Although no one is looking for a darkhorse candidate to unseat the champion, an argument could definitely be made that someone other than Kyle could be in the position to take both shows. At the Ms. International, Heather Armbrust may have finished fourth but many said that she deserved higher.

When the women take the stage, there is definitely a sense of feminism that permeates with the judges. If there ever was a perfect example of strength and beauty, Armbrust fits that bill. Her long and flowing blonde hair mixed with a posing routine that brings out the best in her presentation should definitely count for something, as should her size. She has no other rivals in that department besides Yaxeni Garcia and even with that she still maintains an air of sexiness about her that no one else in the top of the line-up can match.

It is not going out on a limb by stating that Armbrust deserved the Arnold and if she can step it up a bit by equaling her back to her front, it may get very interesting at The Orleans Arena. A bold prediction? There will be a huge upset at the 2009 Ms. Olympia and Armbrust will be crowned.

Brooklyn born Kai Greene not only won the 2009 Arnold Classic, but did so in stunning fashion. Out of action since last year’s New York Pro Show victory due to a groin injury, Greene put on a display with his posing routine that words cannot fully describe. For a sport that has lost a special quality with decades of sub-par posing, Greene is a refreshing change and may have set the bar that others will never reach. His flexibility, acrobatics and headstands are not easy to do for a gymnast, let alone a bodybuilder of that size. 

“The Predator” beat out a tough field that included two others coming back from their own injuries. Victor Martinez finished in second and Branch Warren third, but neither came close to Greene, who also took home the Best Posing Routine Award, not much of a decision there. He could have made it a clean sweep, but Warren won the Most Muscular trophy.

When Schwarzenegger came on stage to present Greene with the trophy, he said, “I told you backstage that you are the best poser I ever saw,” and that is coming from a man that trained with the legendary Ed Corney and competed against not only Corney, but also Frank Zane, who are considered the two best posers of all time. Greene was so overcome with emotion, he was at a loss for words. “I don’t really know what to say. I’d like to thank everyone that believed in me, especially my family back in New York.”

Greene’s back and legs were outstanding and he did not appear to have any flaws coming back from the long layoff. He was very emotional on stage and backstage, giving a lot of credit to his trainer. The two shared a long hug in the Brehm Pump Up room when Greene met right after the newly crowned champion left the stage. 

With the Mr. Olympia not too far off, it isn’t too far fetched to pick Greene as the next winner of the Sandow. With last year’s winner Dexter Jackson, former two-time champion Jay Cutler and Phil Heath (2008 third place) in his way, it will not be easy. But if Greene even put on half the performance he did in Ohio, there will be a new Mr. Olympia crowned come September. 

Greene may be able to dominate a sport that is ripe for a new championship run. He has taken bodybuilding to another level and should be able to continue his winning ways.