2010 Iron Man Blog

Check out Bodybuilding.com’s full contest coverage from this competition right here.

2009 IFBB Iron Man Pro Check out the results from the 2009 IFBB Iron Man Pro contest here. [ View 2009 IFBB Iron Man Pro Results]

2009 IFBB Iron Man Pro Photos Check out the pictures of the 2009 IFBB Iron Man Pro.  See pictures of contestants, crowds and competition! Iron Man Pro contest Pics here: [ Pre-Judging ] [ Finals ] [ Comparisons ] [ Awards ] [ Back Stage ]

2009 IFBB Iron Man Pro Webcast Replays Check out the Webcast Replays of the 2009 IFBB Iron Man Pro.  See replays of all the action! Iron Man Pro Video Replays here: [ Prejudging ] [ Finals ] Iron Man Pro Reviews here: [ Myron Mielke’s Finals Review ] [ Myron Mielke’s Prejudging Review ] More Links for the Iron Man Pro: [ Hidetada Yamagishi’s Posing Game! ] [ Iron Man Pro Main Page ] [ Iron Man Wallpapers ] 2009 BodySpace Spokesmodel Search: [ BodySpace Spokes Model Contestants ] [ BodySpace Spokes Model Winners! ] [ BodySpace Spokes Model Pics ]

During the Iron Man I ran into my friend Flex Lewis who was looking about the size of a small house and when I told Flex this he said that with the under 202 Mr. O and then getting married he hasn’t had an off season.  He admitted he has trouble eating in the off season but now he was ready to get serious and put some mass on, as if he isn’t big yet!

Well if you did then your in luck. You can get all the 2009 Iron Man replays, photos and results right here on Bodybuilding.com.

The day after the 2009 Iron Man, Mark was doing a photo shoot here at Golds in Venice.  From a distance and as you get closer you can tell Mark has great shape and although he is not the biggest guy on stage, standing next to Mark, I’m 5′9 and 245 and Mark still looked rather massive to me. I told Mark that I thought he should have placed better the night before but with a disappointed look on his face mark said "I need to come in much tighter if Im going to do better."  For those who don’t know or haven’t had the privilege of meeting Mark Dugdale then your missing out as he is a very balanced person who runs his own company, is a husband, father of three daughters and a devoted christian. Welcome back on stage Mark.

After the Iron Man I went backstage to talk with a few of the competitors and saw Hide sitting down and when I walked up he was talking Japanese on the phone as he was talking to his family in Japan.  He said this being his first show back he was happy as he qualified for the Mr.O. "Now I just have to wait and see if I will get an invite to the Arnold as I have 6 weeks" Hide said.  When i told him he looked tired he said no he was just dehydrated.  Welcome back Hide

Check out Bodybuilding.com’s full contest coverage from this competition right here.

2009 IFBB Iron Man Pro Check out the results from the 2009 IFBB Iron Man Pro contest here. [ View 2009 IFBB Iron Man Pro Results]

First up is former British Champion Eddie Abbew, looking tighter than this morning, which should help him out in the final placings, posing to some nice R&B but doesnt flow too well as he poses.

Second up fomer Swedish Champion, Ardleivsky, some more R&B has tightened up since this morning, poses well, but the music is mealry background noise.

Third up is Troy Alves, this grandfathers upper body is looking as good as ever, but legs have not tightened up since thi morning. Using some good R&B he is showing the younger athletes how posing should be done

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.  

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.

The Iron Man is Finally here! Check out the Road to the Iron Man Video Series to see Hidetada Yamagishi and Mark Dugdale get ready for the Iron Man.

The 2009 contest season has begun and the pros are already eyeing the first big contest, the 2009 Iron Man Pro. Join Bodybuilding.com as we take a sneak peak at some of the top competitors as they make their final preparations on The Road To The Iron Man!

Episode 1: Hidetada Yamagishi, Part 1
Date Added: 01/13/2009

Episode 1: Hidetada Yamagishi, Part 2
Date Added: 01/16/2009

Episode 2: Mark Dugdale
Date Added: 01/19/2009

In 2004 you won the Overall at the Excalibur out here in California, and then you started competing at the national level. What was the biggest difference between competing in local shows and battling it out on the national scene?
It was actually the Tournament of Champions and Border States Championships that I won the Overalls in. The biggest difference from competing in local shows, to making the jump to the national stage was conditioning. Some guys at the national level are more conditioned than some of the pros are. And it wasn’t just how big they were, it was the poise they carried themselves with. That and conditioning were the two biggest differences.

You went from 15th place in the USA’s in 2006 to winning the Heavyweight Class and capturing an IFBB pro card in 2007. That’s a big leap. What did you do to make such improvements?
In 2006 I had to deal with being sick – I was suffering from heavy asthma. Aside from not having to deal with that in 2007, I had a plan. I knew more about dieting and getting into shape. So I ate differently and stayed in better shape and I think that made the difference overall.  

Last year you made your pro debut at the Iron Man and that was only about six months after the USA’s. Many new pros decide to wait a year, maybe even two, before testing the IFBB waters. You dove right in. Why did you decide to compete so soon?
I don’t think if you turn pro you need to wait a year to be able to compete. If you have a plan, you can get up on stage and compete. I also wanted to get the nervousness of standing on stage with those guys out by diving right into it and being competitive.

You’ve taken a year off from competition. Did you just need some rest or were there some off-season improvements you were trying to make?
I wanted to make improvements and I needed the rest. I was suffering from a hernia and needed to take a few months off from the gym.

Do you use a coach, trainer or diet guru during your contest prep?
I got some help from some other bodybuilders and trainers, but I did pretty much everything myself.

Could you outline your supplement plan?
Right now, my three favorite supplements are Hydroxycut® Hardcore, Nitro-Tech® Hardcore and LEUKIC® Hardcore. LEUKIC Hardcore has allowed me to keep all of my muscle and strength while getting shredded with Hydroxycut Hardcore.

You’ve got plenty of size. Is there anything you’re doing in your training to bring out more separation or details?
I’ve just been doing what works for me and that’s training heavy until I can’t train heavy anymore. The last few weeks I’ve been squeezing and contracting the last three reps at the end of each set anywhere from five to fifteen seconds to try to get more separation and striations.

What did you weigh in at last year at the Iron Man Pro and what are you predicting your weight to be this year?
Last year I was 240 pounds. This year, I plan on being a lot more conditioned at about 235 pounds.

You’ve got less than two weeks to the show. How is your prep going?
It’s going really well. I feel that I’m at my best and in better shape than when I was on stage at the USA’s. Overall, I’ve made some big improvements and I’m happy with them.

What are your plans for other competitions this year?
I’m planning on getting the win at the Iron Man Pro, or at least placing in the top three. From there I plan on going to the Arnold Classic, the Atlantic City Pro and the 2009 Mr. Olympia.

Anything else you’d like to share with our readers before we end this interview?
Just remember, without work, faith is dead. You can ask God and come up with a plan, but if you don’t work and stay consistent with that plan, then everything dies. You won’t progress and move forward. So if you have a plan, and you’re asking God for help, just keep putting in the work to see results.

Check out DeShaun Grimez

Just a week ago I found out that I was a finalist in the Iron Man/BodySpace Spokesmodel contest, and tomorrow I’ll be landing in LA along with the other contestants to compete in the finals.  It looks like we should have a good competition as all of the finalist look great, and are obviously very dedicated and knowledgeable in their fitness.  I had to cut my winter bulking stage a little short to cut up in time but that’s ok, I rather be lean anyways.  A couple of carb depletions and some HIIT cardio and I should be showing up in tip top shape.  Im excited to be working with some great photographers for the 2 days of shoots before the contest, and I’m extremely excited to step onto the Ironman stage on Saturday night!  It sounds like bodybuilding.com has some great things in store for you bodyspace members so I hope a lot of you make it out!  Stop by and say HI, if you do.  I’ll have carbs in me by then so I promise I won’t bite.  If you don’t make it out to LA be sure to check out the live webcast and place your vote Here!

Name: David Robson.
Date: 17.1.09

With a large field of 22 athletes, albeit one lacking several of its usual big name competitors, the 2009 Ironman Pro will place the spotlight on those who have assiduously worked their way up the rankings, to where they are now in a prime position to show what they really have to secure much needed exposure and top placements as the IFBB pro season begins.

With assumed frontrunner Phil Heath out along with the notable exclusion of heavyweights Toney Freeman and Gustavo Badell, the 2009 Ironman - as it celebrates it 20th Anniversary – will, it is expected, showcase professional bodybuilding’s premier smaller competitors in he final five, top of the list being the ever-impressive Silvio Samuel, Mark Dugdale and Moe El Moussawi, well and truly compensating for their comparative lack of size with the excellent shape and conditioning they are known for.

Often viewed as a launching pad for formidable professional bodybuilding careers, the Ironman Pro, since its inception in 1990 with its inaugural winner and pro legend Shawn Ray, is a show that has introduced many major champions to bodybuilding audiences and given these athletes their first taste of competitive success with top five placements, or better. Two such men at the 2009 version might be potential champs Evgeny Mishin and Adorthus Cherry, competitors who have shown great promise in recent times.

As usual, the Ironman Pro will hold several surprises, not the least being this year’s inclusion of Mohammed Bannout, nephew of 1983 Mr. Olympia Samir Bannout, and the continued pro stage presence of Don Long, who made an impressive return to bodybuilding in 2006 after sustaining a debilitating kidney condition, which continues to require dialysis and almost placed a final nail in his coffin. He is back again and, as recent reports suggest, better than ever.

This year will also highlight the progression of bodybuilding in the Middle East with the inclusion of three Lebanese champions, the aforementioned Mohammed Bannout, top prospect and established pro Ahmed Haider, and Aiman Faour, all expected to possess the great bodybuilding genetics with which this culture is blessed.

The 2009 Ironman Pro is surely not to be missed. Who will win? Moe or Silvio. Or might it go to the ever-consistent and often-overlooked Ronny Rockel? And one can never rule out UK champ Eddie Abbew who placed third in this event in 2007, and who is continually progressing. My top ten predicted placements follow.

Tenth: Evgeny Mishin

At 2007’s Europa Supershow the Russian Evgeny came from virtually nowhere to impress the judges and take sixth place with ultra-ripped conditioning and great balance throughout his physique. 2008 was an off year and Mishin found himself’ slipping in the placements, but this can be typical for one new to the pro scene. He has the talent to hang with the established guys with his great V-taper and leg development, but will need to have made significant improvements to warrant a placement higher than tenth at this year’s Ironman Pro.

Ninth: Adorthus Cherry

    
Placing dead last in his pro debut at the 2008 Arnold Classic can’t have been a strong boost to AD Cherry’s ego, but it might have provided the kind of motivating force necessary for continued improvements. If so, then AD is highly likely to make the top ten at this year’s Ironman based on his good basic shape, combined with small waist size and great stage presence. 2008 saw AD competing smooth, but his physique showed enough promise to warrant optimism for future success on the pro stage. If he can come in shredded with added leg size and the same impressive upper body then he may even place as highly as seventh.

Eighth: Hide Yamagishi

Displaying a compact physique with hardness a ton of viagra could not accomplish, combined with good balance, razor cuts, excellent posing and a winning attitude, Hide is a definitely drawcard in any pro contest he enters. Unfortunately, when standing alongside competitors who have greater overall muscular fullness and size he often fades into the background. In a contest of smaller guys, Hide is one who I suspect will not be killing any giants or slaying any dragons on this particular occasion.

Seventh: Eddie Abbew

Placing third in this contest in 2007 after showing one of 2006’s best emerging physiques at the Austria Grand Prix where he placed sixth alongside a stacked line-up of top tier pros, has positioned Eddie Abbew as a competitor who, when he nails his conditioning, can land in the top placements. With impressive size, particularly in the back, arms and chest, Eddie will tip the scales at well over 260 pounds at this year’s Ironman Pro. Not exactly Mr. Consistency, Eddie has had a mixed record on the pro stage, sometimes coming in completely off and other times displaying one of the sharpest physiques onstage. If he can hit it 100 percent in one week’s time, expect him to land well inside the top ten.

Sixth: Ahmad Haider

Of Lebanese extraction, Ahmed Haider possesses the shapely musculature, seemingly razor-etched abs and full round biceps development his fellow countrymen bodybuilders typically display. A very impressive bodybuilder displaying, at his best, conditioning second to none, great skin tone and the kind of ‘mass with class’ exemplified by none other than the great Lee Labrada, Ahmed is truly one to watch. I have him placed comparatively low here based on his recent failure to time his peak perfectly. He is one of those bodybuilders that when on looks unreal, but when off almost completely fades into the distance, and is consequently ignored during prejudging.

Fifth: Mark Dugdale    

Of similar shape and size to Ahmed Haider with his crisp, clear lines and striking conditioning and proportions, Mark Dugdale is another class act, one that has placed as high as second (in 2007) in this show. Being one of the smaller guys has not hurt Mark’s chances as far as being a fan favorite and impressing with his near perfectly symmetrical and proportionate physique. Again, as with Ahmed, Mark will need to be 100 precent on to fulfil his potential at this show, otherwise he will be unlikely to crack the top five.      

Fourth: Marcus Haley

I spoke to Marcus recently and he told me he will shock the bodybuilding community at this year’s Ironman Pro with a physique 10 pounds’ heavier and with striations everywhere (including his ears?). If the final placements were based on unbridled enthusiasm and an optimistic attitude I would give Marcus the title now, but as we all know, talk is one thing, backing up one’s assertions quite another. However, based on previous competitive outings it would be realistic to assume that Marcus will land in the top five based on his size, particularly from the back (hams and back development specifically) – where his competition are likely to trail – and overall physical presence. A larger bodybuilder (he says he will be close to 240 pounds ripped to the bone come contest day), Marcus will have no trouble obscuring the opposition with his hefty lat development. But will he have the necessary class to defeat Silvio and company. Watch this space.      

Third: Moe Elmoussawi

Placing third in this contest in 2008, narrowly edged out by behemoth Gustavo Badell, significantly altered the bodybuilding destiny of Moe El Moussawi to where he is now seen as a legitimate threat to all of the smaller shows he enters, and a potential top competitor in the biggest of them all, the Mr. Olympia (he placed 9th in his 2008 debut). With some of the best conditioning seen on any pro stage in recent memory, combined with great shape and size, Moe will be aiming to land his first pro win this weekend, and many commentators feel he will do just that. However, with two better-established and arguably more complete competitors standing in his way, this remains to be seen. One thing is for sure: Moe is a verifiable bodybuilding force that will fight hard for the win.            

Second: Ronny Rockel

When the judges finally decide to give Ronny Rockel the respect he deserves he will be the man to beat in the so-called smaller shows. With nothing lacking save perhaps stage presence and posing ability, Ronny combines all the right qualities necessary to dominate the pro stage, or at least fight for the top placements, when he is on point. For some mysterious reason he often finds himself placing out of the top five to lesser competitors (2008’s New Zealand pro show being a case in point). Can the man with the perfect proportions and thick muscle development get his due at the 2009 Ironman Pro? I would not bet against it should he arrive at his best.

First: Silvio Samuel            

One of the today’s top pros - with a top seven finish at the 2008 Mr. Olympia and a win at the Europa Pro earlier that year - with undeniably crisp conditioning and full round muscle bellies, Silvio is one competitor who is nowadays always in the hunt for a pro win. This weekend will prove no exception as he aims to maintain the reputation he has built for himself over recent years. Although it would be fair to say that Silvio could be overrated and that there are others (like Ronny Rockel) who have better genetic qualities, the overall combination of factors he presents (adequate size, perfect conditioning and flaring muscle groups) combined with consistency in bringing his best package to the stage, give the judges no choice but to reward him for the high physical standards and sets, and achieves, every time. And although he will be giving up much size to his fellow competitors (around 30-pounds to Haley alone, it is expected), the detail and fullness of his physique will, as always, obviate this discrepancy. Look for Silvio to win and claim his second open-class pro victory.        
    
  

The IFBB Iron Man Pro bodybuilding contest, celebrating its 20th Anniversary, is the longest-running IFBB professional bodybuilding event on the West Coast. The TOP FIVE finishers will qualify to compete in the ‘09 Mr. Olympia.

One of the deepest line-ups in the recent history of the event will file onto the Los Angeles Convention Center stage on Saturday, January 24 as the IRON MAN PRO, celebrating its 20-year anniversary, opens up the 2009 season. It is the longest running professional contest on the West Coast, and the third longest in the history of the IFBB, behind only the Mr. Olympia and the Arnold Classic.
    
The 28-man field, representing 14 countries, includes Moe Elmoussawi, Silvio Samuel and Johnnie Jackson, who finished 3rd, 4th and 5th, respectively, last year, all attempting to walk off with the $15,000 first place award. Other standouts among the field who will be battling for a top five finish (and an Olympia qualifying berth) include Mark Dugdale (2nd in 07), Troy Alves (3rd on two occasions), Eddie Abbew (3rd in 07), Hidetada Yamagishi, Marcus Haley (5th in 07), Ahmad Haidar, Ronny Rockel and Omar Deckard.

The Finals event features individual posing followed by the exciting posedown of the top 5 to determine the ultimate Iron Man Pro Champion who will take home $15,000.  

Judging begins at 10:30 a.m. with the Finals set for 8 p.m.

Here is the tentative competitor list:

For more information click here

Since my training partner Armin Scholz has went back to Germany I started training with the other 300lb Germany Aiman.  Today while training legs I saw Hidea who is now a regular at Golds Venice.  Hidea I met last year when him, Silvio and myself went to a contest in Hawaii where they both guest posed at.  I really enjoyed traing and talking with Hidea while we were in Hawaii.  After that he was supposed to move to the US but then he had his problems with US customs.  Well that didn’t keep this champion down as now he’s back living in Cali and looks great.  Both him and Aiman are now training for the 2009 Ironman so turn up intensity as the Pro’s are coming back to Venice.

Check out what bodybuilding ‘expert’ Isaac Hinds thinks about the 2009 IFBB Iron Man next weekend:

http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/2009ironman.htm

Also, you will see previews from Brian ‘I Don’t Take No Bull From Strippers’ Bullman and Myron ‘How Do You Say My Last Name’ Mielke.

Who do you think is going to win?

WW