Leigh Brandt Muscle Classic 2015 - Contest Report

Held in New Westminster, BC, this inaugural event named for Canada's first IFBB Bikini Pro Leigh Brandt and co-promoted with husband Dean Brandt of Xtreme Promotions, solidified the popularity of a Spring show in this region. Over 220 competitors graced the stage, and featured the debut of the new standardized Canadian posing guidelines for Bikini and Men's Physique in particular. The judging panel led by Kat Sartor and Wayne Karlin did a particularly meticulous job and the results (in this reporter's opinion) spoke to the integrity of that process very well.

Starting with Junior Men's bodybuilding (21 and under), it wasn't so much Lee Hannen winning this division but his impressive showing in open heavyweights, taking 2nd in a very tough class. Great things ahead for this young man.

Open heavyweights was won by a super dialed in Robert Thornton who also took the Overall title. He is also the current Treasurer of the nonprofit British Columbia Amateur Bodybuilding Association. All the open class winners had proportionality going for them rather than just leanness.

In the other Men's category bodybuilder turned Physique competitor Jeffrey De Jesus took the overall title. The judges made a major statement regarding the look that was to be rewarded. The other class winners were equally impressive including Leon Chung Him Lai sporting some of the craziest abs ever seen.

There was only one Women's bodybuilder entered,Tamara Firlotte and she looked tight. In Open Women's Physique, Elyssa Starchuk had impeccable command of her poses, and a very aesthetic look about her.

Figure only had 2 open classes with contestants. Natalie Coutu exhibited a perfect X frame combined with a mature muscular look and is without a doubt another great one in a long line of similar types headed to the next level and beyond from BC. Erica Christy (top placer at her Nationals debut) and Denean Arntson (recent high placer at Arnold's Amateur) to name a couple who are also some of the elite competitors from our province.

Natalie took the Short Class and Overall title which was well deserved. Kelly Bentley from Fort St. John took the Tall Class, who is not only a Figure competitor but also a roller derby enthusiast as well! Honourable mention to Shelbi Watton taking 3rd place, who has a super future with her amazing potential and tight tapered look.

Finally we get to Bikini, the most hotly contested category as usual. Proportionality and balance was the key in every class...and don't think showmanship wasn't an important factor! All class winners were brimming with confidence. One of the smaller yet toughest open height classes was 'D', where overall champ and first time competitor Laura Merkel emerged. Her tiny waist and a lean yet curvy sweep, combined with model looks is a hard formula to beat.

Second placer in her class Montana Jade Lee came close, the score sheets showed a 7-3 edge for Laura, splitting the 1st and 2nd place votes between them. BC Lions Cheerleader (that's football y'all) Nicole Hall elegantly won 'C' Class. She is a veteran of a couple shows looking polished as usual.

Rounding up the blonde class winners was Teela Chapdelaine in 'E' class. She possess a nice bikini model look, and leave it to the very short class to lead the way in symmetry.

'A' Class winner Rashelle Gauthier proved just that with a physique of a champion. That just leaves 'C' Class champ Caitlin Botterill left who had great stage presence. An honourable mention going to 3rd placer 18yr. old Dana Maternick of Team Fit Barbie who has a bright future in the sport.

This rounds out the first show of the year in British Columbia. The season has just started and you can look forward to the latest and hottest coverage right here at MD Canada!

Jr. Bodybuilding - Lee Hannen