Two-time Fitness International champion Ariel Khadr began her quest for Arnold title number three on Friday, March 1, 2024, as one of the athletes competing in the 2024 edition of the contest in Columbus, OH. In this invitation-only contest, 11 of the best athletes in the Fitness division are joining Khadr on the Arnold Expo stage.
The opening round of the show was the physique round. This round counts for one-third of the overall score. Even though athletes didn’t have to score toward the top in the physique round to win the overall contest, it certainly wouldn’t hurt. Announcer Bob Cicherillo introduced all 12 contestants to the crowd and audience watching live via livestream:
[Related: 2024 Wellness International Pre-Judging Report]
2024 Fitness International Roster
- Tamara Vahn
- Ariel Khadr
- Aurika Tyrgale
- Abby Bolton
- Jodi Boam
- Jaclyn Baker
- Nikolett Szabo
- Anna Fomina
- Minna Helena Pajulahti
- Danielle Chikeles
- Michelle Fredua-Mensah
- Tiffany Chandler
Following the introductions, head judge Sandy Williamson took the microphone and directed traffic onstage by calling out the athletes for group comparisons. The callouts went as follows.
Callout One
- Jaclyn Baker
- Ariel Khadr
- Tamara Vahn
- Jodi Baum
- Michelle Fredua-Mensah
- Aurike Tyrgale
Callout Two
- Nikolett Szabo
- Tiffany Chandler
- Anna Fomina
- Minna Helena Pahjulahti
- Danielle Chikeles
- Abby Bolton
Callout Three
- Ariel Khadr
- Tamara Vahn
- John Boam
- Michelle Fredua-Mensah
[Read More: How Bodybuilding Is Judged, Different Divisions, and Scoring]
Khadr and Jaclyn Baker appeared to have the majority of the crowd support. However, the first callout saw Tamara Vahn and Jodi Boam in the middle. Michelle Fredua-Mensah was also compared in the first callout. In order, the last callout featured Khadr, Vahn, Baker, and Fredua-Mensah.
The second round of this contest will be the Routine round, which is not only the most entertaining part of the contest for many fans but also counts for two-thirds of the overall score. It is still anyone’s contest to win.
BarBend will share updates on the finals in the Battelle Grand Ballroom of the Greater Columbus Convention Center throughout the evening. The show is available to watch live for free on the Arnold Sports Festival livestream.
Featured image: @itsarielkhadr on Instagram
