to the shoot
well rested. This is important because she wasn't up till 4 am the
night before partying her brains out. Most girls party like rock
stars after a show. (Hey, I understand!) But getting enough rest
really makes a difference in how the photos turn out. She also is
skilled at doing her own makeup, which helps a lot when I'm on a
budget.
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Most
Photogenic Pro: Christine Roth
OK,
well I don't think Christine Roth got ANY sleep before we
took these shots as she had just won her pro card and was really
looking to celebrate (lol). But it's Christine Roth, folks. She
can pull it off because she is absolutely amazing on so many different
levels. A great poser, terrific physique, a good selection of outfits
and that sexy, signature smile that makes her the 'Pam Anderson'
of female muscle media. Hail to the Queen!
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