Wow! If there were an award for "Most Persevering Bodybuilder," I'd give it to Jay Cutler. Jay is a fighter. He has been determined to be Mr. Olympia since the first day he stepped onstage. And just like the bear that climbed the mountain to see what he could see, Jay fought his way to the top, only to see another mountain. His battle had just begun. Not only did Jay have to knock out the reigning champ, but that champ was Ronnie Coleman - the Big Nasty - perhaps the greatest Mr. Olympia of all time. Undaunted, Jay went on the attack and came so close at least once to a victory. But he was repeatedly denied. The last four years he came back again and again, only to be turned away. Not anymore - four and no more! Jay was all done with second place.
First thing Monday morning after the '05 Olympia, Jay went back to work. If he lost five in a row he was going to shave his head onstage. The yearlong workday paid off and Jay kept his trademark locks (I don't know what made me happier, Jay winning or not having to see him bald!). This year, Jay came in bigger and more shredded than ever before, and Ronnie wasn't at his best. Jay realized the planets were all lined up and he seized the moment. He wanted to be at his best and beat the greatest - Ronnie Coleman. And finally, he had his chance and he did it - he beat the greatest! I have great admiration for Jay. People said for years that as long as Ronnie was around Jay would always be second. It must feel good to prove them wrong.
