Give Howie some credit (he shortened his post here compared to his post over at MD!)
My nationals report/overview
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I first saw last nights nationals winner, Ed Nunn, when he won the NPC regional Ky Muscle show last Nov. It was obvious then, he was a future star in BB. Unlike some nationals winners in past yrs, Nunn is ready for the pros now . He will be in the running for the Jan 2009 Ironman Pro. I ran into Tampa , FL Pro Marcus Haley on the way out and asked him what he thought about Nunn. Haley said; " He is the real deal and going straight to the Ironman to give us all hell". Marcus really sums up the level of Nunn's physique last night on the nationals stage.
Overall, the current trend is towards physiques that have great, classic lines over sheer freaky mass. Current pros like Dexter, Heath, S. Samuels , Freeman are the new breed of top pro , that have plenty of mass ON THEIR FRAMES, and also have classic lines and separation. Nobody should misunderstand this and think muscle mass will be marked down. The winner of a modern , major BB contest won't be confused with the physiue of a swimmer or Chippendale dancer. While drugs will remain a constant in elite, hardcore BB; it is NOT the trump card to put you in the winners circle. No question, you need mass and cuts to win, but you also need to be very conditioned with overall balance.
The rest of the super Hvy class, was good but was not close to Nunn.
We all know about BSA and his conditionaing putting him out of the top 5.
Trey Brewer also came in with a lot of hype and while improved , ended up in 4th. His upper body looks very different from his legs ,which are world class right now. Like BSA, Trey is a big man and needs to dial in the separation and it appears he began THAT process with his prep at this show.
I was sitting beside 3rd place SHvy Kulco's mom (Gerry, a pretty redhead )and his gf when he was on stage. It was fun to see them cheering , on the edge of their seats during the super's posing routines. She told me the 23 yr old Kulco is a fireman . The kid looked great and has an ideal pro kind of physique. He just needs more refinement and density.
The Hvys came down to the expected battle between Libatore and Alvisi.
They were BOTH in great condition and it was a battle, but Lib has better overall lines and head to toe balance at this point. Unlike Nunn, Lib should wait a yr before he tests the pro waters and add a bit more size/density to his already near perfect symmetry.
The Lt Hvys was, in my opinion, the closest call of the night. Peter Putnam has wonderful lines, ideal symmetry and full round muscles. However, he was not 100% dialed in and not nearly as sharp from the back compared to the other 2-3 top Lt Hvy's. If Putnam now, "tries to blow up for the pros" he will ruin the best thing about his physique. With his structure I think he should concentrate on being a top under 202 lbs class pro. Putnam is a classic poser and showed grace, and charisma at the night show.
The middle wts class was won by pre contest favorite Guy C. I was sitting in row 4 , sec C , right behind his Mom, and family . They were heartwarming to watch as he won this class. Guy had VERY deeply etched lines on all sections of his physique. I think the class was a lot closer than many would think however. Guy will need to thicken up and add more depth and density to his ripped nationals MDWT winning physique if he wants to content as an under 202 class pro.Once again, it was nice to see the joy and family bond all come toether at Guy's moment of personal triumph.
Bodybuilding could use a lot more of THAT!. You have a GREAT family Guy, and I bet holiday family gatherings are a lot of fun.
The wlter wt and bantam wts were close divisions and a case could be made for any of the top 3 places as a good winner in the wlter wts.
Marvin Ward was the class of the light wts. As Lonnie teper said ;" Marvin Ward, the human statue". He suddenly broke into tears of joy upon winning this class. It was a sincere emotional display of being overwhelmed, at the moment of victory. Anyone who thinks that a physique like Marvin Wards is due (mostly) to drugs should have their head examined.
The womans hvy and overall winner S Blecks was incredible and ready for the pros , right now. Her posing was graceful and combined with some classic old school gymnastic static strength poses. She was a real pleasure to watch and I was lucky enough to get my pic with her.
Female BB has some ideal female physiques entering the pro ranks now based on the class winners at this nationals. They seem to combine being a bodybuilder with a feminine look.
The Grand Hyatt ATLANTA Ballwoom is an ideal venue for a BB meet. Granted ,the historic FOX theatre down the street ( site of the 1979 Mr America) would be better, but overall the set up was great. The vendors were in the back of the ballroom with wide rows and easy access . One could visit the booths and not miss any action. Pam Betz, main promoter along with our own Ga NPC Chair, Ty Ropeman Felder put on a first class event. The stage was tiered and very well lit ,with plenty of room to hold the larger classes. The ht of the stage helped with visibility considering the flat ballroom floor and reg chairs for the audiance.
I was able to speak with several of the usual suspects , that inhabit most major BB events. I got a kick out of seeing and briefly chatting with MD;s own Jumbo Polumbo. Dave looks real healthy, laid back and fit these days.
Current female pro and local ATL chriopractor Mimi Jabalee introduced me to the lovely Collete Nelson. Collete is a stunning beauty in person with pretty eyes and a 1000 watt smile.
I was able to spend some time chatting with IFBB athlete rep , Bob Chic at the BB.com booth. Bob was there with his lovely wife and I even got to see him hugging his beautiful baby girl. Bob Chic is a class act , and the kind of image I think we need more of in BB. Bob went out of his way to give BSA some sound advice and encourage him to stay in the sport. He used his own personal story of taking 13 yrs to turn pro as a great example for not quitting after one nationals defeat.Bob also looked to be a very loving dad as well. Bravo Bob!
While talking to Bob, I was able to meet AMI rep and Olympia promoter Robin Cheng. Robin is a sharp guy and even answered my question about why FLEX put a couple MMA fighters on the cover.
I was able to provide my 2 cents about the direction of BB and learned a lot from listening to him. I just got my DvD box set of the 2008 Olympia and feel that the production value of the Olympia is now outstanding. I will be attending the Olympia in 2009 and want to thank Robin for taking the time to speak to a "regular guy " fan like me.
Jay Cutler was working a booth and seems determined to bring back the 2001 Jay . If he does, he could be the first Mr Olympia to win the title back after having lost it on stage. I am sure Dexter and some others will have something to say about that however. I ran into Ron Aviden ( getbig) and Issac of Lift Studios. Both are funny guys that share my passion for BB. One booth had some hot babes that were passing out these sex stim /natural viagra tab samples. They were quite flirty and really good natured. Obviously, I took a few samples and will try it out hehe.
I saw MD's Steve Blechman sitting in the press pit, but was unable to have a chance to speak with him. I always enjoy getting his take on a contest. I am sure he will have some good coverage and critiques in a future MD.
This show was a great chance to meet/greet many of the top pros , away from the tensions of competing in a pro show.
Dexter had a steady crowd at his booth, and remained busy with the fans. I managed a good pic with S. Samuels ( the matador). He was dressed like a movie star and is real charasmatic in person. I am now a converted Samuels fan. David Henry was nearby and being one of my favorite pro physiques, I snapped a pic with him on my new I-phone. David looked massive in a tight, long sleeve shirt.
With pros like this ,the under 202 class will be always be a hit with the fans and the class with remain in demand by many.
One of the great perks of BB, is that unlike many other sports, fans like me have access meet some of its' top pros .
1995 NPC Nationals champ don Long was working a booth. No longer an active pro due to kidney problems, Don looked healthy and seemed happy to be around the sport he loves.
Needless to say the 2008, NPC nationals in my backyard of ATL was a great show overall. It is refreshing to see the trend towards a total package as the winning formula. The only problem issue is now with the figure div being combined with the BB at the nationals. I like the figure class, but the current huge number of figure entrants make it a basic logistics problem and tends to make the night show a bit too long.
I left the show feeling more positive about BB, then I have in years.
Howard
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I saw a star, reached for it...and MISSED
