Almost VICtory
By Hollis Lance Liebman
“God has a plan for each of us”, so cited eight-time Mr. Olympia Ronnie Coleman. A familiar phrase coming from the sport’s most celebrated IFBB professional bodybuilder of all time, and reserved for his victory speech. Only this year, the champ’s words arrived before the contest’s conclusion. This time, they occurred after his eventual placing of fourth.
Yet on the night of this years’ Mr. Olympia, the spotlight remained, the applause followed, the respect was given and the tears flowed to that of Ronald Dean Coleman. Thanks for the memories big guy.
In the usual build-up to the granddaddy of all contests, 2007 was to be the rematch between one reigning Mr. Olympia Jay Cutler and Ronnie Coleman. For years the two have battled it out with Ronnie usually coming up the victor, until 2006, when Jay made history by not only dethroning the dominant champion but this after taking four second place losses. Only the rematch was not to be had. With neither champion at his best, and rightfully admitting so, the new focus was to fall on that of the mighty shoulders of Dennis Wolf and a Victor Martinez.
With bodybuilding’s popularity at an all-time high as witnessed by the phenomenal success of Pro Bodybuilding Weekly lead by the prepared and daring questionnaire Dan Solomon and the always charismatic and entertaining Bob Cicherillo, the webcasts, (free I might add) for the majority of shows on the pro calendar, this contest was a combustible force set to go off in its 43rd rendition. Forget Wrestlemania, the Mr. Olympia is truly the showcase of the immortals – and some would say, controversy.
And so it was on Friday, September 28 that 24 of the world’s best physiques took to the stage to do battle and one Victor would emerge, or rather, Jay. Although there was nary a boo to be heard following the announcement of Jay Cutler’s ascension to two time Olympia status, the lines of domination by one champion as evidenced during the last two decades of professional bodybuilding have been obscured. Many felt a number of athletes could have taken the title this year. And while that may leave the champ sweating in his boots, it sure makes for one exciting contest. What follows are the top ten as viewed from the trenches of the press pit.
10. David Henry – in his second Mr. Olympia appearance, David continues to hone and refine his physique in the hopes of dethroning Goliath. Blessed with no glaring weak points and the ability to get shredded, the sport of bodybuilding as it exists today is largely a big man’s game, unless of course your name is Darrem Charles – winner of the 10,000 dollar shows.
9. Johnnie Jackson – If one took the legs of fellow Team Muscletech member Branch Warren and bestowed them to Jonnie, one might be looking at a top three Mr. Olympia finisher. Known for his freakish strength, even amongst elite bodybuilders, all Johnnie lacks are the legs to match and the bone dry conditioning those in the upper echelon of the sport possess. His chest and back are so good one may wonder if it’s possible for everything else to catch up.
8. Gustavo Badell – The last year or two has seen the Freakin’ Rican’s placings slide, slightly, for him. Like many, Gustavo has tended to go for sheer size rather than rely on the quality of his physique which has brought him this far in the first place. Although noticeably tighter at the night show and with an always entertaining routine, this one fashioned to the history of bodybuilding itself! Gustavo needs to wring out the water going into next year’s prejudging.
7. Silvio Samuel – One of the top new stars this year, Silvio is to be commended for not only bringing it but bringing it in condition many times throughout the current season. Silvio displays the more classical, yet thick physique that the average person on the street may wish to emulate and thus continue to bring more positive mainstream exposure to our beloved sport.
6. Melvin Anthony – the finest poser in our sport today. The Marvelous one took a gamble just a few weeks prior by laying it on the line at the Atlantic City Pro and coming up short. He used this tune up show to launch the 2007 version of Melvin Anthony. The frame is near perfection, the lines flawless, the waist, there is none. The conditioning needs to be improved. It remains but a few pounds of water that keep this great champion from garnering a top three finish.
5. Dennis Wolf – a chorus of wolf howls greeted one Dennis Wolf. Displaying conditioning that was spot on, many in attendance would have had no problem with this man taking the whole thing. It was not until Ronnie Coleman was placed next to Wolf in a side-by-side comparison that he came alive. Indeed, must have thought Wolf, this was for real. And so was he. Dennis is a future superstar and probable Arnold classic champion in the making. If he can add some lower lats and calves, you may be looking at the next Mr. Olympia.
4. Ronnie Coleman – fitting for the champ that he posed to "Something in my Heart" by Michel'le, the same song he used back in 1998 when first awarded the title of Mr. Olympia. No Ronnie did not win, and although in decent condition, the usual matter of Ronnie “popping” whenever he hit a pose was quite simply, gone. We now know that Ronnie is indeed mortal, but received no less than two standing ovations for a brilliant career. No longer the sight of speculation, indeed both the left lat and triceps are missing something, but none so more than we the audience will miss the loveable eight time Mr. Olympia Ronnie Coleman.
3. Dexter Jackson – the blade seemed to have been nearly forgotten or considered a factor. No one in the game today gets more shredded or holds a better side chest pose. This may not have been Dexter’s best but was damn close. Quite possibly the best-built little man in the universe, Dexter has done more with his physique than perhaps all on stage. Quality, posing and presentation are Dex’s hallmarks. Add some more calves, lower lats and keep in check the slight abdominal distention and this title could quite possibly one day be yours.
2. Victor Martinez – from the moment Victor took to the stage, finally had been revealed the competitor who one Ronnie Coleman voiced would succeed him. Victor was sliced all over with clear separation in the glutes, lower back and a split between his quads and hams that looked to have been achieved by the slash of a sword. And he was even better for the finals. Many in the audience and watching the webcast had Victor as the clear winner. Some reasoned his past legal problems and the fact that he is not an athlete under the title sponsor, as the reasons for his eventual placing. No matter the cause and speculation, his day is coming.
1. Jay Cutler – the consummate professional, Jay was extremely confidant coming into the show. Yet leaked pics of the champs’ progress showed nary a lack of. Some believe Jay, while doing the business of bodybuilding and representing our sport as its number one, may have been under too much demand to bring his A-game. Jay being the champ and veteran that he is, was able to come into the finals tighter, yet remained flattish throughout, having never quite filled out to the promise of a fuller Cutler in 2007. Rest assured the sport’s most dedicated athlete will not make the same mistakes again.
