Important note: The top-3 predictions made here are simply that -- predictions -- and are not the final results. Unlike the men's contest -- which most everyone is predicting Ronnie Coleman will walk away with again -- word on the street has been that the Ms. Olympia was shaping up to be one of the most exciting ever. This more-than-likely began with Juliette Bergmann's phenomenal comeback last year. As a result, this year saw two more veterans come out of retirement and hit the posing stage: Lenda Murray and Laura Creavalle. When the Lightweight class walked onstage, one thing was clear: Juliette Bergman was in even better shape than last year -- looking a tad bit bigger and, more importantly, harder. Fannie Barrios made huge improvements over last year and looked outstanding, with dazzling muscularity. Valentina Chepiga looked great, but lacked the shape of Bergmann. Canada's Sophie Duquette is the wildcard here, being called out time and time again for comparison. Sophie has a good combination of shape, muscularity, and femininity that keeps the judges' attentions. Doug Schneider's top-3 predictions after the prejudging round: Juliette walks away with the title with ease, Fannie will take second, and Valentina will deservedly land in third. The Heavyweights were even more exciting than the Lightweights. Perhaps, most fittingly, the last competitor to come onstage was Lenda Murray -- and the crowd gasped, then cheered. Displaying huge shoulders and arms sweeping to a miniscule waist, Lenda personified what physique building is about. Her shape here is simply second to none. That's not to say that Lenda will take this class easily. Iris Kyle, last year's Heavyweight winner, may well be notch better in terms of conditioning. Iris legs, particularly the calves, are better than Lenda's. Still, turning around Lenda takes her in the back. And viewed as whole package, Lenda simply looks better. Yaxena Oriquen is also in topnotch shape, displaying incredible muscle density and good overall shape. Despite some personal problems, Vickie Gates is also in the running. Although not in her top form -- and definitely not in the top spot -- many feel a top-3 finish is possible. Finally, Laura Creavalle's comeback was not as successful. Although she showed good shape and at times the magic of Laura peeped through, she was simply too far off her top shape to be considered any kind of threat. Doug Schneider's top-3 predictions: Lenda takes first, Iris is in second, and Yaxena is in third. When it comes down to the Overall title, as much as I like Juliette Bergmann, when Lenda Murray stands beside her I believe it will be clear that Lenda will reign and will have overwhelming crowd approval. One thing is for sure: The crowd on Friday night will be treated to an outstanding show with some of the best female physiques the world has seen. Highlight Photos
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