There were concerns early on that the lineuip wouldn’t be as deep or as spectacular as in past years because, let’s be honest: 1) Who wants to diet over the holidays? (Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years), 2) Who wants to hold their conditioning for the 6 weeks between the Ironman until the Arnold?
So some may say it’s because of these reasons that the Ironman lacks ‘Starpower’ (Phil Heath, Gustavo Badell, Toney Freeman), but the Arnold is also missing some big names this year (Jay Cutler, Dexter Jackson).
Bob Ciccerillo has suggesting that hosting the Ironman the week AFTER the Arnold would be better/more conducive for the athletes, because it’s easier for bodybuilders to hold their conditioning for one week versus six. If the Ironman was held the second week in March (the Arnold is being held the first week), then it would give the most athletes the most opportunities to compete in the most shows.
Before we start, one must take note of the ALWAYS consistant and amazing lighting and stage set up. The show is known for lighting. Also, this is one of the most diverse shows in terms of having international competitors. We have bodybuilders from Lebanon, Italy, the UK, and obviously, the US. There are 28 competitors in total. Another interesting thing to note is that there years ago, there was a huge uproar and to-do about there not being enough callouts at this competition. That CERTAINLY was not the case this time around. Sandy Rinally did a great job of doing A LOT of call-outs, and chances are, no competitors will complain about getting too many comparisons.
**Note: The competitors that come in Top 5 qualify for the Mr. Olympia competition.
Prejudging:
First callout:
Moe Elmoussawi – Top 3 last year at the Ironman. 9th finish at the Olympia in 2008. Definitely going toe to toe with Silvio Samuel for conditioning. He’s added some size, which may not result in a better overall package. Great shape and symmetry. Best arms in the show.
Silvio Samuel – 2 pro wins. His low point was placing at this competition last year. Conditioning is not an issue at all. He’s not very far off from his Olympia look.
Hidetada Yamagishi – 1st Japanese Bodybuilder to compete at the Olympia. This was his first competition 3 years ago. Great return to the stage. Amazing conditioning. Glutes, hams and lower back are awesome. Really shredded. This year, he had a new trainer (Charles Glass), new gym (Gold’s Venice) and new training partner (Silvio Samuel), and clearly, it’s made a difference.
Ronny Rockel – Definitely in the top 5. Tremendous physique. Great thickness, no glaring weaknesses, awesome shape. Much sharper than he was at the Olympia. One of the most complete competitors in the line up.
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In no particular order:
Johnnie Jackson – He’s definitely in contention. Not at his 100% best, but still good enough to beat others. Will be interesting to see his muscularity and size compared to Silvio and Moe’s conditioning. Immediately starting dieting right after the Olympia competition. Historically, he hasn’t brought his A-game to the early part of the year. His back is a little soft.
Eddie Abbew – Looks good. Light in the legs. Has come down in size a bit. Nailed his conditioning. Placed 3rd last year.
Oliver Adzievski – First US contest. Best outing so far. Conditioning has been brought up.
Troy Alves – His 24th competition. Doesn’t have one pro show win yet. Not the best Troy Alves we’ve seen. Has placed as high as 3rd, twice. Great upper body and V-taper. Very soft and watery lower body.
Mo Bannout – Cousin of Samir Bannout. Amazing conditioning. Amazing V-taper. Has a little bit of problem with his colouring. He’s not as thick as some of the other competitors, but his conditioning takes over. Striated glutes. His lower back needs more thickness. Great most muscular.
Thomas Benagli – Very detailed. Great colouring. Conditioning is good.
Adorthus (AD) Cherry - Actually made his pro debut as last year’s Arnold Classic. He didn’t do as well as he could have, but it gave him experience. He’s gotten a better feel for the stage. His shape is amazing. Tiny waist, great sweep, round muscle bellies.
Omar Deckard – One of the biggest bodybuilders out here. Definitely one of the giants. HUGE biceps, his upper body has never been a problem. It’s the lower body that needs to catch up. Is learning how to dial himself in better.
Constantinos Dimtrio – Great shape. But should be competing in the under 202 class because it’ll be hard for him to hold his own against the Big Boys.
Mark Dugdale – The long awaited return. Brought his weight down, between 213-219. His strength is the overall balance to his physique. In 2007, he was 2nd in this event. In 2008, the judges did not like the new, heavier version, and as a result, he didn’t have a great competitive year. This is a much better version. The lines in his lower back display excellent conditioning. He could easily be a dominant force in the under 202 class. He has the type of physique where if he adds a couple of pounds, it looks like a lot of pounds.
Tamer El Shahat – Only IFBB appearance was at this show 3 years ago. Very marketable look. Good physique.
DeShaun Grimez – 2007 USA Heavyweight Champion. Competed at least years Arnold. Conditioning is much better than last year’s . He has put on some muscle, and improved his condition A LOT since last year. Probably a darkhorse of the competition.
Ahmad Haidar – Abzilla. Great size, shape, and symmetry. Feathered quads. 8TH Ironman appearance. He looks good. He’s almost 40. During his time off, he needed to bring up his back thickness and work on his condition. It looks like he’s only done part of the work. Got tighter as prejudging went on.
Marcus Hayley – Took the year off because of injury. He and his trainer say that he’s the best he’s EVER looked. Good condition. Legs have come back. Not GREAT shape, but pretty decent.
Rusty Jeffers – Great conditioning, great lines. He’s holding a little water, looks a little smooth. Muscularity and separation are still there. Needs to improve condition a little.
Martin Kjellstrom – 4TH years at a Pro. Alrighty qualified for the Olympia in the Romanian Grand Prix. Striated glutes and hams.
Don Long – Vanished for a couple of years. Triumphant return. Great conditioning. Needs to better control his abdominals.
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Donlon
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