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The 2008 competitive season kicked off with a bang at the Arnold Classic and the Fitness Factory ladies had strong showings in all disciplines: Figure, Fitness and Bodybuilding… Professional and Amateur!

Starting with the Figure International, Jenn Gates began her first full season as a Pro with a stellar second place finish! Her beautiful shape and presentation won over the crowd and judges alike, establishing her as the one to watch in the season ahead. Chastity Slone also vaulted back into the top 5 with a strong 4th place finish. Chastity’s flowing lines and trademark conditioning won her a top placing and of course an invite to the 2008 Olympia! Fan favorite Latisha Wilder, with her flawless structure and stage glamour, and newcomer Catherine Anderson, who has made dramatic improvements since her overall win at the 2007 USA’s, also made the top 10 of this prestigious event. Brianna TIndall, Debbie Leung and Brenda Marie Smith also competed, counting themselves among this field of sixteen of the top figure athletes in the world.

In the Fitness International, Columbus’ Jen Hendershott took home the second place trophy with a killer routine that is always the fan favorite and highlight of the evening. Our own Julie Palmer rocketed into the top three, placing third with her flawless physique and routine performances that rank among her best ever. Julie firmly established herself as a top tier fitness athlete and made great strides towards one day achieving her goal of winning the Fitness International crown! Tracey Greenwood, always a contender, delivered once again, placing 5th. Other notable Fitness Factory athletes in the contest were Bethany Gainey, who made the top 10, and Tina Durkin, who made her pro debut just a few months after winning her pro card and the overall at Nationals!

The Ms. International also saw a Fitness Factory athlete reach the upper echelon of the sport. Lisa Auckland nabbed 3rd place, her highest placing to date at the Arnold! Her symmetry and fullness won the judges praise and established her as a strong contender for future titles in upcoming contests. Betty Pariso also grabbed a top 5 placing, taking 5th with her well conditioned and detailed physique.

The Fitness Factory rocked the Amateur stage at the Arnold as well! Candice Houston dominated Figure by winning her class and the overall and several athletes made finals and the top 5 in Figure, Fitness, and Women’s Bodybuilding. The premier International Amateur event brought over 200 talented athletes to the stage this year and though competition was tough, the Fitness Factory once again set the standard throughout the weekend.

The Fitness Factory also had many athletes and clients working behind the scenes throughout the Arnold Fitness Weekend. From commentating for the professional shows to expediting for the amateurs, from working the booths for their sponsors to presenting awards onstage to modeling in the fashion shows, our athletes were everywhere! Check out some of the pics here. For complete results, click here.

To all who competed, Professional and Amateur, and all who stopped by our booth in the Expo, thank you for your participation and support….we look forward to working with all of you this coming season and of course we’ll see you all again next year at the 2009 Arnold Classic!