The women's portion of the Olympia Weekend turned out to be one of the most exciting in years. Juliette Bergmann put on a stunning posing routine -- quite likely the best of the evening -- and took home the Lightweight trophy in the Ms. Olympia contest. Valentina Chepiga -- the 2002 Heavyweight winner -- showed tremendous originality and grace in her posing routine. Valentina took home second in the Lightweights. Third place went to Fannie Barrios. Fannie put up a tremendous fight and went head-to-head with Juliette in the posedown. Personally, despite how much I like Valentina as a competitor, I had Fannie in second and Valentina in third. It was easy to see in the prejudging that Lenda Murray was going to walk away with the Heavyweight title. However, she didn't win it easily; Iris Kyle put up a heck of a good fight -- coming close to edging Lenda out in a few poses with her rock-hard conditioning. Still, Lenda was conditioned superbly too, and she has that legendary shape that again reigned supreme. Third place went to Vickie Gates, who seemed very pleased with her placing. I concurred with first and second, but I do think that Yaxen Oriquen who placed fourth, should have placed third. When it came to the Overall Ms. Olympia title, I thought that Lenda Murray was going to dominate over Juliette Bergmann. The truth of the matter is: it was very close. Both competitors are remarkably accomplished and each has significant strengths. Certainly, Lenda was larger and perhaps just a little harder; but they both display outstanding shape and when it comes to an "overall" package, Juliette is just a little more complete. Still, Lenda's size and conditioning -- along with her outstanding shoulders, arms, and back -- were enough to push her over the edge for the win. Lenda was crowned Ms. Olympia 2002 for the seventh time -- a record in women's bodybuilding. The Fitness Olympia results had a few people scratching their heads. Still, when it came down to crowning Susie Curry as the winner, I was not surprised -- in fact, I was ecstatic. Physique-wise, I had Susie picked from the beginning -- she was ripped, shapely, and full of energy. Although her routine was not the best, her overall package is tough to beat and in this contest consistency across the board is key. Second place when to Kelly Ryan who, not surprisingly, put on one of the best routines of the show. Third place was Jenny Worth which, I believe, was a gift since a number of other competitors were in far better shape. Rounding out the top five: Adela Friedmansky placed fourth and Jenny Hendershott was in fifth. Highlight Photos
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