Competition Season Wrap Up - NZ Shows, New York Pro & Fit Model Firsts | Episode 16 Season 2

Competition Season Wrap Up - NZ Shows, New York Pro & Fit Model Firsts | Episode 16 Season 2The 2026 competition season is officially underway and we have A LOT to talk about.This week Chris and Rach break down the biggest shows from a massive weekend in bodybuilding. The NZIFBB South Island Open, the WFF Victory New Zealand show in Auckland, and two New Zealand athletes competing at the New York Pro on one of the biggest stages in the world.Kate Carroll placed third at the New York Pro in Bikini, putting herself firmly in the Olympia qualifying conversation and proving she belongs at the top level. Chantal made history as New Zealand's first ever Fit Model pro, debuting against 37 athletes in a stacked lineup. From Taupo to Times Square, that takes serious guts.Small disclaimer here: Back home, Chris and Rach get into the coverage problem. The NZIFBB South Island show had almost nothing posted until the Wednesday following the Saturday show, which was after this episode was recorded. While it's good that the information eventually went up, the reality is that a four-day delay still doesn't solve the bigger issue. If you want to grow the sport, athletes and fans need to be able to see what's happening in real time, not days later. The same issue came up with the WFF Victory show, where one photo was all that could be found. If federations want more athletes, more fans and more support, accessibility and timely coverage has to be a priority.We also compare the Fit Model, Bikini and Wellness winners from the New York Pro side by side and talk about where each division is heading.Oh, and someone stole Talia's rubber chicken from the gym. We have strong opinions.Like and subscribe on Spotify and YouTube - it helps more than you'd think.Find us here:🎧 Follow The Macro Lounge on Spotify📸 Instagram: @macro_lounge_podcast▶ YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@TheMacroLoungePodcast⁠📩 Email: ⁠[email protected]⁠Work with us:👙 Posing School: Accentuate Posing Academy ⁠https://www.instagram.com/accentuate_posing_academy/⁠💪 Coaching with Chris: Team Bold Physique ⁠https://www.instagram.com/teamboldphysique/⁠✨ Competition Bikinis with Rachel: Accentuate Bikinis ⁠https://www.instagram.com/accentuatebikinis/⁠