;bravi;Alright fans, the moment of truth. Will I beat out my fellow experts, Lonnie "they used to call me the Swami" Teper and Ron "Yogi, aka Mumbles, aka Magoo, aka I just had a feeling," Avidan? Of course! I'm the only one of the Three Stooges who is actually making predictions.
If you look at LT's video it is a preview video of some of the contenders but he makes no predictions. Ron is still out to lunch on his picks and I don't know if anyone has told him it's 2008 yet.
The Swami Prediction Video.
http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/videos/2007/lt2008ironman.wvxNow to Lonnie's defense, he is the emcee of the show and an employee of Iron Man so it would be inappropriate for him to give actual predictions. We'll be video taping an Iron Man wrap-up and Arnold predictions video on Sunday. Will he actually make a prediction this time? My swami sense of smell says nope. Ron has no excuse except for the fact that his memory lasts as long as most of my dates.
Almost as consistent as Ron's inaccurate picks is the California weather around the Iron Man. Most years it rains like crazy but it doesn't appear to be the case this year.
Another change this year is the move to LA from Pasadena. I loved the vibe of Pasadena and everything was within walking distance. I know the Iron Man crew has been working hard to make this show a success and it will be a telling for the future of this show.
Also taking place is the first NPC figure competition of the year. Many women who have graced this stage have gone on to turn pro. The registration for this show is still available. Enough with that, let's get down to my top 10 list.
IN ORDER as I SEE it shaking out this weekend:
1. Phil Heath
They don't call him "The Gift" for nothing. I've been fortunate enough to see Phil compete in every one of his bodybuilding shows. The first one years ago as a cocky NPC competitor with very little prep to the humble, much improved IFBB Pro he is today.
Click Image To Enlarge.
Phil Heath - 2007 IFBB Arnold Classic.
Phil had a tremendous off-season and has been able to retain about 15lbs of quality muscle throughout this prep. Fans will see added size to his upper-chest, delts, HUGE gains in his wheels and yes, even his back as improved. His back is still his weak point but you'll be hard pressed to find a competitor with the kind of freaky muscle he carries.
Phil Heath
Winner, 2006 Colorado Pro/Am Classic.
Photo By SecondFocus.
Week #10 - 5/16/2006
1600x1200 - 1280x1024 - 1152x864 - 1024x768 - 800x600
480x640 - 320x240 - 240x320 - 160x160 - 160x120 - 128x128
We've documented some of his training via video on FLEXonline.com as well as shoot progress photos that will run in an upcoming article in FLEX. Phil is only 28 and is the future of bodybuilding. Fans will see one of the best physiques in the world this Saturday in Phil Heath. Victory is in store!
2. Gustavo Badell
He's the highest ranked bodybuilder coming into this show but has had a few lower placings in his last couple of outings. His legs virtually disappeared on him at the Olympia and he was obviously not happy with his placings.
Click Image To Enlarge.
Gustavo Badell - 2007 IFBB Olympia.
He's been posting up some progress photos on FLEX online and looks to be dialing it in well. His hamstrings from the back appear to be lagging and calves are not what they once were. His back is great and he carries a lot of muscle.
PRO BODYBUILDING WEEKLY
Guest: Gustavo Badell
Date: 01/23/06 (Radio Show 26) - mp3 (136.9 MB)
Gustavo wanted everyone to believe he's the hardest working pro out there in his PBW interview and while I don't question his dedication, every bodybuilder is a hard worker. He's won this show before but I don't see him repeating as champ. His size will carry him through to a top 5 finish and I see him in the number two spot at this show.
http://a1703.g.akamai.net/7/1703/21836/v0001/voiceamerica.download.akamai.com/27302/wm.na-central/Solomon/Solomon012306.wma
