Mary Lado Returns to Stage in Spectacular Fashion, Wins Jacksonville Pro

Mary Lado and Jessica Putnam

Mary Elizabeth Lado, Jessica Paxson-Putnam and Kristal Richardson all qualify for the 2008 Olympia stage.

Mary Elizabeth Lado has returned to the IFBB figure stage in spectacular fashion, winning the title at the Jacksonville pro show and qualifiying for the 2008 Olympia.  Lado, blessed with natural beauty and incredible leg genetics, rounded out her package by tightening up her waist considerably while filling out her entire body.  Mary, the 2007 Arnold Invitational figure champion, will look to improve on last year's 10th place finish at the Olympia.

The second and third place finishes were also as expected, with gorgeous Optimum Nutrition and Weider-sponsored athlete Jessica Paxson-Putnam grabbing the runner-up spot.

Kristal Richardson, one of the most underrated competitors in the IFBB in recent years, finally broke through to grab a place at the Olympia.  Kristal has some of the best abdominals in the sport and is also one of the most prominently featured "real muscle" fitness models in the industry.  Last month she was ranked in the IFBB pro figure top ten, as compiled by FigureRX Magazine, and 2008 is shaping up to be her breakthrough year.

ALR-sponsored superstar Krissy Chin placed 4th and also won the award for best presentation.

Canadian competitor Jane Awad narrowly missed an Olympia qualification by taking 5th but, as always, exhibited some of the best leg development on stage.  Elisha Archibald also returned to her 2007 winning ways, and was one of the most improved competitors of the show relative to her 19th place finish at last month's Houston Pro.

Several other athletes, including two beautiful Brazilians making IFBB professional debuts, brought heavily muscled and symmetrical packages that were penalized by the judges but spectacular nonetheless.

Check the FigureRX Magazine Jacksonville Pro Coverage Page for a full contest report, official score sheet, pre-judging call-outs and photos.

Source:  FigureRX Magazine