Talked to Shawn Ray - he stands by his decision, here is his response to me...
The Best Comeback Award was titled "The Shawn Ray Comeback Award". Not the Jarka Award. Not the IFBB Judges Award. Not the Legends Unanimous Vote Award or the Fan Favorite Award.
I chose Bill Wilmore and the other legends have agreed with my choice including Hall of Fame Bodybuilders Dorian Yates, Kevin Levrone and Lee Haney.
There was no Official "VOTE" - only opinions asked of my fellow Hall of Fame Bodybuilders but the final decision was made by me.
My decision is open to debate but not open for "Re-Judging" or "Changing" of my decision which was based on more than a person just coming in 'ripped' condition.
While it is true Roland Cziurlok looked phenomenal and arguably was the 'best conditioned', I had more requirements in my final decision that helped me conclude my choice for the winner of this award which included:
Being Competitive, Conditioned, Improved and Balanced.
Bill Wilmore rose above the others in ALL of the above and was my Clear Choice to win this Award!
Hope this helps.
Next time someone wants to "Contribute" to the making of this kind of monetary award, we'd appreciate it if you would throw your own personal financial resources to the award then your opinion of who should win it. It would be more valued and respected toward who should or should not be deserving of the award.
Happy holidays.
Shawn Ray