Sure Haney was 250 pounds. Are you suggesting the genetic pool has changed in the past 15 years or so? Pros develop as they do. If another pro had the genetics to look like Haney, he would. There is no less talent now than there used to be in my opinion. As for marketing, has bodybuilding ever been anything more than "a sport for fags and fools" in its history?
The genetic pool hasn't changed I think with an increased popularity more genetically gifted people would emerge , and the drugs have changed the physiques and NOT for the better , I think back in the older days guy may have had a strong base before they started doing steroids and now they're talking them right off the bat , its been said according to the responsible drug users that you shouldn't touch any gear until you've reached your natural limit and another factor is there are a LOT more contests now then back then so guys have to stay on for longer and longer periods of time and that hurts the physiques as well.
And as far as marketing bodybuilding was realitively big in the 1980s like I said the Nationals , the Mr Olympia , the World Amateur Championships , Arnold classic were all on ESPN , that bodybuilding show with Shawn Ray and Boyer Coe , and this was well before the internet which helps keep the sport alive and well so to speak , hell Muscle & Fitness magazine sales were like 6 millions readers world wide , maybe more but the internet has hurt magazine sales for everyone , but I think if the Weider's did manage to get bodybuilding into the Olympics which was Ben Weider's dream the sport would have grown by leaps & bounds.
