You and Ron ambushed Waugaman. Maybe where you come from it's OK to ask someone embarrassing questions and then post their shocked reply to the internet, but where I come from we have a not-nice name for people who do that. It's difficult to believe you did not intend to embarrass her - anyone can see you smirking on the video.
Hmm - SinceI asked the questions people wanted to know, you don’t like it. Boo hoo. Next time should I ask the boring questions saying wow, wee, whoa. No - I think an athlete rises when they are not afraid to answer any question. It isnt any different for any other competitor, in any other sport, nor in the entertainment here in Los Angeles. Why would we want to embarrass here - Val did some things on stage that everybody was talking about, I asked the questions. Simple as that.
I'm not surprised to hear that you and Ron were associating with people who were making disparaging remarks about competitors.
And with this comment, I know you never talk to any competitors nor their fans, because if I was to quote how many remarks competitors and people were making over others, I could write a book just for the Olympia weekend.
And THAT being said, we really, really shouldn't take this interview all that seriously.
Tre, there you go, it was about having fun, asking questions that are meant to entertain. You wait until the next time we meet, boy do I have questions to ask you, like how you felt when Gabrielle smashed you into her. I heard the oohs and ahhs.
Well, maybe he's just trying to suck up to whoever's fixing IFBB events this year.
There you go, crying about the IFBB again. Boy, from an interview to the IFBB to corruption. Can we stick to one subject.
What's she supposed to do? Make a big fuss and damage her reputation, or roll with it and show that she takes criticism well? I suspect you were counting on her passivity in response
Actually, all she had to say was I dont want to answer the question. and it would be edited out, is that so hard. I get that sometimes. I have done countless interviews over the past 12 years, and asked many various questions, both to men and women, and in different sports. A real journalist doesnt ask the simple praising questions - a journalist wants to know the questions people want to know.
I take it you're not interested in discussing corruption in the IFBB?
Wow - this topic has been around for 10+ years now, and we have discussed it over and over and over again. Have you not kept up with the Lee Priest / Shawn Ray / Bob Cicherillo / PDI and the countless other threads. We have heard it all. How about bringing me a competitor that will discuss it, not a fan that complains about it when his favorite one doesnt do well.
If you want me to shut up, you just have to apologize to Waugaman. Here. But since you raised the issue of "fantasy basements", I'm sure there's an interesting story behind what draws two not-exactly-Adonis types like you and Ron to the bodybuilding scene.
I dont want you to shut up - please make some sense soon. And once again, you are showing that you don’t go to the expos or the shows. At least 70% or more of the fan base of bodybuilding are non-bodybuilders. They enjoy the sport, the thrill of seeing someone freaky, the dedication, they aspire to one day perhaps be in good enough shape, etc. But as for me, I enjoy the company of the friends I have made around various shows, taking pictures, writing articles, and it is a hobby. With fitness, the dedication and routines and time devoted into it gives them awesome respect from a lot of us here. With figure, it isnt easy getting ready for a show, not being too soft, too hard, etc. Requires dedication. And I like it. I also like basketball and football, but you don’t see me running to become a football player to be involved in the game (I take it you have never been to a college football game either then).
When did Val's posing routine turn into an IFBB corruption discussion?
Yes - I thought that was funny too. Can we also talk about the IFBB, and how it has given these competitors, and many other people, including me, a positive income via the expo’s, supplements, magazines, and more. Oh - you are mad because someone didnt place higher than someone else, but quickly people forgot all of the positives too. I am sure Lingster is afraid to even come to the expo, but Tre, you earned my respect, because you go to the shows, say hello to me and others, and support them!
My story is that I grew up around a lot of female athletes and (I suppose as a result) that's what I'm attracted to. I've gone to a handful of bodybuilding events but that's not something that interests me tremendously. Unlike you, however, I respect the effort that the competitors put in and don't mock them.
Cool - excellent story Lingster, and I am glad you are posting here. One day, perhaps you wont be afraid to say hello at a show. We respect all competitors, but we also know that questions need to be asked, and are not afraid to ask them. Every time we do, I get hundreds (yes, that many) of people thanking us for providing exposure, light and interest. I wish I only had the time to get more done (I have at least 6 interviews on tapes, and lots more which I cant get out right now), some which have really interesting questions.
Some people may not be aware that when the Weiders owned the IFBB, Weider Publications, and the dominant supplement and equipment companies, a competitor who was in disfavor could be almost removed from public view and have no way to earn a living from his or her effort.
Come on now - there was no figure or fitness in 1993 in the IFBB, when Weider was the dominant supplement force. Then came EAS, Labrada, Met-Rx and many more, and many competitors got more money working for these companies. I know how good it is, as back then, the expos were very small, and very little people made money from them. A competitor could always make a living, it depends how they marketed themselves. Hence the problem - how to market yourself so you get noticed. Because of that video we did with Val, and her routine, Val is the most recognized and talked about person right now from the O. I wish Jenny Lynn could get as much recognition for winning the show, because she is such a cool person, but you need to push to get marketing and recognition.
