Olympia Champion Jennifer Gates Bows Out of Arnold Invitational

Jennifer Gates with Amy Fry, a top contender for the Arnold title

Gates' absence is expected to shake up the placings at the top of the event, and may allow Gina Aliotti an easier road to defending the title she won in 2008.

February 9, 2009

Special for Bodybuilding Weekly

IFBB figure superstar Jennifer Gates has quietly declined the invitation to compete at the 2009 Arnold Figure International, after placing 2nd at the event last year.  Gates is also the defending 2008 Figure Olympia champion.  Her absence is expected to shake up the placings at the top of the event, and may allow Gina Aliotti an easier road to defending the title she won in 2008.

After the sudden death of her husband Derek in December, Jenn’s total focus has been on getting her two children and extended family through a very difficult time.

While she won’t be competing, Gates will still be appearing at the Pro Fight booth during the Arnold Sports Festival, held from March 5th through the 8th in Columbus, Ohio.  She represented Eight Ball Nutrition at the Arnold last year.

Gates will continue to maintain a very visible presence within the fitness industry, and she is a cover model for the May 2009 issue of Iron Man magazine.