It’s hard to deny at this point that Iris Kyle is among the best female bodybuilders on the planet. At her best her muscularity is stunning, with calves and a rear lat spread that could hold their own on any men’s stage, and on this day she looks very near her best. And yet, a fifth Olympia win is by no means a done deal, thanks to an incredible Heather Armbrust.
If there’s any difference in Kyle this year, besides her bob hair style, it’s improved aesthetics. Her waist looks smaller than ever, which accentuates her natural shoulder width. Ironically, with her new streamlined physique, Iris is being outsized by Armbrust, who also matches Kyle in conditioning.
Joining Kyle and Armbrust in the day’s first callout were 51-year-old Atlantic City winner Lisa Aukland, super-cut Debi Laszewski and Kyle’s longtime nemesis Yaxeni Oriquen-Garcia.
It’s difficult to tell how that top five will play out as the first callout lineup was switched around a half dozen times. Head judge Sandy Williams even made a point of letting everyone know how close a call it was among the top women.
Be sure to check back right here on flexonline.com this evening as we bring you coverage of the Ms. Olympia finals from the Orleans Arena.
