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MODEL PROFILES |
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| Fitness equipment manufacturer ICON recently selected '07 Model America Champion Amanda Latona to appear on their new line of Weider women's exercise equipment packaging. She's also appeared in a new television commercial for the Las Vegas Athletic Clubs and a bevy of convention hosting and spokesmodeling. Amanda says, "I am looking forward to an exciting year that's already off to a fantastic start!" |
In just his first year in the industry, Alex Ceobanu has quickly become one of Eastern Europe's hottest runway models. The 20 year old Romanian college student has already appeared at Milan, Vienna, Frankfurt, Paris and Moscow shows where he adorned Nike, Quicksilver and Asics. Alex is next planning to compete at Model Universe but before landing in Miami will appear at shows in New York and two commercial auditions in Hollywood. Not bad for his first 12 months of work! |
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| One of New York's hottest new breed of DJ's will be hosting the Universe Weekend. Nico Kim is a long time model who has appeared in print, music videos and television and currently mixes his radio, television, and live improv skills to create an entertaining and excitement filled show. Featured on Z100, New York's highest arbitron rated station hosts live broadcasts from various venues in the Tri-State area. Niko has been featured on VH1's highest rated television show, "I Love New York 2" and dubbed "20 Pack" where he was voted one of the sexiest male reality stars of 2008. The Florida native returns home for the first time in 7 years to host the Universe Weekend, and as a fitness enthusiast and admirer of the human body at its aesthetic peak, Nico is sure to host a great show. |
Vh1 producers are casting single women to compete for the love of a former "I Love New York" bachelor! The producers are looking for beautiful women with big hearts and big personalities who give this "I Love New York" alumni the love he deserves. Check out audtion details. |
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| At the recent Fitness Atlantic Pageant, former cheerleader Lindsay Messina competed for the first time with an incredibly vibrant dance routine which earned her the runner-up spot. She said, "I'm doing fitness for the first time this year to challenge my strength and endurance. I love to be on stage!" Professionally, Lindsay is doing a lot of commercial and editorial photo shoots including a new 12-page spread in Muscle & Fitness Hers and will appear on the cover next month. She will soon compete in both Fitness and Model Universe. |
Last month's Miami Fashion Week featured the ultimate in cool threads and hot bodies including '06 Model Universe Champion R.L. Bond. This guy gets hotter by week and was chosen for the runway by designers Unico, Bogosse, Robert Flores and Mocali. But R.L. claims it wasn't easy preparing for the shows. "I had to drop my weight 5 pounds within 2 weeks to be able to fit into the designer clothes. My diet was eating chicken, lots of fruit, drinking only juices, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. I skipped breakfast everyday and only ate lunch and dinner. Plus, I was running 7 miles a day." R.L. will be one of the seminar speakers at Model Universe in Miami, so come by and meet this fast rising star. |
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Since completing his service in the Marine Corps. and serving in Iraq last year, Ryan Enriquez has maintained his momentum and is continuing to make out big. Last month, he signed with Red Models of New York and already did a 2xist promotion and Gillette commercial. He is in demand for runway shows and fashion events as well as commercial photo campaigns. Ryan made a big impact at the '07 Model Universe in Miami and will be returning this year 15 lbs. lighter and in better condition. He says the lighter, tighter and more athletic appearance is getting him work.
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With the return of American Gladiator show in the USA, it has already spread to Europe and beyond. In Britain the athletic performance show is called just Gladiator and the warrior line-up was just announced. It includes 24-year-old Jemma Palmer from Tamworth. Known as Infermo whom is a model, a WWE Diva search finalist and was a finalist at the '06 Musclemania Britain show. |
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Since winning her first and only model competition, the lovely Michelle Berthelot has been pursuing her acting and modeling career in Hollywood. But recently, the 24 year old former Model Universe Champion returned to her native Louisiana to win the Miss Louisiana USA beauty pageant. "Michelle lost all her pictures, her crowns, her trophies, her dresses - everything, including her home and her grandfather,” mother Karen Berthelot said. “This pageant was a kind of ‘rebirth' and was quite fulfilling.” She will now move on to compete at the Miss Universe in Las Vegas in April.
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He first competed at the '03 Model Universe in Miami and since then has continually risen on the South Beach scene with ever increasing heavy hitting jobs . Last year, Charles Jusko (photo, left) scouped up some major print gigs including a Jaguar campaign. The 6'2", 180. lbs. former high school football player also scored with |
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He stepped onto the new Trina music video and heads were turning. Despite being new to sports modeling, Max Philisaire is making in roads on the South Beach modeling scene. The 27 year old former Army logistics joined Model Universe stars R.L. Bond and Charles Jusko on the video set where all three played major roles. At 6'1"., 210 lbs., Max's incredible body has attracted the attention of Miami's eclectic fashion community despite working the scene for just a few months. He will be competing at Model Universe in June with fans in tow.
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She may have her masters degree in political science, but Kelly McGrath is so apolitical when it comes to sports fitness modeling. The 29 year old is one of the hottest on the Canadian scene and has shot American Curves, Lingerie, UMM and many others. At 5'8", 125 lbs., Kelly is striking and stunning and photographers love the way she can play with the camera. She won the '07 Model Canada Championships in Toronto and is preparing to compete at Model Universe in Miami in June. |
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One of Canada's hottest sports models knows how to show her stuff both in front and behind the camera. Arysta Bogner and her siblings are third generation commercial photographers. But, she has also aspired in sports, fashion and commercial modeling and has her B.A. Honors Kinesiology from the University of Western Ontario. Arysta says her body is a reflection of years of athletic experience including 10 years of ballet, tap and jazz dancing and as a professional tennis coach and was a provincial sprint, hurdles, long jump and javelin champion. This girl just doesn't quit! She explains, "I just love sports and staying in shape. And, if some modeling and commercial jobs come along, then it makes it all so much sweeter." Arysta will be competing at Model Universe in Miami in June.
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He was the 2005 Romanian Wrestling Champion and now he's made his way to Las Vegas as a stage performer. Thirty-one year old Alin Campan was born in Romania where he was a National Wrestling Champion. For the past 7 years, he's been a stage dance performer and model including ballet in the “Hungarian Opera” in Romania. Since then, Alin's credits have included choreographing and dancing for many television performances with Romanian artists, being on the cover of “News” magazine in Austria and won the title at the 2005 Mr. Austria Fitness Championship. And soon, Alin will make his sports model debut at Model Universe. |
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As one of Britain's most accomplished sport models, Mun Dhariwal has thrusted himself into diverse career directions and in succeeding in all of them. The 21 year old athlete is in high demand for runway, fashion, sports, fitness, television and music videos, art nudes and more. At 6'1", 190 lbs., he is lean and muscular but with an aesthetic and marketable overall appearance. His competitive boxing background has taught Mun to stay lean all year. He says, "Even before I got into modeling, I always maintained my condition. Whether for sport or leisure, I just always liked the look and feel of being in shape." In 2007, Mun was loaded with work and has plans on competing at Model Europe in Paris and Model Universe in Miami. "I am already busy, but the competition side of the modeling should open up another aspect to my career." More about Mun
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With the return of the American Gladiator show to the tube, former Mr. Universe muscleman Mike O'Hearn snared a major role as Titan. Originally from Seattle, the 6'3" sports model now lives in Santa Monica, California, and has appeared on over 400 fitness, bodybuilding and martial arts magazine covers in his 20 year sports modeling career. So, with this first major television role and at nearly 40 years of age, O'Hearn has surely reached a zenith in his career. AM airs on Monday nights, 8 PM. |
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Over 100 of the hottest sports fitness models just competed at the Model America Championships in Hollywood. The winners were Amanda Latona of Las Vegas and Geoff Begnaud of Dallas. Amanda is a commercial actress and model and does a lot of singing for Las Vegas shows. Geoff is a medical sales representative, recently hosted an outdoors hunting television show and has a registered nursing degree. Both models competed in the Clubwear, Sportswear and Swimwear Rounds and captured the attention of many photographers attending the show. While Amanda has competed in many swimsuit and modeling shows, this was Geoff's first try at competitive modeling but he was always into high school and college football, baseball and soccer.
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At the recent Model America, Amelia Powers was out to make it a double-header following her Ms. Bikini America win. The 35 year old wife and mother beat nearly 100 other beautiful bikini competitors from around the world. Although Amelia did not win, she was also a Model America Top 5 Finalist with some of the most talent and beautiful models ever seen at the show. According to husband David, "This lady is so driven now and wants to compete at both Model Universe and Ms. Bikini Universe in Miami. And, to think this thing just started as a dare!" |
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Syndicated television network ION is launching new reality show, "Life in Miami". The preppy lifestyle program features R.L. Bond who just wrapped shooting the show in South Beach. The 6'3", 210 former college basketball player has been auditioning for other television roles and promised more news soon. For more information visit LifeInMia.com.
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MTV productions is casting for their new reality show, " Summer of Love " which is being produced by the makers of "Ugly Betty" and "The Office." This new series is being made for MTV in the style of "The Bachelor." They are looking for attractive, single girls (ages 18-24) and their moms! The mothers don't need to be single, though. They will be along side their daughters as their personal confidants or Go-To-Girls. If you are outgoing, charismatic, and a hopeless romantic, then the casting directors want to hear from you! There is a substantial cash prize for the winner plus per diem. |
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Kudos to New York sports model Tony Catanzaro who just landed a sweet gig on MTV's new series, "Game Killers". According to his wife Tina, "Tony stars in the series as a character named "Early Man", funny stuff!" Check it out the video clip. Tony was the runner-up at the '03 Model Universe in Miami and has since continued to built a terrific career which includes romance novel covers, a plethora of magazine covers, commercials and more.
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One of television's hottest shows of the 90's is scheduled to return to the airwaves early next year. American Gladiator is currently scouting for sports models with extreme athletic talent, endurance and great camera presence. The producers will have representatives at all MWT shows this season including Midwest, Las Vegas, California, Canada and America looking to become one of the next American Gladiators. |
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Last year's Model America champions were diverse in their paths to winning. Megan Powell had never competed in any show or much of a work resume. But, her presence and potential are outstanding, appearance unique are looks rich with incredible locks of curly hair. Mateus Valent came all the way from Slovakia and has parlayed a world class volleyball career into photographic, commercial, video and theatrical showcase. At 6'3", the blond hair, blue eye striker captures the eyes of casting agents whenever he auditions. This year, nearly 200 both new and experienced sports fitness models from all walks of life will compete in Hollywood but all hoping to launch and advance their careers. Also, many of the new models wanting to introduce themselves will compete at one or more regional and international events.
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The expansion of the Model World Tour includes the addition of Model China Championships held recently in Zhengzhou. Athletically built and attractive men and women sports models from throughout the world's most populated country competed in this first annual event. The concept was completely new for the Chinese fitness community but was widely attended by national and regional television stations, magazines, advertising producers and photographers. Said the winner, Bao Lao, "Nothing like this has ever happened before. I am so excited about competing at Model America show in Hollywood. It is a dream for me!" |
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JET magazine just released their new 2008 Swimsuit Calendar which features '06 Model Universe Champion R.L. Bond on the cover. He will be a show host welcoming guests at Model America being held next month in Hollywood. |
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The largest line-up of sports fitness models ever will compete at the upcoming Model America Championships in Hollywood. This 6th annual extravaganza is attracting newcomers, veterans and professionals from around the world. They will be judged by recognized industry experts including commercial agents, talent scouts, photographers, producers and other decision makers who will be evaluate the Sportswear, Swimwear and Clubwear Rounds. Each year, many competitors are literally discovered on the Model World Tour and this season is certain to deliver new stars to the sports modeling scene. It doesn't matter if you win because just being exposed to some of the movers and shakers in the industry is often enough to launch or turn around a career. It's all about being seen by the right people at the right time and Model America is the place. |
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2005 Ms. Bikini Universe Melissa Hall currently hosts ShopNBC's "Get Fit Hour" each weekday. The show features many of the latest fitness & health products and Melissa's on camera skills has made her an effective pitch lady for the network. Formerly, she was a Minneapolis affiliate station executive.
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As one of New York's fastest rising models, Ryan Enriquez's road to modeling is as diverse as his exotic looks. The 24 year old personal trainer was recently signed by BOSS Models and has been locking in fashion, commercial and runway jobs throughout region. At 6'1", 195 lbs., Ryan played high school varsity football, basketball and wrestling and then served six years in the Marine Corps. including a tour in Iraq. Recently discharged, he's returned home, has started college all the while being pursued by many agencies in New York, Miami and Hollywood. "I was always told that I had the looks, but never took it seriously. So now its time for a new chapter in my life," said Ryan. "I want to have some fun with crossover modeling including fitness. But, I've got to keep my weigh down if I want to get mainstream jobs. So, I am training for a leaner appearance that will look good in and outside of clothes." Ryan competed at Model Universe in Miami and will be out on the west coast to shake some heads in Hollywood at Model America. He continued, "Now that I am working in New York, I also want to make things happen in LA. Its that Golden Triangle, you know - New York, Hollywood and Miami. That's my game plan." |
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Ms. Bikini America contestant Michele Wood has a feature sole in new WWE commercial running on USA Network. She's never appeared in a commercial, so on a whim went to the audition. For her day job, Michele is a Chicago Police Department Detective and investigates violent crimes. "I am the real Law and Order," she said.
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As part of her latest PR remake, Paris Hilton has been trying to turn over new leafs in her life. But keeping fitness in her daily regimen will not change as training and staying fit is all too important to the 22 year old hotel fortune heiress personally and professionally. For the past year, personal trainer Jacoby Ben-Yakir has helped keep Ms. Hilton physically in shape. The former Model America Top 5 Finalist is one of the hottest models in the South Beach and Hollywood scenes but still manages to keep selected clients. It never hurts to be in the right circles.
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| The lovely Josephine Dalton recently appeared at the E3 convention in Santa Monica at which she worked for Nintendo. She introduced the integration of fitness with the video game maker's WiFi entertainment platform. Last year, Josephine competed at Arizona, California and America shows and is preparing once again for the big, year-end Hollywood show. |
Commercially popular model Nick Auger has just signed to join the Marines Corp. The 2003 Model Universe Champion who's made LA his base for the past few years recently said, "I need a real challenge in my challenge right now." Hot off print campaigns for Maybelline Asia and Hawaiian Aqua Hotels, the 6'2" former college computer programming major is now at boot camp in Virginia.
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We recently received the following message from the newly crowned Ms. Bikini Universe, Marzia Prince, and thought it should be shared. "After my very first competition, life has been so surreal! I just shot the covers and features for Natural Muscle, Fitness Experts, DXL, American Curves and Fitness Rx for Women! So I guess you can say a lot has happened to me since June and I am very grateful life for all of this! Congratulations to Marzia on her big win and continued success!
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2006 Model Universe Champ R.L. Bond was just selected to shoot for both the Ebony and JET magazine calendars. To be released in October, the 2008 calendars will be photographed on the Mexico Riviera including Acapulco, Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlan. The 6'4", 200 lbs. former semi-pro basketball player is also auditioning in South Beach for an MTV hosting role.
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2005 Model America Champion Lenee Adkins has produced and is distributing her own workout video, "The Dollar Workout." The 24 year old college student and theatrical dancer lives in :Los Angeles and has appeared in numerous commercials and campaigns.
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Tucked away in a little German village is one of the most amazing European sports fitness stars. For the past 7 years, Nino Issa has been shooting with many of the top fashion, commercial and publicity photographers in Paris, Milan, London and Berlin. Images of the 6'2", 200 lbs. former soccer player have appeared in GQ, Der Spiegel, Vogue, FHM, Men's Health and many other European magazines. But since being a 2002 Model America Top 5 Finalist, Nino has not appeared in any modeling competitions. He will be judging Model Europe in October and is considering returning to Hollywood in the hopes of winning Model America in November. Say's Nino, "I would really like to do some work in the USA. It would be a dream come true for me."
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Like so many other beautiful fitness women, Michelle Berthelot just didn't know what she had going for her. The 21 year old Louisiana college student was training at a university fitness center and caught the eye of one of the trainers who suggested she consider a sports model competition. So, with some more encouragement, Michelle saved up the cash, grabbed her Mom and Grannie and drove to Miami Beach for the 2005 Model Universe. Her stunning beauty, attractive shape and sweet disposition radiated across the stage and helped her capture the Universe title. "I come from a little town in Louisiana, so winning this kind of show is something like a dream for me. I guess I will see where it all leads," said Michelle. "But, first, I really need to finish school."
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Musclemania Pro Syed Fazli was tapped for new Gillette television commercial for Asian markets. The campaign will also include him making personally appearances throughout Malaysia and other SW Asian countries. Syed is just coming off a popular Malaysian fashion magazine feature. Competitively, he was a Top 5 Finalist at the Universe Weekend in Miami. |
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| How could an MTV producer become one of New York's hottest models? Simple - quit your job and hit the streets. Super sports model Alicia Marie has been on the fitness circuit for just two years and has taken the industry by storm. At 5'10", the 2003 Ms. Bikini Universe is a striking woman with incredible athletic talent and stunning good looks. Alicia is a UCONN graduate and is doing a lot now including television script writing and show development, stand-up comedy, fashion designing, commercial gigs and a bevy of other diverse entertainment. |
He was just 17 years old and was a martial arts performer at the 2004 Universe Weekend in Miami. But on a whim and with some prodding from his friends, he jumped into the 2004 Model Universe Championships and finished in the Top 5! Just a high school kid and never having even considered professional or competitive modeling, Nick Bateman beat out over 60 other models that day. Well sitting in the audience was fashion guru Calvin Klein himself who was immediately struck by Nick's fresh, natural and athletic look and scheduled a test shoot the next day. Fast forward three months, and Nick left his native Ontario, Canada, and was signed for a modeling campaign in Milan, Italy, and then another in Paris. Within six months, he had appeared in Seventeen, Teen Prom, YMM, AMX and many other magazines. Today, Nick is back at college but during weekends, breaks and vacations, he travels to London, Paris, Milan, New York, Toronto, Tokyo and many other fashion centers for fashion photo campaigns and live shows. Says Nick, "All this stuff is like a dream. I still keep my footing, a clear head and will finish college. But to think it all started at Model Universe when I was there just for a karate demo!" |
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| All hail to 2006 Model America Champ Matus Valent who was the muscular warrior model for the recently released movie "Pathfinder" theatrical media campaign. The former Slovakian volleyball champion moved to Hollywood 3 years ago and has appeared in many commercials and print advertisements. The 6'2", 27 year old athlete has also been a Top 5 Finalist at Model Universe and Southern California. |
Canadian sports model A.J. Jama is about as diverse a sports model there can be. The 6'3", 220 athlete played professional rugby in Europe for 4 years and in the CFL for 2 years. Since he was 18 years old, A.J.'s been modeling in Canada and he says, "I do a lot of acting, so being an actor/model is my greatest ambition." That's coming from a guy who earned his aerospace engineering degree and professionally is an aircraft systems engineer. A.J. has eight brothers and sports run in his family. "I love sport motorcycles. But it's just one of my many passions," says A.J. His youngest brother, Hassan, is an accomplished amateur bodybuilder. A.J. is represented by Take One Talent in Ottawa, Canada. |
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Extreme fitness trainer Eric Carlson won both the 2004 Model America in Hollywood and '05 Model Universe in Miami Beach. The 6'2", 200 lbs. California athlete had never competed in any modeling event and yet won both of these world class competitions. Against nearly 100 other sports models, Eric wooed two separate judging panels in all three rounds (Sportswear, Swimwear and Clubwear) and yet took it all in stride. Said Eric, "Winning the America really kicked off my modeling career. Since the show, I have been doing commercial and editorial photo campaigns, promotions and so much more. Taking home the Universe is just icing on the cake."
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