It’s been a long time coming for Troy Alves, but on Saturday afternoon in Orlando, after seven years and 24 contests, he finally stood alone in the winner’s circle by winning the first pro show of his career at the inaugural Europa Show of Champions.
Just two months after placing 11th at the Ironman Pro, where Alves did nothing to deter skeptics who believed his best days were behind him, Alves entered the Show of Champions as an afterthought in a less-than-star-studded lineup. But in Florida the 42-year-old Alves miraculously managed to turn back the clock, entering the Show of Champions in his best condition in years, and possibly since placing eighth at the 2003 Olympia during his rookie year.
Alves’ stiffest challenge came from an improved Hidetada Yamagishi and a slightly off Darrem Charles. While Yamagishi managed to regain the form that saw him place 13th at the 2007 Olympia, Charles continued what has become somewhat of a trend in recent years by entering his first contest of the season lacking his trademark razor-sharp conditioning, much like he did with a pair of sixth-place finishes at the 2007 Keystone Classic and the 2008 Houston Pro. Charles’ subpar outing was enough to move him not only behind Alves, but also behind the runner-up Yamagishi.
Sergey Shelestov (fourth) and Frederic Sauvage (fifth) rounded out the top five.
FIGURE Nicole Wilkins-Lee’s star continued to rise in the professional figure and fitness ranks when the second-year pro notched the first win of her career. Wilkins-Lee, who competes in both professional figure and fitness, cracked the top 10 at both the 2008 Figure Olympia (ninth) and the 2009 Arnold Classic (eighth).
Wilkins-Lee edged past Heather Mae French and Monica Brant, who finished second and third, respectively.
FITNESS One week after winning the New York Pro Fitness Championships for the first win of her career, Shannon Meteraud was back on top in Orlando. Myriam Capes placed second while Mindi O’Brien placed third.
