Nicole Wilkins-Lee looks to make history at the ’10 Figure International
February 27, 2010
By Zack Zeigler
FLEXONLINE.COM
In 2009 at the age of 25, Nicole Wilkins-Lee became the youngest competitor in IFBB history to capture the Figure Olympia, the sports most prestigious honor. Now, the third-year pro looks to make the 2010 Figure International another history-making event.
If Wilkins-Lee, who turned pro by winning the overall figure and fitness titles at the ’07 Team Universe, can manage to capture the ’10 Figure International crown on Friday, March 5 in Columbus, Ohio, it would do more than extend her current winning streak to four (in addition to the Figure O she won the New York Pro and Europa Show of Champions in ’09); it would add even more luster to the Michigan phenom’s already impressive resume by making her the only competitor to simultaneously reign as the Figure O and Figure International champ.
To turn this into reality, Wilkins-Lee will face a stacked field of hungry competitors. Expect challengers Heather Mae-French (3rd at the ’09 Olympia and 7th at the ’07 Ms. International), Erin Stern (6th at the Figure O and 10th at the ’09 Ms. International) to vie for spots in the top six.
Newcomer Mindi Smith, who won her pro debut at the ’10 Phoenix Pro less than two weeks ago, could also make some noise in the top six. Smith turned pro by winner her class and the overall at the ’09 NPC Nationals last November.
But don’t count out veteran Monica Brant’s — chances at another top six finish. Brant, who has a flurry of second-place Ms. International finishes (2003-06), is nearing the end of her career but would like nothing more than to do so on a high note.
What do you think? Will Nicole Wilkins-Lee make history? Let us know your thoughts in the FLEX Forums.
