Michaela Baumer-Zink: nine weeks from her first NPC show to an IFBB Pro podium
In March 2026 Michaela Baumer-Zink stepped on an NPC stage for the first time on our record. Three weeks later she was an IFBB Pro. Six weeks after that she stood on a pro podium.
Carlotta Tonelli, the first Italian at a Wellness Olympia, and the long way there
Carlotta Tonelli turned pro in 2021. In 2025 she finished in the top five at every show she entered. In September 2026 she became the first Italian to compete at a Wellness Olympia.
She started at 39. She aimed for the top six. Alida Opre finished sixth.
Two jobs, a household and a family. Six shows this season, five of them on the podium. Alida Opre started competing at 39, went into this Olympia aiming for the top six, and finished sixth.
Figure, Physique, bodybuilding: Paula Ranta won in all three, then made the Ms. Olympia final four
Paula Ranta has won professional shows in Figure, in Women's Physique and in women's bodybuilding. Her first bodybuilding show was on 1 August. On 25 September she was fourth in the world.
Eleventh in Physique. Then seven Ms. Olympias.
Seven years ago Andrea Shaw finished eleventh in Women's Physique. On 25 September she won her seventh Ms. Olympia. The woman she first saw in a Detroit gym at thirteen has eight.