Thoughts on the Arnold

[OakExpress]

First off, what an incredible lineup.  I don't think I can say that one competitor didn't belong -- they were all incredible.  I don't agree with the final placings but I'm not an expert.  I looked at the photos and watched the internet broadcast.  From what I saw, Phil Heath was the winner.

Why?  I think he was the most complete athlete on the stage.  He brought conditioning, size, symmetry, and aesthetics.  Dexter brings a similar package but I thought Phil edged him out.  Kai looked the biggest to me, but his conditioning didn't appear as sharp (as Phil) nor do I find his physique as aesthetic.  Branch clearly has the muscle but in my humble opinion his upper body looked a bit watery from the back (I know, watery only when compared against the very best conditioned guys) and his physique is freaky but not aesthetic.

With all that said, we are talking about the most incredible bodybuilders around (only missing Mr. O).  The margin separating them is so thin.

My major beef isn't with the judges.  I applaud the competitors.  My problem is the venom I see on this board.

1) Kai - okay, maybe he has a history but we all have a history.  If we could peer into everyone's past I think we would all have something we've done that we aren't proud of.  Can a man change?  The pictures and comments posted were completely out of line.

2) Phil - racist?  Give me a break.  I have interacted with Phil to some degree since 2004.  I see him at shows  that I've watched and competed in  and seen him at the gym.  He conducts himself in a manner that I find very professional and kind.  Oh, by the way.. I'm white. 

3) Judges - okay I don't agree but what a difficult job they had.  The top 4 guys are all ridiculous.  No matter what they decided somebody was going to disagree.

4) Bob C - I think he did a great job.  I agreed with what he said and thought he had some good insights.


What is it about being online that people talk the way the do here?  Grow up!  Have a little honor and dignity.  Take a look in the mirror and clean up that guys act before you come here and rip everyone in sight.  Oh, one last thing.  If y'all are so accomplished.. step on stage.

[nycbull]

 

1) Kai - okay, maybe he has a history but we all have a history.  If we could peer into everyone's past I think we would all have something we've done that we aren't proud of.  Can a man change?  The pictures and comments posted were completely out of line.

With this kind of reasoning then anything goes, why have standards or morals in the first place? I mean c'mon now. Did you get high as a kite, strip in front of a camera and get off using a grapfruit to make money or did you work an honest job? I mean really, Its reasoning like yours that leaves no hope for people who try to live a decent and honest life.

[OakExpress]

With this kind of reasoning then anything goes, why have standards or morals in the first place? I mean c'mon now. Did you get high as a kite, strip in front of a camera and get off using a grapfruit to make money or did you work an honest job? I mean really, Its reasoning like yours that leaves no hope for people who try to live a decent and honest life.

I don't like what like he did in the past but I also don't expect people to be perfect throughout their lives.  I'm not saying anything goes, I am saying forgive and look at the man he is today.  We tend to throw people on the trash heap when they've made mistakes.  There are many people who have made mistakes, turned their lives around, and then done amazing things.  We need to give people that opportunity.  

Your last statement is utterly ridiculous.  "I mean really, Its reasoning like yours that leaves no hope for people who try to live a decent and honest life."  If you live decent honest lives you have every reason for hope regardless of the errors of others.  You seem to be trying to make the point that those who live decent lives should be able to step over those who have made mistakes.  As if this life is some big king of the hill competition.  If you can win the battle of self-control, self-discipline, and love, your life will have meaning regardless of what anyone else does.

"He who is without sin, cast the first stone."

[JasonH]

Good posts Mr Oak Express.

[James Blunt]

With this kind of reasoning then anything goes, why have standards or morals in the first place? I mean c'mon now. Did you get high as a kite, strip in front of a camera and get off using a grapfruit to make money or did you work an honest job? I mean really, Its reasoning like yours that leaves no hope for people who try to live a decent and honest life.

Actually I believe being high would prevent you from even thinking of doing that. I get high as fuck and I do not wish to bone a grapefruit. That's probably the last thing I'd do next to going to church. lol

[Red Hook]

With this kind of reasoning then anything goes, why have standards or morals in the first place? I mean c'mon now. Did you get high as a kite, strip in front of a camera and get off using a grapfruit to make money or did you work an honest job? I mean really, Its reasoning like yours that leaves no hope for people who try to live a decent and honest life.

where do you draw the line?   would you eliminate anyone that has done G4P? Gay? convicted felons? uses illegal drugs? beats their wife?  or are you just a grapefruit advocate?

lol, you would have no one to compete

[HUGEPECS]

Kai looked Great, But Phil was the winner in my opinion.