Thoughts on the 2009 Mr. O
What up fam!!
Alright so by now we all know that Jay Cutler has regained his crown for the Mr. Olympia, defeating defending champ Dexter Jackson. As a matter of fact, if I’m not mistaken "The Blade" came in third behind Branch Warren. Now everyone that knows me knows that I’m a Dexter Jackson fan. However, I can look at a contest objectively and say if he won or lost.
I cant see it. I can’t see how Dexter loses this contest, or for that matter comes in THIRD!!! I think this is what drives most competitors crazy. Its that they dont know what the judges are looking for. Last yeat when he won the Mr. O, he stated that he didn’t think he would ever win simply because it seemed like it was a "freak" contest, more than a bodybuilding contest. It seemed like the judges were only looking to see who could pack on the most muscle rather than who is more symetrical or astheticaly pleasing (Hope i spelt that right)
But when he won it seemed like there was a change of gaurd. It seemed like it wasn’t about just how big you were, but also if you were symetrical, conditioned, and balanced. To me Jay still looked thick in the midsection, which gave him a boxy appearance. I think the package that Branch bought to this olympia was his best ever, so I have no problem with him taking second. However, I dont see Jay beating Dex for the title. I think Dex still had the best conditioning, and overall balance of size.
Curious about what everyone thinks. Get at me!!
Peace!!
September 28, 2009 at 8:37 pm
I looked at the pic’s and as D. Jackson fan I would have to say that Jay brought it and won fair and square. His waste actually was smaller than years past. What killed Dexter was his legs. The shots of his quads and calves looked skinny compared to Jay’s and Branch for that matter. Not only was Jay’s legs huge he was cut up. Jay was in great condition and deserved the nod it my estimation. I feel bad for Dexter but he had to know his legs has been a focus of attention since last year. Pro must do the things to improve on their flaws.
September 29, 2009 at 6:51 am
I looked at the pic’s and as D. Jackson fan I would have to say that Jay brought it and won fair and square. His waist actually was smaller than years past. What killed Dexter was his legs. The shots of his quads and calves looked skinny compared to Jay’s and Branch for that matter. Not only was Jay’s legs huge he was cut up. Jay was in great condition and deserved the nod it my estimation. I feel bad for Dexter but he had to know his legs has been a focus of attention since last year. Pro must do the things to improve on their flaws. If symmetry is what the criteria is suppose to be the factor, and it is. Then Dexter lacked symmetry as legs don’t flow with his mass above the waist. Even Dexter admits he hates doing leg work, he doesn’t do squats, hate working his calfs, and it shows.
September 29, 2009 at 12:28 pm
Yo Lex… The O should have weight classes in my estimation. Just like they now have 202 class. They should have a class for the super heavy weights (the freaks). And then another class for heavy weights and light weights. The judging as you well know is so subjective. Have those classes so those with bloated waistlines can just be big and freaky. And the more traditional classic bodybuilder look can have their class.
September 29, 2009 at 12:34 pm
I agree with Lex. Personally I believe that no matter what condition Jay comes in, his body just is not that of a true Olympian. He looked great, for Jay but not by my standards of symetry and muscularity. Jay is boxy. His physique is NOT pleasing to the eye. His waist was smaller, but he does not have that X frame. He just doesn’t have the lines. He’s a Hummer in a competition of Ferarri(s). His scores for that show were retarded. They were like perfect and his physique is NOT perfect. I admire and respect Jay as an athlete and a person,but his body type just ain’t what I consider appropriate for MR. Olympia.
September 29, 2009 at 3:52 pm
@ Pastorken:
I think If they break the O into too many weight classes then they kinda take away from the david vs goliath theme. I mean look at it this way. Kevin English right now is a MONSTER in the 202. He’s taken 2 out of the last three contestes not including the O, and he’s taken David Henry out both times. Right now they are saying that he could come out of the 202 and compete in the open. Which i think would be good for him.
The problem with the Olympia, and this is just my opinion, is that they are too used to the same ole same ole. If you go back to the 70’s to early 90’s the champs were ALL symetrical visions. Arnold, Lee haney, no one could mess with these guys in terms of balance, symetry, and conditioning. Dorian I feel started to change the mold, and then when Ronnie came in the game the freak nation was born. I guess it all comes down to what your idea of bodybuilding is. To me the so called freaks need a catagory called muscle building, because some of them are so far gone its almost alien. But when you look at someone like Dexter Jackson, Victor Martinez, Troy Alves, Melvin Anthony, and Phil Heath, these guys while HUGE, still look balanced, and complete. Not taking anything away from the other guys because to get as big as they are takes more than just genetics, but to me, right now, it seems like it more about being a freak than it is actual bodybuilding.
September 29, 2009 at 3:57 pm
Lex, I don’t disagree.
In general, I think all of the big heavy’s look too big and lack balance. Looking back a few years, I thought those guys looked comic bookish compared to even Arnold and definitely to Zane.
It’s all about muscularity, but the balance has to be there. It’s always been a fringe sport, but by taking the Mr. O to the level it currently is makes it even less apealing to the borderline fans, much less the masses.
September 29, 2009 at 4:31 pm
looking at their pics it seems they are exactly in order with the scoring with Jay being biggest overall, then Branch, then Dex…but maybe that weight class idea isn’t so bad because to me they ALL look good and each has their strongpoints!
September 29, 2009 at 4:52 pm
Which is why I feel if it continues in the direction its going, it will never really be accepted as a true sport. Aside from the drug aspect.
Bodybuilding to me is an art. Its more than just trying to be the biggest on stage. When some of these guys get on stage and they’re dialed in, they look phenominal, vs someone who just packed on pounds and pounds of muscle. Along with being a lifter you have to be a sculptor as well.
October 1, 2009 at 10:52 am
Lex nice post bro. Hence the need for different weight classes in my opinion. Because they are not going to change the direction of the judging. Although with Dexter winning last year there was hope. Weight classes simply will do the trick. Heavies for the freaks; Light Heavy, Middle division and the 202’s. Toney Freeman is my guy because I’m tall and he packs some size on his tall frame. Troy Alves has the complete package and should have more wins as pro than 1. The masses want freaks, the pureist want classic symmetry, which I like because it seems more attainable than being a juiced up freak. The weight classes will please everyone who likes bodybuilding.
October 1, 2009 at 1:26 pm
First THANK YOU for the kind words about my Olympia photos on my BodyBlog!
In person Jay was a commanding presence on stage at the O. After Jay we all agreed it was a fight for 2nd place. These things can be very subjective and an equal number of people would think that Branch should have been 2nd if if had been Dexter to beat him out as runner up. Both guys came in great and I think for Branch, the best he has ever looked.
Had Jay not been there, one of them would now be the 2009 Mr. Olympia. Would that have gone to Dexter as having the edge as the reigning Mr. Olympia.? Maybe…