2010 Fitness International Finals

Tonight she earned her third Fitness International title to go along with the four Fitness Olympia wins she has already collected. Today in the physique round I didn’t find her dominant, mainly because her past knee injury seems to have had the effect of downsizing her legs to a noticeable degree. But tonight when the routine round came around, it was her time to shine and to shut the door on her rivals. Coming out in a green outfit inspired by the one fellow Latina diva Jennifer Lopez made famous, Adela performed a high-energy routine loaded with strength moves and provocative dancing to a mix of J-Lo songs.

Basically, Adela is a master at coming up with routines that both showcase her abilities and play up her exotic heritage, and she had the audience wrapped around her finger. The most creative routine of the night was that of the runner-up, Julie Palmer. First, the voice-over referenced a series of life-size stand-ups of Julie lining the stage, depicting her at various stages of her pro career. She then came out as the ‘future’ Palmer, 20 years older and in a fat suit, which was discarded after a series of strength moves. Air Force veteran and 2009 Fitness Olympia runner-up Tanji Johnson took third place with a spirited tribute to Michael Jackson. Tanji’s blend of skilled dancing and impressive strength moves was impressive as always.

Trish Warren placed fourth with a Gladiator/300 inspired routine that I felt was slow at times, especially compared to the non-stop energy blitz we saw from most of the field. Perhaps the Warren household will still have cause for major celebration after this weekend – but we won’t find that out until the end of the Arnold Classic tomorrow night. Fifth place Oksana Grishina from Russia had the most artistic routine of the evening, mixing graceful dancing with tremendous strength moves, all set to “Bring me to life.” And finally, rounding out the top six was former dancer and cheerleader Camala Rodriguez, in her Fitness International debut. Camala also did a routine based on the life and music of Michael Jackson.

Final results and cash awards:

First place                      Adela Garcia                        $ 25,000

Second place                 Julie Palmer                        $ 13,000

Third place                     Tanji Johnson                        $ 8,000

Fourth place                   Trish Warren                        $ 5,000

Fifth place                      Oksana Grishina                   $ 3,000

Sixth place                     Camala Rodriguez                $ 2,000