I don't know how many of you followed the Olympia, but it wasn't much different than any other year... lots of complaints about whether the new "less gut" rules would be enforced, and who would place 2nd, since Ronnie wins until he decides to retire.

However, upon looking at the prejuding pictures, I was struck by the fact that the bodybuilders fell into two distinct classes, the mass monsters, and the smaller, more aesthetic guys. I couldn't help but think, that you simply can't judge these people effectively or meaningfully against one another... it's apples v. oranges.

Why dont' they (IFBB) break the pro shows into two divisions by weight class or some other criteria? (not enough $$$ for prize money, perhaps?) For example, how about Class I (<240 lbs), and Class II (> 240 lbs.)? I would enjoy watching both classes, and I think this would avoid some of the criticism (not entirely misplaced) that some extremely quality guys are getting hosed.

From a $$$ standpoint, would this make sense? If I was a supplement company or equipment/clothing manufacturer, and I've got several pros on the dole, wouldn't it be good to have a top 5 guy from each division, rather than a top 5 guy and an "also ran"? Wouldn't this also allow the new pros who haven't put on all the extra weight to be "relatively" competitive right away?

I'd love to hear people's thoughts on whether this would make any sense, why or why not.

Lastly, kudos to the aesthetic guys... man, Melvin Anthony, Darrem Charles, Ronnie Rockel and Jimmy Jackson all looked great.

Tom

i think the real question is... who cares

untested bodybuilding is a shadow of it's former self. To assume the more aesthetic guys are on less drugs (not sure if you were implying this) is just not the case.

I'm not implying anything regarding drug use. I'm simply stating that judging such vastly different physique types doesn't seem to make alot of sense.

I understand that most people on this board are anti-steroids, and I'm fine with that (being a natural myself), but I'd be lying (as would most others) if I said that I wasn't trying to obtain a physique similar to one of the pros such as Darrem Charles or Dave Henry.

I can't obtain a pro physique, but I still enjoy watching the Pro IFBB shows.

Tom

as I also enjoy watching... I was there this year. I just didn't want you to have any illusions about it.

-Layne

I really enjoy watching the chemically gifted. It is a super-human sporting event. I don't wish I could look like that. To watch some of these guys workout is pretty cool, though.

The Gold's Gym in Arlington, TX sure has a few pros working out in the midst. I gain ten pounds just breathing the air. It's great that they're all supportive, too and will work with the chemically challenged as well.

I have no desire to use oil-based creatine, I will tell you that. I really enjoy the fact that nearly 50 and still preforming like mid-20's in many sports. Just a tad slower and 3 day recovery.

I wonder how old these guys will get to be? What good is it to gain a world title but only enjoy it just a few years after then going to the Mr. Constellation in the sky?

Frank

Steroid use or abuse? No, it's not the steriods I'm curious about, it's all of the other stuff. Ronnie is pretty straight. As I mentioned in many other posts, he competed as a natural powerlifter and in the beginning stages of body building, he spoke against the use of drugs.

Just like many other athletes, how many venture into other drugs and binges? How many already are/were suffering from the abuses?

We'll just have to wait and see what hgh does in the long run.

Frank