Alex,
I don't think it holds rank above the Worlds. It's just that the World Championships does drug test its athletes, and the Team Universe is the only national level NPC show that requires a drug test of the first and second place finishers in the bodybuilding divisions.
I am unsure of what the drug testing requirements are/were for figure. Figure is actually termed as Figure Nationals and is held in conjunction with Team Universe, so the rules might be slightly different. All I know is that the top two from each weight class for bodybuilding were pulled aside and asked to pee in a cup.
I had originally thought that the Team Universe was supposed to polygraph test every single athlete. Unfortunately, I did not see this occur, and it is disappointing to me that the organization did not adhere to its original drug testing standards. While a polygraph isn't the strongest method of determining whether someone has taken a steroid, growth hormone, or diuretic in the last 12 months, it is better than nothing.
I am curious as well as to which athletes will be joining me in heading to Spain for the World Championships. Tracy Beckham was the overall winner, and Melissa Dettwiller is the middleweight. I am unsure if either of these women have chosen to train for Worlds. As for figure competitors, I would love to know which of the winners will be taking advantage of this rare opportunity. I've heard that it is an experience of a lifetime. I am very grateful for this trip and very proud of this accomplishment.
I am also proud to announce that Jen Cook (IFBB Fitness/Figure pro) will be helping me with my nutrition over the next eight weeks. I am so excited to be working with her! I've handled my training myself for the past several years, but I have always relied on someone else for nutrition and cardio advice. To have a fellow Texan by my side as I get ready to head to Spain is very comforting.
