2007 Atlantic City Pro-Am

September 14-15, 2007 - by Gene X Hwang

Atlantic City, NJ, USA - The second Atlantic City Pro-Am showcased one of the most impressive lineup of female bodybuilders in recent memory, and while there were rumors that Ms. Olympia Iris Kyle was to compete, even without her presence the competition was intense.

There were 12 athletes in the lightweight class that included the return to the competitive stage of Joanna Thomas.  Thomas looked like the biggest competitor in the class with her incredible development complimenting her tremendous structure.  She had brought up her legs to almost match her upper body, and looked incredible.  The only knock might have been conditioning, but with several other shows rewarding not alwasy the hardest athletes, it seemed that this might be her show.

There were also two debuts in the class - both from Canadians - as Nicole Ball (shown at right in the overall comparisons with Lisa Aukland), the 2006 Canadian Overall Bodybuilding Champion, and Nadia Nardi, the 2007 champ, both were making their first competitive shots in the IFBB.   Two other veteran pros looked to be the best they had ever been - Angela Debatin and Klaudia Larson.  Larson was the hardest competitor on stage with cuts everywhere while Debatin's shape looked even more dynamic with what appeared to be a better x-frame.

When the results were called out though, the judges rewarded Nicole Ball with the class title and the ensuing Olympia qualification.  She edged out Larson for that and was ecstatic with the unexpeected result. Following those two was Debatin in third and then Thomas in fourth followed by Debbie Bramwell who continues to make a strong rookie year showing.  While many in crowd thought Thomas should have won the class, it appears that conditioning would be the only factor that could have held her back, although fourth seemed a bit low.  Of course as is with any competition, you can be virtually assured that there will be some debate as to the final results.

In the heavies it was once again Lisa Aukland defending her title and looking as good as ever. With strong balance and coming in well conditioned, she was a unanimous choice of the judges beating out  Betty Viana for the class title.  Viana has the best shape of anyone on stage, with her tiny waist and dramatic x-frame, but was not quite tight enough to take the class.  Debi Laszewski took third in the tough class following her great showing at the Europa.

Laszewski moved up to the heavies this time and said she prefers her fuller, more muscular look, and we agree. 

Lora Ottenad took fourth and Heather Foster rounded out the top five.  Beth Roberts who looked incredible at the Europa was actually even better in Atlantic City, but only managed a sixth place finish.  It could be debated easily that she should have been in the top five and Roberts should be proud of the comeback trail she's on.

Ottenad too looked fantastic and was in good shape but the judges had a tough time figuring out where to place everyone in this class.  In seventh was Helen Bouchard who also looked incredible with balance and muscularity throughout.  She too should have placed higher but was a bit overlooked during the prejudging.

One of the surprises may have been Brenda Raganot.  She looked a bit too soft and didn't seem like she was quite ready for the show, and as a result placed  12th.  In total there were 18 heavyweights which made for an impressive class for sure.

In fitness it was Tracy Greenwood from the start as the judges gave her the nod ahead of Bethany Gainey who was at her best.  With a dynamic routine, solid physique and great stage presence, it could be argued that Gainey was the champ of the show, but either way both will be on their way to the Olympia stage alongside Julie Lohre who also impressed with her routine and physique.

Brenda Santiago finally got her due placing fourth and impressive the judges with her strong physique and conditioning.  She was followed by Stacy Simons and another person making their pro debut,. Erin Riley.  Look for more of Riley as she's got a great marketable look and strong routines based on her gymnastics background.  Following Riley was Susan Groshek and Amy Hadded.

In ninth was Lea Waide who it was great to see back on a competitive stage.  Still based in Las Vegas, Waide showed off superior stage presence during her routine, and we hope to see more of her in fitness.

In figure it was Andrea Dumon taking the title and first prize. Heather Green followed in second and many thought it was the best she has ever looked. Chastity Sloan also looked fantastic rounding out the top three and heading on to the Olympia with Dumon and Green.

Check out our message boards to discuss the show, post your thoughts and chat with athletes from the competition!  

Results

Pro Bodybuilding Overall:  Lisa Aukland* Lightweights 1) Nicole Ball* 2) Klaudia Larson 3) Angela Debatin 4) Joanna Thomas 5) Debbie Bramwell 6) Carla Salotti 7) Emery Miller 8) Giusy Caputo 9) Melanie DeRosa 10) Nadia Nardi 11) Claudia Partenza 12) Elizabeth Mesa Gomez Heavyweights 1) Lisa Aukland* 2) Betty Viana 3) Debi Laszewski 4) Lora Ottenad 5) Heather Foster 6) Beth Roberts 7) Helen Bouchard 8) Maria Calo 9) Jana Linke-Sippl 10) Wendy McCready 11) Zoraida FIGUEROA-RIVERA 12) Brenda Raganot 13) Mercedes  Bazemore 14) Marika Johansson 15) Irene Anderson 16 tie) Carmella Cuerton 16 tie) Aurelia Grozajova 16 tie) Irina Veselova * qualifies for Olympia

Pro Fitness 1) Tracy Greenwood* 2) Bethany Gainey* 3) Julie Lohre* 4) Brenda Santiago 5) Stacy Simons 6) Erin Riley 7) Susan Groshek 8) Amy Haddad 9) Lea Wade 10) Hollie Stewart 11) Bridgette Murray 12) Lorie Kimes 13) Christy Green 14) Rosalind Vanterpool 15) Allison Daughtry Pro Figure 1) Andrea Dumon* 2) Heather Green* 3) Chastity Sloan* 4) Michelle Adams 5) Hazel Nelson 6) Paola Almerico 7) Jelena Abbou 8) Jen Cook 9) Lisa Morton 10) Deb Leung 11) Becky Clawson 12) Danielle Hollenshade 13) Thais Cabrices 14) Shelly Taucher 15) Cheri Lewis 16 tie) Jamie Senuk 16 tie) Alejandra Abdala 16 tie) Marie Gibbon 16 tie) Carina Dupree 16 tie) Claire Parmley 16 tie) Alti Bautista 16 tie) Marie Allegro * qualifies for Olympia