Two out of the top three from the 2008 Figure Olympia are MIA going into September’s showdown in Las Vegas. ’08 champion Jennifer Gates’ pregnancy and 2009 Figure International winner Zivile Raudoniene’s decision to pursue other interests has sparked debate as to who the frontrunner will be this year.
WHAT: Figure Olympia WHERE: Las Vegas, Nevada WHEN: Friday, September 25; Saturday, September 26 PREJUDGING: 11 a.m. PST, Las Vegas Convention Center, South Hall FINALS: September 26, 7:00 p.m. PST, Orleans Arena FOR MORE INFO: Go to https://www.flexonline.com/mrolympia/owomen
Gina Ailotti, runner-up the last two years, is an early favorite. Nicole Wilkins-Lee – winner of the 2009 Orlando Show of Champions and the 2009 New York Pro Figure Championships – as well as Jessica Putnam, the 2009 Jacksonville Pro winner, are both looking to make their mark as well.
We spoke with Aliotti, Wilkins-Lee and Putnam to hear what they had to say about this year’s show.
GINA ALIOTTI Age 25 Height 5’5″ Weight 128 pounds Country of Birth United States Current Residence San Diego, California Olympia History 2006, 6th; 2007, 2nd; 2008, 2nd
FLEX: Two of the top three from last years contest are not competing, so who is the favorite this year and why?
ALIOTTI: My heart is telling me Gina Aliotti for 2009 Figure Olympia. My success has already been achieved through my belief in myself and the balance I have obtained.
FLEX: I predict the first callout will be
ALIOTTI: There are so many quality physiques and names that the top five will be a surprise to everyone. Who knows what everyone will bring but all I know is the only thing I can control is me and I’ll be presenting my absolute best.
FLEX: The competitor I want to be compared to most (and why) is: (please don’t say “everyone.”)
ALIOTTI: There are so many names on the list. My gut feeling is that there is going to be a lot of movement with the call outs and I hope this is true, as the competition will be tough.
ALIOTTI: Did you really have to ask this? Heather is coming off a couple of show titles and carries a very tiny, yet curvy physique. Kristal always brings a well-conditioned, beautiful physique. Amy carries a sleek and strong build with long lines that always catch the eyes of the judges. It is going to be a battle for those top three spots!
Two out of the top three from the 2008 Figure Olympia are MIA going into September’s showdown in Las Vegas. ’08 champion Jennifer Gates’ pregnancy and 2009 Figure International winner Zivile Raudoniene’s decision to pursue other interests has sparked debate as to who the frontrunner will be this year.
WHAT: Figure Olympia WHERE: Las Vegas, Nevada WHEN: Friday, September 25; Saturday, September 26 PREJUDGING: 11 a.m. PST, Las Vegas Convention Center, South Hall FINALS: September 26, 7:00 p.m. PST, Orleans Arena FOR MORE INFO: Go to https://www.flexonline.com/mrolympia/owomen
Gina Ailotti, runner-up the last two years, is an early favorite. Nicole Wilkins-Lee – winner of the 2009 Orlando Show of Champions and the 2009 New York Pro Figure Championships – as well as Jessica Putnam, the 2009 Jacksonville Pro winner, are both looking to make their mark as well.
We spoke with Aliotti, Wilkins-Lee and Putnam to hear what they had to say about this year’s show.
NICOLE WILKINS-LEE Age 25 Height 5’5″ Weight 127 pounds Country of Birth United States Current Residence Sterling Heights, Michigan Olympia History 2008, 9th
FLEX: Two of the top three from last year’s contest are not competing, so who is the favorite this year and why?
WILKINS-LEE: I think that because two of the top three are out, the title is so wide open and up for grabs. There are tons of great girls competing who deserve to win.
Two out of the top three from the 2008 Figure Olympia are MIA going into September’s showdown in Las Vegas. ’08 champion Jennifer Gates’ pregnancy and 2009 Figure International winner Zivile Raudoniene’s decision to pursue other interests has sparked debate as to who the frontrunner will be this year.
WHAT: Figure Olympia WHERE: Las Vegas, Nevada WHEN: Friday, September 25; Saturday, September 26 PREJUDGING: 11 a.m. PST, Las Vegas Convention Center, South Hall FINALS: September 26, 7:00 p.m. PST, Orleans Arena FOR MORE INFO: Go to https://www.flexonline.com/mrolympia/owomen
Gina Ailotti, runner-up the last two years, is an early favorite. Nicole Wilkins-Lee – winner of the 2009 Orlando Show of Champions and the 2009 New York Pro Figure Championships – as well as Jessica Putnam, the 2009 Jacksonville Pro winner, are both looking to make their mark as well.
We spoke with Aliotti, Wilkins-Lee and Putnam to hear what they had to say about this year’s show.
JESSICA PUTNAM Age 26 Height 5’4½” Weight 115 pounds Country of Birth United States Current Residence Knoxville, Tennessee Olympia History 2006, 11th; 2008, 14th
FLEX: Two of the top three from last year’s contest are not competing, so who is the favorite this year and why?
PAXSON-PUTNAM: I don’t think there is a favorite going into the show and that is exciting. I’m hoping to see some fresh faces in the top callout and for the win.
PAXON-PUTNAM: Heather Mae French. She has a great shape, the perfect amount of muscle and conditioning and a nice over all look – what figure should be.
