Not sure how many people really follow the sport closely, but I the European version of the Arnold Classic was recently held.
In an unusual move, Phil Heath, current reigning Mr. Olympia, competed in a non-Olympia contest. In doing so, he obviously risks an upset by other top Pros who may have managed to improve their condition since the O.
I did see some shots and videos on another site (if anyone can find some without giant logos on them, please help out!), and while Kai just looked massive in every way, his gut just seemed to be all over the place. Now I’ve been around the sport long enough to know that the usual “food poisoning” BS is a catch all excuse for messing up conditioning on contest day, but what the heck could have gone wrong? In viewing some of the photos, as amazing as Phil looked, I still can’t help but think that if Kai ever really dialed everything in, he’d be able to edge past him.
Kind of hard to tell with the pictures and what looks like a ton of shadowed lighting. $40k or $25k up for grabs between Phil and Kai might make the trip worth the risk.
I think the lighting for the show was shitty but everyone there came in more conditioned and fuller which was great too see.
Kai was pretty flat at the olympia so I think he spilled over and it showed alot in his gut, Dennis looked like an ABSOLUTE MONSTER on stage and completely dwarfed everyone, Heath looked good too and deserved the win.
I think since the promoter for the Sheru show is ripping people off the olympia contenders all decided to pick the arnold Europe for the post olympia show which I thought was a great idea haha.
I think if kai comes is shredded AND full without spilling over he would win, He’s just too freaky but heath is VERY complete and always coms in shredded and dry. It’ll take alot to dethrone him but if anyone’s going to do it, its kai.
Roelly had some photos from the recent Olympia that just blew my mind. I remember liking his physique when he first came on the scene as a pro, but if he keeps his momentum, he’s definitely gonna be one of the ‘usual guys’ fighting for the top spots in the next few years.
@James- I know what you mean. Phil has totally done everything possible to get around his ‘narrow’ structure, but in certain poses, he still seems to suffer a bit. It’s in these shots (and in some of the ‘relaxed’ shots) where I just get angry at Kai for not bringing it.
@Zraw- no kidding. Seeing a poorly lit show really makes you appreciate the better ones.
I didn’t know of any ripping off of the competitors. Were you just referring to the payday, or something more along typical promoter behavior? I’ve certainly heard of plenty of instances where promoters get away with questionable practices assumingly because they always pay their sanction fees.
The promoter of the Sheru classic ( I think his name is something sheru lol) didnt pay ANYONE at last years even so they cancelled it this year and its always been the show the top guys at the olympia did because they were already dieted down so why not make a little extra money right!!
Well I dont know if they cancelled it but I know no one is doing it.
Roelly to me was really disappointing up until the chicago pro, He lost so much leg size and always came in flat as hell when he was with sibil but now that he’s doing his own prep he’s making waves in the top ranks. Give him a few years and he’ll be up there for sure. I think he already has the best arms in the sport today!!
