2009 Olympia Blog

Well, well, well…where do I begin with this? Let see, it seemed that the majority brought their A-Game to the show, which should come as no surprise. Everyone who has checked out my postings know I’m a fan of fitness and figure, so I’ll talk about that.

But first…I gotta give it up for a future hall-of-fame bodybuilder, Ronnie "Big Ron" Coleman.

The man is a straight-up bonafide superstar and one of the reasons bodybuilding is the reknowned spectacle sport that it is today.  He took his body and turned it into a machine and went on to win the Mr. O title from 1998 until 2006, where he was defeated by Jay Cutler, who successfully defended his title this year. He decided to make the 2007 O his final Olymipa, officially ending an era. He placed fourth, but the way the crowd reacted, you would think he was the champion. In many ways, he is. He entered the world of bodybuilding as a man…he leaving it as a legend. Thank you, Ronnie. We’ll never forget you…

With that being said, on to my thoughts on the Fitness and Figure O:

Fitness Olympia

WOW! Those are the only words I can say when talking about the fitness routines they did. This is one sport that doesn’t need to fade out. These women put on a fantastic performance every time they go on stage. I’m surprised this sport is not more mainstream than it should (Maybe a little thing called American Gladiators will help them along…Hint-hint! BTW, a shout-out to everyone that tried out and I hope to see you on TV soon!). The physiques were obviously…incredible.

There was one that that bugged me…a lot. The exact top six from the 2007 Olympia were THE EXACT TOP SIX FROM THE 2006 OLYMPIA..IN THE EXACT SAME ORDER!!! WTF?!?! I’d expected as least SOMEONE to break the top six, but for them to make it in the exact same order?!?! Maybe I’m making too big of a deal out of this but that’s just me. Before you think I have a problem with them, I don’t. I just like some variety in contests, that’s all. Especially in big events like this.

Okay…enough with my ranting. On to the competitors themselves:

Congrats are in order to Adela for sucessfully defending her title, making her only the second person to win back-to-back Fitness O titles (the only other person has been Susie Curry, and she went on to win the title four years in a row).  Like I said before, look up the word fitness in a dictionary and you will see Adela in there.  Apparently the only reason Kim didn’t win this year was because Adela wanted to retain more that Kim wanted to win it, and she wanted it badly. One day Kim will have her place in Olympia history. It would be a crime if she didn’t. The woman with the most retirements ever (HAHA) Jenny Hendershott delivered one of the funniest routines of the year, mocking the once-great Britney Spears. Dang, why couldn’t MTV get Jenny for their VMA opening act? She was actually fun and entertaining to watch!  Tanji shut up all the critics that said that she wouldn’t be ready for the top FITNESS event after doing a FIGURE event a week or two before. She could be a elite star when it’s all said and done. Tracey Greenwood and Julie Palmer are both examples of what awesome muscularity, great stage presence, and entertaining routines are all about.  Both of them love the business, and hopefully one day both of them will hold some major gold soon.

I didn’t know what the big deal was with Oksana bacause I’ve not seen her perform. Well after seeing her routin…I’m sorry, I meant her performance, I can see why she’s a big deal. She was awesome! She was different from everyone else, in a good way. She also delivered in the physique category as well. Getting a seventh is pretty respectable for an O debut. Some more exposure in the States and she could nabbed her a few titles here within the next few years.

Julie Lohre is quickly becoming a favorite, and I can see why.  She’s entertaining, and brings a good physique to the stage. Her football routine…in the words of WWE star Carlito, "Now that’s cool!" I just have one question: Will she decided to put her fitness career on hold for a shot at the NFL. She can throw a football better than some of the pros, ya know! LOL. I expect her to have a good future in fitness as well.

Now to MY all-time fav: Julie Shipley-Childs. She is someone who I felt got cheated out of a higher spot. She dropped from seventh last year to ninth this year. I’m trying to think of what went wrong. Was it her routine? She brought a brand new routine, which we could very well see again in 2008. Was it her physique? She packs a lot of muscle, but she carries it well. Was it her color? The tan didn’t seemed too dark to me. So what’s…or who’s left then? Obviously the judges decided on who would get what BEFORE the event, or they drunk some hard stuff before "judging". Whatever they were having, I’ll pass. Thank you.

Someone who was easily top-ten material and didn’t get it was Heidi Fletcher. Admit it, Heidi was BUILT at the Olympia. Her conditioning was spot-on with the top girls, yet she was in the later callouts. Huh?!?! 15th place?!?! Again, do directly to the source of the stupidity: the judges.  Knowing Heidi though, she’ll suck it up and move on with a focused mind come 2008 season.

The fitness field was incredible this year, and if thing keep progressing like this, the sky’s the limit for these athletes.

Figure Olympia

It seems while this was the biggest of the female categories, this was also one of the most interesting yet confusing of the entire show.

Jenny Lynn had to have looked like a freaking pig in order to lose her title this year…she didn’t. She looked great, not Hollywood like last year, but great nethertheless. Many people though thought that Gina Aliotti should have won the title. Gina was on at this show, showing off a beyond-impressive physique…and at only 23 no less! All I have to say on that is…Gina is very young and has a good amount of time to take home a major title. Maybe I’m in the minority, but I can’t see how Sonia Adcock got thrid place. I just don’t see it. If someone knows, can you help a brother out? Thanks!  What can I say about Miss Jennifer Gates? This girl was just hoping for maybe a top-ten spot. She understood that she was just a rookie. But WOW! She made a statement at the O, and the statement was: My name is Jennifer Gates. I’m the future of figure. Fear me!  After people saw her on stage at the O, a few even saw her as the runner-up. Some are even saying that if she keeps this up…she will be the NEXT FIGURE O CHAMPION! Stranger things have happended in this sport, ya know. Definitely the 2007 Rookie of the Year without a doubt!  Amanda Savell is an intense competitor, and the sport of figure could be built around her easily.  Her vascularity and muscularity, as well as her unique Southern style, has made her a fan favorite, and rightfully so.  She could very well be the next Figure International champion. Hmm…Amber might have made somewhat of a mistake returning to the stage, as she dropped from the runner-up spot to sixth place this year. OUCH! She looked good, though. I actually had her in the top three.

Now for the suprises…

Monica Brant in…SEVENTH PLACE?!?!?! Man, the chances of her winning a figure title seemed to be winding down year after year after year, with this being her worse placement in God know how long. This was the only thing that bugged me more then the Julie Childs thing and the fitness top six thing. I know that Monica is a trooper and is arguably the most gracious competitor in the history of the sport, but one has to wonder…could it be time for Mo to hang it up? I mean she’s done everything under the sun to please the damn judges, and it’s gotten her nowhere. I mean what else can she do? She’s only human after all…

Valerie…Valerie…Valerie.  Here’s someone who I’d marked down as the person that would get a definite top 5 spot. She placed in the top 5 at the Arnold (where many people thought she should have won there) and went on to win every other competiton she was a part of this year. Yet at the O, she placed ninth?! Again, blame the judges for their incomptence. Sonia over both Mo and V-Dub…I can’t get over that, I just can’t.

I don’t understand what happened to Mary. She is the reigning Figure International champion, and she got 10th place. I did expected her to be higher than 10th. She did seemed somewhat off, but looked good nethertheless. No doubt she will look for some retribution as she will find a way to return to the O stage next year.

The rest of the ladies were on their game as well: Andrea Dumon nabbing a last-minute spot to the show and looked great, Shannon Meteraud bringing a built body back to the O, completing her comeback as she was off having a couple of youngens, Natalie Benson gained a lot of fans in her O debut, Latisha Wilder AGAIN being overlooked at the big dance.

There ya go. My thoughts on the Fitness/Figure Olympia, who went big, who got broke, and everything in between…as well as a shouout to Big Ron and some ranting on the judges and their "judging system".  Until next year, peace!!!

Between Isaac Hinds, Ron Avidan, Lonnie Teper and Ruth Silverman, and BB.com staff, we had 180+ video clips submitted from the recent 2007 Olympia!

If you haven’t seen the latest clips, click here to be entertained!

 

http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/2007olympia_vids.htm

I had the honor and priviledge to shoot the Mr. Olympia contest once again. It’s a ton of work but one that is very rewarding, knowing that you’re capturing a part of bodybuilding history. Recently, I started working with Tony Blinn and the new IFBB website. Tony is the chairman of IFBB Technical Committee and General Secretary of the IFBB Professional League. He is a great guy, who works directly with Mr. Ben Weider on the website.

Today, much to my surprise and delight, Tony posted some of my photos as a feature section on the website. Check out the feature and the new website. They have individual judges’ scores and more on the site.

It was fantastic!!! I was all excited like a kid at Christmas. I met so many great people and witnessed one of the most amazing shows on the planet from a floor seat. Victor martinez was my winner hands down! I worked in the Ironman booth and had the pleasure of dining with the fine people of Ironman magazine who graciously provided my tickets to the shows. I met one of my best friends Rob Carbo from RealGainz magazine and had my 1st photoshoots. 3 in a row actually. I got to visit Red Rock out there and the scenery is beautiful. I worked with Dave Goodin in the booth and he is a wonderful and kind man.

Everyone was terribly nice and made my weekend the best I have ever had. okay, I had to sleep in an airport chair in Philly overnight and arrived a day late, but I am going to overlook that part. I met with the brainiacs of gaspari nutrition and the invited me to join their team to help women understand supplemental needs. Keep your eye out for the new addition to their forums (addressing women and their need to take supplements as much as men do.) I appreciate their realization that women are pretty much sold fat burners exclusively and left in the dark about everything else available! THAT needs to change! Hope everyone had a super week. i was jet lagged and dragging ass,but managed a few workouts this week. Drop by my profile and say hi.

Fern

Let’s see…  I met dave G for breakfast.  Spinach omelets are the ****! The expo was really crowded on Saturday.  Then my friend Rob Carbo showed up and made my day!  We had been friends since March and he helped me with my contest deplete and my crazy carb depleted chick emotions.  He is bigger than life!  I introduced myself to Charles Glass.  You can see him on here in "getting cut with Glass". I really wanted to meet him because it’s his videos I get most of my training tips from.  I could never afford a personal trainer on my own, so I walked up to him and told him so!! I also got approached by NBC for their American Gladiator series.  Yeah right, I was thinking!  I asked competitor or Gladiator and they said either.  I’m too old to get hit full force by another human being.  I like my kidneys, thanks!! I’m trying to think what else happened.  I did go off to look around a little, took a peek at the guys in the UFC booth.  Forrest Griffin was there, but you had to pay for autographs.that’s just bull**** if you ask me.  people with money shouldn’t be able to get everything, you know? What if you are some little kids idol and he finds out you don’t evn give a crap he is your fan. Lou Ferigno was there and you had to buy a picture just to take a picture with him.  Whatever happened to a little PR?

The expo was great otherwise.  i took some video of this little kid who is about 8 kicking ass using weapons in his  little karate uniform.  Ok, don’t know all the lingo for that sport but the kid was amazing!! I then ran into crazyhorse and jumped over to the Gaspari boot to meet Dan and see what was up with them.  He and I did an interview.  I looked bad, he looked good, I was nervous and my accent was so bad, he dropped the "f" bomb..hahhaaaaaaaa.  too funny.  He introduced me to the VP of marketing Joe V and we just chatted a little about their stack they were trying to get women to take.  It’s the same as the male version for the most part,but women are scared of the "sizeon" due to the word size alone.  As for pre workout drinks, like Superpump250,most women skip them altogether.  they know I used them, know I don’t talk crap and misleadpeople on products I don’t believe in…so they asked me to be part of the team.  There will a new section of their forum for women Not sure if I can say the new name yet, but anyway, it’s about what women can  take in supplements and a general Q&A.  Possibly some other stuff in the future as well. Onto the next night of the Mr Olympia show…….

1st off, tickets were a problem.  I did score one from the Ironman team, but it wasn’t on the floor and they thought they could get me xdown there, but it was a hassle, so I sat with Dave in the back. This was the big night!  The posedowns!!

My man Victor was tight!  I thought he had it all the way. Jay looked better on the 2nd night, but I am just not impressed with his physique.  Going for sheer size.maybe, but aesthetics?  NEVER. Ronny Rockel looked amazing as well.  Ronnie Coleman, massive in size was nearly matched size with Dennis Wolf and these 2 were often put against each other in pre judging.  Dennis Wolf had alot of new fans there!  I think he was a huge crowd favorite.  then there was a teary eyed Coleman, giving his speech as it was his last show ever! Everytime he launched into a most muscualr pose, the audience went nuts.  he got a standing ovation.  As for the posedowns…..as a chick, (yes, I am still a girl) it was HOT. Jay would walk to one end of the stage and the others would follow, all trying to out do each other. Then Victor would turn in front of him and pull a lat spread that was out of this world. I was once again like a kid at Christmas…amazed..I am truly a geek.  Thats kind of a good thing because many people at my age have done many thing.  I have experienced nothing like this, no traveling,no plane rides, just going to work and taking care of kids.  Almost everything I see still amazes me.  NEVER lose your childish wonder people.  I was very dissapointed the Victor didn’t win.  HANDS DOWN, he should have one.  yes, i know I will get someone here who is going to argue with me, but too bad.  The guy is fantastic. HUGE with a small waist, no bloat, ripped….and he has a good looking face to boot.  What else to write about?  Went to dinner after my major upset with a couple people from Ironman.  It was sweet because I got to have filet mignon!  Holy crap…real beef! Oh, and who can resist garlic mashed potatoes? Notme dammit!! ARE YOU STILL READING? It was a looooooong day……I probably left stuff out.  after that we went to the Rio hotels rooftop club called VOODOO.  There I met the Gaspari Girls and that dude with the crazy tat in the cytolean ads who used to weigh 300lbs, but is now ripped. I also met their spokesmodel Marzia Prince  who wom Miss Bikini universe .  She’s really very sweet and friggin funny!  No mistaking a bikini model, that’s for sure! Tanji Johnson was there too as well as Dan. I admit to having 2 drinks, but that’s it.  OH, standing in line for the ladies room, some drunk guy tried to feel me up…….his hand kept coming closer and I had to smack him.  I then told him if he touched me, he’d lose his front teeth. Cocktail dress or no cocktail dress…….

Thats about it.  It flew by…the whole Saturday.  I got back to my hotel at 2:15 am and had to get up at 7am to get ready for my photoshoots and pack my bags .  checkout was at 11am..THAT SUCKED.

i’ll finish up the story tomorrow.  I did workout last night.  I did abs and lats and am so sore.  No workout tonight.  It’s UFC night…time to chill.  I also threw in some legs cus I am back on 2 legs day a week.  still not happy with the quads.  I want them more ripped and need size, so when I lose some of the fat, I do not end up with chicken legs…ya know? I did 15 of cardio.  I still feel tired….

Note: originally posted here.

Check out the latest installment of "The Experts" videos, with our post-show coverage at this year’s Olympia Weekend!

2007 Olympia Weekend: The Experts Wrap Up video, courtesy of Iron Man Magazine.

It was a pleasure to meet so many of the people from bodyspace. It was a long weekend of taking photos, videos, interviews and trying to squeeze in some sleep. I’ve received a number of emails from people thanking us for the coverage. We’re glad you like it. We strive to bring the best content to everyone here on bodyspace.

I let myself get a little run down and sick while in Vegas. I will be blogging more in the next couple days once I finally get some sleep.

The funniest thing all weekend was the Mr. Puniverse Contest. If you haven’t watched the video or checked out the photos, you have to do so! It was classic.

One word…AMAZING!

I am so impressed with how much the sport has grown in the last year. This was my third year and it was bigger and better than ever. Last year The Orleans was only about half full..this year, I wasn’t able to get tickets to the finals!! Thank goodness for BB.com’s live webcast ;o) The expo was a blast as usual. Free samples were pretty much gone by late morning on Saturday. I honestly came home with $200 worth of free stuff..all for $10! Can’t beat that!

So about the shows..First off congrats to all the overall winners..Jay..Iris..Adela..Jenny. EVERYONE on that stage was a winner. The competition was so close in every event.

Here is a little opinion on each:

Fitness Olympia..I love all the competitors and really enjoyed the routines..Jen Hendershott was a classic as usual. She is one of my faves ) Kim Klein is going to take the title soon enough..her physique was great and her gymnastics abilities are amazing. I was a little disappointed in the placing for Heidi Fletcher..I think she really deserved a better placing and more callouts during prejudging. I don’t think she is getting the credit she deserves. Adela’s physique was so incredible this year…I enjoy her routines but I feel like it was missing a little something this year. She deserved her the title none the less..Next year should be interesting!!

Ms. Olympia..Very underrated..I feel these women don’t get the attention they deserve. I thought they all looked great and was especially impressed with Lisa Aukland..did she look great or what! I also give all the credit in the world to Betty Pariso..if I can look half as great when I am her age! Wow. It was a close call between all the competitors, especially between Davana and Iris. I really wasn’t sure what the result was going to be…again next year will be interesting!

Figure…Oh boy…this is where my upset was…I am a huge Monica Brant fan and was sooooo disappointed in her placing. I don’t know what the judges want from her. I think she brings her A game every year and this year she got shafted big time. I definitely think Jenny deserved her first place title. Oh and let’s not forget Jennifer Gates…watch out for her next year!!!

Mr. O..Well I can’t complain about this one. Jay is from my home state. I have been rooting for him for years! So glad he won..but Victor…wow..How close was that! I think Jay was carrying a little too much water during prejudging and he did what he needed to do by Finals. If not, I think VM would have taken it. Dennis Wolf, another one to look out for. I thought he should have placed third in this one. These boys better bring their A game next year because this year was way too close!

Overall, the weekend was a blast…it is such an amazing feeling to be surrounded by so many people who work so hard year round..not only the competitors but the people who come just to enjoy the show. Makes you realize that when you feel like you are the only one doing extra cardio, pushing hard in the gym, and saying no to something yummy..you are NOT the only one..there are hundreds of people who are working just as hard if not harder! I can’t wait for next year..hopefully I will be bringing my A game ;o)

xoxo..FP

I received this email and photos from Barbie Barbell and Mark Harris regarding this past weekend’s Olympia, and am posting them here with their permission.  Enjoy!

“OK I just got back from the Olympia out in Las Vegas. I was sent out by EFX Nutrition as a sponsored athlete and they treated me and my Dad like royalty.

I signed over 400 autographs and took hundreds of pictures with fans and other athletes from around the world. I had Flex Magazine and Iron Man Magazine come by and take pictures too. Bodybuilding.com came by and interviewed me they are super and always show great interest in me. Thanks Guys!!!!

The men’s finals on Saturday night was just awesome. I have never in my life seen so much muscle in one room. These guys are giants and some do not even look human, more like robots. Jay Cutler won the show and the legend Ronnie Coleman took 4th place and that was his final Olympia.

I want to Thank EFX Nutrition for their awesome support of me and I will be with them for a long time. Take a look at the interview and I am going to add some pictures too.”

Peace,
Barbie Barbell

These photos and the video interview were taken on Saturday at the EFX Nutrition Booth at the 2007 Olympia Expo.  Thank you Richard from Bodybuilding.com for all of your support!!!!!

The video interview is here:

http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/2007olympia_vids.htm

Congratulations to MHP Athlete Joe Mazza for winning the lightweight division at the Kings of the Bench contest at the 2007 Olympia!

The complete MHP’s Kings of the Bench contest video is now posted up on Bodybuilding.com. Click the link below to view:

http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/2007olympia_vids.htm

(Scroll down to just below the Graphic Muscle Interviews.)

CONGRATULATIONS AGAIN JOE!!!!

Watch them here, FREE, for a limited time! We have full replays but try to watch them now because they are only available temporarily.

Find them right here: Webcast Replays.

Thanks to everyone for your continued support!

Scott

Bodybuilding.com Content Editor