Figure Class B is shaping up to be very interesting because there are a lot of competitors carrying a good deal of muscle and there's also
only a handful of athletes who have experienced a top five placing in a national level show. In other words, this class is likely to be wide
open and we may see an improved competitor or two come out of nowhere and mount a challenge. But in our minds, we have to start with beautiful Californian
Monica Mark. We feel that Monica is a
future IFBB pro with an ideal figure physique, even though she was overlooked at Junior Nationals in Chicago. She has been coming in tighter and more streamlined
than last year, when she placed 5th in New York and 6th in Las Vegas. Look for Monica to bounce back with a vengeance at this show.
The winner of the B class at Masters and a top contender for Vegas is someone we have had our eye on since she came in looking absolutely stunning
at last year's Figure Nationals. Michigan's Shannon Bennett
has made the adjustments that we would expect from someone under the guidance of Mike Davies, slightly trimming her upper body and keeping her lower body definition even
with a minimally softer look. Shannon is a natural beauty with excellent calves (we're happy to see great calves back as a trend among the winners!) and we believe she will
continue her 2008 ascent and place in the top five. Shannon has an excellent chance at a card either in Cleveland or New York.
Michele Suszek will
be returning to compete on the campus of her alma mater, and she still holds 5,000 meter and steeplechase records from during her days at UNLV. The thing that we find most impressive
about her is not just her outstanding physique (she is the reigning Colorado figure champion) but the fact that earlier this year she ran a marathon in 2 hours and 46 minutes. How do you
even do that while maintaining her level of muscle mass? And is the steeplechase that event where you jump over hurdles and land in pools of water? We're unsure on both answers, but
needless to say we're very impressed.
There are several other competitors who have a strong chance to contend for the top, including Texan
Aketa Thomas who has
excellent delt caps and a very strong back. We love the muscle quality and vascularity of Hawaiian champion
Sarah Nakajima, who has a bodybuilding
background. She presents a total package and has an excellent stage presence, so we think she will be noticed and may crack the top five.
NPC San Diego class champion Lisa Sandercock
is one of our personal favorites but we'll see if she's carrying too much mass based on this year's
judging criteria. Mandy Henderson is very beautiful and
has great symmetry which really allows her to stand out in her one piece, while Mary Cencich has
a real opportunity to move up if she comes in a little tighter than she did in Chicago.
Denise Dinger is a true
inspiration to us and to many others and we'll be looking for her to finish in the top
ten as well.
Check out the rest of the Figure Class B contenders by going to the FigureRX USA's coverage page and clicking on each name for photos and contest histories!!
Return to the USA Figure Coverage and Photo Page
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