Editor's note: I want to take a moment to congratulate the CBBF on a job well done this year. Over the past few years it seemed the sport was going in a direction unlike that of the NPC and the IFBB pro ranks in the USA. The CBBF was under fire and close scrutiny, some of which was deserved. The oldest federation in Canada was losing disenchanted athletes to upstart organizations looking to make a quick buck. This year, under the guidance of head judge Debbie Karpenko, the federation made an about face which will certainly see a resurgence in popularity of the countries top physique organization. An IFBB pro card is the ultimate goal of anyone who steps on a competitive stage. Any change is difficult and this year the judges were given the undesirable task of choosing between the most muscular physiques of the past and the more aesthetically pleasing physiques of the future. During callouts it was sometimes unclear where the judges were going but inevitably after the dust settled, the choices in general were consistent. It was great to see many drug tested athletes compete and take top honors. Because of the new direction, judging consistency, respect for athletes, organizational skills, affordability, and quality print media coverage (incl. Status Fitness, Musclemag, Oxygen, Muscular Development) the sport is headed in the right direction and the CBBF will see a growth that hasn't been seen in years. Great job to the athletes, judges, volunteers , promoter Cabel McElderry of Fitness F/X and the CBBF executive led by president Mark Smishek.

In 2008, keep an eye out for Figure athlete Kyla Lang of Ontario and Fitness athlete Allison Ethier of Quebec. Being their first year at nationals both made a big impact and will definitely be noticed next year. Allison's routine was on par with Marnie Holly and Chantal Dicaire and with the addition of a few more strength holds and a slightly fuller physique she will be a force to reckon with at future events. But who knows, perhaps Quebec's elegantly graceful Nadia Moussa will re-emerge or BC's powerfully explosive Ocean Bloom will return to contend for an IFBB pro card . Also notably, Newfoundland's Kyla McGrath and Quebec's Cindy Gregoire may return to the Figure stage to seriously contend for top honors.

Congratulations to everyone that made the weekend the best nationals we have seen in many years!

2007 Canadian National Fitness and Figure Championship coverage page brought to you by:
Overall Figure Winner - Jeni Brisco
Overall Fitness - Marnie Holly
Master Figure Winner - CeaAnna Kerr

2007 Canadian National Fitness and Figure Championships, by Asha Belisle

Edmonton, Ab. The 2007 Canadian National Fitness & Figure competition went off without a hitch in Edmonton, Alberta, on June 30th.  An incredible one hundred ladies took turns wowing the audience and judges with their sculpted physiques and high-energy routines. 

 

Most Canadian provinces were very well-represented; athletes came from as far as Newfoundland, in hopes of earning an IFBB Pro card.  Spectators were treated to very competitive classes in Open Figure, Master's Figure and Open Fitness.  Some competitors were stepping on stage for the third time this year, yet they still managed to look in peak condition.

Three of the total seven classes started off with an elimination round.  Only the top fifteen competitors would move on. Once this daunting task was out of the way, the show proceeded smoothly.  The judges had a very difficult job in trying to choose the five best in each class – there was so much talent on that stage.  But, when the time came, the top five were called out in each category.

British Columbia came out with an impressive six top-3 athletes.  Alberta followed closely behind with four top-3 placings, while Ontario and Saskatchewan tied at three.  Manitoba caught up with Quebec at two top-3 finishes, and Nova Scotia closed it up with one third place finish – that win went to Tracy McDonald, the only competitor from Nova Scotia to make the long journey to Edmonton. 

The winner of the Masters' Figure competition joined the overall winners from Figure and Fitness to become the newest Canadians to be eligible to earn their IFBB Pro designations.  CeaAnna Kerr (Master's Figure, SK), Jeni Briscoe (Figure Overall, BC), and Marnie Holley (Fitness Overall, ON) graciously accepted their well-earned awards, thanking their friends and families for their continued love and support. 

Chantal Dicaire, a long-time fitness competitor from Quebec, showed the crowd her outgoing personality and outstanding skill in her intense 90-second fitness routine, which included very strong and powerful dance, gymnastics and strength moves.  She finished as strongly as she started, without flaw, leaving the audience wanting more.  Chantal was the well-deserved winner of the Best Fitness Routine award. 

It was clear throughout the show that the CBBF was going to stick to their newly-adopted judging criteria.  The bigger, harder girls no longer earned the top spots.  It will likely take a few more shows for athletes to understand what is now expected of them – what they should be striving for.  Until then, I do not envy the judges.

This year's show was promoted by Cabel McElderry (his third this year), and he put on another stellar event.  The month of June has been a very busy one here in Alberta, with four shows in a row.  But it isn't over yet.  Edmonton will, once again, see high caliber athletes from all over the country, gathering to compete in the 2007 Canadian National Bodybuilding competition on August 18th.  Until then, eat well, train hard, and enjoy life!! 

2nd Annual David Ford Fitness Model Search, by Asha Belisle

West Edmonton Mall hosted this popular event this year, which drew a fantastic crowd.  A total of thirty-five beautiful girls came out to battle for the esteemed title of 2007 David Ford Fitness Model. These fit and fabulous ladies came from all across Canada – what a great way to celebrate our nation's birthday! 

The model search was yet another fine production by Cabel McElderry of Fitness F/X.  The event was shot by Sights 'n' Sound, and was broadcast over a huge screen for mall visitors to watch from afar. 

The celebrity judging panel included the show's namesake, David Ford, photographer Garry Bartlett (you can see his work in Oxygen, Status Fitness, MuscleMag and more), photographer Larry Niven (seen in Status Fitness and more), Debbie Leung (IFBB Figure Pro), and Leanne Lemire (Winner of 2006 David Ford Fitness Model Search).

Photo to the right is Monika Kovacs, winner of the Fittest Physique at the event.
Muscle Model Winner - Monika Kovacs, ON

Winners were chosen for two separate categories:  Fitness Model and Muscle Model.  Top eight in each class are listed below.

Fitness Model Division Muscle Model Division - judged according to notes and final scores.

1. Heather Robertson
2. Rachel Fernandez
3. Alysha Taylor
Nicole Mason
Kamber Lindenbach
Angie Rempel
Mel Veroba
Diana vanEerdin
Monika Kovacs*, ON (won photo shoot - Fittest Physique Award)
Michelle Krack, BC
Jill Mackey Coldwell, NF
Olga Toleva, BC
Angie Rempel, AB
Sarah Geiger, AB
Louise Sansano, AB
Cheryl Harsch, AB

There was also an award given out for Fittest Physique.  The winner, Monica Kovacs, came out from Ontario to compete in the 2007 Fitness & Figure Nationals the night before the model search.  She won a photo shoot with David Ford – lucky girl! 

The prizes for the top three fitness models included:  Prize money of $1000, Supplements from Magnum Nutraceuticals, Fortis Athletic Wear, Goddess Wear, Power Tan and Nutrition, Consultation with Debbie Leung, IFBB Figure Pro, and beautiful figurine trophies. 

Angie Rempel, a Provincial Figure competitor, took home an ABBA track suit for sporting the best model outfit, which was a cute summer golf ensemble. 

Last but not least - the Overall Fitness Model Search Winner.  Heather Robertson strut her stuff on the HMV stage, right into the hearts of the judging panel.  In addition to the aforementioned prizes, Heather will get a feature in Status Fitness, Inside Fitness and VEX magazines. Keep checking for her coverage! (Photo shoot to likely be done in August.) 

Thanks to all the volunteers, sponsors, spectators and competitors for making the 2nd Annual David Ford Fitness Model Search such a hit!  We'll see you next year!

 

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