It’s shaping up to be a classic weekend in the IFBB with the Powerhouse Classic in Movi, Michigan and the Optimum Classic in Shreveport, Louisiana.
POWERHOUSE CLASSIC: NOVI, MICHIGAN
Forty-nine competitors will take the stage in three divisions – Figure, Bikini and Men’s Physique. In Figure, four of the top seven from last week’s Pittsburgh Pro will compete, including winner Gennifer Strobo. Strobo, who will look to notch back-to-back wins for the first time in her career, will have to contend with a lineup that includes a pair of veterans with Olympia experience making their first appearances of the year in Monica Specking (2012 Optimum Classic winner) and Allison Frahn.
In Bikini, both Courtney King and Stacey Alexander already have wins – and Olympia qualifications – under their belts this season. The 19-year-old King won for the first time in her career at the Orlando Show of Champions two weeks ago, while Alexander’s win at the MuscleContest Pro was the second of her career. Ashley Kaltwasser, who finished second in back-to-back contests at the Europa Show of Champions and Pittsburgh Pro, should be in the mix once again.
Michael Anderson stands alone as the only Men’s Physique competitor with a win on his resume. Anderson, who placed third at the Pittsburgh Pro last weekend, notched the first win of his career at the Europa Show of Champions.
OPTIMUM CLASSIC: SHREVEPORT, LOUISIANA
Karina Nascimento and Karin Hobbs won the first two professional contests in the history of the Women’s Physique division a year ago. Nascimento will be making her 2013 debut, while Hobbs placed third at the MuscleContest Pro in her first outing of the year. Venus Nguyen, who finished one spot ahead of Hobbs at the MuscleContest Pro, will also make the trip to Shreveport.
COMPETITOR LISTS
POWERHOUSE CLASSIC
BIKINI
FIGURE
MEN’S PHYSIQUE
OPTIMUM CLASSIC
WOMEN’S PHYSIQUE
