The IFBB Europa Supershow has once again lived up to its name. The 2011 Olympia Weekend is exactly 5 weeks away and that means qualifications are becoming rare. The winners here in Dallas will leave with something more than a check: They get momentum. That’s what makes this show special (or super): The line-ups are packed with both veteran’s looking for a big win before the “O;” as well as rising stars looking to get qualified.
Over 70 competitors across four divisions took the stage today in Dallas and not a single spectator was disappointed. Here’s what went down in the “Big D”:
The contest opened with the Pro Bikini division. This was the smallest division of the day, but that didn’t diminish the level of competition. The first call-out featured reigning Bikini Olympia champ Sonia Gonzales, Dianna Dahlgren, Natalie Pennington, and Jessica Jessie. Pennington and Jessie were moved to the middle, but it’s hard to tell how this will shake out. Gonzales has returned to top form and Dahlgren delivered her best shape to date.
Next up was the Men’s 202 & Under division, which featured 17 competitors. Leading the pack today was Guy Cisternino and Fernando Noronha. It’s tough to pick a winner between them and the judges will have to look hard tomorrow in the final round. Also battling for a top 3 placing is Derik Farnsworth, who delivered his best physique to date.
The Figure ladies were next to grace the stage and it didn’t take long to pick the (likely) winner. Ava Cowan brought beauty and polish to a well balanced physique and stood out amongst the 25 ladies on stage. The surprise of the show came in the form of Deena Walsh, who might land in the runner-up position. The San Diego native displayed conditioning and great proportions that proved tough to match. Heather Dees also made a strong showing, but perhaps not her best. After finishing second in Pittsburgh and New York, Dees set a lofty standard that she failed to match on this day.
Last up in a quick moving pre-judging was the Men’s Bodybuilding division. The show was wide open on paper, but the cream quickly rose to the top as the posing began. Toney Freeman looks to be the front-runner heading into Saturday. While the X-Man was not at his best, his size and symmetry were tough to match. Pushing Freeman hard was Ed Nunn and Shawn Rhoden. Both were in great condition, but lacked the size to out-pose Freeman. It’s going to be close, so if Freeman shows up Saturday off the mark, both Nunn and Rhoden will have a shot at the win. Fourth and fifth looks like a battle between old foes Mike Liberatore and Mark Alvisi. Look for the judges to give every guy a hard look Saturday to figure out which man will come out on top.
For more analysis and breakdown of the 2011 IFBB Europa Supershow pre-judging:
