When the going gets tough, the tough get going. And on July 17, 2004, the tough finally did get it going.

After years of close calls at various national shows, Bethani Terrell's persistence finally paid off as she won the overall title - and that elusive pro card - at the 2004 NPC USA's in Las Vegas, NV.

Sporting a show-stopping physique, with the perfect mixture of size, symmetry and conditioning, Bethani scored a miniscule 5 in both the one and two piece rounds. Although she was in the largest class - medium, with 21 competitors - Bethani's routine was solid enough to place 4th in the category, which all but guaranteed victory.

While first place in medium was pretty much wrapped up, the battle for the second pro card was much more competitive. Julie Lohre, who had a buzz going into the show (from the fitness fans, not the mini-bar, of course), blew away her fellow competitors in the routine round, however the judges placed her surprisingly low - 10th - in the physique portion. Louisiana resident Michelle Marciante, who was competing again for the first time in years, also came close to winning the final pro card. But in the end, it was Kim Seeley of Missouri, who made up for a slight injury during her routine with a solid, powerful physique to take second place - and more importantly, the second pro card.

A few competitors that may have been a bit snubbed by the judges were Sara Flom and Brooke Paulin. Sara's physique was in the best condition ever - quite possibly - but ended up finishing 13th overall. Brooke's placement, on the other hand, is even more puzzling. With great symmetry and proportion, the judges awarded Brooke 15th in the physique portion of the show. Perhaps she could benefit from a little more width in her back, but Brooke clearly had a better physique than some competitors that placed ahead of her.

Also of note were the routines of Sandi Ward and her flying Elvis routine; Kelly G, who displayed a beautiful combination of grace and power; and Nicole Rogers, with her awesome strength and flexibility.

While the medium class had the most competitors on stage, the tall class was the complete opposite, with a total of 10. But don't mistake those small numbers for a non-competitive class, because that's the farthest from the truth.

Kristina Henn, who has only been competing a short time, dialed in the tall class title with her action-packed, Matrix inspired Trinity routine. Speaking of dialed in, her physique was just that, presenting a very tight package on stage.

Right behind her was Colorado's Tamara Sherrill, who was the most consistent competitor in the class, placing 3rd, 2nd and 3rd in the three total rounds. That was just enough to squeak by Christina Golden, who dominated the two-piece round with a score of 5. However, in the final event of the night, the one-piece, Christina was awarded a score of 15. That placed her 4 points away from second place - and more importantly, 4 points away from a pro card.

As far as routines went, Luciana Bell easily walked away with top honors in the tall class. Close behind her was Laticia "Action" Jackson, who wowed the crowd with her strength moves and holds. Celeste Turner, who's powerful routine matched her powerful physique, also stood out from the rest.

If you thought the tall class was competitive, the shorties were no match. Almost top to bottom, every competitor had a chance at the two pro cards up for grabs between the 11 athletes.

In the physique portion of the class, the judges award Sabrina Gibson high marks for her lean build and solid definition. Right behind her was 19 year old San Diegan Brittany Thorsch, and the stalwart physique of Allison Daughtery.

Also of note were the tight physiques of Katie Szep, who displayed great overall definition, but lacked size, and Melissa Maffioli, who could have placed even higher than 4th with a little more conditioning.

The routine portion of the short class is when things really got fun. Nita Marquez, a tiny powerhouse of a competitor, put on a show with her incredible press holds and transitions, displaying vast amounts of strength in her back and glutes. Kristi Willis, who sported an awesome tweener physique, was no slouch in the routine department either, showing lots of energy and strength as well.

However, the real treat of the short class was the routine of Shiva Bagheri. "Gumby", as she used to be known, has a routine worthy of lead dancer on Britney Spears tour. With a ridiculous amount of energy, Shiva is able to showcase her amazing flexibility, high-flying ability, and ample strength in a non-stop flurry on stage. It was a complete no-brainer to award Shiva with the overall best routine award for the USA's

In the end, Sabrina Gibson easily walked away with the short class title. Britt Thorsch was able to overcome nearly fainting on stage during her routine with a high one-piece score to edge out Kristi Willis for the final pro card of the class.

Although it may seem that 3rd place is the worst place to come in a show like the USA's - just out of reach of obtaining a pro card - just remember who won the overall at the show. If there's ever someone to look up to when it comes to dedication, tenacity and perseverance, Bethani Terrell is that individual.

So next year when the going starts to get tough.. well, you know what to do.

^TOP OF PAGE