Moe El Moussawi, flying in from New Zealand this weekend, is 10 pounds heavier and looking even better than he did for the 2008 Ironman, which he beat Silvio Samuel. Can it happen again?
I say yes.
Silvio Samuel is the favorite for this so (and is Bob Cicherillo's pick), BUT Bob and others are underestimating Moe Moussawi. I just saw some picks, and the guy looks great, and if he comes in shredded and hard like he did at last years Ironman, he will take this show over Silvio.
At the 2008 Olympia, I picked Moe for the top 10, and he landed in 9th place. He looked great, but could of looked better there, due to some family complications (his young daughter a few days before the show, and his mind was on this). This time, Moe will be ready, and at the end of the night, Silvio might just wonder what happened?
Not to say that Silvio might not come in incredible shape, but never underestimate Moe.
As for Eddie Abbew, don't count him out also from the top five. We always forget about Eddie, but he just may surprise us all, like he did a few years ago.
Mohammad Bannout is Samir Bannout's cousin, and it will be cool to see what he brings from Lebanon.
AD Cherry, which faltered in his first year as a pro, should and has made considerable and noticable differences, and will surprise us all.
Mark Dugdale, not sure on Mark - for a smaller competitor, Mark can come up strong or not, and with his demanding family lifestyle, I am never sure on what shape he will come in. I hope to see him in the top 5!
Ronny Rockel, always strong in the lineup, and usually looks great!
and Hidetada Yamagishi, training under Milos, who knows how to bring him to his best, and likely qualify for the Olympia here.