2009 Figure International Competitors

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Gina Aliotti

In everything in life, there's always that one young individual that you can pick out to be a future leader. Depending on the field, the person can be a future icon. I know there will never be another Monica Brant, but if I can pick just one person that could carry the torch and become the next top IFBB icon, it would without a shadow of a doubt be Gina Aliotti. She's in her 20s, but she has accomplished more than most twice her age. She's in the top ten at every competition she's participated in, and has taking the IFBB figure division by storm. Her physique is the embodiment of what figure should be all about, and the jugdes are seeming in agreement with that statement. Her biggest achievement to date took place in 2008, when she became only the third Figure International Champion and one of the youngest competitors to win at the Arnold Classic at age 23. She will be looking to add the Figure Olympia title to her impressive resume, a title which many people (including yours truly) see her winning sooner rather than later. For now, she will be aiming to retain the Figure International title when she defends it in March. By the time she reaches 30, there's no telling what kind of legacy she will leave on the sport.

Huong Arcinas

Many people have labeled Huong as one of the "perfect" figure competitors, and how can you argue? She has developed a physique that would be the perfect model to make for trophies the federation use. 2008 was one heck of a year for her, as she competed in contest after contest until she qualified for the Olympia, then ended her year with her first pro win at the Sacramento Pro Figure and a guaranteed spot at the 2009 Figure Olympia. She will be looking to continue her formula of success when she competes in her first Arnold in a few weeks.

Monica Brant

When it comes to legends, there may not be on as worldwide as Monica Brant. There's just something about her that makes her a standout. Even those who have no idea what the female muscle industry is knows who Monica Brant is. That's how big of a grab she has on people. It doesn't matter if her look is "hard" or "soft" on stage, she always wows her fans with her beauty and physique. Many have said that her 2003 Figure Olympia look was off the charts, and one of her best packages...ever. She may have won just one Olympia title (1998 Fitness), but there's no denying the impact she's made in this industy, and the impact she will continue to bring for years to come. In fact, she will be looking to show the figure competitors in March why she is one of the best in the IFBB when she competed in her first Arnold Classic since 2006.

Heather Mae French

Heather is known for doing the model pose, as demonstrated on the pic above. With each contest, she gets better and better. Last year, she competed in four contest (including the Olympia), with top ten places in each of them. She will be looking to make a splash in her Arnold debut. Heather's ready for her close-up!

Amy Fry

If contests were decided by height, Amy would beat everyone, hands down. At five foot nine, Amy Fry will be one of the tallest female competitors in any of the female divisions. She will be entering her second Arnold this year, with a LOT to maintain. She lost out on the title only to the current Figure Olympia and reigning Figure International. She went on to win the Pittsburgh Pro, runner-up at the Atlantic City Pro, and then placed in the top ten at the Olympia. Look for Amy to be a serious threat to the Figure International title in March.

Sonia (Adcock) Gonzales

Sonia has proven time and time again that she's one of the top figure competitors around. She has placed no lower than sixth in every contest she's been a part of so far, including being in the top five in the past two Arnolds. She has changed her look a bit, which will only help her in the long run. She has already secured herself a spot in the 2009 Figure Olympia with a sixth place finish, but something tells me that she will be looking to place higher than sixth in March.

Lenay Hernandez

Lenay is a relatively new pro, as she turned pro in 2008. but already she has made strides in becoming a top IFBB figure competitor. She made her debut in the Houston Pro and placed second and placed one spot shy of the top ten at the Olympia. She will enter her first Arnold with hopes of continuing her quest to be one of the best in the industry.

Georgina Lona

Georgina will be bringing some international flavor into the Figure International as she's set to make her pro debut. She became pro last year after winning her class and the overall title at the North Americans. The winners of the North Americans have a good track record of successful figure career runs, like Jane Awad, a former North American champion and a three-time Arnold Classic participant (2005-2007). If this is any indication, Georgina could have a great career ahead of her, and it will begin in Columbus, Ohio in a matter of weeks.

Juliana Malacarne

Juliana Malacarne is the Monica Brant of Brazil. There may not be a more popular international star than Juliana. Her physique rivals most lightweight bodybuilders, but she carries her muscle with the grace and style of a figure competitor. Those who were unfamiliar with her were in for a treat at the Arnold last year when she made her Arnold debut. I think other then Gina Aliotti and Jennifer Gates, Juliana was the most photographed figure competitor out there, and it's now question why. Now the fans of the more muscular figure physique will get a special treat when Juliana shares the same stage with Monica. But the real icing on the cake will be if she can find the right formula to getting a top six placing and a chance to shine at the Olympia stage. Look for Miss Malacarne to come in her best physique and conditioning yet in Columbus.

Zivile Raudoniene

I ain't gonna like to you all, I didn't see Zivile coming at all in 2008. The "figure Barbie" as some call her, Zivile has proven to many international critics out there that international stars CAN be successful in the States. She is a two-time defending New York Pro Figure champion, but it was the 2008 Figure Olympia that sealed the deal as a top star. She went from a 12th place Olympia debut in 2007 to an unbelievable third place finish in 2008. Moving up nine spots in the biggest contest in the world is an amazing accomplishment, especially for an international star. She will be looking to add more awards and shocked even more people in 2009, starting in her Arnold debut in March. If you don't know Zivile, you will.

Kristal Richardson

Kristal is no doubt a beautiful woman, being the spokesperson for Tight Curves. She turned pro in 2006 and has done well so far in her pro career.Krystal made her Arnold debut last year and placed in the top ten. Personally, I predict big things to happen in her pro career as she moves forward into 2009 and beyond.

Felicia Romero

When the new figure guidelines were establish, there was probably no other competitor that fit the bill of "poster girl" quite like Felicia Romero. Last year, she won the Houston Pro and California Pro, yet shockingly (to me) placed 18th at the Olympia. Honestly, I don't think she will ever be that low again. Look for Felicia to show the IFBB why she won two contests in the same year as she competes in her very first Figure International.

Sherlyn Roy

Sherlyn has competed in the NPC for quite a while. She was able to find that winning combination to propel her into pro status in 2008 when she won her class and the overall title at the 2008 Team Universe. She will be making her pro debut at the Arnold Classic in hopes of becoming one of figure's top stars in the long run.

Chasity Slone

Chasity has competed in a lot of contests, and the Arnold has been one of her top events. In 2006, she placed fourth. In 2007, she placed seventh, Last year, she placed fourth. This year, she would like to repeat her 2006 and 2008 success or better.

Brenda Marie Smith

Brenda is quickly becoming a top IFBB star with her physique and personality. She will be entering her first Arnold, looking to show that she's ready to be among the best in the world. She got a taste of that at the Olympia last year, and thanks to her win at the Kentucky Pro in November, she will be heading to the 2009 Olympia, so this show can be either a warm-up for her, or a change to kick off the 2009 season with a bang. I'm going with the second choice.

Erin Stern

I can't say too much about Erin because...well...she's not competed much. I can say that Erin has what it takes to be a top star quick. Why? Let's look at the evidence: 2008 NPC Nationals, her first national show. She wins her class and the overall title. Dang, that didn't take long. Now she makes the Arnold her pro debut. Welcome to the big leagues, Erin. Time to see what you can bring to the table as an IFBB figure competitor.

Latisha Wilder

If there is one person that I can bet will get a great ovation at the Arnold, it will have to be Latisha. She is the hometown girl, so it's no surprise that the Arnold is one of her top events. She is one of the must underrated competitors out there, as many people think she should place higher than she does, with yours truly being one of those people. Who knows? Maybe we could be in for a shock this March and see Latisha take the whole thing. Either way, you can be sure with her family and friends in attendance, Latisha will come out of the Figure International a winner no matter what.

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