Ed Connors speaks…
Former IFBB competitor and Pro bodybuilder David Dearth interviews Ed Connors (click that link for the video), who was (possibly still is) co-owner of Gold’s Gym with Tim Kimber and Pete Grymkowski. The interview was conducted during the 2006 Mr. Olympia.
David: Ok, this is a really cool time for me right here. I’m with Ed Connors. He’s like one of the lead guys in the history of the Gold’s Gym Franchise. But, more importantly Ed Connors is the one that found me when I was a nobody trying to scrap for a top 5 finish at the Junior USA. And he pulled me out of the crowd and told me I had all kinds of potential, and if it wasn’t for this guy there’s no way I’d be where I am today. This guy did everything for me and a lot of other people too. He’s done a lot for bodybuilding. What do you think of the Olympia this weekend, Ed?
Ed: Well, I really feel that somehow I had this dream for bodybuilding and the gym business and I kind of see what’s on stage as sort of perversion of that. I’m not crazy about where bodybuilding is. I wouldn’t want to look like most of the guys on stage these days. I’d rather look like the guys that I consider, like you; that were part of the golden era of body building. I think that’s what a lot of people in America aspire to. And you motivate them. I think unfortunately it’s become kind of a freak show.
David: Yeah, like maybe when people are watching today they don’t see it as being obtainable for them, its seems like…
Ed: Yeah, I think Matarazzo said it best. I said what’s the difference between bodybuilding now and when you were involved when your era. And he said, well you know back in those days kids would come up to him and say, God what do I need to do to look like you and how do I need to eat and how do I need to train. And nowadays it’s like, well, if I were taking all the stuff you’re taking I’d probably look like you.
David: Oh, for sure, I get that all the time…
Ed: And that’s sad that they think its all chemicals or it’s popping. We all know it takes an incredible amount of perseverance and dedication to build a physique. And I really feel that unfortunately that people now in the audience, or in magazines, that read the magazines look at the guys on stage and think well that?s unattainable. And, so it becomes, this, a freak show, really.
David: Well, let me ask you, do you still go around to the local shows to find guys like you used to?
Ed: No, I’m not. I don’t know where bodybuilding’s going. Actually I’m sponsoring one of the Greco Roman wrestlers for the Olympics in China.
David: Oh, cool.
Ed: I’m sponsoring an Ultimate Fighter, a young man I’ve known, a bodybuilder. I mean these are several people into fitness modeling. Because I can see a future for them doing that, but I can’t, I don’t know where bodybuilding is going. It would be…and I’m concerned about the health risks, too.
David: Yeah, definitely.
Ed: I mean, weighing that much, it’s just, our society, everything, every aspect has been kind of taken to a radical end. Everything is too fast, too big, too whatever. And, you know body building is not bowling there’s to me no magic to weighing 300 lbs.
David: You got it. 10 years ago for me the heaviest guys were like 240.
Ed: Yeah, well you were one of only 3 middleweights I’ve ever approached about becoming a pro and you did it; you and Tom Varga and Dave Fisher. So you three were really exceptional and you won at a lower weight and then you took it to the next level and you reached your peak. You were perfect for your physique and certainly an inspiration I’m sure to a lot of people. So that’s to me, it’s kind of sad when I’m here because it’s like going home. They’re a lot of people that still made a great living and helped people. So, it’s still good to be here.
David: Well, this is my buddy. This is my founding father so to speak. Ed, thanks for the interview, I really appreciate it.
Ed: Thank you.
David: Have a good weekend.
Ed: Ok, thank you.
P.S. David Dearth at his best in the following YouTube. I believe that is Dan Solomon of Pro Bodybuilding Weekly doing the emcee duties.
