Dec. 26, 2007 — Invitations to the Arnold Classic, Fitness International, Figure International and Ms. International have been announced, and the lists reveal some great matchups in all four shows. The event, in its 20th year, will be held February 29-March 2 at Veterans Memorial Auditorium in Columbus, Ohio.

In all, 64 athletes were invited to compete in the four, with all but one of last year’s winners, two-time figure winner Mary Lado (2006-2007), returning to defend their titles. (Lado has chosen not to enter this year.)

On the men’s side, the entire top six returns from a year ago, led by returning champ Victor Martinez. Martinez, the runner-up at the 2007 Olympia, returns hoping for a repeat performance of last year, when he edged past two-time winner Dexter Jackson (2005-2006). On the women’s side, three-time champion Iris Kyle leads the list of invitees, while first-time winner Kim Klein and three-time champ Jenny Hendershott headline the fitness invitees.

Arnold Classic
Melvin Anthony
Gustavo Badell
Adorthus Cherry
Toney Freeman
Kai Greene
DeShaun Grimez
Phil Heath
David Henry
Dexter Jackson
Johnnie Jackson
Victor Martinez
Desmond Miller
Ronny Rockel
Silvio Samuel
Branch Warren

Ms. International
Lisa Aukland
Tracy Beckham
Dayana Cadeau
Tazzie Columb
Iris Floyd Kyle
Kristy Hawkins
Rosemary Jennings
Debi Laszewski
Colette Nelson
Yaxeni Oriquen
Betty Pariso
Brenda Raganot
Annie Rivieccio
Antoinette Thompson
Betty Viana-Adkins

Fitness International
Regiane Da Silva
Tina Durkin
Bethany Gainey
Tracey Greenwood
Oksana Grishina
Jen Hendershott
Kimberly Klein
Julie Lohre
Tanya Merryman
Mindi O’Brien
Julie Palmer
Stacy Simons

Figure International
Sonia Adcock
Gina Aliotti
Paola Almerico
Catherine Andersen
Natalie Benson
Monica Brant-Peckham
Amy Fry
Bernadette Galvan
Jennifer Gates
Deborah Leung
Juliana Malacarne
Kristal Richardson
Chastity Slone
Brenda Marie Smith
Briana Tindall
Valerie Waugaman
Latisha Wilder
Nicole Wilkins