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![]() By: Gene X Hwang
A show that has been around but is gaining tracking is the Gary Udit's Teen, Collegiate and Masters Nationals. One of the reasons may be because of the awarding of pro status for the overall winners of the figure over 35 and bodybuilding over 35. This year the cards went to Stephanie Togrul in figure and Kim Buck in bodybuilding. About the only problem the show had was the length of the shows - both in pre-judging and finals, since it has grown so much. Also, on the collegiate side of things, there were enough athletes although the overall collegiate figure champion, Ali Huston, was definitely deserving. Huston could easily compete on an open stage at the National level, so keep an eye out for the young Nebraskan. Back to the topic of pro cards, figure has exploded since it was introduced for various reasons. Many would point out that it's because it offers an 'easier' alternative to fitness as it does without the routine round. Others might say it's because the look is more marketable and less extreme than in bodybuilding. While both may be true, another reason is that there are so many opportunities to turn pro. Each year nearly 30 women can turn pro in figure, while in bodybuilding it's just eight per year (in the US - just ONE in Canada!). Additionally those numerous new pros are often eager to compete as newly minted pros and they fill out the competition rosters for the pro competitions. The same is not the case in women's bodybuilding but where they have added pro cards, the results have been that more women are competing and the caliber of competition has improved. Based on that, it might be something for the NPC to consider offering more pro cards (on a merit basis of course). At the USA's for example, if there is an athlete whose good enough, perhaps they can award a second pro card to that person in addition to the one overall winner. It certainly can't hurt women's bodybuilding and could help spark more athletes to compete both as pros and amateurs. With the impressive lineup and champions at the Masters nationals in mind, perhaps the NPC can take a look at this option, and perhaps take it under consideration in Las Vegas.
1) Kristen Mundo
1) Lisa Aranda
1) Debbie Bramwell
1) Kim Buck*
1) Angela Sales
1) Marcia Ferguson
1) LeeAnn Thompson
1) Victoria Larvie
1) Whitney Franklin
1) Cassandra Yoho * eligible for IFBB pro card
1) Tivisay Bricero
1) Stephanie Togrul
1) Tracy Guarino
1) Catherine Zidell
1) Catherine Zidell
1) Mary Ann Trovato
1) Constance Kacheris
1) Ali Huston * eligible for IFBB pro card
2005 NPC Nationals Results. Go here. 2004 NPC Nationals Results. Go here. 2003 NPC Nationals Results. Go here. 2002 NPC Nationals Results. Go here.Gene X Hwang Recommend this article to a friend by e-mail here! Visitor Reviews Of This Article!
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Overall: Kim Buck*
2005 NPC Nationals Results.





