The 2024 Mexico Grand Battle Pro was held in Monterrey, Mexico, on the weekend of Aug. 31-Sept. 1, 2024, and it featured two 2024 Olympia Weekend qualifying shows for the Men’s Physique and Bikini divisions. The winners would be eligible to compete at the Olympia in Las Vegas, NV, on Oct. 10-13, 2024, if they had not previously qualified before this show. 

The winners in Monterrey were Mauro Fialho (Men’s Physique) and Reyna Perez Mecalco (Bikini). Melcaco was already qualified, meaning no Bikini Olympia qualification was awarded.

2024 Mexico Grand Battle Pro Results

The final placings for both contests in Monterrey are below.

Men’s Physique

Mauro Fialho (Spain)

Joshua Guidry (United States)

Pedro Lima (Brazil)

Alessandro Cavagnola (Italy)

Jorge Hernandez (United States)

Luis Santamaria (Mexico)

Shun Kaneko (Japan)

Sebastian Rodriguez (Mexico)

St. Michael Moodie (Jamaica)

Yashar Anbari (Mexico)

Tan Dhaliwal (United States)

Juan Florez Paredes (Colombia)

Alex Vazquez (United States)

Anthony Scalza (United States)

Ricardo Alfredo Villarreal Narvaez (Mexico)

Bikini

Reyna Perez Melcaco (Mexico)

Tianna Weymouth (United States)

Kiki Cunningham (United States)

Eli Fernandez (Mexico)

Lizzie Martinez (United States)

Itzel Reyes Ouviert (Mexico)

Cinthia Beltran (United States)

Roxana Marquez (Mexico)

Ekaterina Opekunova (Russia)

Deanna Dang (United States)

Anastacia Spragans (United States)

Daniela Benitez (United States)

Ruiz Alonso Maria (Mexico)

Jasmine Williams (United States)

Courtney Ustrzycki (Mexico)

Tied for 16th

Treasure Boston (United States)

Paola Leon (Mexico)

Fran Llamas (United States)

Rosario Orihuela Hammadi (Spain)

[Related: 2024 IFBB Pro League Masters World Championships Bodybuilding Show Results]

[Related: 2024 Alina Popa Classic Pro Women’s Bodybuilding Show Results]

Men’s Physique Winner — Mauro Fialho

Fialho was fourth at the 2024 Colombia Pro on the weekend of July 20-21, 2024, but he looked much leaner and more confident here, which helped him win and qualify for the Men’s Physique Olympia. If he competes at the Olympia, it will be his second consecutive appearance. He was tied for 16th in 2023.

Bikini Division Winner — Reyna Perez Melcaco

Fans that follow the division may be confused, but this is not an error. Reyna Perez Melcaco entered and won the 2024 RGV Classic Pro in McAllen, TX on Aug. 31, 2024. She then traveled to Monterrey and won this show as well. It’s unknown how often this has occurred, but it is a notable achievement for her. As a result, she kept two other competitors from qualifying for the Olympia.

This is her third show of the season, and her third Mexico Grand Battle Pro win in her career. She has confirmed that she will now focus on the Bikini Olympia.

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The post 2024 Mexico Grand Battle Pro Bodybuilding Show Results appeared first on BarBend.

With the 2024 CrossFit Games in the rearview mirror, we’re officially in the offseason. Though, the word offseason is a little misleading in this case.

There is a healthy competition schedule between the start of September 2024 and early February 2025, when next year’s Open will likely kick off.

Many Games-level athletes will participate in at least one competition over the next six months. For many, determining when to compete, when to have focused training cycles, and when to rest and heal from the nagging injuries they picked up throughout the season is a juggling act.

Still, you can expect plenty of world-class performances and nail-biting event finishes over the next six months.

Here is your guide to the major events taking place this offseason.

The Big Ones

Rogue Invitational — November 8-10, 2024

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The toughest competition of the offseason schedule is held by equipment manufacturer Rogue. This year marks the sixth running of the Rogue Invitational and the first to take place in Europe as athletes venture to Aberdeen, Scotland. 

Rogue will invite at least 10 athletes based on their ranking system. The remaining competitors earn an invite through an online qualifier known simply as “The Q.”

“The Q” runs September 5-9. Learn more here. 

With a prize purse that rivals the CrossFit Games, you can count on the best athletes in the world showing up.

TYR Wodapalooza Miami — Dates TBA

Like Canadian geese and retired New Yorkers, the CrossFit community migrates south to Florida every winter for an annual fitness festival. 

TYR Wodapalooza brings together a global field of elite athletes that few, if any, other competitions can match.

TYR Wodapalooza hosts an individual competition that gives athletes a chance to test themselves prior to the beginning of the Games season. That’s paired with a team competition that also gives athletes a way to compete with their friends. From a fan’s perspective, this is one of the most fun competitions of the year to watch.

The Exhibitions

Two new events on the CrossFit calendar bring together big names from the sport and put them in a team environment, giving fans an exciting change to the competition experience.

TYR Wodapalooza SoCal — September 20-22, 2024

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TYR Wodapalooza SoCal is having its inaugural event this September in Huntington Beach, CA. 

While event host Loud and Live looks to recreate its incredibly successful community competition in Miami, the elites will compete in the TYR Cup.

The TYR Cup has athletes competing on two teams: Team North America, captained by Danielle Brandon and Patrick Vellner, and Team World, led by Tia-Clair Toomey-Orr and Björgvin Karl Guðmundsson. 

The exhibition has the athletes compete in a series of events in various configurations as a team and as individuals.

FitFest UK — December 6-8, 2024

The elite showcase is entering its second year at FitFest UK. 

Similar to TYR Wodapalooza SoCal, it brings together athletes from around the world in a Europe vs. the world format. 

In July, the captains for the squads were announced, and the FitFest media team is currently rolling out the remainder of the competitors.

Emma McQuaid and Bjorgvin Karl Guðmundsson will captain Team Europe.

Arielle Loewen and Ricky Garard will captain Team World.

Other Competitions of Note

The Northern California Classic — September 6-8, 2024

Also known as the NorCal Classic, the competition got started after Regionals disappeared from the CrossFit landscape and has built a reputation for being a great event for the elite and community athletes alike. 

The 2024 field includes half of the CrossFit Games Demo team, with Colten Mertens, Tudor Magda, and Trista Smith listed to compete. 

Fan favorite and defending champion Sean Sweeney, along with past Games athletes Elijah Muhammad and Carolyne Prevost, also headline the elite field.

Crash Crucible — October 11-13, 2024

Held in North Carolina in early October, Crash Crucible brings together a strong field full of Semifinalists and a few Games athletes in a three-day event. 

Last year, fans saw the emergence of Austin Hatfield as he stood on top of the podium ahead of Colten Mertens, Jack Rozema, and 2024’s Fittest Man on Earth, James Sprague.

The 2024 lineup looks just as stacked with the recent announcement of Games athletes Caroline Stanley and Kyra Milligan as competitors.

Down Under Championship — October 18-20, 2024

The Down Under Championship gives fans a sneak peek of what to expect at the Torian Pro Semifinal. 

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This is the premier offseason competition in Australia that brings out the best from Oceania, as well as a few athletes from the Northern Hemisphere looking to escape to the warm, sunny climate of New South Wales. 

Peter Ellis (first), Maddie Sturt(first), and Grace Walton (third) all finished on the podium at last year’s Down Under Championship before earning their ticket to the CrossFit Games in 2024.

Dubai Fitness Championship — December 6-8, 2024

The Dubai Fitness Championship is held in late December and touts a mix of CrossFit Games veterans and hopefuls, which always makes for an exciting competition. 

Each year, organizers also plan an off-site event that creates a once-in-a-lifetime experience for athletes. 

In 2022, athletes ran up all 160 stories of Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, while in 2021, athletes did a running/ski-erg event in an indoor ski hill.

The Fittest Experience — Date TBA

Held in Austin, TX, The Fittest Experience is one of the last competitions of the season.  The field is full of Semifinalists from across North America as they look to gain valuable experience ahead of the CrossFit Games season. 

Over the last four years, athletes from The Fittest Experience have gone on to compete at the CrossFit Games, making the competition a great place to see up-and-coming athletes before they surprise the world at Semifinals.

The Big Picture 

There will be a steady stream of CrossFit over the next few months, with competitions happening every couple of weeks. 

These events allow fans to find new favorites as the spotlight lands on athletes who don’t always get the same level of recognition during the CrossFit season.

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The post Your Guide to the Major 2024 CrossFit Offseason Events appeared first on BarBend.

The 2024 IFBB Pro League Masters World Championships were held in Pittsburgh, PA, from Aug. 31 to Sept. 1, 2024. With the Masters Olympia absent for the 2024 season, this served as the top event for Masters athletes. Ten divisions were featured, and athletes were allowed to compete in multiple divisions.

This event was not a 2024 Olympia Weekend qualifying event, but the winners will be allowed to apply for a spot on the 2025 Masters Olympia stage, which will be held in Tokyo, Japan, on Aug. 22-23, 2025.

2024 IFBB Pro League Masters World Championships Roster

The final placings for all divisions are below, listed by age group.

Men’s Open 40+

Michael Ely (United States)

Daniel Hughes (United States)

Ricardo Bertoloto (United States)

Michael Mckenzie Sr. (United States)

Men’s Open 50+

Miguel Angel Lopez Blanco (Spain)

Michael Ely (United States)

Eric Eckenrode (United States)

Gator Gates (United States)

Eric Berger (United States)

James Decamp (United States)

Men’s Open 60+

Mark Bacon (United States)

Donnie Whetstone (United States)

Simon Morgan (United States)

Gator Gates (United States)

Anthony Charles (United States)

Doug Derma (Canada)

Wayne Marken (United States)

Chris Klefeker (United States)

Men’s Open 70+

Stanley Bishop (United States)

John Hinken (United States)

Jack Scow (United States)

Edward Davis (United States)

Ken Davis (United States)

Men’s Open 80+

James Arrington* (United States)

*James Arrington was also named the Masters Open 90+ winner.

212 40+

Ricardo Bertoloto (United States)

Joey Mobareki (United States)

Andrew Mitchell (United States)

Matt Edmonds (United States)

Eric Berger (United States)

David Carter (United States)

212 50+

Junho Kim (South Korea)

Miguel Angel Lopez Blanco (Spain)

Ivan Massillon (United States)

Eric Eckenrode (United States)

Joey Mobareki (United States)

Eric Berger (United States)

Zaid Adamo (Canada)

212 60+

Ivan Massillon (United States)

Mark Bacon (United States)

Donnie Whetstone (United States)

Gator Gates (United States)

Anthony Charles (United States)

Doug Derma (Canada)

Ralph Coccio (United States)

Classic Physique 40+

Daniel Hughes (United States)

Jason Theobald (United States)

Aldo Masolo (Italy)

David Robinson (United States)

Wil Vaughn (United States)

Travis Hester (United States)

Larry Waters (United States)

Jake Phippen (United States)

Olushomo Oni (United States)

Allen Kendrick (United States)

Michael Mckenzie Sr. (United States)

Brad Helm (United States)

Farzad Ghotbi (Canada)

Anthony Cobos (United States)

Mohammed Rajab (United States)

Tied for 16th

David Carter (United States)

Erick Ramirez (United States)

Denny Singh (United States)

Classic Physique 50+

Les Beecher (United States)

Kyle Woolstenhulme (United States)

Brad Helm (United States)

Allen Kendrick (United States)

Farzad Ghotbi (Canada)

Mike Hopson (United States)

Zaid Adamo (Canada)

Noel Thompson (United States)

Dean Ogata (United States)

Monty Mabry (United States)

Torres Scott Mabry (United States)

Classic Physique 60+

Kepeli Robbins (United States)

Tom Stahlberg (United States)

Randy Watson (United States)

Eric Funston (United States)

Chris Klefeker (United States)

Men’s Physique 40+

Alex Woodson (United States)

Ddub Freeman (United States)

Kevin Johnson (United States)

Michael Ferguson (United States)

Jason Peterson (United States)

Paulie James Polito (United States)

Lamar Tate (United States)

Denny Singh (United States)

Corey Mcfadden (United States)

Edwin Aboulian (Canada)

Dennis Miranda (United States)

Jason Alan Robinson (United States)

Men’s Physique 50+

Alex Woodson (United States)

Kevin Johnson (United States)

Michael Ferguson (United States)

Michael Anderson (United States)

Jason Peterson (United States)

Paulie James Polito (United States)

Lamar Tate (United States)

Edwin Aboulian (Canada)

Men’s Physique 60+

Brook Corbitt (United States)

Kepeli Robbins (United States)

David Melsaether (United States)

Martin Burger (United States)

Willie Carroll (United States)

Eric Funston (United States)

Sam Dahilig (United States)

Ken Davis (United States)

Women’s Bodybuilding 40+

Tracy Smith (United States)

Sherry McClure (United States)

Christy Tourangeau (United States)

Pamela Porter (United States)

Sachi Butler (United States)

Amy Delgado (United States)

Tembree Murphy (United States)

Renee Covell (United States)

Shea Menchaca (United States)

Women’s Bodybuilding 50+

Robyn Mays (United States)

Tracy Smith (United States)

Sherry McClure (United States)

Christine Ware (United States)

Pamela Porter (United States)

Tembree Murphy (United States)

Shea Menchaca (United States)

Laura Zuniga (United States)

Renee Covel (United States)

Women’s Bodybuilding 60+

Sherry McClure (United States)

Carmen Brady (United States)

Linda Childersperry (United States)

Kimberly Mcmurren (United States)

Ellen Bello (United States)

Women’s Bodybuilding 70+

Linda Kilhoffer (United States)

Rebecca Woody (United States)

Fitness 40+

Rene Brosch (United States)

Elizabeth Maurice (United States)

Figure 40+

Constance Jones (United States)

Marta Fonseca (Canada)

Melissa Hardesty (United States)

Kathryn Morrissey (United States)

Wendy Ford (United States)

Christina Patrick (United States)

Kim Gramlich (Canada)

Melissa Zingale (United States)

Lisa Lachowski (United States)

Ella Proksch (Canada)

Lauren Roussel (United States)

Evelyn Kennedy (United States)

Starr Parnell (United States)

Alisa K (United States)

Katrina Roundtree (United States)

Figure 50+

Constance Jones (United States)

Marta Gallegos (United States)

Wendy Ford (United States)

Meredith Cristo (United States)

Lisa Lachowski (United States)

Ella Proksch (Canada)

Michelle Fannin (United States)

Karen Wright (Canada)

Alisa K (United States)

Marta Fonseca (Canada)

Winona Walker (United States)

Missy Sandeman (United States)

Judy Doughty (Canada)

Lynne Allen (United States)

Cindy Collier (United States)

Tied for 16th

Cindy Cooper (United States)

Shannon Powell (United States)

Figure 60+

Karen Wright (Canada)

Linda Flynn (United States)

Winona Walker (United States)

Missy Sandeman (United States)

Judy Doughty Canada)

Cindy Collier (United States)

Bikini 40+

Merica Abbado (United States)

Myra Colcord (United States)

Marcela Moreno (Mexico)

Jill Humphrey (United States)

Yamiley Gedeon (United States)

Emily Dean (United States)

Gina Switzeny (Canada)

Gyana Mella (United States)

Desiree Isnec (United States)

Aria Adamy (United States)

Yhon Murphy (United States)

Luciana Gisinger (United States)

Mitzi Morgan (United States)

Bikini 50+

Merica Abbado (United States)

Kimberly Blalack (United States)

Sheila Miranda (United States)

Yhon Murphy (United States)

Cristina Pacilio (United States)

Dustee Gutierrez (United States)

Storm Bain (Bahamas)

Bikini 60+

Janean Priest (United States)

Linda Rementeria Tennyson (United States)

Gracie Gonzalez-Claburn (United States)

Renee Sacco (United States)

Joanna Bolt (United States)

Women’s Physique 40+

Mary Cruz (United States)

Robyn Mays (United States)

Cristina Chatti (Spain)

Natalia Spierings (United Kingdom)

Jenn Streeter Canada)

Farrah Faulkner (United States)

Nathalee Thompson (Canada)

Christy Tourangeau (United States)

Shelly McClure (United States)

Vanessa Quinney (Canada)

Rachel Newman (United States)

Veronica Laroche (United States)

Pamela Porter (United States)

Amy Delgado (United States)

Sherry Mack (United States)

Women’s Physique 50+

Lynne Pilcher (United States)

Robyn Mays (United States)

Melanie Sullivan (United States)

Pamela Matthews (Canada)

Robyn Burney (United States)

Shelly McClure (United States)

Laura Zuniga (United States)

Michele Kwapis (United States)

Pamela Porter (United States)

Emily L. Holder (United States)

Karen Conyers (United States)

Veronica Laroche (United States)

Sherry Mack (United States)

Marta Gallegos (United States)

Shannon Powell (United States)

Women’s Physique 60+

Shelly McClure (United States)

Emily L. Holder (United States)

Linda Childersperry (United States)

Kimberly Mcmurren (United States)

Sharon Simpson (United States)

Wellness 40+

Kim O’Connell (United States)

Valesca Macedo (United States)

Roseanne Fabrizio (United States)

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Men’s Bodybuilding 80+ and 90+ Winner — James Arrington

James Arrington was unopposed in the Masters 80-plus category. The 91-year-old was also awarded a Men’s 90-plus championship. This is the second consecutive year he left Pittsburgh with both titles. Arrington has been competing in the IFBB Pro League since 2016 and has eight individual wins.

Women’s Bodybuilding 60+ and Women’s Physique 60+ Winner — Shelly McClure

Shelly McClure left the stage with a lot of medals. She won the Women’s Bodybuilding and Women’s Physique 60-plus titles but also placed second in the 40-plus division and third in the 50-plus category.

Figure 40+ and 50+ Winner — Constance Jones

Constance Jones went two-for-two in the Figure division, winning the 40-plus and 50-plus categories. Jones has three Masters wins in the 2024 season alone. She has also competed in Open shows, finishing tied for 16th in the Lenda Murray Atlanta Pro and the Tampa Pro.

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The post 2024 IFBB Pro League Masters World Championships Bodybuilding Show Results appeared first on BarBend.

Emmanuel Costa is the 2024 Musclecontest Goiania Pro Men’s Physique show winner. This IFBB Pro League competition was held in Goania, Brazil, on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. Costa was the best out of seven athletes in the show and was rewarded with a qualification to compete in the 2024 Men’s Physique Olympia, a part of the Olympia Weekend in Las Vegas, NV, on Oct. 10-13, 2024.

Felipe Goncalves and Lucas Viudes rounded out the top three in that order. The final standings for all eight athletes are below, as shown on the IFBB Pro League:

2024 Musclecontest Goania Pro Final Results

Emmanuel Costa (Brazil)

Felipe Goncalves (Brazil)

Lucas Viudes (Brazil)

Diogo Basaglia (Brazil)

Rodrigo Francisco De Oliveira (Brazil)

Mailson Araujo (Brazil)

Burak King (United States)

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Jussie Dantas (Brazil) was on the roster before the competition but did not compete. No explanation for his absence was shared.

Winner — Emmanuel Costa

Costa won with a perfect score from the judges. The head judge was Tamer El Guindy, and the prejudging round was the only scored round of the event.

Costa can now either focus on the Olympia or keep competing with hopes of keeping a rival from qualifying as well. The qualifying season ends on Sept. 15, 2024. If he chooses to compete and does not win, his Olympia roster spot will remain safe. 

Second Place — Felipe Gonclaves

Gonclaves rose one rank from his third-place finish at the 2024 Musclecontest Brasilia Pro in May behind winner Vinicius Mateus Viera Lima. Gonclaves has yet to win a pro show or compete on the Olympia stage. Gonclaves has two more pro show opportunities on the IFBB schedule before the 2024 qualifying season ends. 

Third Place — Lucas Viudes

Lucas Viudes ranked fifth at the 2024 Musclecontest Brazil Pro on July 21, 2024. The second-year pro finished this show in the same place he did in 2023 — the winner that year was Rafael Oliveira. This was Viudes’ first attempt at winning a pro show and Olympia qualification in his second pro season.

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Alida Opre of Hungary is the 2024 Alina Popa Classic Pro winner. The inaugural edition of this women’s bodybuilding show was held in Cluj, Romania, on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. It featured 10 IFBB Pro League competitors vying for the win and qualification to compete at the 2024 Ms. Olympia, a part of the 2024 Olympia in Las Vegas, NV, on Oct. 10-13, 2024.

Reshanna Boswell came in second, and Martina Lopez of Spain rounded out the top three.

2024 Alina Popa Classic Pro Results

Alida Opre (Hungary)

Reshanna Boswell (United States)

Martina Lopez (Spain)

Ivana Dvorakova (Germany)

Masoumeh Moharami (Iran)

Irene Andersen (Sweden)

Julia Foery (Switzerland)

Jacqueline Fuchs (Switzerland)

Cris Goy (United States)

Orsi Trucza (Hungary)

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Winner — Alida Opre

Opre was coming off a third-place finish at the 2024 Mr. Big Evolution Pro. She is in her fourth year as a pro; this is her first pro win and Olympia qualification in the pro ranks. She is the 15th athlete to qualify for the Ms. Olympia.

Second Place — Reshanna Boswell

The 2023 Masters Olympia champion came up one spot short in Romania. She has until Sept. 15, 2024, to qualify for the 2024 Olympia. She has been in the Olympia every year since the women’s bodybuilding division was resurrected in 2020. 

Third Place — Martina Lopez

Lopez is in her rookie season and entered her third pro show of the year. The 2023 Amateur Olympia champion has finished in the top five of all three contests she has entered. Her best finish was second at the 2024 Empro Pro on June 14-15, 2024.

Other Notes

The final Ms. Olympia qualifying position will be awarded to the winner of the 2024 Europa Pro in London, England, on Sept. 14-15, 2024.

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The 2024 RGV Classic Pro bodybuilding show was held on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, in McAllen, TX. IFBB Pro League Classic Physique, Bikini, and Wellness divisions were featured, with 2024 Olympia qualifications at stake. A champion, if not previously qualified, qualified to compete at the 2024 Olympia in Las Vegas, NV, on Oct. 10-13, 2024.

Jorge Herrera (Classic Physique), Reyna Perez Mecalco (Bikini), and Eduarda Bezerra (Wellness) stood atop their respective podiums.

2024 RGV Pro Final Results

The final rankings are below:

Classic Physique

Jorge Herrera (Mexico)

Tony Taveras (United States)

Joshua Bridgman (United Kingdom)

Alex Cambronero (United States)

Jared Feather (United States)

Emin Baydilli (Turkey)

Gabriel Aguirre (Mexico)

Anthony Barbera III (United States)

Mahfuz Hawit (Honduras)

Jeff Hallenbeck (United States)

Jesus Martinez (United States)

Bikini

Reyna Perez Mecalco (Mexico)

Sharon Ramos (Dominican Republic)

Eli Fernandez (Mexico)

Brenda Garay – Alexander (United States)

Sasa He (China)

Perla Cadena (United States)

Lynsie Hice (United States)

Kerry Sexton (United Kingdom)

Kaylie Fountain (United States)

Bianca Van Wyk (South Africa)

Emma Macdougall (Canada)

Rebecca Ianno (United States)

Monica Rubio (United States)

Gwendolyn Nale (United States)

Wellness

Eduarda Bezerra (Brazil)

Jacqueline Rios (Mexico)

Amanda Mendes (United States)

Mia Onwuna (United Kingdom)

Grecia Hernandez (United States)

Rosita Benadero Munoz (Spain)

Nerilde Garcia Strey (Brazil)

Simara Walter (Brazil)

Vanina Alejandra Pikor (Argentina)

Sara Bianca (Brazil)

Alejandra La Fonseca (Puerto Rico)

Victoria Reyes (Mexico)

Jada Beverly (United States)

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Classic Physique Winner — Jorge Herrera

Herrera will return to the Classic Physique Olympia stage for the second time in three years. He ranked 12th in the 2022 Olympia but did not compete in the 2023 contest. This is Herrera’s second career win in his fourth pro season.

Bikini Division Winner — Reyna Perez Mecalco

Melcalco already qualified for the 2024 Olympia, thanks to her win at the 2024 World Classic Pro in Chattanooga, TN, on June 22, 2024. Therefore, winning here blocked another competitor from qualifying for the Bikini Olympia. Only pro show winners earn a spot on the Olympia stage. The qualifying season ends on Sept. 15, 2024.

Wellness Winner — Eduarda Bezerra

Bezerra is making a case as a contender for the Wellness Olympia title. This is her third pro win of the 2024 season. Her most recent win before this was at the 2024 Arizona Pro.

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Chinese weightlifter Tian Tao retired after failing to qualify for the 2024 Olympics this spring — sort of.

Tian, who has competed for Team China for over a decade, has signaled his intent to compete in the National Games of China in 2025.

Known for having some of the strongest legs in the world of weightlifting, Tian despite his retreat from the international stage is keeping up with his strength training.

Tian Tao 250KG/551LB Front Squat

“I feel like I’m flying,” captioned Tian in an Aug. 31, 2024 Instagram post. He was referring to his new weightlifting shoes, but Tian’s barbell was flying too.

A 250-kilogram, or 551.1-pound front squat is one hell of a lift for any strength athlete, active or otherwise:

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Team China’s weightlifters are renowned for their leg strength and impeccable technique; Tian carried that banner throughout his career with a series of truly monstrous lifts.

Tian was no slouch on the lifting platform, either. Beyond winning silver at the 2016 Olympics, he still holds the 96-kilogram clean & jerk world record at 231 kilograms, or 509.2 pounds.

Tian set that record in 2019, the same year he won his only World Championships title.

Why Didn’t Tian Tao Go to the 2024 Olympics?

Participating countries were afforded a maximum of six weightlifters for the summer Games in Paris.

Paris 2024 showcased the fewest weightlifters in decades as a consequence of the International Weightlifting Federation’s failure to effectively curtail performance-enhancing drug use.

China was the only participating nation to field a full team of six weightlifters (five of whom won gold medals). 

Fine print: Countries could only select one athlete per weight category and up to three per gender. Tian not only had to prove he was a medal contender in his category of 89 kilograms; he had to display a stronger relative performance than his teammates to nab one of Team China’s men’s slots.

Despite setting a new clean & jerk world record (which has since been overwritten during the Paris Games), Tian, 30, was not able to rank high enough on the IWF’s leaderboard to merit Olympic team selection.

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At the last-chance qualifier for Paris, the 2024 IWF World Cup in April, Tian “bombed out” in the clean & jerks, missing all 3 attempts.

Tian needed to post a strong Total in Phuket, Thailand, the site of the Cup if he wanted to convince his team to choose him over 89-kilogram teammate Li Dayin or one of the other Chinese males. Dayin fared poorly as well, despite being the world-number-one 89-kilogram athlete at the time.

Gold-medal gamble: Team China, likely fearing another bomb-out in Paris from “Heart Attack” Tian as he is affectionately known to fans, selected 73-kilogram two-time Olympic Champion Shi Zhiyong instead.

Zhiyong bombed out in the clean & jerks, giving away the gold medal to Indonesia.

Tian has not indicated any return to competitive weightlifting beyond the ‘25 National Games. In China, the Games are regarded with similar reverence to the Olympics and showcase all sorts of sports and athletic events, Olympic lifting included.

A 250-kilogram front squat from one of China’s most popular weightlifters ever indicates that Tian Tao may have a bit more fight in him.

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Featured Image: @tiantao89kg1 / Instagram

The post “Retired” Weightlifter Tian Tao Smashes 550-Pound Front Squat appeared first on BarBend.

The right ab exercise can make all the difference when it comes to creating a slim waist and hourglass silhouette.

That’s according to two-time Ms. Figure Olympia Erin Stern, who said you can “lose up to an inch or two off your waist” with one specific move: the vacuum crunch.

It’s a cable ab exercise that combines two rock-solid core movements. We’re going to explain how to do it and look at some science to see if Stern is on the money.

The Best Ab Exercise for a Slim Waist: Vacuum Crunch

According to Stern, certain core training moves can improve your posture and waistline simultaneously. The vacuum crunch combines two ab-training moves: a standard cable crunch and the stomach vacuum technique.

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To win the Ms. Figure Olympia, the rules stipulate all contestants must have a pronounced v-taper, which has two parts: A broad upper body and a slim, snug waistline. Stern won the Figure Olympia twice, so we’re inclined to take her word on what works for ab training.

How To Do It

Place an exercise mat in front of an adjustable cable station set to around eye level and fix a rope or bar attachment to the carabiner.

Stern recommends setting the weight “nice and light” for this exercise; don’t put the pin too far down the stack.

Grab the rope and get into a full kneeling position, holding it in front of your head or behind your neck.

Round your back over and exhale forcefully, pushing all the air out of your belly.

Perform a stomach vacuum, pulling your stomach inward.

Hold your breath and perform crunches.

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Does This Ab Exercise Actually Slim Your Waist?

Stern makes some lofty promises about the vacuum crunch. Naturally, we were a bit skeptical, so we took a look at the science.

Stern says the vacuum activates your deep core musculature, including the transverse abdominis and pelvic floor. She’s correct. (1)

She also says training these deep muscles can shrink the waist by improving tone and tautness. Vacuum exercises are used to treat low back pain associated with poor posture, (2) but there’s little scientific evidence backing Stern’s specific claim here.

But an absence of evidence isn’t evidence of absence. Stern is hardly the first physique pro to sing the praises of ab exercises like the vacuum crunch and their potency for shaping the waist.

“Golden era” bodybuilding great Frank Zane once noted that the stomach vacuum was among his most successful bodybuilding poses and helped him “get control of his waistline.”

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It’s plausible that mastering the vacuum crunch can create muscle growth and strength in your deep abdominal muscles, which may in turn improve your posture and make your waist appear smaller.

All told, Stern’s favorite waist-slimming exercise is certainly worth a shot. The vacuum technique is a bit of a novelty, but we could all do with a bit more core training in our lives.

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References

Lynders C. The Critical Role of Development of the Transversus Abdominis in the Prevention and Treatment of Low Back Pain. HSS J. 2019 Oct;15(3):214-220. doi: 10.1007/s11420-019-09717-8. Epub 2019 Aug 29. PMID: 31624475; PMCID: PMC6778169.

Saiklang P, Puntumetakul R, Chatprem T. The Effect of Core Stabilization Exercise with the Abdominal Drawing-in Maneuver Technique on Stature Change during Prolonged Sitting in Sedentary Workers with Chronic Low Back Pain. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 Feb 8;19(3):1904. doi: 10.3390/ijerph19031904. PMID: 35162924; PMCID: PMC8835683.

Featured Image: @ErinSternFIT / YouTube

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