Page 148 - Muscle & Fitness (December 2019)

COMPETITION SPOTLIGHT

THE RISING PHOENIX EMERGES

FROM THE ASHES OF THE MS. OLYMPIA

The Rising Phoenix World Championship created a new pinnacle that would set a new stage

ablaze despite the demise of multiple competitive stages that featured female bodybuilders.

by Alexandra Sacasa

n Friday, September 6, over entire weekend was marked by show opened with the Yellow
100 female competitors camaraderie and sportsmanship Bird Apache dancers, a Native
Ogathered inside the Wild that people often overlook in American tribe in Arizona who
Horse Pass Hotel & Casino in bodybuilding. presented the unique spirit of the
Chandler, AZ, for the first all- It was a true demonstration American Indian with energetic
women’s bodybuilding weekend. of women lifting each other up. music and specialty hoop dancing.
As the sun set during the The ladies were welcomed with a Then, the fans cheered as each
afternoon athlete check-ins, round of speeches that continued bodybuilder posed on stage for
competitors and fans gathered this theme. Wings of Strength a chance to win prize money,
to welcome and celebrate the VP of US Operations Alex Sacasa sponsorships, as well as qualify
fifth annual IFBB Wings of thanked the competitors for their to compete on the Olympia stage
Strength Rising Phoenix World participation at this all-women’s the following year.
Championship in conjunction event and shared how honored Bodybuilding shows are
with the Arizona Women’s Pro, she is to work with a team of usually filled with athletes’
and kick off the inaugural NPC amazing women who make every friends, family and fans, and this
Women’s Extravaganza. event a true labor of love. Emcee intimate crowd was no exception.
The attendees included partners,
parents, and children of all ages—
there were many heartwarming
cheers of, “Mommy!” It was
the highest paying female
bodybuilding competition in the
world, and the crowd felt even
richer with love and support.
While each division competed
for prize money, the female
bodybuilding division was
competing for the coveted grand
prizes: a $50,000 check, a brand

From left to right: Theresa Ivancik (Pennsylvania); Alina Popa (2018 Rising Phoenix World new 2019 Dodge Challenger
Champion); Nicki Chartrand (Canada); Margie Martin (Georgia); Lenda Murray (8x Ms Olympia); Hellcat Redeye, and the priceless
Helle Trevino (California); Jake Wood (Owner, Wings of Strength); Irene Andersen (Sweden); title of 2019 Rising Phoenix World
Alex Sacasa (VP of US Operations, Wings of Strength); Monique Jones (South Carolina)
Champion. This honor was made
The energy was palpable as Sara Hurrle described the vibe as possible courtesy of Jake Wood
competitors from around the a “total love fest,” and reminded and Wings of Strength, who
world embraced, complimenting attendees that lighting another created the division in 2014 to fill
one another and graciously candle does not diminish your
wishing each other luck even own light and to keep illuminating Complete Arizona
though they would compete other women to help this sport Women’s Pro Winners
on the same stage in less than and all women’s events grow Fitness: Ryall Graber (Canada)
24 hours. The solo sport of brighter with love and support.
bodybuilding can feel like a lonely On Saturday, the stage was Figure: Cydney Gillon (Georgia)
road; you might prepare for the set. The large 20-foot video wall Bikini: Monica Ellis (Texas)
stage with the help of a coach or served as a resplendent backdrop, Physique: Tiangngok
team, but you ultimately stand illuminating the competitors’
on stage alone. However, the muscular silhouettes. The Penpraghai (Thailand)