Jettisoned Ponderings

After looking through the galleries on MD of comparison shots, I think Jay, Dennis, and Dexter are definitely the top 3 in the running for the title. (Side note: I was surprisingly impressed with Gustavo, particularly with his back double bi shot, who I’m not typically a fan of. I think he brought a package this year more along the lines of what Jay should have gone for). If the politics can be put aside (which never happens but for the purposes of this blog we’ll assume defy the odds), I think there’s a real mix and its going to come down to what the judges are looking for this year. I’ve only been following the Olympia the last 2 years since that’s when I took more of an interest in bodybuilding, but from what I’ve seen during the reign of Ronnie was that it was all about predominantly size. A lot of guys were coming in very heavy and thick, but not as polished and streamlined. This year with more smaller contenders (may have been different if Victor, Branch, and Kai were competing) it seems to be more oriented toward quality instead of quantity. Mass is still needed, that’s never going to change, but I think given the contenders this year it would be hard to stick with Jay simply because quite frankly he looks like the odd man out of the lineup. If the judges stick to the criteria they’ve been going on the last few years, Jay doubtfully will lose his title. Again, though, its hard to tell all the other guys with more refined physiques that they’re not what the judges are looking for. I’ve got my own thoughts, but a lot can happen in 24 hours with last minute water depletion (Jay looks to be holding a little still) and other variables. Its still very much anyone’s game, but for now I feel that Dennis or Dexter are both bringing a better combination of size (for their respective frames) with more streamlines. Jay I think still wins in the front/rear poses (with the exception of a detail I mention below…), but in the sides and most muscular he’s got his work cut out for him.

When I saw this shot (above) I had to check a few others to make sure it wasn’t just the angle, but this year Jay’s left lat is significantly smaller than his right side. Typically his back is a strong point, so it’ll be interesting how much the judges knock him down for this. (Ironic tribute to Ronnie, no?)

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