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Getbig Bodybuilding Boards => History - Stories - and Memories => Topic started by: Figo on May 03, 2007, 10:23:56 AM

Title: Dickerson
Post by: Figo on May 03, 2007, 10:23:56 AM
I posted this on Ironage, and due to their 'glorify the old days and frown upon extensive talk of steroid use in that period' policy, my thread was locked. Which I understand and respect, since its their policy, and the members there aprove.
However, my q. remains unanswered, can anyone enlighten? :

"Dickerson achieved fantastic conditioning and was able to get into shape in record time, from what I hear, also clearing house in early 80's winning Grand Prix's, Mr O, etc. I heard his "secret" was a compound much like Drive which accentuated and made other aas more receptive by his physique. Can anyone around then, or familiar, elaborate?
Man was way ahead of his time(conditioning, polished pro), obviously gifted with certain genes, but also one of hardest trainers(intensity) around, I believe. Another very inspirational physique which was beyond belief for time was Zane!"
Title: Re: Dickerson
Post by: scott-e on May 03, 2007, 03:23:21 PM
He was one of the earliest guys to use growth hormone. check the elbows

(http://www.schwarzenegger.it/mro/dickerson/cd338.jpg)

(http://www.schwarzenegger.it/mro/dickerson/cd224.jpg)

(http://digilander.libero.it/mrolympia2/cd30.jpg)
Title: Re: Dickerson
Post by: knny187 on May 03, 2007, 04:10:49 PM
his biceps were smaller than the knot on his elbow.

He had great conditioning & some good body parts....but IMO I believe he was the worst Mr O
Title: Re: Dickerson
Post by: onlyme on May 03, 2007, 08:24:32 PM
Used to see him train all the time.  Almost got i a fight with him (I would have killed him).  I remember one time though it was 12 weeks or so out from the Olympia (maybe 81 or 82, not sure) and he had a round stomach and said he was 40 lbs overweight.  He spent an entire hour on the roan chair doing situps and twists.  He did that everyday I think. That is about the only thing I remember about him
Title: Re: Dickerson
Post by: pumpster on May 03, 2007, 09:55:59 PM
He was one of the earliest guys to use growth hormone. check the elbows


Ludicrous speculation-growth hormone based on the shape of his elbows? bwhahahaahahahh
Title: Re: Dickerson
Post by: scott-e on May 04, 2007, 02:41:08 AM
I used to post years ago on ironage. There was a similar topic about Chris and it was discussed that he took the early forms of gh that was from cadavers .Many more side effects  than you would normally get from the synthetic stuff. truth or b.s. rumors; i have no  idea.
Title: Re: Dickerson
Post by: jpm101 on May 04, 2007, 08:23:48 AM
The photo right shot, in the middle pic, shows a very unusual bicep formation compaired to the other bicep. Wonder what was going on. The triceps look lumpy, rather than hard and defined in that otherwise hard body condition. The elbows are like a calling card saying, "I've got a secret...extra bone growth". Fairly clear some chemical assistence was used by him. GH will tend to affect bone growth at the point of the elbows and brow and jaw line. Not to mention internal organ abnormal growth. Wonder how he's doing now?
Title: Re: Dickerson
Post by: Figo on May 04, 2007, 11:06:04 AM
I realize its a different pose, but in 1st (early) pic his elbows look normal?
Title: Re: Dickerson
Post by: pumpster on May 04, 2007, 02:37:46 PM
Good example of internet speculation:

-That pic could've easily been morphed; both the elbow and muscle shape looks like something that's been digitally altered. Again, where are the other shots like that to corroborate this idle speculation?

-He always had that general shape to the elbows, predating any GH use.

-If GH-related, you can be sure that it would be seen with other bodybuilders. Where is it?

-He's old school and sensible; if he took GH Bill Pearl and others probably did too. Do you believe that? Anything's possible, but probable, no.



Chris is doing just fine, talked to him a couple of months ago.
Title: Re: Dickerson
Post by: jpm101 on May 04, 2007, 02:54:32 PM
Would  anyone have proof that Dickerson "always" had that shape to his elbows? A personal account would be nice. Rather than making unfounded statements. You will see some  BB'ers with those extended elbow bones, from time to time. As some with extra heavy brows and jaw bone lines. Even Stevie Wonder could tell that Dickerson has/had unnatural bone growth, with those jutting out elbows. Doubt if this is a genetic trait. But than again, who really knows if Dickerson was pure as the driven snow.
Title: Re: Dickerson
Post by: pumpster on May 04, 2007, 02:55:08 PM
Would  anyone have proof that Dickerson "always" had that shape to his elbows? A personal account would be nice. Rather than making unfounded statements. You will see some  BB'ers with those extended elbow bones, from time to time. As some with extra heavy brows and jaw bone lines. Even Stevie Wonder could tell that Dickerson has/had unnatural bone growth, with those jutting out elbows. Doubt if this is a genetic trait. But than again, who really knows if Dickerson was pure as the driven snow.

The burden is on the acuser, genius. The one always proferring illogical, unfounded crap like this with little basis in fact. Substantiate the accusations or STFU.

That other pic looks morphed; it didn't occur to "JPM" because he's not up on what that is. Provide other pics like it to substantiate it's veracity.

It's clear from all of the above pics that his elbows always had that shape, it's just more exaggerted in that one shot.

Also post pics of other pros that have this afflication, since it comes from GH supposedly. ::)

Title: Re: Dickerson
Post by: jpm101 on May 04, 2007, 03:41:01 PM
Another personal attack, I'm shocked. But than again, your so easy to bait.

 Have any pre BB'ing days before Dickerson took up training? Any family photos supporting the extended elbows as genetic traits? If making such a expert remark, I'm sure among your thousands of pic of naked male bodies, you must have something of other BB'ers with these deformed extra growth bones. Possible from GH or other drug abuse. Now you just go ahead and look them up for all of us, like a good fellow.
Title: Re: Dickerson
Post by: pkaz on May 04, 2007, 10:15:05 PM
I posted this on Ironage, and due to their 'glorify the old days and frown upon extensive talk of steroid use in that period' policy, my thread was locked. Which I understand and respect, since its their policy, and the members there aprove.
However, my q. remains unanswered, can anyone enlighten? :

"Dickerson achieved fantastic conditioning and was able to get into shape in record time, from what I hear, also clearing house in early 80's winning Grand Prix's, Mr O, etc. I heard his "secret" was a compound much like Drive which accentuated and made other aas more receptive by his physique. Can anyone around then, or familiar, elaborate?
Man was way ahead of his time(conditioning, polished pro), obviously gifted with certain genes, but also one of hardest trainers(intensity) around, I believe. Another very inspirational physique which was beyond belief for time was Zane!"



Interesting question and since so much time has passed and the key individual responsible for Chris Dickerson’s Mr. Olympia win has passed away I can tell you this.

I was under the care of Dr. Robert Kerr, from San Gabriel California in the early and mid 80s. Dr. Kerr, known as the steroid guru in the 1980s, was extremely knowledgeable regarding performance-enhancing drugs to include GH. Dr. Kerr worked and advised with many pro bodybuilders and athletes regarding performance drug use as well as wrote many papers and articles pertaining to these type medicines. Dr. Kerr was one of the first Doctors working with GH and athletic performance.

The way you became a patient was to write Dr. Kerr a letter describing your current physical state, your diet, how you trained and what you wanted to accomplish. If he decided to take you as a patient, an appointment would be set up, which lasted approximately one hour of which was spent evaluating you physical structure, etc. Dr. Kerr would then prescribe that medicine or medicines he felt would help you reach your goals. He required follow-up blood tests and office visits every three months for continued evaluation.

Sorry I took the long way to get to your questions- After one of my visits Dr. Kerr in  late 1982 he described in detail what drugs he had put Chris Dickerson on to win the Olympia. This included the drugs that were used to gain size and bulk up to the drugs that were used to get into contest condition. Somewhere I have this all written down in one of my journals, which I will try to locate.

In any event, anyone that worked out in World gym during this time frame (and Kieth-Onlyme was there) can attest to the fact the Chris Dickerson trained with extremely light weights. Most of us could not believe that shape he was attaining based on the light weights he was using.

I guess that having the best sport performance doctor on your side plus good genetics couldn’t hurt either… 


Title: Re: Dickerson
Post by: legbreaker on May 04, 2007, 11:10:00 PM
Chris was a great bodybuilder, but got many tears in his carreer.  The tri, bi and pec were torn.

The elbow and gh thing is ridiculous.  It is most likely due to damage and strain of the tendon/ligaments in the elbow and subsequent Bura sac inflammation.

I wrestle and the first 2 months training I couldn't find elbow pads (i was in a hick town).  My elbows looked twice as bad as Chris' do in that pix.  If you go back to the days wrestlers didn't wear elbow pads while training you can see the same thing in many guys....especially the ones with damage such as jimmy superfly snuka. 
Title: Re: Dickerson
Post by: Figo on May 05, 2007, 02:22:42 AM

Interesting question and since so much time has passed and the key individual responsible for Chris Dickerson’s Mr. Olympia win has passed away I can tell you this.

I was under the care of Dr. Robert Kerr, from San Gabriel California in the early and mid 80s. Dr. Kerr, known as the steroid guru in the 1980s, was extremely knowledgeable regarding performance-enhancing drugs to include GH. Dr. Kerr worked and advised with many pro bodybuilders and athletes regarding performance drug use as well as wrote many papers and articles pertaining to these type medicines. Dr. Kerr was one of the first Doctors working with GH and athletic performance.

The way you became a patient was to write Dr. Kerr a letter describing your current physical state, your diet, how you trained and what you wanted to accomplish. If he decided to take you as a patient, an appointment would be set up, which lasted approximately one hour of which was spent evaluating you physical structure, etc. Dr. Kerr would then prescribe that medicine or medicines he felt would help you reach your goals. He required follow-up blood tests and office visits every three months for continued evaluation.

Sorry I took the long way to get to your questions- After one of my visits Dr. Kerr in  late 1982 he described in detail what drugs he had put Chris Dickerson on to win the Olympia. This included the drugs that were used to gain size and bulk up to the drugs that were used to get into contest condition. Somewhere I have this all written down in one of my journals, which I will try to locate.

In any event, anyone that worked out in World gym during this time frame (and Kieth-Onlyme was there) can attest to the fact the Chris Dickerson trained with extremely light weights. Most of us could not believe that shape he was attaining based on the light weights he was using.

I guess that having the best sport performance doctor on your side plus good genetics couldn’t hurt either… 




Thanks pkaz, great reply, I was expecting speculation, and lots of elbow jabs in the ribs, but you have actual accounts of what he was on from the Doc's mouth...

The fact he trained light, was that high-rep, intense, no rest stuff, or Dillet/Wheeler kind of training?
I believe the elbow thing as leagbreaker said, could very well be scar tissue build-up, as well as a genetic trait. It did develop late into his career, and he was older, but, who knows gh could have helped it along.

Wasnt Platz the individual singled out as taking gh back in day, a "leader" in the use of it?
Also, Boyer Coe, this guy got better with age, any stories on him(not ab training routine stories)?
Title: Re: Dickerson
Post by: pkaz on May 05, 2007, 10:25:06 AM
Thanks pkaz, great reply, I was expecting speculation, and lots of elbow jabs in the ribs, but you have actual accounts of what he was on from the Doc's mouth...

The fact he trained light, was that high-rep, intense, no rest stuff, or Dillet/Wheeler kind of training?
I believe the elbow thing as leagbreaker said, could very well be scar tissue build-up, as well as a genetic trait. It did develop late into his career, and he was older, but, who knows gh could have helped it along.

Wasnt Platz the individual singled out as taking gh back in day, a "leader" in the use of it?
Also, Boyer Coe, this guy got better with age, any stories on him(not ab training routine stories)?



That was 8 to 12 reps, moderate weight and little rest between sets.

My understanding was his elbow problem was calcium deposits. GH was not as prevalent as it is today and historically synthetic human growth hormone didn’t t hit the market until 1981-prior to that it was cadaver-G, which proved to be very dangerous. The point is that some athletes used both but real cadaver-GH was not that easy to get. Dr. Kerr was probable one of the top doctors working with GH in the 80s and did prescribe it to his patients; however most were using various stacks of pharmaceutical grade steroids from America and/or Europe.

Everyone assumed Platz was on very high doses of GH primarily due to his facial features. I am not sure that is correct. Platz has been very open regarding his steroid use in the past and contrary to what some believe the doses then were nothing like today. I had the opportunity to work out and get to know some of the top guys back then and what they were using and it was not in the realm of crazy. And it was generally not year round.

Tom Platz was one of the hardest trainers I ever witnessed. I personally witnessed Platz squat 225 for 10 straight minutes taking an occasion moment to catch his breath. This was not because of steroids or GH, as all pros were using, this was because he was Platz. I was spotting Platz while he was doing leg raises one day were I held his legs down and he tried to raise them. This went on for five minutes each set.

I never met or knew anything about Boyer Coe so I cannot comment.


Title: Re: Dickerson
Post by: onlyme on May 05, 2007, 10:52:21 AM
I know guys who don't even lift have elbows like that.  I think back then they got GH from the Rhesus Monkey.  Not sure.
Title: Re: Dickerson
Post by: stuntmovie on May 05, 2007, 10:05:49 PM
Has anyone ever written an article on the "monkey and cadaver" roid sources? It would make for some darn good reading. I was somewhat up to date on the subject way back in my day but I've managed to forget most of the details.

I do recall that the monkey roid source resided in Florida someplace, but I sure can't recall who was doing the cadaver research.

Anyone got the facts?

DIckerson owned a gym once in West Hollywood. It was a small place on Santa Monica Blvd if I recall correctly.

And Dr Kerr was credited in public many times for creating national bodybuilding champions.

And as to "lifitng heavy weights" back then, most bodybuilders lifted just enough wt. to get three to four sets of 8 to 12 reps. It was the "odd-lifters" who concentrated on the heavy stuff. Guys like Bill "Peanuts" West, George Frenn, and Pat Casey, etc. Most of the competitive bodybuilders would lift heavy on rare occasions in an attempt to show off especially if someone was in the gym with a camera.

Needless to say, things changed; but that's how it used to be back then.
Title: Re: Dickerson
Post by: Figo on May 06, 2007, 01:02:36 AM
DIckerson owned a gym once in West Hollywood. It was a small place on Santa Monica Blvd if
And as to "lifitng heavy weights" back then, most bodybuilders lifted just enough wt. to get three to four sets of 8 to 12 reps.
Needless to say, things changed; but that's how it used to be back then.

Seems to have been effective for them.

They also had their share of injuries, though.
Title: Re: Dickerson
Post by: donrhummy on May 06, 2007, 07:42:07 AM
Ludicrous speculation-growth hormone based on the shape of his elbows? bwhahahaahahahh

Really? Speculation? Take a look at these pics. Elbows don't grow like this when you're already in your 20's/30's/40's.

BEFORE:
(http://digilander.libero.it/mrolympia2/cd4.jpg)

STARTING:
(http://digilander.libero.it/mrolympia2/cd41.jpg)

AFTER:
(http://digilander.libero.it/mikementzer/Dickerson18.jpg)
Title: Re: Dickerson
Post by: donrhummy on May 06, 2007, 07:48:01 AM
Here's the progression:
Title: Re: Dickerson
Post by: Figo on May 06, 2007, 09:00:59 AM
Quite some development there, for sure.
Title: Re: Dickerson
Post by: onlyme on May 06, 2007, 12:55:30 PM
You guys are funny thinking the elbow thing is from steroids or anything else.
Title: Re: Dickerson
Post by: Figo on May 06, 2007, 11:52:01 PM
I agree with theory of scar tissue/calcification along with age. Some of the Masters pics are even more prominent due to much smaller arms, making the elbows appear bigger yet.
Title: Re: Dickerson
Post by: Hurricane Beef ! on May 07, 2007, 09:25:45 AM
Good example of internet speculation:

-That pic could've easily been morphed; both the elbow and muscle shape looks like something that's been digitally altered. Again, where are the other shots like that to corroborate this idle speculation?

-He always had that general shape to the elbows, predating any GH use.

-If GH-related, you can be sure that it would be seen with other bodybuilders. Where is it?

-He's old school and sensible; if he took GH Bill Pearl and others probably did too. Do you believe that? Anything's possible, but probable, no.



Chris is doing just fine, talked to him a couple of months ago.

After you read this guys take on bodybuilding history ::), you need to know the facts.

FACT . . . Calcium deposits on elbows.

The Beef
Title: Re: Dickerson
Post by: pkaz on May 07, 2007, 03:57:47 PM
After you read this guys take on bodybuilding history ::), you need to know the facts.

FACT . . . Calcium deposits on elbows.

The Beef


Thanks "The Beef". That is what I thought and stated above based on what I remember way back when..
Title: Re: Dickerson
Post by: jpm101 on May 07, 2007, 08:00:35 PM
Calcium deposits can be drained or removed (either thick liquid or in a a harden form) from most areas of the body, including the elbows (easier when they are external, rather than internal). Calcium deposits are usually a lumpy, unshaped  mass, not something that would come to a exact point on an elbow. And on both sides of the elbows, at that, at the same time. Any ego driven top BB'er would certainly have any such calcium deposits removed, because it can detract from the rest of a otherwise balance body. Removing unnatural bone growth is another matter all together.

Introduced heavy use of GH (in any of it's many forms) can cause an outward extension of bone growth on the elbows. The gland(s) are falsely stimulated or tricked into doing this, as a part a many chemical changes/imbalances and other elements involved. GH with affect other boney regions of some top BB'ers and athletes. Besides extended elbows, look for heavy jaw lines, enlarged heads and heavy brows. People talk about Berry Bonds head getting larger every year, for example. Must be a reason for this, even though he swore under oath he never came near or used any illegal growth drugs.

Dickerson shows the classic progression from the effect of GH and/or other chemical elements.
 Fairly plan to see. Call it calcium deposits or whatever, if that makes one feel better about it. But it all come to the plan fact of a negative GH influence.
Title: Re: Dickerson
Post by: pkaz on May 07, 2007, 09:05:47 PM
Calcium deposits can be drained or removed (either thick liquid or in a a harden form) from most areas of the body, including the elbows (easier when they are external, rather than internal). Calcium deposits are usually a lumpy, unshaped  mass, not something that would come to a exact point on an elbow. And on both sides of the elbows, at that, at the same time. Any ego driven top BB'er would certainly have any such calcium deposits removed, because it can detract from the rest of a otherwise balance body. Removing unnatural bone growth is another matter all together.

Introduced heavy use of GH (in any of it's many forms) can cause an outward extension of bone growth on the elbows. The gland(s) are falsely stimulated or tricked into doing this, as a part a many chemical changes/imbalances and other elements involved. GH with affect other boney regions of some top BB'ers and athletes. Besides extended elbows, look for heavy jaw lines, enlarged heads and heavy brows. People talk about Berry Bonds head getting larger every year, for example. Must be a reason for this, even though he swore under oath he never came near or used any illegal growth drugs.

Dickerson shows the classic progression from the effect of GH and/or other chemical elements.
 Fairly plan to see. Call it calcium deposits or whatever, if that makes one feel better about it. But it all come to the plan fact of a negative GH influence.


Maybe maybe not. It is an interesting question though. My experience with Dr. Kerr, as stated above, was in itself an interesting experience. GH was not all that prevalent when Dickerson won the Mr. Olympia and Dr. Kerr, at least from my experience and what he told me he had Dickerson on was moderately low dose (by todays doses at least). But who really knows.

Another interesting point is based on the extreme levels of performance drugs today, including GH, we do not see more of that particular problem. But then again, there was cadaver-GH being used prior to 1981 so one only wonders...
Title: Re: Dickerson
Post by: Figo on May 08, 2007, 06:38:36 AM

Maybe maybe not. It is an interesting question though. My experience with Dr. Kerr, as stated above, was in itself an interesting experience. GH was not all that prevalent when Dickerson won the Mr. Olympia and Dr. Kerr, at least from my experience and what he told me he had Dickerson on was moderately low dose (by todays doses at least). But who really knows.

Another interesting point is based on the extreme levels of performance drugs today, including GH, we do not see more of that particular problem. But then again, there was cadaver-GH being used prior to 1981 so one only wonders...


Maybe Dickerson was predisposed and with the wrong stimulus, it developed.

Wheres that cycle you promised, pkaz ;D, this thread was about what he took, and it became about elbow development via gh. Lets just say he had really big elbows...
Title: Re: Dickerson
Post by: jpm101 on May 08, 2007, 08:17:16 AM
Pkaz: It really does come down to maybe or maybe not, in Dickersons case. Pure speculation on my part with regard to him personally. But a somewhat experienced guess on my part would be his connection to GH (and other qualities that can mimic their affect) in the past. I would like to think that earlier era BB'ers were pure and drug free, but that's not always the case.  That after pic of him (from Donrhummy)  (with the knobs of both elbows, shooting up skyward like a rocket from a launch pad) pretty much said it all for me.

Your story about Dr Kerr was very interesting. Wonder, if you have the time, to give some more examples about stuff that was going on, with regards to BB'ing, in the past? Heard the highway to TJ, Tecate and Mexicali was pretty popular with BB'ers at that time.
Title: Re: Dickerson
Post by: Figo on May 08, 2007, 08:51:30 AM
Yes, pkaz do share...
Title: Re: Dickerson
Post by: pkaz on May 08, 2007, 09:47:15 AM

Maybe Dickerson was predisposed and with the wrong stimulus, it developed.

Wheres that cycle you promised, pkaz ;D, this thread was about what he took, and it became about elbow development via gh. Lets just say he had really big elbows...


Figo,

As soon as I have a chance I will pull out some of my old journals and try to find what I promised. As it has been many years I need to do some searching. Will try this weekend.
Title: Re: Dickerson
Post by: pkaz on May 08, 2007, 10:22:33 AM
Pkaz: It really does come down to maybe or maybe not, in Dickersons case. Pure speculation on my part with regard to him personally. But a somewhat experienced guess on my part would be his connection to GH (and other qualities that can mimic their affect) in the past. I would like to think that earlier era BB'ers were pure and drug free, but that's not always the case.  That after pic of him (from Donrhummy)  (with the knobs of both elbows, shooting up skyward like a rocket from a launch pad) pretty much said it all for me.

Your story about Dr Kerr was very interesting. Wonder, if you have the time, to give some more examples about stuff that was going on, with regards to BB'ing, in the past? Heard the highway to TJ, Tecate and Mexicali was pretty popular with BB'ers at that time.


jmp101,

I will only speak about my experiences with the "highway to TJ" so here goes. After learning more and more about performance enhancing drugs (AS) and there availability, which was relatively easy, I made many to TJ. Since I live in Southern California, TJ was the easiest place to go. At that time, you could get American made pharmaceutical grade AS cheep. You would walk into just about any Pharmacy in TJ and inquire about AS. The pharmacist would bring out boxes of whatever you wanted. Some of the popular ones then were:

Ciba Dianabol
Searle Anavar
Winthrop Winstrol
Schering Primobolan Depot
Organon Deca-Durabolin
Mexican Sustanon 250
Depo-Testosterone

It was easy to buy and easy to bring home. Additionally, you could get pretty much whatever you wanted from gym sources, however, the prices were higher as you would expect.

I will also say that the doses being used at least by myself and those that I knew were mild compared to today. For bulking, it was basically Deca and Dianabol. The various testosterones were being used more by the power lifters. And length of use was shorter. Most guys that I knew would use for 12 week periods and then off. They would maybe do two or three cycles through the year.

In the mid 80s what were called designer steroids became available. The premise was that they were from East Germany but in reality they were manufactured in clandestine labs in the US. Bolasterone was one that had a big following and it was basically being manufactured in someones kitchen.

I will also say that generally all Bodybuilders, especially ones that competed, were using some type of AS but obviously nothing like today.




Title: Re: Dickerson
Post by: Hurricane Beef ! on May 10, 2007, 10:14:35 AM
This tread was enjoyable. It's nice to see an adult discussion on GetBig.

The Beef
Title: Re: Dickerson
Post by: donrhummy on May 10, 2007, 07:51:16 PM
This tread was enjoyable. It's nice to see an adult discussion on GetBig.

The Beef

Agreed.
Title: Re: Dickerson
Post by: Figo on May 11, 2007, 01:07:27 AM
...does that mean its over?  :(
Title: Re: Dickerson
Post by: onlyme on May 11, 2007, 01:21:59 AM

jmp101,

I will only speak about my experiences with the "highway to TJ" so here goes. After learning more and more about performance enhancing drugs (AS) and there availability, which was relatively easy, I made many to TJ. Since I live in Southern California, TJ was the easiest place to go. At that time, you could get American made pharmaceutical grade AS cheep. You would walk into just about any Pharmacy in TJ and inquire about AS. The pharmacist would bring out boxes of whatever you wanted. Some of the popular ones then were:

Ciba Dianabol
Searle Anavar
Winthrop Winstrol
Schering Primobolan Depot
Organon Deca-Durabolin
Mexican Sustanon 250
Depo-Testosterone

It was easy to buy and easy to bring home. Additionally, you could get pretty much whatever you wanted from gym sources, however, the prices were higher as you would expect.

I will also say that the doses being used at least by myself and those that I knew were mild compared to today. For bulking, it was basically Deca and Dianabol. The various testosterones were being used more by the power lifters. And length of use was shorter. Most guys that I knew would use for 12 week periods and then off. They would maybe do two or three cycles through the year.

In the mid 80s what were called designer steroids became available. The premise was that they were from East Germany but in reality they were manufactured in clandestine labs in the US. Bolasterone was one that had a big following and it was basically being manufactured in someones kitchen.

I will also say that generally all Bodybuilders, especially ones that competed, were using some type of AS but obviously nothing like today.






Get the vials of Primabolan Depot for sixty-cents.  Sell for as much as $6.  It's what we made the most money off of.  I bought my Cypionate from their too.     It was safer when we started getting it from the Tijuana Pharamists brother in Inglewood.
Title: Re: Dickerson
Post by: freakfestMD on May 11, 2007, 05:04:12 AM
The elbow and gh thing is ridiculous.  It is most likely due to damage and strain of the tendon/ligaments in the elbow and subsequent Bura sac inflammation.
I

Finally! 

The major photo in question does not show hypertrophy of the olecranon itself.  It's hanging there, for God's sake!

This looks like classic olecranon bursitis.

In any event, what's the news here?  Are we supposed to be SHOCKED that a pro bodybuilder used steroids and/or GH?  Genetic gifts aside, I'd be shocked if he didn't.
Title: Re: Dickerson
Post by: Figo on May 11, 2007, 07:06:48 AM
Freakfest, doesnt olecranon bursitis cause limited range of motion, and pain, thus limiting ability to train, also why/how/what would cause it to develop in both limbs, if its generally caused by enforced or prolonged trauma?
I think he was predisposed to "freaky" elbows, and maybe some substance intake/abuse worsened it or maybe not.
I'm not shocked anyone takes drugs or abuses anything, as my original q that started this thread, was what did he take to achieve such phenominal condition for prolonged periods.
Theres pics and articles of Dickerson in off-season shape in some early 80's m&f's where he really looked small and smooth and then, BAM! he took it up 3 notches, appeared at a show freaky ripped, and 1 1/2 times bigger.
I heard one of the top guys winning all the GP's in 80's was going to Australia often, and getting Drive or a derivative/generic which he attributed to his success, not sure if that was Coe or Dickerson, as they were both cleaning house those days.
Title: Re: Dickerson
Post by: freakfestMD on May 11, 2007, 02:36:54 PM
Freakfest, doesnt olecranon bursitis cause limited range of motion, and pain, thus limiting ability to train, also why/how/what would cause it to develop in both limbs, if its generally caused by enforced or prolonged trauma?
I think he was predisposed to "freaky" elbows, and maybe some substance intake/abuse worsened it or maybe not.

It can but let's face it--all of us train around our injuries somehow, no matter what it takes.  I have seen some cases of olecranon bursitis, though, that was not particularly painful, and the patient was still able to work construction jobs or train without much difficulty.

I was just greatly doubting that the "evidence" that he used GH was typified by his elbows.  You'll have to look elsewhere on his body for those tell tale signs.
Title: Re: Dickerson
Post by: kimo on August 29, 2007, 03:54:24 PM
chris was an opera singer also
Title: Re: Dickerson
Post by: americanbulldog on September 03, 2007, 11:51:05 PM

Interesting question and since so much time has passed and the key individual responsible for Chris Dickerson’s Mr. Olympia win has passed away I can tell you this.

I was under the care of Dr. Robert Kerr, from San Gabriel California in the early and mid 80s. Dr. Kerr, known as the steroid guru in the 1980s, was extremely knowledgeable regarding performance-enhancing drugs to include GH. Dr. Kerr worked and advised with many pro bodybuilders and athletes regarding performance drug use as well as wrote many papers and articles pertaining to these type medicines. Dr. Kerr was one of the first Doctors working with GH and athletic performance.

The way you became a patient was to write Dr. Kerr a letter describing your current physical state, your diet, how you trained and what you wanted to accomplish. If he decided to take you as a patient, an appointment would be set up, which lasted approximately one hour of which was spent evaluating you physical structure, etc. Dr. Kerr would then prescribe that medicine or medicines he felt would help you reach your goals. He required follow-up blood tests and office visits every three months for continued evaluation.

Sorry I took the long way to get to your questions- After one of my visits Dr. Kerr in  late 1982 he described in detail what drugs he had put Chris Dickerson on to win the Olympia. This included the drugs that were used to gain size and bulk up to the drugs that were used to get into contest condition. Somewhere I have this all written down in one of my journals, which I will try to locate.

In any event, anyone that worked out in World gym during this time frame (and Kieth-Onlyme was there) can attest to the fact the Chris Dickerson trained with extremely light weights. Most of us could not believe that shape he was attaining based on the light weights he was using.

I guess that having the best sport performance doctor on your side plus good genetics couldn’t hurt either… 




Kerr and Jadkoff were the two men who legally prescribed back in the day. 
Title: Re: Dickerson
Post by: oldtimer1 on September 08, 2007, 02:49:11 PM
To the guys that have seen Dickerson training.  Can you give some examples of the weights he used.  I heard 30lbs for dumbbell curls.  To his defense he trained with a lot of sets with very little rest.  After six sets of an exercise with very little rest between sets for 12 reps how much weight can you use?
Title: Re: Dickerson
Post by: donrhummy on September 09, 2007, 01:55:43 PM
You guys are funny thinking the elbow thing is from steroids or anything else.

Why do you think growth hormone couldn't cause that insane growth in a BONE?
Title: Re: Dickerson
Post by: onlyme on September 09, 2007, 02:53:39 PM
Kerr and Jadkoff were the two men who legally prescribed back in the day. 

Its Jakot
Title: Re: Dickerson
Post by: onlyme on September 09, 2007, 02:55:39 PM
Why do you think growth hormone couldn't cause that insane growth in a BONE?

My friend in Honolulu has that elbow and he doesn't take any steroids at all.  It is an elongated ulna or something.  Not sure what he said but it looks weird.  I don't think taking steroids causes that or why doesn't more guys have it and especially the guys who take a lot of stuff.
Title: Re: Dickerson
Post by: AVBG on September 09, 2007, 03:25:58 PM
Chris was a great bodybuilder, but got many tears in his carreer.  The tri, bi and pec were torn.

The elbow and gh thing is ridiculous.  It is most likely due to damage and strain of the tendon/ligaments in the elbow and subsequent Bura sac inflammation.

I wrestle and the first 2 months training I couldn't find elbow pads (i was in a hick town).  My elbows looked twice as bad as Chris' do in that pix.  If you go back to the days wrestlers didn't wear elbow pads while training you can see the same thing in many guys....especially the ones with damage such as jimmy superfly snuka. 
exactly - spot on legbreaker.. The Dickerson GH claims are laughable.. 
Title: Re: Dickerson
Post by: donrhummy on September 09, 2007, 10:34:56 PM
My friend in Honolulu has that elbow and he doesn't take any steroids at all.  It is an elongated ulna or something.  Not sure what he said but it looks weird.  I don't think taking steroids causes that or why doesn't more guys have it and especially the guys who take a lot of stuff.

Right but...

1. I said GH not steroids. They're VERY different.
2. Dickerson didn't have those elbows when he was younger, or even in the middle of his career. Only towards the end.
Title: Re: Dickerson
Post by: Patjock on September 10, 2007, 07:09:49 PM
Wonder how he's doing now?

He is well and living in Fort lauderdale in a beautiful house.
Title: Re: Dickerson
Post by: Figo on September 11, 2007, 01:50:08 AM
He is well and living in Fort lauderdale in a beautiful house.

Retired?
Title: Re: Dickerson
Post by: Patjock on September 11, 2007, 08:31:37 AM
Chris is 68 and still active.
 Go to his website for seminars in Florida, etc
http://chrisdickerson.net/
Title: Re: Dickerson
Post by: joelbrandw on September 25, 2007, 08:14:14 PM
My girlfriend does sports rehab physical therapy . . . She and I both know Chris and when she saw a photo of his elbows from late in his career the very first thing she said to me was "Olecranon Bursitis".  It is an inflammation of a small sac of fluid located on the tip of the elbow. She's seen it in quite a few of her clients, none of whom have anything to do with bodybuilding or the associated drugs. 

I have never asked Chris directly about this because, well, it would be sort of obnoxious and it seems to me to be quite unnecessary.

Title: Re: Dickerson
Post by: Disgusted on March 04, 2008, 11:10:18 PM
Hey guys don't come over here that often. Thought I may add a couple of things. OK, the LEFT elbow is def bursitus. The other elbow to me anyway never looked any different.

Somewhere in my parents basement I have a mag article about Dickerson training for the 1982 olympia. He decided rather late in the year to enter. He went to bill Pearls ranch to train under him old school. There were pics and one of them shows Chris standing on a scale in shorts weeks out. Can't remember how long before that show but I am guessing about 12?? Anyway, I was shocked at how out of shape he was. Not really fat but really small. Barley looked like a guy who lifted. What I was most impressed about him was he ability to get ripped so quick. I was at the 1981 Olympia and I saw him up close. The guy was freakin shredded trust me. Would love to know what his cycle consisted of. I know he dieted on low carbs.
Title: Re: Dickerson
Post by: JohnnyVegas on March 07, 2008, 06:24:35 PM
I have aways heard it was a calcuim build up, and Joe Montana also had it, and he had it shaved down.

Someone shoot Chris an email and get the real 411.........

The GH claims are complete bullshit and ANYOEN that was around in the late 70's and then the 80's knows that. The only way to get GH before 1983 was thru an extraction thru the HUMAN pituitary gland, from people who had recently died. It was NOT available to athletes, because it the supply was almost non existant and children with defective pituitary glands needed that shit to grow to normal heights.

In 1983 Eli Lilly brought to market the FIRST synthetic GH, called Humatrope. I know people who used this in the 80's, and even the synthetic GH was thousands of dollars, thousands.

When Bob Paris won Nationals he was on a 4 week supply of GH, it ran him $2K. $2K back in the mid 80's was serious cash. I used to buy REAL deca back then for $5 an amp. D bol -100 for $20 bucks. So GH was not around when Dickerson was winning all his shows (78-82), and even if it was it would have been too costly to really slam it.
Title: Re: Dickerson
Post by: Figo on March 10, 2008, 09:31:50 AM
Obviously Dickerson knew his stuff, going from out-of-shape to muscular and conditioned in record time.
Apparently another in this league was Mohammed Makkawy.
Title: Re: Dickerson
Post by: Moosejay on March 15, 2008, 03:18:13 PM
I have aways heard it was a calcuim build up, and Joe Montana also had it, and he had it shaved down.

Someone shoot Chris an email and get the real 411.........

The GH claims are complete bullshit and ANYOEN that was around in the late 70's and then the 80's knows that. The only way to get GH before 1983 was thru an extraction thru the HUMAN pituitary gland, from people who had recently died. It was NOT available to athletes, because it the supply was almost non existant and children with defective pituitary glands needed that shit to grow to normal heights.

In 1983 Eli Lilly brought to market the FIRST synthetic GH, called Humatrope. I know people who used this in the 80's, and even the synthetic GH was thousands of dollars, thousands.

When Bob Paris won Nationals he was on a 4 week supply of GH, it ran him $2K. $2K back in the mid 80's was serious cash. I used to buy REAL deca back then for $5 an amp. D bol -100 for $20 bucks. So GH was not around when Dickerson was winning all his shows (78-82), and even if it was it would have been too costly to really slam it.

JV...it was likely around for HIM, though
Title: Re: Dickerson
Post by: joelbrandw on March 28, 2008, 02:37:09 PM
The growth hormone rumors about Chris are really ironic . . . When he was preparing for his seminar this past January (2008), he told me that he was a bit concerned that there might be some questions from the audience about growth hormone and other "modern" performance enhancing drugs . . . What was his concern?  He knows absolutely NOTHING about growth hormone and such things, and didn't want to appear "out of step" with the current state of anabolic enhancement in the sport.  I had to laugh to myself that there are some out there that are absolutely CONVINCED that he used (or abused) substances that, in fact, he has not ever had a glancing acquaintance with.  ;)
Title: Re: Dickerson
Post by: JohnnyVegas on April 01, 2008, 11:11:40 PM
The growth hormone rumors about Chris are really ironic . . . When he was preparing for his seminar this past January (2008), he told me that he was a bit concerned that there might be some questions from the audience about growth hormone and other "modern" performance enhancing drugs . . . What was his concern?  He knows absolutely NOTHING about growth hormone and such things, and didn't want to appear "out of step" with the current state of anabolic enhancement in the sport.  I had to laugh to myself that there are some out there that are absolutely CONVINCED that he used (or abused) substances that, in fact, he has not ever had a glancing acquaintance with.  ;)

Thank you!

JV...it was likely around for HIM, though

See above. No one had GH before 83-no one. Synthetic GH is what  BBer's used, if they COULD afford it, and it did not come out until 83.