Thanks Howie....
I thought my physique at he '02 NOC and Olympia was just as good...unfortunately, what I brought to the stage at the '00 USA would not be enough to do much in the pro's given the judging standards at the pro level...(sad, but true)...
I would have to get a good look at the '02 pics to say for sure and use my old judges eye
As we have talked about before at the recent Colorado Pro expo, the current trend has been for mass monsters over complete but albiet smaller package.
I think doing a couple things ( many of YOUR ideas) would solve this.
1. Judge the complete package as the standards actually say. Just being bigger , even if you are hard , does not always make one better. Shift and enforce the ideal standard of overall perfection of a physique as the winning ideal.
* This would go a long way in making the pros more "healthy", I would think.
2. Not only should ever pro except Mr O have to REqualify for the O each year, they should be required to compete in at least 2 events prior to the O, if they want to fully qualify for it.
In my opinion, it would ideal to have a true IFBB grand prix champion. Start with the Ironman all the way up to the last show before the Olympia. Give pts for being in more shows. For example, pts given for placement in each show based in level of comp and number of pros, etc and participation.
We actually did this in the NPC Lousiana district when I was living down there. Had 4-5 state/regional shows from May to July. It was pretty popular.
