DAYTONA BEACH, Florida — Against the backdrop of swaying palm trees and the gentle rush of the Atlantic, the 2023 Daytona Pro-Am unfurled its pageantry from September 29-30. This wasn’t just another event in the sporting calendar; it was the threshold to the mecca of bodybuilding – the Olympia.
The beach city buzzed with palpable anticipation. Athletes and aficionados converged, knowing well that the outcomes here could shape destinies. The road to the Olympia, set to grace Orlando, Florida’s Orange County Convention Center, had one crucial pit stop: Daytona.
Navigating the High Stakes
There’s an adage that in sports, it’s not about the destination but the journey. But for these athletes, the destination – the 2023 Olympia – was paramount. Each had the October 9 qualification deadline circled in red. The rules had changed. With the IFBB Pro League’s recent pivot away from the point system, the calculus was simple but brutal: emerge victorious at the Pro-Am or risk missing the Olympia.
2023 Daytona Pro-Am Winners
- Men’s Physique: Kyron Holden
- Figure: Nicole Zenobia Graham
- Bikini: Ndeye Ndour
- Women’s Physique: Marie-Solange Essoh
The Roster Line-Up: A Confluence of Talent and Tenacity
- Men’s Physique: Kyron Holden The aura of Holden, in the Men’s Physique category, was unmistakable. A harmonious blend of symmetry and size, Holden’s performance was a study in grace and grit.
- Figure: Nicole Zenobia Graham Graham, in the Figure division, was poetry in motion. With every pose, she told a story – one of dedication, sacrifice, and an unyielding commitment to the craft.
- Bikini: Ndeye Ndour The Bikini segment is often lauded for its emphasis on aesthetics and presentation. Ndour, embodying these principles, showcased a performance that was both radiant and technically impeccable.
- Women’s Physique: Marie-Solange Essoh The Women’s Physique division demands a unique intersection of muscularity and femininity. Essoh, rising to this challenge, presented a package that was both powerful and polished.
2023 Daytona Pro-Am: Official Results Breakdown
Men’s Physique
- Winner — Kyron Holden
- Second Place — Clarence McSpadden Jr.
- Third Place — Christopher Barr
- Fourth Place — Brett Mario Jackson
- Fifth Place — Sharif Reid
- Sixth Place — Joshua Guidry
- Seventh Place — Tyler Smith
- Eighth Place — Winston Sullivan
- Ninth Place — Kenyon Leno
- Tenth Place — Anas Farhat
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Figure
- Winner — Nicole Zenobia Graham
- Second Place — Thais Cabrices Werner
- Third Place — Kelly Estrada
- Fourth Place — Emily Hammond
- Fifth Place — Danielle Rose
- Sixth Place — Edith Driver
- Seventh Place — Dr. Adrienne Matthews
- Eighth Place — Courtney Jacobs
- Ninth Place — Rachel Stuckert
- Tenth Place — Kimberly Smith
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Bikini
- Winner — Ndeye Ndour
- Second Place — Jessica Nicole Dolias
- Third Place — Noelle Agnew
- Fourth Place — Janine Herrera
- Fifth Place — Rachael Oberst
- Sixth Place — Susana Aramayo
- Seventh Place — Huong Mai
- Eighth Place — Winitchanok Shao
- Ninth Place — Maria Vegas
- Tenth Place — Myra Colcord
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Women’s Physique
- Winner — Marie-Solange Essoh
- Second Place — Jada Beverly
- Third Place — Heather Grace
- Fourth Place — Heather Rigsby
- Fifth Place — Andrea Alonso
- Sixth Place — Laura Pyszora
- Seventh Place — Jacqueline Hale
- Eighth Place — Marysel Cruz Cruz
- Ninth Place — Farrah Faulkner
- Tenth Place — Taysir Orta
Event Highlights: A Mosaic of Memorable Moments
The Daytona Pro-Am wasn’t just about winners. It was about moments – some of elation, some of heartbreak.
In the Men’s Physique showdown, Clarence McSpadden Jr. showcased notable improvements from his last outing, securing a respectable second place. Christopher Barr’s third-place finish was equally laudable, given his recent recovery from an injury.
The Figure category witnessed a close battle for the second spot. Thais Cabrices Werner edged out Kelly Estrada by the slimmest of margins, highlighting the depth of competition.
In Bikini, Jessica Nicole Dolias showcased her trademark flair, but it was Noelle Agnew’s breakout performance that left many talking. Janine Herrera’s fourth-place finish, meanwhile, cements her status as a rising star.
The Women’s Physique division echoed with the roars of appreciation for Jada Beverly. Her second-place finish, while commendable, signals her potential for gold in upcoming events.
2023 Daytona Pro-Am Official Scorecards
From Daytona to the Grand Olympia Stage
With the echo of the final applause at the Daytona Pro-Am beginning to fade, athletes and fans alike now cast their gaze towards the grand coliseum of bodybuilding: The Olympia. In just five weeks, the champions of Daytona – and many others – will vie for the sport’s ultimate honor.
But for now, the sun sets on Daytona Beach, and the athletes retreat. Some with trophies, others with lessons, but all with dreams of Olympia gold.
Overview
In a pivotal showdown at the 2023 Daytona Pro-Am, four standout athletes emerged victorious, securing their spots for the highly anticipated Olympia competition. As the October 9 deadline looms, the stakes have never been higher. The champions – Kyron Holden, Nicole Zenobia Graham, Ndeye Ndour, and Marie-Solange Essoh – showcased unparalleled prowess in their respective categories, setting the stage for an electrifying contest at the upcoming Olympia in Orlando.
Featured Image @ndeye_ndour_Ifbbpro, @edithdriver_Ifbbpro, @Kyron_igm (Instagram)
