IFBB North Americans!

[hifrommike65]

A friend of mine is there, & this is what he told me last night. The first Masters Pro show has over 100, of which about 20 are bodybuilders (15 men, 5 women). The bodybuilding part is only open to those who went pro at a masters show (it could have been the Team U masters as well as the Masters Nationals), so that bodybuilding pros who happen to be over 40 can't swoop in & ace them out. The non-bodybuilding (physique, etc.) can be from any pro qualification. Michelle Brent is competing, & the rumor is Rusty Jeffers will be there (someone on FB said he was flying in--but this isn't confirmed). As for the North Americans, over 1000 competitors are registered. For those who don't know, it is IFBB because those qualified nationally with the affiliated organization in Canada & Mexico can compete in it. However, in the US you must be nationally qualified in the NPC for the open show. Masters doesn't require national qualification; you must be a NPC member who has previously competed. As usual, there will be plenty of pro qualifications at stake & it should be a big, exciting show. The pros will compete on Thursday; the men will compete in Friday; & the women will compete on Saturday. All three competition days will have finals that night. Gerry said that the host hotel restaurant (Sheraton Station Square) had made menu changes since the July Teen Collegiate, & Masters contest. & if you opt to forgo room upkeep for one day, you get a $5 voucher for a meal.

[swingslammer]

I think it will be cool to see what true "Masters" competitors can do? Once again I wish there were more women competing....what is up with that?

[hifrommike65]

Update from Gerry today:

Rusty is definitely in the pro over 50! Not sure who else is in the 50 group. Heard that the pro over 40s are Derek Upshaw, Rob Youells, Canadian Rob Belisle and Big Sean Allan! Think Derek and Rob Y turned pro at Team U, and Belisle and Sean at over 40 North American. Belisle is outsized (been competing in 212), but his conditioning can compete. Bill Young and Greg Krause in over 60, not sure about any 70s. Plus Michelle Brent and Amy Sibcy among the women, so bb will be interesting. Quality competition.

North American athlete total is 1,035 which supposedly does not double count crossovers! Biggest national level show to date (international actually). Not sure if Nationals will be quite that big, since it is open only, but it could. Economy may not be flourishing, but competition is! Shows will be long!

[carrie ann simmons]

Gonna be a good show!

[sassy69]

This is always a great show!

[carrie ann simmons]

it's sad that a person, who wins their PRO CARD at 40, n an open class, CAN NOT COMPETE.

I really do not think that is fair to those of that age. so they have to compete n the PRO OPEN CLASSES. again NOT FAIR. yet it's Gray's shows.

I think the rule is there because of the number of guys that get their cards at masters competitions who *may* not be competitive on an open stage. If you get your card at 40 at a non-masters pro qualifier, you're able to be competitive on the open stage.

[hifrommike65]

Exactly. Only one man who went pro at the Masters Nationals won an IFBB pro show (Don Youngblood), & many of them didn't even bother to compete when they had masters pro shows, because people like Dexter swept in & aced them out. Women BBs have had better luck. Kim Buck, for instance, won a pro show not too long ago. As I understand it, Gary is trying to flatten the playing field for masters bodybuilders who went pro at the masters level. But this is a work in progress, & we'll see if he makes adjustments for next year.

[tammyp]

ill be there! come see me at species!

[tammyp]

pro list

http://www.ifbbpro.com/events/2014-i...championships/

[carrie ann simmons]

ill be there! come see me at species!

I will for sure!

[hifrommike65]

Another update. James Hampton is doing the 60s. Kim Buck is doing the women's masters pro. Lee Apperson is there, probably doing the 50s. Dave Marinelli is doing the 60s. Rusty is doing the 50s. Vicki Nixon is doing the women's physique (I believe that's what Gerry said). It's going to be wild on Thursday! Prejudge starts at 10:00!

[lgcanski]

Clairification: robert belisle turned pro at canadian nationals winning the masters class. As for the possible upswing in the amount of canadian competitors at NA's, the CBBF recently adjusted their rules to allow national level athletes more opportunities to compete for pro cards and compete abroad. In years past you had to place top 3 nationally in your class to compete at NA's. As of 2014 they allow top 15 the opportunity to compete.

Also, gary udit is doing a wonderful thing by promoting the masters pro show! This is a great opportunity for athletes and promotors! Just my 2 cents

[hifrommike65]

Thank you! Gary Udit is a personal hero of mine. So is Vicki Nixon.

http://www.bodybuildingreviews.net/v...ndThePain.html

[warthog]

They should do that at every show. You're either in the open or the Masters.They shouldn't allow guys to come in from other classes and compete with,say a guy who is in his 50s.It has to be demoralising for the 'real masters' when that happens.

[hifrommike65]

Here is Gerry's check-in with me after prejudge of the masters pros:

Prejudge ended just before 12:30, went very well. Classes were competitive. Looks like Rusty came in sharp with improved legs. Think he is the one to beat, although Tim McGuire was very competitive. Good group of 50s. 40s and 60s look close. Brad Davis very good in 40s, and Greg Krause looks like one to beat in 60s.

Had 35, 45 and 55 for women bb and Michelle Brent did all three! She will probably win 55. Kim Buck looks one to beat in 45s and even 35s!

Vicki Nixon looks no worse than 2nd in 45 physique. Was in first callout and called back with another lady. Too close to call for me! Figure and bikini also very good. Lot of crossovers.