Yesterday, history was made as Europe hosted its very first IFBB Pro Fit Model show. Held at the iconic Estoril Casino in Portugal, the event attracted a hugely competitive lineup of 40 professional athletes from around the world, all hoping to make their mark in this brand-new division.
Leading the way was France's Alizée Juras, who claimed the historic victory in style. From the moment the Fit Model athletes stepped on stage, Alizée stood out. Her tiny waist, balanced physique and elegant stage presence immediately caught the judges' attention, making her a deserving winner.
Previously an IFBB Elite Bikini Pro, Alizée earned her IFBB Pro card earlier this year at the tbJP Pro Qualifier in the UK. For this show, she stepped on stage 1kg lighter than at her previous appearance, bringing noticeably improved conditioning while maintaining impressive fullness, particularly through her shoulders and glutes.
Speaking to Foxy, Alizée admitted she was overwhelmed by the result.
"When they announced second place, I couldn't believe it. When I was awarded the gold medal, it was in that exact moment that I realised it was really me. Alizée, at my pro debut, had won the first Fit Model Pro show in Europe."
She added:
"And more than that, it means I get to step on the Olympia stage in September—the first ever for this category. It is the dream of every professional athlete and an opportunity of a lifetime."
Alizée said she is incredibly proud of the work she and her coach have put in and hopes to represent France in the best way possible on the Olympia stage while enjoying every moment of the experience.
The battle for first place was incredibly close, with Faithlyn Derla finishing as runner-up. Faithlyn brought arguably her best package to date, presenting more streamlined legs while maintaining the fullness in her glutes. Combined with her captivating stage presence, she once again proved why she is such a strong representative of the Fit Model division.
Faithlyn told Foxy that her feedback was simple: "Just keep showing up"—and that's exactly what she plans to do.
Speaking with Foxy from BTSTV, Faithlyn explained that she plans to spend the next four to five weeks refining her physique while continuing her work as an educator within the fitness industry. One of her biggest goals is to encourage aspiring athletes to deepen their understanding of bodybuilding and sports medicine.
She thoroughly enjoyed competing in Portugal and hopes to return to the show every year.
After another consistent placing this season, it feels like it's only a matter of time before Faithlyn earns her Olympia qualification.
Germany's Maja Dahmke rounded out the top three. After earning her Pro card as a natural Bikini athlete, Maja recently made the switch to Fit Model, and this competition showed just how well the division suits her physique. Her glute development stood out, and she presented a beautifully balanced overall package.
Anna Kurtkowiak finished in fourth place, which was an incredible achievement considering she had only earned her Pro card the day before the competition.
Masters Olympia-qualified Brittni Shae had highlighted Lilla Szabados as an athlete to watch ahead of the show, and she certainly wasn't wrong. Lilla delivered an outstanding performance to finish fifth, impressing with her balanced physique and confident stage presence.
Already Olympia qualified, Julia Heinio finished eighth. Julia looked fantastic, and it was great to see her competing in such a strong lineup.
Team Atlas athletes Gaia Mastrototara and Laura Bianchin both secured places in the top 15, each bringing polished and feminine Fit Model physiques. Both athletes will certainly be ones to watch as the season continues.
Two other standout performances came from 21-year-old Liza Ferenczi and natural athlete Stefanie Diana. The competitors were required to hold their poses for an extended period on stage, and both athletes maintained exceptional composure throughout. Liza finished ninth, while Stefanie rounded out the top 15 in fifteenth place.
Andrea Marchewczynski claimed tenth place, presenting a very athletic interpretation of the Fit Model look. Her posing routine and stage walk were flawless. Mariia Kosterina, who finished thirteenth, continues to improve every time she steps on stage.
Representing the United Kingdom were several impressive athletes. Melanie Wilkinson, who earned her Pro card at the Amateur Olympia just one day before this competition, brought an outstanding package and reached the third call-out in her professional debut.
Marnie Al-Saraf also made her Fit Model Pro debut, wearing a dazzling green bikini that perfectly complemented her look. She'll certainly be one to watch as the season progresses.
Phoebe Egoroff, who lives in the UK, delivered one of the standout posing routines of the day with a mesmerising and elegant stage walk.
The competition also marked the final appearance of Emily Olivia. After making the successful transition from Bikini to Fit Model, Emily announced her retirement from competitive bodybuilding following the show—a wonderful way to end her competitive career.
Next up, the Fit Model division heads to the Vancouver Pro and Tampa Pro, where the race for qualification to the inaugural Fit Model Olympia will continue to intensify. With athletes improving from show to show, the battle for a place in bodybuilding history is only just beginning.
Written by Charlotte Sims (@foxyandcub)
