Phoenix, Arizona – An atmosphere of electric anticipation enveloped the city as September 30th approached, signaling the advent of the illustrious 2023 Rising Phoenix & Arizona Pro. Beyond the customary admiration for sheer athletic prowess, the event was a mosaic of dedication, discipline, and dreams. Headlining the occasion was the Women’s Bodybuilding division, a testament to power and elegance. Yet, this day wasn’t solely about them. The stage in Phoenix came alive with six shimmering facets of female bodybuilding: Women’s Bodybuilding, Fitness, Figure, Bikini, Women’s Physique, and the groundbreaking Wellness division.
A Confluence of Strength and Elegance
Central to the event, Andrea Shaw — a three-time Ms. Olympia and reigning Rising Phoenix champion — represented more than just a competitor. She embodied the spirit of excellence, setting the gold standard for what was achievable in Women’s Bodybuilding. Yet, in the shadow of such a towering presence, five other divisions carved their own space, each representing a unique blend of athleticism, aesthetics, and artistry. From the choreographed grace of the Fitness category to the aesthetic challenges posed by the Figure and Bikini divisions, from the raw power of the Women’s Physique contenders to the harmonious balance of the Wellness participants — Phoenix bore witness to a diverse celebration of the female form.
2023 Rising Phoenix & Arizona Pro Winners
- Women’s Bodybuilding: Andrea Shaw
- Fitness: Stephanie Jones
- Figure: Rhea Gayle
- Bikini: Iulia Baba
- Women’s Physique: Alex Hall
- Wellness: Andrea Hrenko
2023 Rising Phoenix & Arizona Pro Results Breakdown
Women’s Bodybuilding
Shaw’s Dominance Continues at Rising Phoenix
Phoenix, Arizona – The stage lights dimmed and a hushed expectancy gripped the audience. As reigning champion Andrea Shaw took center stage during the prejudging round, it was clear that she had arrived with one intention: to defend her title. Her statuesque presence, with those unmistakable capped shoulders and an arresting X-frame, commanded attention. Recollections of her recent triumph at the esteemed Olympia stage, where she overpowered formidable competitor Angela Yeo, only heightened the anticipation.
Speaking of Yeo, her return was laden with promise and determination. Having faced a few setbacks and critiques at her last Olympia appearance, Angela appeared rejuvenated. Her commitment was evident in the sheer muscular definition she showcased – arguably her best ever. The transformation suggested a thorough introspection, a rigorous training regimen, and possibly a few sleepless nights analyzing judges’ comments.
However, the night belonged to Shaw. The fluidity of her poses, juxtaposed with her powerful muscularity and slender waist, were nothing short of art in motion. Angela Yeo, with her improved package, did push Shaw but had to content herself with the second spot. The surprise package was Michaela Aycock, who clinched the third position, completing the triumvirate of the evening’s top Women’s Bodybuilding performers.
- Winner — Andrea Shaw
- Second Place — Angela Yeo
- Third Place — Michaela Aycock
- Fourth Place — Mayla Ash
- Fifth Place — Chelsea Dion
- Sixth Place — Melissa Teich
- Seventh Place — Sherry Priami
- Eighth Place — Kristina Mendoza
- Ninth Place — Reshanna Boswell
- Tenth Place — Nicki Chartrand
View this post on Instagram
Fitness
Jones’ Showstopper Wins Admiration at Fitness Competition
Phoenix, Arizona – From the moment the Fitness competition commenced, there was a palpable air of excitement. Eyes were darting, gauging each routine, and discussions whispered among both fans and judges. Yet, amidst the dynamic presentations, Stephanie Jones emerged as an undeniable favorite.
Jones’ performance wasn’t just about athleticism or the high-octane dance numbers. The narrative she painted through her routine seamlessly combined peak physical conditioning with an artful symmetry. Her drive was palpable, perhaps fueled by the memories of a close second-place finish to Minna Pajulahti at the 2023 Masters Olympia. The weight of that silver medal seemed to propel her every move, making her presence all the more riveting.
Yet, Stephanie wasn’t the sole standout of the night. Corina Harkelroad, a familiar name in the Fitness circuit, unfurled a sequence of routines that captivated many. Known for her signature moves, tonight, she outdid herself. Her performance reflected the lessons from her 11th-place finish at the 2023 Tampa Pro, showcasing significant improvements. Notably, Harkelroad’s lower body strength, a testament to her rigorous training, provided her a distinctive edge, setting her apart from many contenders.
But as the final scores were tallied after a series of heated face-offs, Stephanie Jones reigned supreme, capturing the coveted first-place finish. Harkelroad secured the silver spot, leaving a mark with her improved form. Kristin Pope rounded out the top three, cementing her position among the elite.
- Winner — Stephanie Jones
- Second Place — Corina Harkelroad
- Third Place — Kristin Pope
- Fourth Place — Kayla Rossi
- Fifth Place — Sally Kendall-Williams
- Sixth Place — Rene Brosch
- Seventh Place — Rachel Pitts
- Eighth Place — Danielle Delikat
View this post on Instagram
Figure
Rhea Gayle Dominates the Figure Category with Impeccable Form
Phoenix, Arizona – The Figure category at this year’s competition was nothing short of breathtaking, as elite athletes brought their A-game, leaving spectators in awe. However, amidst the stunning line-up, Rhea Gayle emerged as a dominant force, a testament to her rigorous training and dedication.
From her initial stance on stage, Gayle’s impeccable conditioning and superior upper body development commanded attention. It was clear she had arrived with a mission: to overcome her second-place finish at the 2023 San Antonio Pro. Every pose, every transition, bore the hallmark of an athlete determined to clinch the top spot.
Yet, the path to victory wasn’t devoid of challenges. Among Gayle’s most formidable competitors was Shanice Abrams. Abrams, with her distinctive blend of muscularity, density, and top-tier conditioning, has long been recognized as a powerhouse in the Figure category. Her recent eighth-place finish at the 2023 Sasquatch Pro only further solidified her reputation. As she showcased her routine, there was an undeniable aura of confidence, reflecting her journey and dedication to the sport.
However, when the final decisions were announced, it was Rhea Gayle’s moment of triumph. Holding her gold trophy aloft, she basked in the accolades. Shanice Abrams, with her commendable performance, clinched the second spot. Paula Rojo, another phenomenal athlete, completed the top three, showcasing the depth of talent in this year’s Figure category.
- Winner — Rhea Gayle
- Second Place — Shanice Abrams
- Third Place — Paula Rojo
- Fourth Place — Christine Steams
- Fifth Place — Nikki Mcguire
- Sixth Place — Sophie Jenkins
- Seventh Place — Osiris Trumpe
- Eighth Place — Jaslynn James
- Ninth Place — Elizabeth Nieder
- Tenth Place — Jennifer Johnson
View this post on Instagram
Bikini
Iulia Baba Triumphs in the Bikini Division amidst Fierce Competition
Phoenix, Arizona – The energy was palpable on Saturday night as a bevy of bikini athletes graced the stage, each with their sights set on securing an Olympia qualification. Among them, Iulia Baba stood out not only for her impeccable form but also for her determination.
With her alluring hourglass frame, Baba was an instant favorite from the moment she entered the limelight. This wasn’t her first rodeo; fresh off her close second-place finish at the 2023 San Antonio Pro, she was back with renewed vigor, hoping to overshadow her past runner-up position against Jourdanne Lee. Throughout the prejudging, her poise and confidence were evident, making it clear she was a top contender.
However, victory wasn’t guaranteed. Reijuana Harley, a household name in the bikini realm, brought her best to the stage. Known for her striking physique and impressive tie-ins, Harley’s performance was a testament to her relentless work ethic and dedication to the sport. Fans remembered her commendable third-place finish at the 2023 Nevada State Pro, and she was undoubtedly in Phoenix to better that result.
Yet, when the dust settled, it was Iulia Baba who emerged as the victor, with the coveted first prize firmly in her grasp. Reijuana Harley, with her captivating performance, secured the second spot. Daraja Hill’s exceptional showcase earned her a well-deserved third place, rounding off an evening of fierce competition and unparalleled talent.
- Winner — Iulia Baba
- Second Place — Reijuana Harley
- Third Place — Daraja Hill
- Fourth Place — Lacy Rutland
- Fifth Place — Reyna Perez Mecalco
- Sixth Place — Abbi Gaetano
- Seventh Place — Chantel Hall
- Eighth Place — Marioly Galarza
- Ninth Place — Marcela Moreno
- Tenth Place — Cierra Davis
View this post on Instagram
Women’s Physique
A Night of Triumph for Alex Hall in Women’s Physique Division at Phoenix
Phoenix, Arizona – The excitement was unmistakable on Saturday evening, as the Women’s Physique contenders took the stage, showcasing the culmination of their hard work and discipline. One such contender who seemed to magnetize all attention was Alex Hall.
From the outset, Hall’s distinguished quads became the cynosure of all eyes. The muscle separation, paired with some of the division’s most formidable arms, announced her as a top contender for the night. Each pose she struck was a testament to her dedication and months of rigorous training.
However, victory wasn’t a given. Looming in the same division was the prodigious Hi Hye Lee, an athlete who has tasted the grandeur of the Olympia stage, placing 14th in the previous year’s showdown. Lee’s reputation, her well-earned accolades, and her unwavering commitment to the sport made her a formidable competitor.
Yet, when the final poses were struck and the audience’s anticipatory hum ceased, it was Alex Hall who emerged as the shining star of the night, clinching the gold in style. While Hi Hye Lee, with her unparalleled commitment and talent, secured a well-fought second place. Completing this trio of formidable athletes was Yuna Kim, who took home the bronze, cementing the top three spots of the evening’s exhilarating competition.
- Winner — Alex Hall
- Second Place — Hi Hye Lee
- Third Place — Yuna Kim
- Fourth Place — Winsome White
- Fifth Place — Joanna Romano
- Sixth Place — Anna-Lena Prinz
- Seventh Place — Suzan Oktay
- Eighth Place — Alyssa Coppolino
- Ninth Place — Tina Mauer Guadarrama
- Tenth Place — Michelle Polanik
View this post on Instagram
Wellness
Wellness Category: A Face-Off Between Veterans and Rising Stars in Arizona
Phoenix, Arizona – As the sun began its descent in Arizona, all eyes were on the dazzling participants of the Wellness category. Among them, Mariha Lyons emerged as the cynosure during prejudging. Lyons, with her impeccable shape and commendable lower body density, presented an aesthetic that was hard to ignore. With the illustrious Olympia event on the horizon, Lyons aimed to leave an indelible mark on the judges’ scorecards in Arizona.
However, victory wasn’t going to be an easy feat, especially with the presence of a titan in the division – Andrea Hrenko. Hrenko wasn’t new to the limelight. She had already celebrated a remarkable year, having secured back-to-back second-place finishes at the esteemed 2023 Tampa Pro and Sin City Pro. The experience and expertise she brought to the stage, combined with her outstanding symmetry, made her a formidable competitor.
As the night progressed and the tension heightened, the results were a hair’s breadth away from going in any direction. But, in a photo finish, Andrea Hrenko emerged as the gold medalist. Lyons, with her incredible performance, secured the second position, and Rosa Benadero Munoz completed the top three, claiming the bronze. The night in Phoenix was a testament to the talent and determination of these athletes, all aiming for greatness.
- Winner — Andrea Hrenko
- Second Place — Mariha Lyons
- Third Place — Rosa Benadero Munoz
- Fourth Place — Jenna De Manicor
- Fifth Place — Jennifer Zollars
- Sixth Place — Jasmine Payne
- Seventh Place — Micheline Mengue M
- Eighth Place — Brittanie Molina
- Ninth Place — Joann Norwood
- Tenth Place — Jessica Alvarado
View this post on Instagram
2023 Rising Phoenix & Arizona Pro Official Scorecards
The 2023 Rising Phoenix & Arizona Pro event in Phoenix has come to a successful close. The Colosseum Strength team extends its heartfelt congratulations to the champions and best wishes as they advance to the eminent Olympia stage.
Overview
On September 30th, Phoenix, Arizona became the epicenter of the bodybuilding world, hosting the prestigious 2023 Rising Phoenix & Arizona Pro. While the spotlight was on the Women’s Bodybuilding division, five other compelling categories—Fitness, Figure, Bikini, Women’s Physique, and Wellness—captured the audience’s attention, showcasing a panorama of athleticism, dedication, and grace.
Featured Image @wingsofstrength (Instagram)
