Problem with that theory, is that it WAS part of the judging, the routines have declined over the last 10 years dramatically. Other problem was the guy who was the best poser, never won the posing round....and other times, if the guy who was the best poser DID win the posing round, he wasnt one of the top physiques...big problem.
Then quite frankly, the judges should just judge it as they see it. After a few odd placings, the other athletes with the better physiques but who don't display it properly will be forced to lift their game.
With all due respect to Dorian and Ronnie, they were often bested by superior routines...Shawn, Kevin, Lee Labrada, etc...yet NONE of theose guys would win the posing round. Why? Because if they did, they would have won the show...and the judges didnt think they had the best physique in the stage that day.
It's not as if those guys you mentioned had bad physiques...
I mean, if that is what the judges were doing, then surely that disqualifies them on grounds of ignoring the rules or something along those lines? I mean, directly judging a competitor's posing - and their ability to present their physique to its best advantage - and having that judgement directly affect the competitors placing - would surely send a strong signal to the competitors to improve their presentation. Surely that would improve the overall image of the sport?
Also, if you are worried about really poor physiques sneaking ahead because of excellent posing, make some kind of rule where the free posing round applies only to those who make the finals. Not only would you save time but you would also raise the 'excitement' levels as how the finalists pose would directly and dramatically affect their final placings. After all, once you've made the finals, chances are, you have a pretty good physique which isnt going to change much in one round. At that point in the judging, free posing would really up the ante.
Other problem is that comparing a routine of Kai to Hidetada, is like trying to compare Frank Sinatra to Fifty-cent....two totally different styles.
The other subjective, artistic type sports type sports seem to be able to deal with it. Why not bodybuilding?
Want better, thought inspired routines? Put MONEY out there for the best presentation, best routine, best classic routine, etc... These guys are pro BB athletes, they are motivated by money...
The prize money at most professional shows hasn't risen in years. Given the apparent costs involved in competing... well, I have a feeling that
prize money is not the main motivation. In anycase, if you have extra money to give to the best poser, why not add that money to the overall prize money for PLACING in a contest. If posing helps to improve your placing - and thereby earn more money - then surely that is the more sensible (and sports-minded) approach?
Again, thanks for responding.
