ANDREW OYE’S PRO-MUSCLE REPORT (THE ARCHIVES - 2)
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ARCHIVE’S OF MY PRO BODYBUILDING COLUMN: "ANDREW OYE’S PRO-MUSCLE REPORT"
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The Headline: TRICKY TRACKS CHANGES & CHASES PROMOTION AS A TRUE PERFORMER
By Andrew Oye
The Item: Career Updates/Contest Promotion
The Scoop: Athlete to Andrew: IFBB Pro Richard “Tricky” Jackson filled me in on the latest in Camp Tricky. In May, he placed 9th in the NY Pro (202 & Under) and snagged yet another Best Poser Award. “With the addition of the 202 & Under division, I have a new zest for the sport,” says Jackson. “I’m aggressively promoting myself to be one of the best in the 202 class and one of the best posers in the sport.” After the NY Pro, Jackson flew to Cali for tweak-training with master trainer Charles Glass. “It was torture, but I live for that type of training. With a few small changes and a little dryer conditioning, I can battle anyone in the pro ranks.”
Tricky earned his pro card at the 2005 NPC Nationals and currently swings barbells at Urban Active in Louisville, KY. On October 11th, Jackson hosts his 11th annual NPC Bluegrass Muscle Classic. Next on the docket: the Tampa Pro and the Europa Super Show to qualify for the Olympia. “My current weight is 205 lbs. I plan to be about 194 and peeled to the bone.” His MHP contract ends this year, and he’s ready to step out of the shadow of Victor Martinez and into a new opportunity to be the main guy.
The “So What?”: While in LA, Tricky did a video shoot with Bill Dobbins as part of his self-promotion plan. This year, Jackson released two videos: “Pose Like A Pro” and “Battle Of The Giant Killers.” Andrew Oye’s verdict: After interviewing him for my posing series, “The Art of War,” I know Tricky’s tricky posing has already placed among the sport’s best.
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The Headline: FERRIGNO FILMING FUNNY FEATURE FILM
By Andrew Oye
The Item: Legends Update/Career Updates
The Scoop: Recently reported: After hitting Grauman’s Egyptian Theater for the Hollywood premiere party for “Bigger Stronger Faster,” the docu-flick about performance enhancement substance use in pro sports, members of the bodybuilding media spotted Former IFBB Pro Lou Ferrigno on Venice Beach on the set of “I Love You, Man.” Starring Paul Rudd, Jaime Pressly and Jason Segel, “I Love You. Man” is about a newly engaged guy who sets out to find the perfect Best Man for his wedding. Although the big man has a small role in the comedy flick slated for a 2009 theatrical release, the 2-time Mr. Universe was reportedly seen filming his scene all day.
The “So What?”: Once stalking the Muscle Stage at 6’ 5”, 275 pounds, Ferrigno is one of few pro bodybuilders to make a successful transition into Hollywood stardom, most notably for his roles as a determined underdog in “Pumping Iron” and as a beefy, green-skinned beast in the popular ‘70s-‘80s TV series “The Incredible Hulk,” which will be revived as a Summer 2008 blockbuster starring Ed Norton. Andrew Oye’s verdict: Having seen him on the sitcom “King of Queens,” I feel Ferrigno does funny fairly well.
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The Headline: SAMUEL SEEKS STAGE TIME SOONER AT SUMMER SHOW
By Andrew Oye
The Item: Career Updates
The Scoop: Recently announced: IFBB Pro Silvio Samuel announced this week that he has switched up his plans and intends to revisit the Muscle Stage sooner than expected. The Brazilian-born, Nigerian-bred muscleman will compete this summer at the IFBB Houston Pro Invitational (July 4-5). Sil earned his pro card in 2006. He won the first contest of his pro career at the 2007 IFBB Europa, claiming top honors in the Under 210 class and winning the Overall title, which gave him buzz on his way to last year’s Mr. Olympia. The 5’7”, 223-pounder bends steel in Los Angeles and is brewing a similar strategy for 2008.”That is exactly what I hope to do this time around, except it will be on the bigger level,” says Samuel. “I’m not going into the lower class. I’ve been making improvements and have kept my conditioning. I can do this show and still have more time to make more improvements for the Olympia.”
The “So What?”: After competing in the first two contests of the 2008 season - placing fourth at the Ironman Pro and fifth at the Arnold Classic – Samuel had previously decided he would take time off before returning to competition at the 2008 Olympia. Andrew Oye’s verdict: The sooner, the better. Fans want to see those improvements, Sil.
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The Headline: COLUMBU GETS KUDOS AT MUSCLE BEACH MAKEOVER DEBUT
By Andrew Oye
The Item: Legend’s Update/Event Promotions
The Scoop: Two-time Mr. Olympia and former IFBB Pro Franco Columbu will appear at Muscle Beach in Venice, CA, on Saturday (May 17) for the Weight Pen Renovation grand unveiling ceremony. “Bodybuilding.com provided $31,000 worth of new equipment from StarTrac Equipment and Headblade donated $20,000, which enabled us to put in new flooring,” says Smokin’ Joe Wheatley, who has spearheaded Muscle Beach’s recent revitalization. “After the ribbon cutting ceremony, we will be unveiling the plaques of the 2007 inductees, including Jack LaLanne (Lifetime Achievement Award), Franco Columbu, Tony Pearson, DeForrest ‘Moe’ Most and Pudgy Stockton.” The makeover includes 30 new pieces of the latest in strength-building equipment added to Muscle Beach’s famous outdoor workout pit, which has been closed since May 5 during the renovation period. Completed in 2007, the Muscle Beach Venice Walk of Fame (like the Hollywood Walk of Fame) celebrates Hall of Fame honorees with bronze plaques incorporated into the Weight Pen’s foundation.
The “So What?”: A legendary fixture in bodybuilding’s Golden Era, the Italy-born Dr. Columbu was a champion power lifter, Strong Man competitor and – at 5’5”, 185 pounds -– a pioneer for the shorter beasts of bodybuilding. Dubbed “the Sardinian Strongman,” Columbu was crowned Mr. Universe 1970 and Mr. Olympia in 1976 and 1981.
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The Headline: KAI FLIES HIGH FOR THE PRIZE IN N.Y.
By Andrew Oye
The Item: Bodybuilding Contest Results/Supplement Co. Contract
The Scoop: IFBB Pro Kai Greene slayed all the other pumped-up lions in his path to win the New York Pro Show at the Tribeca Performing Arts Center in downtown Manhattan over the weekend. Some thought Lion Slayer Greene would be unable to peak again so soon after the Arnold Classic and a less-than-stellar placing might affect his placing at the upcoming Mr. Olympia contest. That worry was quickly put to rest when Greene glided on stage as a carved-up mass of muscles in the high 200s, easily topping a field that included Kevin English, David Henry, Ronnie Rockel, and Craig Richardson (2nd-5th, respectively). English also won the Under 202 class.
The “So What?”: Doubters (or, for the hip – “haters”) were counting out the creative and controversial Kai until a recent string of good fortune put Greene back in the game on all fronts. In the last few weeks, Greene snared an MD magazine contract and a sponsorship contract with MuscleMeds, an emerging, hardcore supplement brand. “I am thrilled to be with an innovative company like MuscleMeds,” Greene says. “Their chemists have really developed some incredible products, which definitely helped me gain the 20lbs of muscle this year. Now, that I have signed with them and will be also be getting some great financial support, it takes a lot of pressure off and I can really focus 100% on my training…I am going to steam roll to the Olympia where I plan to shake things up.”
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The Headline: RUMORS OF A “REAL DEAL” RETURN ARE FOR REAL
By Andrew Oye
The Item: Career Updates
The Scoop: Recently announced: On this week’s PBW radio show, IFBB Pro Chris Cormier announced plans to return to the Muscle Stage, pulling a double whammy: the IFBB Pro Bodybuilding Weekly Championships (August 9) and the IFBB Europa SuperShow (August 16). With over 70 pro shows under his trunks, “Real Deal” Cormier last battled and placed sixth at the 2007 IFBB Atlantic City Pro, after placing fourth at the IFBB Montreal Pro just a week prior. Known for one of the most powerfully complete physiques, Cormier is on a mission to complete his career goals. “This means everything,” says Cormier. “I’m not going to do A, B and C and then miss the X, Y and Z. I gotta finish the alphabet type of thing. No way I can live with myself without doing that. I’m not that type of person. The passion I have, the things I’ve learned and experienced over the years? If I can’t be competitive with the top guys in the world, I’m not going to do it.” Toting 275 pounds, Cormier did a guest spot at the IFBB Pittsburgh Pro Figure Championships last weekend and declared that he’s ready for the challenge of qualifying for the Mr. Olympia again.
The “So What?”: Cormier’s 2007 showings were considered borderline miraculous, because, a year earlier, Cormier had lost the ability to walk while hospitalized with a severe back injury. Convinced he’s got enough fuel in the tank to drive a few more miles on the competitive road and end on a career high – perhaps a Hall of Fame slot – Real Deal admits, “It’s taken me lot of time to get comfortable with my body again, but…I knew I wasn’t done, I still have the fire inside of me.”
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The Headline: HEATH HAS A HUGE CONTRACT & A HOME AT WEIDER
By Andrew Oye
The Item: Magazine Contract Signing
The Scoop: Just announced: IFBB Pro Phil Heath signs an exclusive, multi-year contract with Weider Publications. Phil “The Gift” made the announcement at this past weekend’s Pittsburgh Pro Figure Championships. FLEX Group Editorial Director Peter McGough first approached Heath before the Junior Nationals and brought him to the AMI/Weider team. Heath went on to win the overall titles at the NPC Junior Nationals and the NPC USAs in 2005. In the pro ranks, he has claimed victories at the 2006 New York Pro, 2006 Colorado Pro and 2008 Ironman Pro in February. His remarkable muscularity and conditioning has made the 28-year-old, who crushes iron plates in Colorado, the physique of the moment, with muscle-heads buzzing that a future Mr. O. is in our midst.
The “So What?”: While Heath has qualified for the IFBB Olympia for the past two years, he hasn’t flexed a bicep on bodybuilding’s biggest stage. At last, it was also announced on Saturday that the ink is dry on the contract, and The Gift will give bodybuilding fans the gift of his presence on the Olympia stage in September.
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The Headline: HANEY HEADS UP CONTEST & HANDS OUT ADVICE
By Andrew Oye
The Item: Legend’s Update/Contest Promotions
The Scoop: Eight-Time Mr. Olympia and Former IFBB Pro Lee Haney appeared on the “Pro Bodybuilding Weekly” Radio Show last week to promote the 2008 Lee Haney Bodybuilding Fitness & Figure Challenge (www.leehaneychallenge.com) in Shreveport, LA (May 10). Haney also dispensed sage advice to former Mr. O. Coleman (regarding a rumored comeback) and current Mr. O. Cutler (regarding his title defense) about pursuing one’s passion in the transition from champ on the stage to contributor in society. For Haney, that now means operating heath and nutrition businesses, mentoring youth, authoring books, hosting TV shows, and acting as Chairman to the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports. In addition, the legendary bodybuilding ambassador commented on the current state of the sport. Of today’s physiques, he says, “The sacrifice made to reach certain levels in size and mass has deterred a lot of younger athletes from wanting to become professional bodybuilders. If you get too far out there…from what appeals to the masses, which is a nice-looking, shapely physique, you start to lose your audience.”
The “So What?”: When he dominated the Olympia stage (1984-1991), Haney’s physique was a blueprint for the mass-with-symmetry combo, competing at 246 pounds at the end of an era for physiques with flowing proportions. Haney laments that, in his role as a coach, he faces disenchanted young athletes who long to easily reach 275 pounds. “Arnold won Olympias at 232 pounds.” Thus, winning Teenage America at 214 pounds, a youthful Lee’s hope of obtaining O. Gold seemed realistic. He notes that competitors of his era were cut from a similar cloth as Schwarzenegger. “You had to have a tapered waist. You could not sacrifice symmetry and shape for mass,” says Haney, who diplomatically concludes, “The criteria has changed, but beauty is in the eye of the beholder.”
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The Headline: MO GETS MO’ COVERS AND WANTS MO’ RESPECT FOR “NATURALS”
By Andrew Oye
The Item: Career Updates/Highlights
The Scoop: Athlete to Andrew Oye: The May 2008 issue marks the second time the pecs and biceps of Musclemania Pro Morris “Mo” Mendez have emblazoned the cover of Muscle & Fitness Magazine. I hit up Mo for his reaction. “The new cover is hot! I look full, cut and symmetrical. Friends and fans in different countries say it’s a fresh, appealing and obtainable look for the general public. ‘Action hero quality.’ Ha! Show me the money!” The future action hero (with four international covers to his credit) pumps iron at Gold’s Gym in Bloomfield, CT, and earned his pro card at the 2000 Fitness Atlantic/Musclemania in New Haven. His last competition was the 2005 Musclemania Worlds In Hollywood. “If time allows me to train mentally and physically, my next competition will be the Superbody in Miami.” Mo plans to hit Africa and Argentina for appearances. “I like guesting in different countries because they appreciate you more, especially where they find it impossible to look like a Ronnie Coleman or a Jay Cutler. I’m proof you can look just as good with patience, time and dedication.”
The “So What?”: The 198-pound, model-athlete expressed frustration being a big man in a giant man’s world. Even with a rising profile and a marketable physique, Mendez currently has no sponsors. “It’s tough to get a sponsor to pay you what you want for your hard work,” he laments then laughs. “As a natural bodybuilder, your competition is those monsters. They want you to look like that, but I’m a suit-and-tie man. I like to look good in my clothes.”
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The Headline: KEEN GREENE REDEEMED WITH TEAM “MD” DEAL
By Andrew Oye
The Item: Magazine Contract Signing
The Scoop: Just announced: IFBB Pro Kai Greene inks a multi-year contract with Team MD. This week on “No Bull” Radio, Kai said he signed with Muscular Development over other suitors, because “MD has gone a long way from the beginning to extend a wonderful resource for me to reach out to the fans and tap into a readership that is unparalleled. I deeply appreciated that, particularly at a time when I wasn’t getting a lot of love.” Following his first victory at the 2007 IFBB Colorado Pro Show, Greene packed on 30 pounds of solid muscle and now hits nearly 300 pounds in the off-season. Last month, the flexible and ferocious force I dubbed the “Lion Slayer” in “The Art of War,” my posing and presentation series, placed 3rd at the Arnold Classic. The posing phenom is now keenly focused on slaying competitors in his hometown at the IFBB New York Pro (May 10).
The “So What?”: Kai, who admitted to being moved to tears by his latest MD cover, was in a crew left contract-less when Pinnacle/Kemistry cleaned house and released all of its sponsored athletes at the end of 2007. Recently, day-in-the-life videos posted online showed Kai still surviving on humble means while continuing to chase his pro bodybuilding dreams. With other endorsement deals also looming, has the gravy train finally rolled into his subway station?
