I interviewed Amy Peters, Steve's wife before pre-judging in Florida. She said Steve's prep started slow, but after getting Art Atwood on board things progressed rapidly. She said Steve was supremely confidant, and in her opinion this is Steve's best condition to date.
After pre-judging I spoke with Lonnie Teper who informed me that Steve wasn't upset, but was actually happy with how he looked and his placing. Steve was convinced this was the best he's ever looked! I think everyone around him was filling his head with how great he looks etc. He's got great potential... If I were advising him, I'd have him do the North Americans and/or USAs.