Any one want to post predictions for the Olympia?
Before I start this post, I want to note the following comments commonly brought up whenever stuff like the Olympia is brought up:
“Bodybuilding isn’t a sport”
“Bodybuilders are all weak, they’re not real athletes”
“Who cares about bodybuilding?”
etc etc etc…
With these comments noted, it would be nice if future posters refrained from giving them further attention.
IN any case, here are my predictions:
Ronnie vs Jay - I don’t think many doubt that Ronnie will break Lee Haney’s record this year. Chad Nicholls has said he is gonna bring him in similar to 2003 but slightly heavier. If he does this he will be unbeatable despite Jay’s efforts. The big question is, will he retire? Much as I am a fan, I certainly hope he steps aside and lets the new blood take over. He has nothing left to prove in the sport.
As for Jay, I think he knows this could very well be his last chance to take Ronnie down; and therefore will be freakier than ever. It’s funny, the Ronnie/Jay thing, they have clearly pushed one another to this next level.
Looking at the competitors this year, the top ten could be more competitive than has been seen in a long time.
OLD HANDS:
Dexter Jackson - I never got why this guy gets such big props. Yeah, he has packed substantial muscle on a smaller, more aesthetic bone structure and can get into freakish condition. But he is not completely without distention and has high lats; so how does he have such a great overall ‘package’, the thing that people seem to talk about most? In any case the judges seem to like him and third place is likely. He is also the only one (apart from Ronnie) to have beaten Jay in recent years.
Gustavo Badell - Similar in structure to Jay but has not offset it with unbelievabley wide delts the way Jay has. Was good last year and could get as high as third, but if the up-and-comers make a move he could get pushed out of the top five.
Gunther Schlienkampf - It will be interesting to see how Gunther comes in this year. Apparently he has really been working on his back and tris and he could be closely competitive with someone like Gustavo; but with his thick hips I still don’t think he is in contention for the big title; despite that infamous GNC win against Ronnie years ago.
Dennis James - KNown for looking fantastic a few weeks out and blowing it on the day. Has an awesome bone structure and is mountains of muscle, especially the chest and delts. Could easily make top five if all goes well.
Markus Ruhl - Was 5th in 2004 but came in softer and smaller after apparently trying to bring down his belly in 2005 and finished 15th. He has now the stated goal of going back to his freakish ways. His chest/trap/delt combo gives him an inhumanly powerful look from the front, but his back detail has always been a weak point. IN any case, his placing will depend heavily on whether the direction for less distension is applied.
Darrem Charles - Has a very aesthetic physique but hasn’t changed a lot over the years. It’s hard to see him placing higher than he has in the past; although the distention rule, if applied, will certainly work to his advantage.
DARK HORSES:
Victor Martinez - Presumably to Jay’s great frustration, this is the guy many are tipping as the heir apparent. This guy has the most mesomorphic structure since Sergio Oliva and could provide a unique combination of mass and aesthetics which would be tough to beat. My prediction is that he will wait till at least next year before making any big moves and playing his hand; and instead come in just a little better than last year to make top five.
Branch Warren - Has made leaps and bounds in his physique in the last couple years. While Victor, Jay and Dexter are the names most commonly brought up as the next Mr. O, this guy has a rugged, powerful look to his physique, reminiscent of Dorian Yates; and with some work could take it away from them all. I would say he is more likely to make a move sooner rather than later and a top 3 finish is not completely out of reach for this guy. Awesome, particularly in the chest and legs, the latter arguably the best in the sport at the moment.
Tony Freeman - Big and tall, another with a classic mesomorph’s physique. With a bit more muscle he could be a top contender.
What do you guys think?