Nicole's Night at the TOC

Considering how some top performers have had rude awakenings at their tune-up-for-the-Olympia shows recently (Sonia Gonzales at the Super Show, Felicia Romero at the Phoenix Pro), some might suggest that Nicole Wilkins was taking a chance by putting her body on the line at the IFBB Tournament of Champions on September 10, a week before the O. Not so, said the Michigan marvel after putting away the lineup of 23 pro figure veterans and newbies at the Culver City, California, event. In fact, she likes to compete a week before a big show, she said, as it gives her a chance to fine-tune her presentation. She cited 2009, when she won the New York Pro Figure right before snagging the Figure Olympia title.

Based on what I saw at the Veterans Memorial Hall on Saturday  night, her plan seems to be working: Wilkins was definitely on track to look  marvelous at the Figure O judging this coming Friday morning.

Also promising to look fabulous on September 16 an 17 was Teresa Anthony, who came out from Maryland to take the runner-up spot. Third went to California girl Krissy Chin, and since all three were already qualified for the Olympia, the sliding-qualification rule was in effect. The happy recipient of fourth place and an invitation to the O was fitness and figure vet Michelle Mayberry, who turned in about her best physique performance to date to make the first callout. See you at the O, Michelle—and ladies.

Rounding out the top five was Jennifer DeJoya, who also earned her best finishing since hitting the pros.

When we spoke on Saturday, I did not mention to Nicole that I have predicted a victory for her in Vegas (the girl’s got enough pressure). I did mention her cover shoot with Michael Neveux in the November IRON MAN, which is absolutely gorgeous and should be arriving in subscribers’ mailboxes in a week or so (on newsstands October 1). Do not miss it—and that goes for Lonnie Teper‘s cover story interview.

Speaking of “Coach,” as I like to call L.T., you can find our complete Figure and Bikini Olympia preview video here. The Swami and I had a blast at Muscle Beach last month filming our predictions for the six Olympia competitions. Check them all out here—before events (and fate) render them either brilliant or meaningless.

Find the complete results from the IFBB TOC  below.

Photo (from left): Michelle Mayberry, Teresa Anthony, Nicole Wilkins, Krissy Chin and Jen DeJoya led the lineup  in Culver City.

’11 Tournament of Champions Pro Figure

1) Nicole Wilkins*
2) Teresa Anthony*
3) Krissy Chin*
4) Michele Mayberry*
5) Jennifer DeJoya
6) Carin Hawkins
7) Ann Pratt**
8) Heather Grace**
9) Soleive Hernandez
10) Akane Nigro-Ismeal
11) Candice Houston
12) Thea Erichsen
13) Natalie Waples
14) Michelle Battista McDonald
15) Eleni Plakitsi*
16) Rachel Gichert*
17) Michelle Bates
18) Crystal Chiles
18) Deborah Denio
18) Tracey McDonald
18) Lisa Maloy
18) Jodie Minear
18) Ellena Reidie

*Qualifies for 2011 Figure Olympia.
**Tie broken.