Insiders look at body building by Mr. Australia Guy
Grundy.
April 2002
INSIDE LOOK COLUMNS BY GUY GRUNDY
The INSIDE LOOK by Guy Grundy www.Fitnetusa.com
Click here for information on attending Guy Grundy's Pro Muscle Camp!
Whether
you love him or hate him, you have to respect Shawn
Ray. This year's Olympia will be the man's 14th appearance at the Super Bowl
of bodybuilding. He has placed in the top 5 at
the Olympia every year, except for his debut in 88.
Shawn has always talked the talk & he has been one of the few in the sport to
have always backed up his words, this year is no different. Shawn is the first
professional athlete to put his money where his mouth is. Shawn is donating
$5,000.00 of his own personal money towards the athletes who fail to make the
top 10 and he is challenging Ronnie, Jay, Kevin and Chris to match his
contribution to hopefully raise $25,000.00 from the athletes for the athletes!
Which would then match the additional $25,000.00 the IFBB is raising for the top
10!
Shawn upped the stakes at the Press Conference last year, now he is ready to put
his money where his mouth is!
The question is, will he be alone in his efforts to improve the sport?
Shawn is bringing back the Muscle Camp in 2002 due to popular demand, it will be
held in Las Vegas this summer on July 19-20 with other top pro's such as
Downing, Titus, Jackson, James, Yates, Levrone, Cormier, Dillett and of course
Shawn! For more info go to Shawn's web site: www.shawnray.net.
Prior to the 2001 Olympia, King Kamali made his thoughts & feeling's clear about
Shawn Ray & predicted he would take Shawn out at the 2001 Mr. O, as we all now
know. King wasn't able to follow through on his promise. Shawn was quoted as
saying of King Kamali & his Olympia prediction "I am still numb from the "ASS
KICKING" Kamali promised at last years Olympia in the name of his coach "Chad
and the IFBB" Did I miss something or did he already do it? NOT! Well, we aren't
going to have to wait until the Olympia to see these two stand on stage together
again, as they have both been given the honor of emceeing the NOC in New York
this year. The pairing of Shawn & King is worth the price of admission alone, I
am sure that we will hear more about this as it unfolds.
Speaking of King Kamali, he has been a busy boy. King is a man that speaks out
about whatever is on his mind. He has a running battle going with Craig Titus,
Shawn Ray & now it seems Jay Cutler is the new man on his list. The following
remarks are straight from King's web site, this was written by King after Jay's
win at the Arnold 2002. "During Cutler's posing routine there was a voice over
of Jay talking to Wayne DeMalia (IFBB President) saying something to the effect
of: This is bodybuilding and not a dance contest to see who can shake their ass
the best on stage and so on and so on…… Jay, buddy, I personally thought you
were making a reference to Ronnie's posing routine at the Olympia and actually
laughed right along with everybody else in the audience, BUT, when your ISS
boys, who just happen to be sitting behind me at the night show started ranting
and raving and kicking my seat as if to say ha ha in your face Kamali, I got a
little ticked off. Now I know you were not referring to my posing abilities…
WERE YOU???? Well, well, well… I see where this heading. Jay just pushed Ronnie
at the Mr. O and just won the Arnold Classic and he is now the new coming of
Christ, blah, blah, blah. Jay, you know what it's like to take a year off and
heal, rest, and recover don't you? You come back bigger, better and move up in
the rankings…. We have both done this with great success, but I should let you
in on a secret… I was 298 pounds at the Arnold this year and still growing like
a weed. Don't challenge a Jedi to a battle of mind games…IT IS NO WIN SITUATION.
"
Well there you have it, as usual King is making the sport of bodybuilding very
interesting. I'm not so sure I would be making as many enemies as King is in
this sport, but everything he has said & done up until now has turned into gold.
King has made the call that he will be in the top 5 at this year's Olympia, I
don't think that he is ready to place as high as 5th this early in his career.
But if he comes in with the muscle he has added & turns up in his 2001 Ironman &
Arnold Classic condition he will be a tough man to beat. One thing for sure,
King is giving the fans what they want & that is excitement & controversy.
One man the fans will be happy to see back on the pro scene is Man Mountain Paul
Dillet. It looked as though the sport may have lost one of it's true freaks.
Paul had a lot of personal issue's to deal with, more than most people know. But
he has dealt with those problems & deserves credit for that alone. I for one am
happy to see the big fella back. Paul is looking to reclaim his position as one
of the top guys in the sport at this year's NOC in New York. He has been
training the house down in Las Vegas & from all reports is looking pretty
impressive. Paul has pissed off a few of the leading contenders for the Dallas
Pro show with his comments regarding that show, Paul exacts words where "As for
the Dallas Pro Show, that is up in the air. You just might see me show up there,
for the easy win! The easy win comment has obviously not gone down to well with
the leading contenders such as Craig Titus, & Tom Prince. C. T feels that the
Dallas Pro is his & wasn't to impressed with Dillet's comment's, Craig was
quoted as saying "That's a pretty bold statement. Frankly, I was insulted by it.
I don't think Dillet's going to beat me, let alone defeat Tom Prince, Darrem
Charles, Melvin Anthony and a few others that just might be there. Two years is
a long time to sit out," one thing for sure, Dillet has added a little extra
excitement for the fans that will be attending the Dallas show.
A lot of feud's & rivalry's will be settled on May 4th. I am going to predict a
win for C. T, Craig was no where near his best at the Olympia & will be a
totally different bodybuilder in Dallas. C.T will be pushed by the massive Tom
Prince. Tom has the goods to take the title, but I think the Dallas show will go
to Craig with Tom in 2nd place. As for Dillet, I don't think you will see him in
Dallas. He is a professional & will be looking to take some names at the NOC.
One man who might disagree with that call is the 2000 USA Champion Bob
Cicherillo, After securing a contract with GNC. Chic decided to make the move to
LA to further his bodybuilding career as well as pursue more acting roles and
commercial opportunities. He filmed his first movie called "Demon's at the Door"
in DEC/2001 where he play's the part of "URIEL" the arch-angel. From that movie,
a 10 picture deal was secured from the company that produced it and there is
already a script being written for a new "HERCULES" movie set in the modern era,
starring Chic. Production is slated for the late summer. In addition to that, he
just finished a short film called "Fighting for Survival" where he play's the
part of "STONE", an underground ultimate fighting champion. Chic seems very
happy these day's & one major reason for this is his beautiful girlfriend,
fitness star Tiffany Remley of Universal Nutrition. Tiffany is a star in her own
right & has just finished filming her first movie titled "WATCH US DIE". Look
for some up coming covers of this dynamic couple in the near future. Chic is
working with Chad Nicholl's for the Dallas Pro & the NOC. I must say that Chad
knows his stuff, as Chic is looking bigger & harder than I have ever seen him. I
think he will surprise a few people when he walks on stage this year. Chic is
looking to qualify for the Olympia & with his present condition & size & shape,
only a brave man would bet against him.
One man that won't be at the NOC is one of my favorite bodybuilders Kevin
Levrone, Kevin was no where near his best at this year's Arnold classic & was
looking to redeem himself at the NOC. The latest word from the Maryland Muscle
Machine is that he will be under going surgery on a hernia problem that has been
plaguing him for sometime. He will be 100% for the Olympia, so expect to see a
bigger & better Levrone in Las Vegas. Kevin has been receiving some criticism
regarding his legs not being up to there usual standard in his last couple of
shows. One would have to assume a major reason for this would be the Hernia he
has been plague by recently. Kevin is also in the process of relocating to Los
Angeles & has just recently released his bands first C. D 'Mirage.' Kevin is a
busy man, so I am sure the break will do him a world of good.
Dennis James has arrived back in Thailand after a disappointing 7th place finish
at the Arnold.The Menace was struck down by a pretty server case of the Flu as
well as sustaining a shoulder injury that prevented him from being in the
condition we expect from this mass of muscle. He is back into full training &
looks forward to showing us what the Menace looks like injury free. Dennis has
company in the form of his mentor & good friend Milos Sarcev who is recovering
well from a torn quad suffered in January. I am sure we will be seeing Milos
back on the pro stage in the very near future.
One man that wont be stepping on stage again is Don Long, as most people know
the 95 Nationals Champion has been on the waiting list for a kidney transplant.
I am happy to report that he has received his long awaited Kidney transplant &
is recovering well in a hospital in Washington, DC. I am sure I am not alone in
wishing the big man all the best with his recovery.
On the national scene we have several top contenders for the USA training at
Gold's in Venice, looking to follow in the footsteps of other pro's that have
emerged from Gold's such as Chris Cormier & last year's champion Quincy Taylor
are Jerome " Hollywood " Ferguson, Allan "Diesel 'Grimes & big World Harris.
These guys all have a tone of muscle & great shape so the super heavyweights
this year will be a true muscle feast. Throw into the mix Muscletech's Erik
Fromm & you have the makings of a great show. One man who has the potential to
shake things up is Troy Alves, for the first time, Troy has dedicated an entire
year for one show. He started his pre contest prep in September. Troy has tried
a new approach to his off-season training and nutrition that has given him
significant improvements to his physique overall, especially in his glutes and
hamstrings---mark my words, if you are expecting to see the same Troy on stage
this year, you will be greatly suprised. Troy feels that he is ready to dominate
at the USA's and finally feel that his body is ready to step on the pro stage.
I would like to announce the arrival of my new bodybuilding and fitness online
community. You can sign up directly from my web site ( www.fitnetusa.com ) I
will be joined by a lot of other top pro's & fitness competitors who will be
hosting on-line chat sessions, answering questions in our message boards and via
e-mail. There are community chat rooms and boards set up for discussions along
with a lot of great promotions. Some Top athletes will be assisting me in my
quest to give back to the fans. Many fans are unaware that most athletes are
readily available on the Internet. A good number of both amateur and
professional athletes have set up some very unique and beneficial fan clubs on
their web sites. These clubs are set up so the fans can interact with their
favorite athlete. Live chats, message boards, photo galleries, and much more are
simply a single click away. Some of my favorite fan clubs can be found on the
official web sites for Muscletech's very own Lee Priest & his beautiful Canadian
wife Cathy ( www.leepriest.net), Tommi Thorvildsen ( www.tommithorvildsen.com )
and Kelly Ryan (www. kelly-ryan.net). So if you are looking to learn from the
sports best then this is a must see.
I have been given the honor once again of emceeing the Nabba Southwest USA on
the 27th of July in Arizona followed up by the Nabba Nationals on the on the
17th of August also to be staged in Arizona. Former Mr. World & Nabba Mr. USA
Gary Guinn puts on a great show & really looks after the competitors, so if you
are looking for a great show to attend or compete at, then these shows are a
must. I would love to see you there either in the crowd or on Stage competing.
Last year Gary brought out Nabba Professional Mr. Universe Champion Eddie Elwood
from England who really rocked the crowd & brought the house down. If you would
like more information regarding either show contact Gary at 480 451 3575.
Unfortunately we end this months muscle round up on a sad note, Masters Mr.
Olympia competitor Hans Hopstaken passed away on the 12th of April from a heart
condition. Hans had a family history of heart problems as both his parent's
passed away from a similar affliction. Hans was the first real bodybuilder that
I ever saw. I was competing in my first show as a teenager on the Sunshine Coast
back home in Australia & Hans competed that day & won the overall. I looked up
to Hans then & my opinion never changed as he was always there to offer advice &
encouragement. The sport has lost one of it's true warriors & gentleman.
Well that wraps up this month's Muscle Round Up. I'll catch you next month with
more news from the world of bodybuilding.
Update April 28th
Flex is growing like crazyI have never seen anyone grow as fast as Flex has in the last 6 weeks. I spoke to him recently & asked how much weight he had put on, he said that it was only matter of 20 lb. or so. It looked as though he had put on 30 lb. at least to me. He was pretty small, maybe 190 lb. or so, then within 6 weeks, he looked like a different person. He is round & full after only being back at it for 6 weeks. He seems a lot happier these days & will surprise a lot of people at the Olympia. I know a lot of people are saying he will be lucky to place in the top 6. But he will do a lot better than those people think. He is looking to come in at around 225-230 lb. or so, this may seem light compared to a lot of the other guys, but people forget that he has a very small frame compared to most of the guys. Flex at 230 lb. is equal to most guys at 245-250 lb. & his shape is 2nd to no one. If he comes in the kind of condition he is capable of & his glutes & hams from the rear are on the money, then expe
How the boys are looking for Dallas & NOC
I was speaking to C.T ( Titus ) the other day He will be on stage at the Dallas Pro & the NOC in the high 240s. He is really pumped for a big showing after coming in less than his best at the Olympia. He is looking to come in about 10 %harder & 5 lb. heavier than his best condition at the San Francisco Pro last year. I can't wait to see the improvement in my boy. He has worked his@#%&@off for this show & I am tipping C.T to take the Dallas Pro out.
Tom Prince is looking HUGE, the word HUGE doesn't really describe how big he is, but it's the nearest word that describes what he looks like. He will be a lot better than the Olympia as well if he brings his present size & condition to the Dallas Pro & NOC. He has made it clear that he feels he will have to much muscle for C. T & feels confident that this show will be his.
I was speaking to Chic (Bob Cicherillo) at Gold's today & he is looking bigger & harder than ever before. He has teamed up with Chad Nichol's for the Dallas & NOC & the difference is clear in his size & condition. He said he should be on stage in the mid 240s & is confident that he will qualify for the Olympia which means a top 3 spot.
Melvyn Anthony will also be on stage at both the Dallas & NOC. I am not to sure how he is looking as he is currently training up at Gold's in North Hollywood. He said that he is there to get away from the talk & goings on of Gold's Venice. It will interesting to see how well he has recovered from his triceps tendon tear earlier in the year. He feels confident of winning both show's.
Paul Dillet has made it clear that he is back & ready to reclaim his spot as one of the sports best. From all accounts he is looking big & hard & may just show up at the Dallas Pro for what he calls an EASY WIN. Time will tell if Paul is back to his best after a 2 year lay off. I will let you know more as it unfolds.
Hans
Hopstaken passes away
It was a sad
day for bodybuilding & me personally when Hans passed away from a heart
condition. Hans was the first real bodybuilder that I had ever seen. It was back
home in Australia, I was competing in my first show as a teenager & Hans was
competing & easily won the overall. He was a cool guy to me back then & it was
like a dream to meet him again when I came to the U. S to live. He was a hard
trainer who had a passion for the sport. He was always willing to offer advice &
give encouragement to the younger guys in the sport. I was backstage at the Pro
Ironman when he made his pro debut & it as very proud day for him as I am sure
that it is for any man that achieves that special goal all us bodybuilder share.
I was honored to have know the man & give my condolences to his family &
friends. God Bless Mate
GUY GRUNDY
www.Fitnetusa.com
MR AUSTRALIA
WORLD CHAMPION RUNNER UP
AS SEEN ON BBC
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