When you think of big-time figure competitions, I'll bet the first thing that comes to your mind isn't "Pacific Beach Middle School". But don't be confused by the name of the setting, because San Diego residents always know how to pack a house for a competition, and the 2004 NPC World Gym Classic was no exception.

Taking the stage for the competition were a varied assortment of athletes, many of them who had just competed in the earlier Southern California shows in Pasadena and Anaheim.

The short class started off with Masae Barker, the eventual winner of not only the short class, but the master's overall as well, taking the stage. Masae's physique was long and lean, with great shoulder development. Her physique would also match the general look the judges tended to reward throughout the entire competition.

Tammy Thompson, who had won the short class at the NPC Max Muscle show weeks before, finished a close second. Her physique was easily on par with Masae's, and even showed a bit more development in some areas.

One competitor to keep an eye on is Kristina Beck. If she can come into a show a little bit tighter, and work on her stance and posture on stage a bit, she'll be a big-time player in NPC figure. I mean, she should get extra points for her eyes alone.

Next up was the abbreviated medium class, with only three competitors. Melanie Nakaji, who flaunted the lean frame the judges were looking for (and "legs for days," as a person from the audience yelled out - and I agree), and took the medium class title. Not only did Melanie sport a great lower body, but she also had some of the brightest, whitest teeth possible. So not only did she make her trainer proud, but also her dentist. I can only imagine the Tooth Fairy drooling over those pearly whites.

Jennifer Sheetz and Tena Wilson rounded out the rest of the class. Jennifer is a SoCal NPC veteran who I've seen in previous competitions. I've always thought that she had great proportions, so it was nice to see her walk away with a second place trophy (even if it was only out of three.. hey don't rain on her parade!). Coming in third was Tena Wilson, who had great overall development, especially in her upper body. Although I always hate saying this, but perhaps she had 'too much' development for those particular judges. But you never know what the judges will be looking for on any given night.

On deck after the medium class were the similarly named medium tall class, the biggest class of the night.. and also the toughest. It featured a number of physiques that could have easily won the class, and perhaps the entire show. And that actually was the case with one competitor, Inez Bess, who DID win the class and the entire show.

Inez has been a bit of a trophy hog lately, scooping up more gold than a San Francisco miner in 1849. Not only did Inez take home 3 trophies (class, overall, and master's class), but she won 4 more at the Max Muscle show just weeks before. I guess the judges are going with the old adage, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it," and as long as Inez steps on stage, it's going to take someone's best to knock her off the top of the mountain. It's not often that a master's competitor can dominate a series of shows like Inez has, but with her physique, she's definitely earned every trophy.

With similar proportions, Sherry Winslow nabbed the second place spot. Sherry's overall look is in the same mold as the winner's, except Inez has a bit more development, which is evident in her back width v-taper and shoulders. But Sherry has been on Inez's heels for two competitions in a row now, collecting her second straight second place.

On stage next was crowd favorite Amber Garrison, who presented a problem for the judges. Do we stick to our long and lean gameplan, or do we reward someone like Amber who, although thicker with a bit more size and shape, still presents herself as the total figure package? Unfortunately for Amber, the judges stuck to their guns, but did reward the head-turner with a 3rd place finish in a tough class. I don't think this is the last we'll be seeing of Amber on stage.

Coming in fourth was Swede Lina Eklund, who also showed alot of promise. Lina's physique featured great should/back width, which highlighted a great v-taper. She could have easily finished in the top 3 of this competitive class, and should do quite well in the future.

The next two results came as somewhat of a surprise, with Vicky Oates and Jessica Gommel finishing 5th and 6th, respectively. Vicky had one of the better physiques of the night, and polished it off with great suits and makeup. One drawback may have been her back width, which she'll need to improve a bit, but for someone who only has 4 years of weight training under her belt, she'll climb up the ranks soon enough.

Jessica Gommel's placing was also a bit puzzling. Although some of her lower body could have been a bit tighter, her overall appearance on stage warranted a higher placing than 6th. A superb upper body, and a great smile as well.

As you can tell, the medium tall class was quite a battle, and I was only able to comment on just over half of the athletes. But now, let's move on to the final class.. the tall class.

Holly-Marie Hill was unique in the fact that she was clearly the class winner once she stepped on stage. Not to take away from any of the other competitors in the tall class, but Holly-Marie's physique, which won her the tall class at the Max Muscle show, was the cream of that class' crop. And not only did she have a great physique, but Holly-Marie has had eyes that rivaled Kristina Beck's.

Coming in second was Colleen Moller, who also finished 3rd in the master's tall class. Colleen physique was topped off by one of the biggest diamond navel piercings I've come across. I think the only way to top that piece of ice would be to attach the Hope Diamond to one's bellybutton.

Rounding out the top four, as well as FitSights' report on the 2004 NPC World Gym classic were Ashely Benedict and Michelle Starkey. Of the two, Michelle Starkey seemed to present a bit of a more developed body, but the judges gave the nod to Ashley.

Speaking of nod, if you were able to make it through this entire report without nodding off, you are to be commended. But hey, it's over now, so go rest your retinas and come back when you're good and ready.

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