Pro/Am Contests Blog

Post By: Brian Bullman

I recently caught up with IFBB Pro Silvio Samuel, who is on a winning streak as of late, adding the Iron Man Pro to his resume earlier this year. He also placed 5th at the Arnold and 2nd in Australia. With less than two days to go before he competes at the New York Pro, here is what he had to say…..

Brian: Silvio, we are only two days away the 2009 New York Pro, this is your 3rd contest this year, I would be beat up, but tell me, how are you feeling?

Silvio: Actually Brian, this is my 4th show, I went to Australia and competed where I placed 2nd. But you know back in the day of Kevin Levrone, Flex Wheeler and Shawn Ray they got to compete in shows back to back. I did 9 shows in 2007 which is a record amount of shows for one year. I don’t consider it hard or grueling, this is my job, I am a professional bodybuilder. I love what I do, and the more successful I am in each contest, motivates me to train hard and keep doing what I love.

2009 Australian Pro

Brian: So far this year you have won the Pro Ironman, placed 5th at the Arnold and 2nd in Australia, tell me, what do you see happening this weekend for Silvio Samuel in NY?

Silvio: I’m not a judge, so I will not predict a placing, that’s your job. I just do what I have to do to make improvements from my last contest to ensure that I have a good ranking in the contest. I don’t like to trash talk, I just like to do what I do. Bodybuilding contest are won and lost in the gym, as you well know, after that it’s all up to the judges.

Brian: As always you are in great condition, have you made any changes or done anything different from earlier in the year?

Silvio: I have improved every year, from show to show. Just like everyone else I focus on what I think I need to work on and I stick to it. I know the heat is on me in this contest, but I have made improvements in every show I have competed in over the last two years. I could go and put on size, that is easy, but quality is more important to me. I’m 5’7’ 226lbs, I’m not going to beat guys that weigh 280 or 290 in the mass game so I just focus on quality improvements show by show, which is what I have done.

2009 IFBB Arnold Classic

Brian: You are the highest ranking athlete competing here in NY, who do you see as your main competition?

Silvio: I don’t care who turns up on the day of the show, I respect each and every athlete that competes in the IFBB. They are all great athletes, I just like to focus on myself and the job that I have to do so that I can bring a great package of condition and symmetry to the stage.

Brian: There has been alot of hype on the internet about Rookie Pro Evan Centempomi, who is making his pro debut. How do you think he will fair out against seasoned pros such as yourself, Dennis James and Darrem Charles?

Sivlio: He is a good bodybuilder, I don’t really know him, and I don’t know how he will do come Saturday. I only know how I was when I made my pro debut, I wish him all the best.

Brian: Another big story for the NY Pro is the comeback of the German Giant, Markus Ruhl, do you think we have seen the best of him or will he be one to watch?

Silvio: Markus has a great name in the sport, and had his reasons for retiring and he also must have some strong reasons for wanting to get back onstage. I look forward to competing against him and seeing what kind of package he can bring to the stage.

2009 Iron Man Pro

Brian: When the dust settles on Saturday night, regardless of placings, what is the next step for Silvio Samuel? Will you do the pre Olympia shows or just focus on the big O?

Silvio: This is my last contest before the Olympia, after this show, I will rest focus on some guest appearances before I begin my Olympia preparations.

Brian: Ok final question because I know you need to get to the final preparations for Saturday, Can you give me a predicition for Silvio Samuel for the 2009 Mr. Olympia?

Silvio: I’m not into predicting where I will place; I’m just going to focus on this contest, and then when I begin my preparations for the Olympia I will focus only on that show.

Brian: Thanks a lot bro for taking the time to talk with me and the fans here on bodybuilding.com , Im sure you’re tired after travelling across the country, I’ll let you too it and best of luck for Saturday.

Silvio: Thanks Brian