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A very special recognition award was presented by the Smith’s. A Crystal Cup was given to the perennial competitor, Nina Dhevahalin. She had competed consistently in all R.K. Smith shows for more than a decade in Women's Figure, both Masters and Open.

When Nina first started competing her Daughter Tunya was just a kindergartner. Susan would bring Tunya to sit with her as she did her work on the night show script adjustments, and while her Mother was competing in the judging round. Year after year, Tunya grew and Nina improved her physique contest by contest. Tunya now is a lovely young woman and she is part of the R.K. Smith Productions event crew, handing out trophies to the Top 5’s and Overall Champions. In this show, Tunya took the fifth place award for Figure Women under 5 5 to her Mom!,

	2010 Oregon Ironman by RK Smith Productions
Special Recognition, Awards and Special Mentions
This isn't the usual review about a bodybuilding and fitness/figure show. This is more for some of the competitors and participants in the show that had a special circumstance or accomplishment in their life that gave them incentive to compete. . Aside from the normal top five placings and Overall champions, there have been quite a few other "winners" and special recipients in this competition. Not all competed, not all won in their class. But some of them had their own challenges to overcome and they wound up here, at the Oregon Ironman. Take Ryan Renaud. He finished third in Novice Men Middleweight, but it's hard to believe he used to weigh 300 lbs. Hard work and dedication, not to mention a stunning weight loss brought him here and he looks absolutely incredible. When giving his biography to Susan Smith on the telephone when entering the Oregon Ironman contest he said, “Don’t forget to tell them I was a 300 lb fat kid!, and now I am a BODYBUILDER!!!” Another inspiring weight loss story is Al Pratt & (2) . He used to weigh 261 lbs. He competed in and took second place in the Novice Men Light Heavyweight class and also took 4th in Master’s 40. He also looks fantastic.
Oregon NPC Hall of Fame Award presented by Max Muscle to Max Pope
A very special award was presented to former Oregon NPC judge, Max Pope. He was the first recepient with the honor to be inducted into the Oregon NPC Hall of Fame by Larry Wilcox of Max Muscle and further recognized by Ron Smith with a personal award and a special NPC jacket. Max has done everything in this sport, from Promoting, Judging, Training and competing his way to a Master National Championship in 1998. He has encouraged and mentored many up and coming athletes, and all without asking for compensation. He is truly a legend for those in the sport in the state of Oregon.
		Ron, Max Pope and Larry Wilcox
A very special recognition award was presented by the Smith’s. A Crystal Cup was given to the perennial competitor, Nina Dhevahalin. She had competed consistently in all R.K. Smith shows for more than a decade in Women's Figure, both Masters and Open. When Nina first started competing her Daughter Tunya was just a kindergartner. Susan would bring Tunya to sit with her as she did her work on the night show script adjustments, and while her Mother was competing in the judging round. Year after year, Tunya grew and Nina improved her physique contest by contest. Tunya now is a lovely young woman and she is part of the R.K. Smith Productions event crew, handing out trophies to the Top 5’s and Overall Champions. In this show, Tunya took the fifth place award for Figure Women under 5 5 to her Mom!,
		Nina (r) and her daughter
	Team Awards were presented to both Kristi Tauti and Brandon Lyons. Both trainers brought a great team of athletes to the show. Brandon, also a competitor, went on to win Open Men Super Heavyweight and Open Men Overall.
Brandon Lyons		Kristi Tauti

Some more special mentions include Masters Figure Women Tall competitor, Nancy Waki. She is a ten year cancer survivor. Another is Kay Friend. She took fourth in Masters Figure Women Medium, which was a very large class of competitors, but Kay also competed in Open Women Lightweight (bodybuilding) and took not only first, but overall. What makes this remarkable, is that she is 61 years young. She is incredible and inspiring.

Kim Farrison, the MC, called out just about the whole crew of RK Smith Productions to be recognized for all the hard work and dedication they bring to show. They are like one big family, which brings a special touch to the whole show.

The crew of RK Smith Productions

Finally, recognition goes out to Ron and Sue as well, for keeping the Oregon Ironman one of the best shows in the Pacific Northwest. From the stage truss built by Ron's shop class, to the stage, set and table decorations done by Sue herself, the show always sparkles. One does not have to win their class to be a winner in this show. Everyone works hard whether they are competing, or working behind the scenes or whether they are presenting on stage. The Oregon Ironman has been a favorite show to compete in by many competitors, and many have said they always come back to compete year after year. As for this writer, it is my tenth year covering this show, and it is always an honor to come back. If you are considering competing, don't hesitate. The Smith's next show is the Seven Feathers Classic, October 9th, 2010. Check it out on their web site!! See you there!