By Roger Lockridge
Even though there are only four contests being held at the 2021 Arnold Classic, there is still quite a bit of excitement about the opportunity to see the best of the IFBB Pro League competing in Columbus, Ohio. One of those contests is the 2021 Bikini International, and any of the ten athletes taking part can leave that stage with the trophy and qualification for the 2022 Olympia. Here’s a glance at who will grace the stage and compete for this prestigious championship on Saturday, September 25th.
The Champs are Back
Elisa Pecini - 2020 Bikini International Champion Elisa Pecini will be returning to defend her title. She will also be seeking redemption. She was the reigning Ms. Bikini Olympia when she won the Arnold title, but she finished in 6th place at the 2020 Olympia in Orlando, Florida. Janet Layug now holds that title. If Pecini was able to win this show, then she could gain a lot of momentum heading into this year’s Olympia in early October.
Ashley Kaltwasser – The Bikini International is in Kaltwasser’s home state of Ohio. She has also won the title two times in her career (2014 and 2015). She is considered by many to be the greatest competitor in the Bikini division’s history. She’s also still on top of her game, having won multiple shows this season already, including the Omaha Pro in Omaha, Nebraska on July 10th. If she were to win at the Arnold this year, it would be her third Arnold victory, which would equal the number of Olympia wins she has to her credit.
On the Brink
Jennifer Dorie – Dorie was last year’s Olympia runner-up. She was also the 2020 Tampa Pro winner. Her only appearance at the Arnold was in 2019 when she placed fourth. She has gotten better every year she has competed, and 2021 will be no different. If she brings a physique similar to what she brought to the Olympia, then it’s very likely Arnold Schwarzenegger will interview her at the end.
Canadian Contender
Lauralie Chapados - Quebec’s own Lauralie Chapados has been in the mix at most of the shows she has competed in, but she has yet to take one of bodybuilding’s major titles (Arnold and Olympia). Her last victory was the 2019 Yamamoto Cup. She placed fifth at the 2020 Olympia, one spot ahead of Pecini. Even if the other contenders are on, she could still be the last woman standing. If any of them are off, Chapados will definitely move past them. She is currently training in Flex Lewis’ “Dragon’s Lair” gym in Las Vegas, Nevada. All indications are that she is locked in and focused on bringing her best physique ever to this show.
2021 Bikini International Competitors (in alphabetical order)
- Romina Basauldo
- Lauralie Chapados
- Jennifer Dorie
- Jasmine Gonzalez
- Ashley Kaltwasser
- Jourdanne Lee
- Priscilla Leimbacher
- Breena Martinez
- Gabriella Messias
- Elisa Pecini