The 2023 Arnold Classic, scheduled between Mar. 2-5, saw nine of the most talented Fitness division athletes take the stage in Columbus, OH. It was Khadr that got the judge’s nod for her flawless physique and awe-inspiring Fitness dance routine. This is her second Arnold Classic title.
The Fitness division is one of the most entertaining divisions in the IFBB Pro League. The high-flying dance routines that the athletes perform at such low body fat percentages are commendable.
Ariel Khadr entered the 2023 Arnold Classic as the defending champion. She was expecting tough competition from Jaclyn Baker, who beat her at the 2022 Olympia and was looking to snag her first Arnold Classic USA title. However, Baker had to settle for a runner-up finish.
Khadr was the only Arnold Classic champ in the lineup. She capitalized on her experience and outdid her 2022 AC performance.
Prejudging
The ladies from the Fitness International division were the first to take the stage and kick off the Arnold Classic USA.
Baker stood out because of her beautiful shoulder-to-waist ratio and capped shoulders but Khadr, hands down, had the best conditioning of the pack, which was evident as soon as the Fitness International lineup walked out.
Ariel Khadr, Jaclyn Baker, Allison Kramer, and Michelle Freda-Mensah made it to the first callout. However, Khadr and Baker were in the final callout, making them the frontrunners to hoist the 2023 Arnold Classic Fitness International trophy.
Fitness Routine
The Fitness routine is two-thirds of an athlete’s final score.
It would be an understatement to say Kramer nailed her dance routine, which earned him the fourth-place finish at the 2023 AC.
Michelle is a complete powerhouse. We saw her fly on the stage. She ended with a bronze medal at her Arnold Classic debut.
Baker was a professional dancer before competing in the bodybuilding circuit, which showed in her Fitness-style dance routine. Her performance was effortless, earning her second place at the 2023 Arnold Classic.
Khadr devised an intense and unique dance routine. She was athletic, explosive, and graceful in her Fitness routine, and her strength was outrageous. We’d go as far as to say she outdid her Terminator-style dance routine from the 2022 Arnold Classic. Her dance routine helped her seal the 2023 Arnold Classic Fitness International title.
By winning the 35th edition of the Arnold Classic, Khadr has established herself as the biggest threat to Truscott’s Olympia throne at the 2023 Mr. Olympia, scheduled for Nov. 2-5 in Orlando, FL. Truscott will be gunning for her third Fitness Olympia at the 59th Joe Weider’s Olympia Weekend. Will Khadr take down the reigning champ at the apex bodybuilding competition in November? Only time will tell.
2023 Arnold Classic Day One Results
Catch full coverage of the 2023 Arnold Classic, including pre-judging, event recaps, analysis, and final and full results at our Arnold Classic coverage hub: FitnessVolt.com/arnold-classic
Published: 3 March, 2023 | 9:01 PM EDT
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