Jenny Lynn 2007 IFBB FIGURE OLYMPIA CHAMPION

Born: January 22, 1972, Petaluma, California, USA

Education: Petaluma High School, Santa Rosa Jr. College, Diablo Valley College-AA, Dental Assisting and Dental Hygiene

Employment History: Dental Assistant (1992-1999), Certified Personal Trainer (1993-present), Contest Prep Coach (2004-present), IFBB Pro Figure Competitor (2001-present)

City of Residence: Louisville, Kentucky

Athletic Background: 4 years of competitive High School Cheerleading, Sport Aerobics 1991-1994

IFBBPRO.com - What inspired you to start physique training?
Jenny - I taught aerobics right out of High School and my boyfriend at the time convinced me to give weight training a try.  I was really intimidated by it but watched my body change within just a few weeks and was completely hooked!

IFBBPRO.com - What do you recall about your first amateur competition?
Jenny - I was completely scared to death!  I was competing in Fitness at the time because Figure had yet to be developed.  I actually traveled from California to Washington State to compete in the Emerald Cup in 2000 for my first show so that nobody I knew could watch me.  I placed 3rd out of about 30 girls I think, which was way beyond anything I’d ever dreamt of!  I had planned on doing one amateur show … 30 shows and 9 years later … here I am!  Who knew?

IFBBPRO.com - What was your first amateur win like?
Jenny - My first amateur win was when I won my height class at the Cal in 2000.  Sadly, there was only one other competitor in my class.  Not terribly impressive!

IFBBPRO.com - What about your Overall win at the 2001 NPC USA Fitness Championships?
Jenny - It was absolutely unreal!  My whole family was there to watch me turn Pro so it was thrilling! Then, I had the realization I had to compete with the likes of Kelly Ryan, Susie Curry and Jenny Worth … YIKES!

Jenny Lynn 2006 IFBB FIGURE OLYMPIA CHAMPION

IFBBPRO.com - What do you recall about your first professional competition?
Jenny - Again, sacred to death!  Yep, I had to compete with the aforementioned women for the first time ever at the at least second biggest show in the world … So, scared doesn’t encompass my feelings!  It was an honor and an amazing yet stressful experience!

IFBBPRO.com - What are your thoughts on your first professional win?
Jenny - ABSOLUTELY UNBELIEVABLE!  I was copeting in the 2003 Arnold Classic with Monica Brant who was the person who inspired me to compete in the first place.  So, at best, I figured if I placed behind her, it would be fantastic.  When my name was called as the winner of the first ever Figure International, I was as shocked as anyone else!  Probably my most exciting, proud and memorable moment competing!

IFBBPRO.com - What about your 2004 Figure International win (against Brant & Curry)?
Jenny - There is always more pressure to win once you’ve already won a huge show like the Arnold or Olympia.  But, my mind set has always been that I cannot control anything but myself.  My goal is always to continue to make improvements in my physique from show to show.  I can’t control what anyone else does but I can most certainly control what I look like on stage.  I focus on that, visualize what I want to look like, and bust my butt to make it happen!

IFBBPRO.com - Any thoughts on your 2005 Figure International win (against Brant & Lado)?
Jenny - Winning a show with the prestige and caliber of the Arnold Classic is way beyond an honor!  So, to have done it 3 years straight was completely unreal and absolutely a blessing!

IFBBPRO.com - How did you fell about placing behind Medina at the ‘03, ‘04, ‘05 Figure Olympia?
Jenny - Any physique competition is subjective.  You certainly cannot get too upset because the judges choose another athlete’s physique over yours.  I have had (and still have) parts of my body I’m working to improve.  And, I’ll continue to work on them until the day I decide to stop competing!

IFBBPRO.com - What are your thoughts on your 2006 Figure Olympia win?
Jenny - FINALLY … Woo Hoo!  It was awesome and I was happy my mom and several good friends were there to witness it happen!  I had spent several years almost winning so to finally have it come to fruition was surreal!

IFBBPRO.com - How did you feel after your 2007 Figure Olympia win?
Jenny - Awesome!  There are truly no words to explain the pride and happiness I felt having won the biggest and most prestigious Pro Figure competition in the world!  To say I was happy and proud just doesn’t seem to do this experience justice!  I was thrilled my dad and best friends were there as well this year to see me win.  My parents are so unbelievably proud!

IFBBPRO.com - Any disappointments that you care to share. How do you handle disappointments?
Jenny - I placed 3rd in the 2003 Olympia and 2nd in the 2004 and 2005 Olympia’s … clearly, not my goal.  But, my philosophy is this … you learn more from every failure or disappointment than you do with your successes.  So, the harder I work, the luckier I get!

IFBBPRO.com - Any training or nutrition (including dieting) tips you wish to share?
Jenny - I eat 5-6 small meals throughout the day consisting of low glycemic carbs like oatmeal and sweet potatoes, lots of green vegetables and lean proteins like chicken breast, egg whites, white fish and turkey.

IFBBPRO.com - What are your favorite foods?
Jenny - Pizza, Red Wine, Chocolate, Peanut Butter, Cheese, Bread … Oh, and I can keep going!  Least favorite foods? Lima Beans, Brussel Sprouts, Liver, and any real fatty meat.

IFBBPRO.com - What is your favorite movie?
Jenny - Good Will Hunting.  Favorite actor(s)? Al Pacino, George Clooney, Morgan Freeman.  Favorite actress(es)?  Julia Roberts, Cate Blanchett, Susan Sarandon.  Favorite TV show(s)? I don’t watch much TV but probably American Idol or Home Make-Over.

IFBBPRO.com - What kind of music do you like?
Jenny - Country, Top 40, Hip Hop, Dance, Jazz, some Rock and Alternative.

IFBBPRO.com - Do you have any pet peeves?
Jenny - People who are not dependable … and hypocrites!

IFBBPRO.com - Do you play a musical instrument?
Jenny - Ahhh … definitely NO … and I should not even try to sing, yet, that doesn’t stop me!

IFBBPRO.com - Do you have a hobby or hobbies?  How do you spend your leisure time?
Jenny - I have a new, 7-week-old yellow lab puppy ("Bacchus" - the god of wine … of course) who takes up most of my free time these days!  Aside from that, I like to run outside, read, weight train (obviously), cook and spend time with friends and family.

IFBBPRO.com - What are your short-term goals?  Long-term goals?
Jenny - I’m planning on competing, at the very least, 2 more years and making an attempt to hold the record of 4 Figure Olympia wins.  Long term, I want to always be involved in the Fitness industry to some extent because it’s my true passion.  I work with competitors currently and may do more of that once I’m done competing.  I’m also planning to release another DVD this year and I’m currently working on a book, an active-wear line, and a recipe book.

IFBBPRO.com - What are your thoughts on the IFBB Professional League? 
Jenny - It’s great to be a part of an organization that cares about it’s competitors and truly is working toward making it as empowering and successful as possible.

IFBBPRO.com - Your thoughts on competitive figure - past, present and future?
Jenny - I’m thrilled about the recent notice from Jim Manion requesting less muscularity and hardness in figure competitors.  I carry less muscle than a lot of the other top Pro’s and honestly, I don’t want to carry anymore!  So, it’s nice to see that constraint put on it.

IFBBPRO.com - Do you have a mentor? Individuals you looked/look up to? People who supported/support you who you’d like to thank (including sponsors)?
Jenny - I have a huge team of people who help me facilitate my goals.  I have the best workout partner and best friend in the world who is beyond supportive and helpful, Brenda James; my manager, JM Manion; my nutritionist, Hany Rambod; my trainer, Eric Broser and competition suits by Jagware.

IFBBPRO.com - Do you have a life motto or "words to live by"? A philosophy of life?
Jenny - The Harder I Work, The Luckier I Get!

IFBBPRO.com - What would you like to do when you retire from competitive figure?
Jenny - I’ll compete 2-3 more years.  Then, I’d like to have and raise a family of my own.  I’ll hopefully always be involved in the fitness industry to some extent since it’s certainly my passion.  I’m working on my own active wear line now that will be available on my website, www.jennylynnfitness.com, within the next month or two.  I also work with a lot of pro and amateur fitness and figure competitors worldwide now, helping them prepare for various competitions and intend to continue this beyond my own career.

IFBBPRO.com - Any final thoughts?
Jenny - The majority of my clientele are online clients from around the world.  I have found I can reach far more people worldwide via the Internet, which is amazing!  It also allows me the flexibility to work around my training and I can bring my work with me wherever I travel.  I absolutely love it!  Anyone interested in having me train them should visit my site:  www.jennylynnfitness.com, to learn how to utilize my personal training services.

And please keep this in mind … if you follow your dreams, work hard, surround yourself with positive people and truly believe in yourself … you can be and/or achieve absolutely anything you want to!  Believe that and you’ll watch your life change!

Jenny Lynn 2006, 2007 IFBB FIGURE OLYMPIA CHAMPION relaxing with her proud parents

It’s nearly over for another year.  Arnold Schwarzenegger hits that back shot one more time and
Sergio Oliva get set to throw that arms-overhead miracle of a pose.  A few moments later, the
MC announces … "The new Mr. Olympia for 1970 … Arnold Schwarzenegger!"

Joe Weider, in the midst of it all, had gracefully consented to let all seats be sold - even to the extent of not saving one for himself.  But he wasn’t going to miss this battle of the century.  So he sat down on the floor in the center aisle right among the fans and shouted encouragement to the three muscular Olympians, along with the rest of us …

It wasn’t the $1,000.00 first prize that made an overjoyed Arnold Schwarzenegger almost pick up 200-pound moustachioed impresario, Joe Weider, and toss him up and down with grateful exuberance!  It wasn’t the silver tray, which is worth almost as much again.  Nor was it even the fact that Mr. Schwarzenegger was so warmly received by a roof-lifting, foot-stamping New York bodybuilding crowd at the plush Town Hall.

Sure, he was pleased with all this!  But his real thrill came from his final annexation of that ebony Colossus (now the second best-built man in the world) Sergio Oliva!

The simple statement from M.C. Bud Parker at the conclusion of the fabulous IFBB show … "The new Mr. Olympia for 1970 - Arnold Schwarzenegger."

Eight words which Arnold’s ears had burned to hear for so long - now reality!  Only a month before, I had visited Arnold in Gold’s gym, California, to see how the Schwarzenegger physique was shaping up.  I had seen Arnold every year since his first Universe appearance in 1966.  But this time, I was astounded.  At the conclusion of his morning workout, he asked me to appraise his posing routine.  Appraise it?  I was open mouthed!  "Arnold," I said as I watched him slide from pose to pose, "if Sergio turns up in New York, the both of you posing together side by side will lift the roof right off of the theatre."  Arnold smiled, "I want Sergio so bad," he said. "I’ve waited a whole year since last fall when Sergio took the decision in the 1969 Olympia.  He ain’t going to do that again!"  I nodded dumfounded agreement.

Just when Joe Weider, IFBB Chief, was getting used to the idea of giving Sergio Oliva
$1,000 each year, along comes a new worthy cause … Arnold Schwarzenegger, the new Mr. Olympia!

Arnold flexed a front biceps pose and watched my eyes boggle.  "I believe you Arnold," I mumbled, "you’re gonna take Sergio …"

"Ladies and gentlemen," said the genial Bud Parker, as he presented the final and most celebrated contest of the evening [earlier in the evening, the IFBB Mr. America and IFBB Mr. World contests had taken place], "Here in New York tonight, we have three top contestants for the Olympia crown.  Firstly, from California, the one and only Reg Lewis!"

Reg strolled on - the famous warm smile - the deep tan.  He has a really proportionate body with no outstanding or detracting body parts.  Although not built on the massive lines of Schwarzenegger or Oliva, he nevertheless has a most pleasing posing presentation and was not without his admirers in the audience.  He has the sort of body that I have always wanted to possess.  He looked great!

"Next," said Parker, gesturing towards the wings … "Is Arnold Schwarzenegger."

The crowd went mad.  I thought the Town Hall would crumble to the ground.  Arnold thundered through his routine quickly as though it were just a formality and then parted leaving the rostrum bare and the audience spellbound.

"Now we present the current Mr. Olympia, Sergio Oliva," announced Bud.

At the mere sound of his name, the New York crowd went mad.  Long seconds passed until finally Sergio appeared.  Incredibly, bigger than ever.  He threw all the old favourites and we all cheered his fabulous presentation …

But we all knew what we wanted most!  We had tasted the excitement last year.  Our appetites had been duly whetted.  Now we were ready for the full three course meal.  We await the famed "OLYMPIA POSEDOWN."

Reg Lewis (left) came out of retirement to do battle against
Arnold Schwarzenegger (center) and Sergio Oliva (right)

Lewis and Schwarzenegger mount the specially arranged long rostrum together and there’s a little pause until Sergio appears to complete the trio.

All three contestants are as psyched up as much as any field and track athlete before his event.  More so, Arnold is so ‘ready to go’ that he signals Sergio to shoot into any pose.  "Try what you like," he seems to say, "I’ll duplicate any pose you do Sergio … and I’ll shoot you down in flames."

Sergio does a front pose and Arnold goes into a front most muscular.  Both look fantastic.  The crowd roars approval.  Oliva goes into a three quarter back ’shot’ and Arnold twists quickly to follow suit.  We now realize that Arnold is a little denser and the more defined of the two.  Gone are the underpar legs that may have contributed to his defeat a year earlier.  Now he is flawless.  Sergio is shot down.  Arnold realises the fact and takes quick advantage.  He races into every pose that Sergio does and betters it.  Oliva kneels, twists his back with his arms above his head, his favorite.  Arnold can’t follow that!

But he quickly counters with a fabulous chest pose that upstages Sergio’s kneeling masterpiece.  Both men turn their backs on the audience so that we can compare ‘V’ shapes.  Sergio has the greatest taper. But Arnold has the most bulk and muscular massiveness.  They turn together and Arnold throws his arms out to the side proudly as though he is standing astride the world.  We know what he feels like.  This is his moment.  He has worked out on the Weider "Double-Split" System twice a day since Olvia beat him in last year’s Olympia.  Every drop of sweat he shed since that day is suddenly all worth while.  As he poses now, the words he spoke in Gold’s gym come to mind. "I want Sergio so bad. I’m going to beat him."

He shoots a double biceps and the New York crowd starts to chant … "Arnold - Arnold - Arnold."  Oliva leaves the rostrum and Schwarzenegger waves him back, challenging his sportsmanship … Sergio climbs back.  He won’t be accused of "chickening out" in any competition.

The posedown begins all over again - Lewis, Schwarzenegger, and Oliva.  But the fact that it’s Arnold’s day is now clearer than ever.  Reg Lewis is almost forgotten in this Olympia Posedown.  In a country like France, in Europe, he would undoubtedly be awarded any physical excellence title over these two goliaths.  But the city is New York.  And in New York, it is the massive, defined, herculean, animalistic MUSCLE which wins contests, and that is what Arnold and Sergio are giving us - we in the audience are not ungrateful!

Gritting teeth, straining muscle, swelling veins, stretching, twisting, flexing, "Arnold - Arnold - Arnold," the crowd continues and we all know it officially when at the completion of the posedown, Bud Parker announces the winner, "Mr. Arnold Schwarzenegger."

Time to breathe again, hands almost bleeding, throats dry and hoarse, we relax dripping wet in our seats.  On stage, Joe Weider strides across to the smiling Austrian and presents the $1,000.00 first prize.  It is Arnold’s day.  Well fought for and well deserved!

The dust had settled on another IFBB Mr. America and IFBB Mr. Universe battle — seeing John Decola and Arnold Schwarzenegger win, respectively. Now it was time for the greatest battle of all — the Mr. Olympia. Here — from one champ’s point of view — is how it was, in …

"Sergio! Sergio!" scream the fans.  And, with Arnold Schwarzenegger looking on, the King raises
his arms in victory moments after IFBB Chief Joe Weider presents him with the
commemorative silver tray and US $1,000

WEBSTER’S dictionary defines the word event as "… a happening, an occurrence, especially, an important occurrence". It is therefore quite nauseating to find that word so often recklessly abused by inconsiderate journalists who will indulge their penchant for outrageous superlatives, regardless of the mediocrity of the function featured in their reports!

One might be excused a déjà vu attitude in respect to muscle shows generally, having participated in a large number of physique contests and exhibitions in various parts of the world; but I confess, without the slightest hesitation, that the annual IFBB extravaganza, the Mr. America/Mr. Universe/Mr. Olympia event, never fails to amaze, thrill, even inspire me. Here, indeed, is a notable bodybuilding occurrence that never ceases to attract competitors AND spectators from at least three dozen different countries.

But the 1969 show promised the greatest treat of all. Sergio Oliva, the myth that breathes, that muscle phenomenon of the Weider generation who had already accounted for the demise of Poole, Sipes, and yes, some say even Larry Scott, would be facing the greatest threat to his bodybuilding supremacy. The fans had not forgotten the fact that no one dared show up against the Cuban émigré in 1968; and just when Muscledom was beginning to accept Sergio Oliva as its undisputed king, a comparatively unknown upstart had decided to challenge "The Myth’s’ right to his coveted position.

The Mr. Olympia contest is a serious business and Sergio knows. Here he is in one of those poses that never fails to bring the house down.

If Sergio had been deluded, after the 1968 ‘non-event’, into thinking he could collect the thousand dollar Mr. Olympia cash prize ‘no-sweat’ style for a few more years, he must have come down to earth with a liver-exploding jolt. "The Myth’ is no fool. In spite of the talk, the pre-contest leg-pulling, the wild rumors that "Arnold is fatter than ever", he must have known he’d have a real fight on his hands FOR A CHANGE! Suddenly, Arnold Schwarzenegger had descended from the hills — and he was making rude noises at the champ. Someone was in need of a lesson and the fans could hardly wait to find out who would be on the receiving end!

Last month, I wrote about the proceedings that preceded the Mr. America and Mr. Universe contests. I took you backstage for an exclusive look-in on Oliva and Schwarzenegger and you had a preview of the greatest battle ever fought on a posing platform. You heard the giants tease the sweat out of each other, in a number of leg-pulling sessions which I described as psychological warfare. But now there is no time for jocularities. With just three poses in the Mr. Universe contest, Arnold Schwarzenegger had served the excitement crazed audience a helping of the pill he planned to force down Oliva’s throat. And there were many who didn’t like the taste of it!

One wonders, if three poses can so disturb this blasé New York crowd, how will they react when Arnold really turns on the heat? More important, how will Sergio react? Candidly, how good is Sergio this year? How good does he have to be to meet this amazing youngster from Austria? Conjecture and more conjecture. The truth would soon be known!

Backstage, Sergio Oliva is conspicuous by his absence. He performed a disappearing act that would do justice to Houdini. His butcher’s overall ‘dressing gown’ hanging on a nail in the dressing room is the only clue in the mystery. We guess Sergio is preparing for the big battle in a secret hideaway, somewhere in the building. Bud Parker says a prayer, in the hope Mr. Oliva will know when he is due on stage. Earlier, the monarch of Muscledom had refused — just as Scott had before him — to be the first to pose in the Mr. Olympia contest. And while everyone else was rushing around desperately trying to keep things ‘organized’, Arnold Schwarzenegger was sitting quietly in the wings, covered from neck to knee in a gold silk wrap, completely in control of his ‘cool’.

The sound of slow hand-clapping catches our ears. The impatient audience is expressing the urgent expectation that grips every man in the theatre. Bud Parker’s voice restores some semblance of order. "Arnold Schwarzenegger will now pose for the title of Mr. Olympia 1969!"

After just 12 months under Joe Weider’s tutelage, Arnold Schwarzenegger emerged — the greatest threat to Sergio Oliva’s third Olympia victory.

The Arnold who now stands on the podium appears eyen more formidable than the Mr. Universe competitor. He is motionless for a second or two; he smiles, and wham! He hits an incredible double biceps pose that stills every voice in the auditorium. You could have heard a pin drop, to coin a phrase. He moves his hip to the left side and with the slightest of leg movements gets into the now famous Schwarzenegger side chest pose. Pectorals, deltoids, biceps jump at his command. How could a man so massive possess a waist that small? And the definition! The effect is stupefying. His left arm goes up, the forearm moves towards his head, activating the most incredible biceps on earth. But still the audience is quiet. Arnold turns, displays a back that you wouldn’t believe and strikes stark, teeth-chattering terror into the hearts of those Oliva supporters who were foolhardy enough to turn up in their ‘Sergio Is King’ T-shirts. And there’s more punishment in store!

Slowly, with sadistic deliberation, Schwarzenegger raises his six foot four frame until his 240 lbs. are balanced on his toes. He appears even more prodigious. Those calves that once inspired so many tactless jokes, that only twelve months before did not rate a second look, now demanded, and received, undivided attention. As if of a mind all their own, they jumped, twitched, stretched and bunched up until the audience could contain itself no longer. Judging by their stunned reaction to Schwarzenegger’s display, it seemed like everyone in the theatre was an Oliva fan who had come to watch the hero wipe out yet another adversary. But suddenly, Schwarzenegger’s message had been received loud and clear: "I am Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sergio Oliva has met a MAN at last!" The shouting, the vociferous cheers and pleading for more threatened to destroy my hearing and I put my hands protectively over my ears. It had not been easy but now Arnold had convinced the fans he meant to push Sergio to the limit. A smile creased his handsome face as he hit the ‘most muscular’ pose that tore the house up. Then he bowed, and, ignoring the shouts for more, walked off into the near-darkness of the wings.

I shook his hand, expressing my pleasure at his success. And for the first time in the four years I have known Arnold, it occurred to me that under that incredible mass of muscle he was but a mere youth playing a man’s game — AND winning!

I wish to state, at this time, that I was present at the very first Mr. Olympia contest, when Larry Scott walked all over Earl Maynard and Harold Poole. I wrote of that occasion in glowing superlatives. Scott was "the eighth wonder of the world" and the control he exercised over the emotions of his numerous fans was nothing if not magical. His physique was astounding, and I said so with unbridled enthusiasm. On that memorable night, it seemed to me that Larry Scott was the epitome of physical perfection and that there could never be a physique star who possessed his charisma or muscular development. I exhausted my vocabulary enthusing to the world about Scott. Little did I imagine the day would come when even my superlatives would not adequately describe a star. But then who could have imagined Sergio Oliva?

The fantastic Arnold Schwarzenegger hits the house-breaking most muscular pose
and Sergio is about to treat the capacity house to his variation. It’s the battle of the giants
with the two greatest bodybuilders on earth matching each other pose for pose.

The audience had been chanting his name a full five minutes before ‘The Myth’ actually materialized. I remembered his oft-repeated declaration: "You gonna see somethin’ but you ain’t gonna believe it". Land sakes! I rubbed my eyes, desperately trying to focus on that which just couldn’t be — but was. Sergio Oliva was greater than ever. He jigged around the posing platform as if to some hot tune that only he could hear, blew a kiss to his loyal subjects and threw up those arms in that oh-so-typically Sergio fashion. Too much! Forget it! Lay it on me, babe! Sergio Oliva was actually enjoying the contest. In his own wordless, inimitable style, he was reassuring his audience that "I ain’t gonna let you down, babe". Fantastic pose followed mindblowing pose. How can I describe that which my mind still cannot fully accept. The faculties simply do not function when one is under the mesmerising effect of Sergio’s presence. How many poses did he strike? How should I know? Suffice to say the fans were crawling all over the stage in their attempt to be near their hero in his hour of need. Then Sergio was gone, leaving those poor judges "bewitched, very bothered and utterly bewildered".

Backstage, Sergio was treating one and all to his big act. "Heck, why didn’t they let me pump up? Ah coulda pumped up a whole lot more!" he screamed.

Out front, the New York police were earning their bread the hard way. The fans wanted Oliva and wouldn’t wait for the result of the contest. The chanting was at full volume: "Sergio! Sergio! Sergio!" It did not seem to matter how good or bad Arnold was. Sergio was king and the joint was crawling with his loyal subjects. Someone remarked that if Arnold took the title, the judges’ lives wouldn’t be worth a nickel. And throughout the screaming, the raving and riotous behavior the jovial Arnold maintained his cool, as ever. His opinion of Sergio? "He’s incredible," he told me.

A picture speaks a million words! Arnold congratulates Sergio Austrian-style
and treats the fans to the true meaning of sportsmanship as IFBB Chief Joe Weider
prepares to crown Sergio the 1969 IFBB MR. OLYMPIA Champion!

The two super-champs were then called back to pose on stage; it seems the judges could not make up their minds! And that’s when the fun really started. "Pose!" someone shouted. But neither Arnold nor Sergio would flex a muscle. Both wanted the other to make the first move. Eventually, Arnold hit the housebreaking double-biceps shot. Sergio retaliated with his arms-above-head pose. Pandemonium! "Sergio! Sergio!" screamed the fans with undisguised bias. A chest pose by Arnold, an attempt at the same shot by Sergio, a last minute change of mind and into his version of the ‘most muscular’ shot. More screams for Sergio. And Arnold just continued smiling. In the end Sergio retained his Mr. Olympia crown.

My own opinion of the judges’ decision is irrelevant. Both men are my friends and I would hate to cause them embarrassment. They possess the most fantastic physiques the world has ever known. Sergio is convinced Arnold will become the greatest ever. Some say Arnold IS already the greatest. At twenty-two, he can afford to wait until the WHOLE world accepts him as KING!

Three minutes after the decision had been announced and Sergio had collected his one thousand dollar cash prize, the great man told me that had been his last contest; he would settle with his lovely wife in Chicago and devote time to running his gymnasium. However, by ten o’clock the following morning, he had decided to have "one more go". Who can tell with Sergio?

I firmly believe my friend will be back. He needs to know that there is no one around who could take his crown. He will not be forced into retirement. Sergio could not bear the thought of anyone saying he had packed it all up on account of Schwarzenegger. He has heard the rumors that Scott gave up because of him and only a really convincing victory in next year’s Olympia will restore his peace of mind. Only then will Sergio Oliva, the acclaimed greatest in Muscledom, retire-at peace with himself. SERGIO OLIVA WILL BE BACK!

I look forward to the battle of the giants in 1970. I know you’ll be there too!

Earlier in the evening. The faces change every year, quality remains tops, and always there is joyous
excitement for the winners, here being congratulated by IFBB Chief Joe Weider. Left to right:
John Decola, MR. AMERICA, Ann Mewshaw, MISS AMERICANA, and Arnold Schwarzenegger, MR. UNIVERSE.

ADELA GARCIA 2007 Fitness Olympia Champion *Photograph courtesy of Weider Publications

IFBBPRO.com - Where were you born?
Adela - I was born in Cabrera, Dominican Republic, and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico along with my two brothers.

IFBBPRO.com - Where were you educated?
Adela - I attended Francisco Oller Catano High School in Puerto Rico and later, went to Illinois State University.

IFBBPRO.com - Where do your currently live?
Adela - Pflugerville, Texas, USA

IFBBPRO.com - What are your thoughts on career?
Adela - I have a degree in Criminal Justice from the Illinois State University but my passion is fitness. I am a Professional Fitness athlete and Personal Trainer who enjoys helping other women achieve their competitive goals. I also enjoy working with people who simply want to get in shape and change their lifestyle.

IFBBPRO.com - What is your athletic background?
Adela - Actually, I came into the sport of fitness with little athletic background. The only sports I played were volleyball, basketball and softball.

IFBBPRO.com - What inspired you to start physique training?
Adela - I remember looking at photographs in the magazines back in the 90’s and I fell in love with Mia Finnegan’s physique. Her overall body conditioning, particularly her abs, was very impressive. When the National Physique Committee of the USA - the NPC - incorporated Women’s Fitness as a sport discipline, and as more and more inspiring physiques took to the competitive stage, I made the decision to train and to compete in the new sport of fitness.

IFBBPRO.com - What do you remember about your first amateur competition?
Adela - It was a real eye-opener and learning experience. I didn’t know what I was doing. I did my own diet, my own suits, and traveled to North Carolina for the Armed Forces Europa show where I placed second. Most importantly, I met some wonderful people who would later provide the guidance I needed to be a better athlete and competitor.

IFBBPRO.com - How did you feel after your first amateur win?
Adela - Well, my first amateur win was the Short Class and Overall at the 1999 NPC USA Fitness Championships. I went to that contest ready for an IFBB Pro Card. Since, in those days, the top two finalists were being award a pro card, my goal was to place in the top two in my class. I wasn’t expecting to win my class, let alone the overall. I wasn’t even sure if it was possible for me to win a show since I didn’t have a background in gymnastics and it appeared that most of the winners were gymnasts.

ADELA GARCIA 2006 Fitness Olympia Champion *Photograph courtesy of Weider Publications

IFBBPRO.com - What are your thoughts on your Overall win at the 1999 NPC USA Fitness Championships?
Adela - I was on cloud nine. I couldn’t believe that I’d won both my class AND the overall. I knew that I was competing against the best amateurs in the USA. One of the overall winners was Jenny Hendershott. Her routines were amazing and I thought she was going to win. When they called my name, I couldn’t believe it. That moment completely changed the way I saw myself as a competitor. I used to be somewhat intimidated by my competition, but I learned that we have to always strive for more than we think we deserve. That moment changed my life for the better about the way I saw myself as a competitor and as a person.

IFBBPRO.com - What do you remember about your first professional competition?
Adela - My first professional contest was the 2000 Fitness International. It was like a dream come true. I recall being at the show in 1997; sitting in the audience and telling myself that I was going to be on that stage one day and that I was going to meet Arnold. The promoter, Jim Lorimer, was wonderful to the athletes and he still is. Knowing that I was chosen out of hundreds of other applicants to compete on that stage was an honor. I was excited to step on stage with competitors such as Susie Curry, Jenny Worth, Timea Majorova and Mandy Blank … competitors I used to watch and dream about competing against. Such an honor.

IFBBPRO.com - How did you feel after your first professional win?
Adela - I won the New York Pro show in 2002. My first win definately opened doors for me and provided the opportunity to be thought of as a serious contender for bigger titles. I continued making improvements in certain areas. I knew that I needed a better routine to place higher at the Fitness International or Fitness Olympia. I competed in almost every pro show to gain valuable experience and get my name out there.

IFBBPRO.com - What are your thoughts on your 2004 Fitness Olympia win?
Adela - Wow! I feel like crying at this moment. I never thought of myself as being a champion in the first place; nevertheless being an Olympia Champion. When I was a little girl, I wanted to be a dancer but we didn’t have the money for classes. I used to dance and do acrobatic’s with my brothers back in the Dominican Republic and that helped me a little bit to be athletic. I never thought of myself as being so accomplished when it came to fitness. I started competing because the girls looked good and I wanted to look like that. I remember standing on stage and they started calling the top six. After Susie Curry retired, Kelly Ryan had always placed second to her, so the assumption was that Kelly was going to win. My name was always mentioned as a top three finalist, but not as the winner. When they called Kelly in third place, Jenny Hendershott and I turned to each other, holding back tears because we knew it was between us. I was numb, nervous, anxious, excited. Oh lord!  When they called Jenny in second place, I was momentarily lost. I couldn’t believe I had just won the Fitness Olympia … that I was the 2004 Fitness Olympia Champion. The little girl from the Dominican Republic had overcome her barriers to be the first Latina to win the Fitness Olympia. I still reminisce about that moment with a great deal of pride. It taught me to believe in my dreams and to work hard to make them become a reality.

ADELA GARCIA 2004 Fitness Olympia Champion *Photograph courtesy of Weider Publications

IFBBPRO.com - What are your thoughts on your 2006 Fitness Olympia win?
Adela - It was a comeback win for me. I had a really bad year in 2005 and placed second at the Fitness International and third at the Fitness Olympia. I was devastated and I couldn’t understand why I went from 1st to 3rd. I was very happy for Jenny Hendershott’s win, but sad for me. I had to sit back and find myself again. In 2005, I got divorced and moved from Illinois to Texas and then to Florida. My mind was not 100% focused on defending my title and it cost me. At first, I was sad and mad at myself but when you fall, you have to get up and come back stronger. That’s what I did after a less than stellar 2005. I used my loss as motivation and trained harder.

IFBBPRO.COM - Your thoughts on your 2007 Fitness Olympia win?
Adela - I learned that it was possible to remain the Champion as long as you’ve worked harder than the competition. If you want to keep that #1 spot, you’ve got to work at least twice as hard as your competition.

IFBBPRO.com - Any disappointments that you care to share?
Adela - Generally speaking, I’m disappointed over what I believe is a lack of recognition in our sport for the female athlete. I’d like to see more fitness athletes in the magazines and a bigger purse at the Olympia.

IFBBPRO.com - How do you handle disappointments?
Adela - That’s simple … I use disappointments like fuel to make things better.

IFBBPRO.com - Do have any training or nutrition (including dieting) tips you wish to share?
Adela - The main thing when trying to achieve goals, specifically fitness, is to be consistent and motivated.  It’s important to set goals, both short- and long-term goals, that are attainable.  It’s important to be patient and to realize that changing your body doesn’t happen overnight.  It’s about a lifestyle change and when you combine a good nutrition and exercise program you’ll obtain the body that you desire.  Nutrition: I eat between 4-6 meals per day consisting of good lean proteins, healthy fats, and plenty of fruits and vegetables.

IFBBPRO.com - What’s your favorite food?
Adela - Dominican and Puerto Rican food, cheesecake, trail mix, cookies, sushi, and all my diet food as well. I really enjoy food.

IFBBPRO.com - What’s your least favorite food?
Adela - Mexican.

IFBBPRO.COM - What’s your favorite movie(s)?
Adela - Nacho Libre, Gladiator, Blades of Glory. Favorite actor(s)? Will Ferrell. Favorite actress(es)? I like them all.

IFBBPRO.com - What’s your favorite TV show(s)?
Adela - Do You Think You Can Dance.

ADELA GARCIA *Photograph by Mike Neveux

IFBBPRO.com - What types of music do you like?
Adela - I love Latin music, but it mainly depends on how I’m feeling. Sometimes I like to listen to some gangster music to get motivation. Favorite song(s)? "Pegate un poco mas" by Ricky Martin.

IFBBPRO.com - Do you have any pet peeves?
Adela - Dirtiness

IFBBPRO.com - Do you play a musical instrument?
Adela - No, but I can pretend to know how to play.

IFBBPRO.com - Do you have a hobby or hobbies?
Adela - I don’t really have a hobby.

IFBBPRO.com - How do you spend your leisure time?
Adela - Watching a good movie at home with my dogs. Spending time with my family talking about old times and laughing.

IFBBPRO.com - What are your short-term goals?
Adela - I’m working on breaking Susie’s [Curry] record and winning the Fitness Olympia five times. It’s a personal goal of mine. Long-term goals? Have a family and be remembered. I really get upset when people don’t know who Susie Curry is in the industry, especially people that become part of the fitness industry. That’s where the recognition is missing for the fitness athlete and somehow I would love to change that.

IFBBPRO.com - What are your thoughts on the IFBB Professional League?
Adela - They continue to make the sport better. I’ve been in the industry for 12 years and I’ve seen how things have changed. Still, I’d like to see more promotion of female athletes. Otherwise, I’m proud to be a member of the IFBB Pro League.

IFBBPRO.com - Do you have any thoughts on competitive fitness – past, present and future?
Adela - In the past, fitness was more popular and competitive. In the present, a lot of competitors still believe they need to be gymnasts to compete in fitness and instead, choose to compete in figure. I feel that competitive fitness is dying. It’s sad for me to say that because I don’t want to see fitness go away. In the future, I see the numbers continuing to drop in fitness and I see figure taking over as an easier route for women to compete.

IFBBPRO.com - Do you have a mentor? Individuals you looked/look up to?
Adela - My mother … if not for her, I most definitely wouldn’t be where I am today. People who supported/support you who you’d like to thank (including sponsors)? I’d like to thank GNC for giving me the opportunity to be part of their team. I have been a sponsored athlete since 2003. I love working with GNC and I’m thankful for the opportunity. I’d also like to thank my managers, Debbie and J.M. Manion, for believing in me, especially for the mental coaching over the years. They’re a huge and absolutely invaluable part of my team, not only as managers but also, like family.

ADELA GARCIA *Photograph by Mike Neveux

I’d like to thank Renzo Coste, the person behind my routines. He does the music and choreography. He’s been great to me. Jagware makes my suits to perfection. We’ve been working together since 2002 and I’ll work with them until I retire. Without my Jan Tana tan, I wouldn’t step onstage. Jan always goes that extra mile to make me look perfect. Without Mike Davies’ training and nutrition guidance, I wouldn’t look the same on the competitive stage. He knows my physique so well that if something is wrong, he can fix it right away. He’s been a mentor to me as well. Sylvia Tremblay designed my routine outfit for the 2007 Fitness Olympia and it is working on my outfit for 2008. When it comes to design, she’ll create exactly what you’re looking for.

IFBBPRO.com - Do you have a life motto or “words to live by”? A philosophy of life?
Adela - To overcome all of my fears and achieve great things.

IFBBPRO.com - What would you like to do when you retire from competitive fitness?
Adela - I’d love to have a family. I’d also love to continue my involvement with the IFBB Pro League and make sure people know about competitive fitness and how fitness can change your life. I’ll also continue promoting O.F.F [Overcome Fitness Fears with Adela], created by Jenny Hendershott. We want to reach out to and touch not only athletes, but anyone in search of a better, more healthy and fit lifestyle. You can get information about our camps by www.adelafitness.com.

IFBBPRO.com - Any final thoughts?
Adela - I’d like to thank the magazines - FLEX, MUSCLE & FITNESS, NPC NEWS, IRONMAN, MD, OXYGEN - for the opportunity to be featured in their pages. My special thanks to the Weiders and Jim Manion for the great job they do to advance professional bodybuilding, fitness and figure. I am a proud Olympia Champion and I’m thankful to be part of the IFBB Professional League. See you soon on the competitive stage.

ADELA GARCIA, 2008 Fitness Olympia Champion with 2008 Ms. Olympia Iris Kyle *Photograph by JM Manion

ADELA GARCIA, 2008 Fitness Olympia Champion with 2008 Figure Olympia Champion Jenny Lynn and 2008 Mr. Olympia Jay Cutler *Photograph by JM Manion