2008 NPC Junior Nationals Contest Report - Figure Class A
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Class B deviated from the norm just a bit
for a few reasons, the first being the presence of rising superstar Julie Kulla from Minnesota. Julie
dominated the class and also won the overall figure title, partly by bridging the gap between last year's and this year's
judging criteria. She brought just enough conditioning and hardness to please the old guard, while also
exhibiting fitness model beauty and a healthy overall look. Because of her superb genetic frame Julie was also able to
create an illusion of size, and the additions to her mass were just enough to allow her to move to the top after
an 8th place finish here last year. Julie deservedly swept the two piece round and we would have awarded her the one
piece round as well.
In addition to the judging changes, another shift to note is that competing frequently
does not seem to be something that is rewarded as often these days in the NPC, as a number of pro card winners previously competed only once
or twice in a year. Julie only did Junior Nationals last year, and she returned in 2008 for the win after taking the overall at a local show for
a warm-up. That doesn't work for everyone of course, but quality this year has been more important than quantity, so if you are a competitor
pick your moments and make sure you are at your best when you have an opportunity at the national level.
Keep in mind that it's also possible that, in a sport that is unfortunately
often driven by the goal of separating athletes from the money in their wallets, that the NPC may wish to keep
frequent competitors around because they represent "sure thing" entry fees.
The second major thing that made Class B unique was that the first
one piece call-outs on Friday included only three athletes: Julie, Liza Kampstra from Colorado, and Soleivi Hernandez, who
was coming off a 3rd place finish in Charleston. Liza swept the one piece round and took second (up from 5th here last year) while Soleivi ultimately ended up in fifth. Perennial contendor Melody
Clere from Florida placed third in her two piece and third in the class, while Josie Zamora, a high school
teacher from El Paso, Texas, impressed us a great deal and finished in fourth largely based on the strength of her stunning body lines in her one piece
and her strong presentation. Josie had one of the best skin tone and posing suit combinations of the class and reminds us a lot of Felicia
Romero.
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