Adela Garcia to Sit Out 2013 Fitness International

DOMINATION. That would be the key word used to describe Adela Garcia in the IFBB Fitness Division. Very few have had a presence in the industry quite like Adela has. Since 2010, she has won the Fitness International championship. In total, she has won 5 Arnold titles, with her win this year breaking the record of most Fitness International titles, which was previously held by Susie Curry at four. Today, Adela announced that she would sit out the 2013 Fitness International, making way for a new champion to be crowned in 2013.

Adela Garcia, 3X Defending Fitness International Champion, will sit out 2013 Arnold.
Photo credit: RxMuscle

Here's her official statement via her Facebook page:

After returning to the stage in 2009 I haven’t formally taken a break from the competition arena. I feel that it is time to give my body some rest and take a step back- and prepare myself mentally and physically for the 2013 Fitness Olympia. I have talked to my family, my manager Fitness Management Group (FMG), my trainer Mike Davies's Fitness Factory, and my sponsor GNC Live Well and we have decided to take off from the 2013 Fitness International. It was a hard decision for me as I love competing at the Arnold Sports Festival - but after doing 4 shows I feel that I need this break to get back in focus.  

I will be training hard this coming year and be back on stage at the 2013 Fitness Olympia where I will reach to join the legacies of Lenda Murray, Ronnie Coleman, and Lee Haney! 

Although I won’t be competing in Ohio, I will be in attendance representing my Sponsor GNC and showing my support for the contest. 

Thank you all for the amazing love and support!!!

Adela has more then earned this break. As mentioned before, she has been a domination force in the fitness division for quite some time. Champions deserve a break just like everyone else.

With this news, a new champion will emerge for the fitness side of the Arnold. Should Oksana Grishina, Tina Durkin, Myriam Capes, and Tanji Johnson have Fitness International invites (and quite honestly, I don't see why they won't), those four will no doubt be in everyone's favorites to win the Fitness International title next year. Maybe it could be someone who people have put under the radar. Regardless, this news today has further made the Arnold more interesting to watch come 2013.

We at Fitness Athletes Network wish Adela best of luck in her break and training in the coming year, hoping to add to her already-impressive resume as elite fitness champion!

2013 IFBB Fitness Schedule

Released last week, here's the 2013 IFBB Fitness Schedule:



FITNESS INTERNATIONAL
March 1-2 – Columbus, Ohio
Promoter: Jim Lormier
Contact: 614-431-2600 or slorenz@arnoldexpo.com
Info: www.arnoldsportsfestival.com

FIBO POWER GERMANY
April 13 – Cologne, Germany
Promoter: Jens Thieme
Contact: jens.thieme@reedexpo.de

ARNOLD CLASSIC BRASIL
April 26-27 – Rio deJaneiro, Brasil
Promoter: Rafael Santonja and Bob Lorimer
Info: www.arnoldclassicbrasil.com

TORONTO PRO SUPERSHOW
May 31-June 1 – Toronto, Canada
Promoter: Ron Hache
Contact: 705-561-0775 or ronhache@unitz.ca
Info: www.TorontoProSupershow.com

FITNESS OLYMPIA
September 27-28 – Las Vegas, Nevada
Promoter: Robin Chang
Contact Info: 866-676-2007 or rchang@weiderpub.com
Info: www.mrolympia.com

ARNOLD CLASSIC EUROPE
October 12-13 – Madrid, Spain
Promoter: Monica Ortega
Contact Info: 346-738-88752 or info@ifbbevents.com
Info: www.arnoldclassiceurope.es

FORT LAUDERDALE CUP
October 18 – Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
Promoter: Kristen Nagrani/Shannon Dey
Contact: 386-334-0429 or 386-214-3927 or fitgirlproductions@hotmail.com
Info: www.ftlauderdalecup.com

As of now, if you want to qualify for the 2013 Fitness Olympia, you will have to travel outside the United States in order to compete. While this is a great opportunity for international competitors, the American fitness competitors look like they could be getting the short end of the stick. However, that doesn't mean U.S. competitors are completely out of luck. There could be some promoters that could add fitness to their shows in 2013. Should another fitness show be added, we will let you know. 

Start your planning now, ladies and good luck to you in 2013!