phil's amateur pics were posted here back in 2005
it was one of the few times a young unknown bodybuilder had his pics posted here and everybody said he had massive potential, back then every flaw was nitpicked as if they looked like garbage but phil was different
greatness is normally obvious immediately especially in bodybuilding
you look at the best guys they were top guys immediately, top 2 - 3 at the olympia in their first showing or at least top 10
ronnie might be the exception but he still qualified for the olympia every year of his early career, i don't think any guy became a contender when they struggled to get a pro card or qualify for the olympia
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