[h=1]2017 Olympia Preview[/h]
The Mr. Olympia is our Super Bowl, an event where legends like Arnold, Sergio, Lee Haney, Dorian and Ronnie proved they were the best-built men on planet Earth. The sport has grown and expanded to include newer divisions in recent years that feature more diverse types of physiques. Let’s take a look at the front-runners who will be vying not only for the title of Mr. Olympia, but also the 212 and Classic Physique Olympia titles.
Open Bodybuilding
Phil Heath
Shawn: I believe Phil will win his seventh Mr. Olympia title not because he’s made dramatic changes or improvements, but because his competition is the same from a year ago. Genetically superior, Phil doesn’t face the challenges that previous Mr. Olympia winners did. For them, at any given contest, any one of five or six guys could move in on the title. Faced with this lineup, it’s a safe bet that Phil will remain ahead of the pack and reign supreme once again this September by virtue of having better genetics.
Ron:Phil has most definitely been getting gradually bigger since winning his first Mr. Olympia title in 2011. But has he been getting better? Most would say no. Phil’s midsection is no longer as flat and compact as it once was, and he also seems to have passed the point of maximum muscle mass for his bone structure. The result is a “bunched up” look that is most obvious in his front double biceps and front lat spread poses. He still slays in his rear double biceps, side shots and his mind-blowing crab most muscular pose, but is it enough to successfully ward off his challengers for another year? Ronnie Coleman recently said in his MD column that the more Olympia titles you win, the harder it is to keep winning. That sounds ironic from a man who scored eight Sandow trophies in a row, but it makes sense if you think about it. Phil is now dealing with men like Ramy, who outsizes him, Rhoden, who has prettier shape and Dexter, who is his equal with muscle maturity and detail. He may very well fend them all off once again, but it won’t be an easy task.
Shawn Rhoden
Shawn: Last year’s runner-up is relatively quiet by comparison to past Mr. Olympia runner-ups like Labrada, Gaspari, Wheeler, Levrone and myself. Little has been discussed in the way of Shawn passing Phil in this year’s lineup, yet much has been said about other athletes he beat last year. Shawn is a good bodybuilder, but to win the Mr. Olympia, Shawn would have to be GREAT! I’m of the opinion that Shawn, while having a pretty physique, lacks depth and thickness in his back. He also lacks the much-needed size in his triceps and pecs, leaving him at a disadvantage relative to the “wow factor” Phil brings in terms of fullness and overall thickness.
Ron: Placing runner-up usually means you are the favorite to win next year, but that didn’t pan out for past greats like Shawn, Flex or Kevin. Flexatron has some of the absolute best structure and shape in the IFBB, bar none. Some of his poses, like his front double biceps, are nearly flawless. And Rhoden has consistently brought stellar condition to the Mr. Olympia stage these last few years. Why isn’t he beating Phil Heath? Two words— back and triceps. Those are two of The Gift’s most powerful weapons, and neither are strong points for Rhoden. Put him next to Phil in a side chest or especially a side triceps pose, and Heath owns him. The same can be said about the back shots, where Phil has far more rugged development. Shawn has been working his tail off to bring both areas up, but few men his age (42) have ever managed to drastically improve on weak points. Rhoden’s fans, and really any fan of shape and symmetry, would love to see him trounce Phil and usurp his title. If I were a gambling man, I wouldn’t bet the farm on it.
Dexter Jackson
Shawn: Dexter is the “old man” in a lineup of guys he has already beaten at least once in his career, including Phil! At 48 years old this November, Dexter was third place a year ago, and arguably could have placed higher in the eyes of many. This future Hall of Fame Bodybuilder, who holds the 2008 Sandow on his mantle, could have one last shot at winning this title again should Phil play the size game and miss his peak. Dexter beat Shawn Rhoden immediately following the Olympia last year on more than one occasion, giving him the power to do it again on the big stage this September in Las Vegas.
Ron: You don’t win the Mr. Olympia, five Arnold Classic titles, and hold the record for all-time pro wins with 27 without having a damn near-perfect physique. And that’s what Dexter has. He checks off all the boxes for the criteria physiques in bodybuilding are judged on: mass, structure, shape, symmetry, proportion, condition and presentation. The craziest thing is that at almost 48 years old, The Blade isn’t showing any signs of deterioration. He is still in his prime, and bigger than ever. He pushed Phil just as hard in 2015 as Kai had pushed Heath for the three years prior, and many argued he should have won. Since Dexter shares many of the same qualities as Phil, he makes a formidable adversary for the younger reigning champ.
Mamdouh Elssbiay aka ‘Big Ramy’
Shawn: Ramy is in the beginning stages of the peak years of his career, and it was never more apparent than following last year’s Mr. Olympia in Kuwait, where he defeated Dexter Jackson and company on the post-Olympia tour. Ramy will be the biggest thing on the stage this year. More detail and conditioning will move him up even higher in this lineup and into the top three.
Ron: As overwhelming and impressive as Ramy is, he is proof that bigger isn’t always better. Nobody can match him on sheer mass, and his shape isn’t bad— though in shots like his front double biceps and front lat spreads, it’s not wonderful. For years now, we have been waiting for Ramy to display the finer details and quality that we refer to as “muscle maturity.” While there are glimmers of improvement in that area, he still has a long way to go to match men like Phil and Dexter. After fourth place at the 2016 Mr. Olympia, he had runner-up finishes to William Bonac in Prague and Dexter at the Arnold Europe, then beat Dexter in his native Kuwait, of all places. Because he came in flat for the Friday judging and looked far better for the Saturday finals at the Olympia, many fans thought he could have been as high as second, with rabid Ramy followers feeling he was the rightful winner. I was there, and I can say with absolutely zero bias that such an outcome was never a possibility. Ramy is very good, and if he has more detail and both Dexter and Rhoden are off their game, he could be as high as second place.
William Bonac
Shawn: William showed us his all-time best last year. He was big, round and full, with shape and balance, which rocketed him into the top five. I commented a year ago that if William had eaten one more potato, he would have spilled over. William, being the shortest of the top six, seems to have maxed out on size, which means he needs to be careful or he could spill over and smooth out, effectively taking him out of the top five. Refinement, cardio and detail will help make William appear even bigger in this lineup should he come in better condition. However, only William knows which look he will be comfortable with. He had better choose wisely, or it could cost him a placing or two.
Ron: This guy was the biggest surprise of last year’s Olympia. The Giant Killer from Ghana, all 5’5” and 230 pounds of him, stormed into the elite top five, beating much larger men like Cedric, Roelly and Dallas in the process, with a package of ultra-dense mass and crystal-clear condition. The real shocker came a couple of weeks later in Prague, where William trounced everyone at the O who had beat him except Phil— as in Rhoden, Dexter and Ramy. He packs a ton of muscle on a small frame with very pleasing shape. The only physique issues he seems to suffer from are structural: a relatively short torso that can make his waist look blocky in certain poses, and a midsection that can protrude if he doesn’t pay strict attention. Still, Bonac could and should wind up in the top five once more.
Cedric McMillan
Shawn: He is the “X-factor” once again, should Cedric decide to compete. Cedric, winner of this year’s Arnold Classic Ohio, looked phenomenal. However, he was challenged in last year’s Olympia and would surely be tested if he jumps back into this year’s version. If he does, I believe he could move up and past Roelly Winklaar, who is competing too heavy and should have beaten him last year. Cedric could be as high as fifth place and as low as sixth in my book.
Ron: Cedric’s Arnold Classic win early this season was a victory for those who staunchly believe in the importance of shape, symmetry, proportion and presentation. Big Mac is a unique individual with a one-of-a-kind physique, an updated throwback to the classic days of Arnold, Serge Nubret and Frank Zane with modern mass, yet the same tiny waist. Excited talk after his payday in Columbus speculated as to how well he could do if he could bring more clearly striated glutes and hams to the O in September. The assumption there is that Cedric is willing to play anyone else’s game. Having spoken with him many times, I can assure you that he strives to bring the look he considers best, which isn’t exactly what the judges might want to see. So if he doesn’t bring the insane condition it would take to bring down shredded types like Phil and Dexter, don’t be surprised. There are many who find Cedric’s look just about perfect, striated glutes or not. Arnold put it this way: who would you rather look like? That’s not how the Mr. Olympia is judged, but it’s why McMillan has droves of loyal fans around the world.
Roelly Winklaar
Shawn: I’ve said it in the past and I will say it again: Roelly, you’re competing too HEAVY! Roelly has all the muscle in the world, but each year is coming in softer and softer, especially in the quads and midsection. He sweats profusely onstage, which indicates he’s carrying too much water. The Dutch Beast also loses control of his midsection the deeper into prejudging he goes. The color mixed with the sweat leaves him a mess on the biggest stage in our sport. My advice is, “Come in lighter, practice your mandatory poses, and do lot and lots of cardio!”
Ron: For a minute there, it seemed as if The Dutch Beast had destroyed his physique by doing what so many others in search of mega mass before him had done— blown out his midsection to full-term pregnancy levels. Somehow, he managed to get it back under control in time for the 2016 season. Roelly is one of the very few who can hang with Heath when it comes to round, full muscles that hang off the bone. But even when in his best condition, his enormous quads lack the separation and detail seen throughout his upper body. That’s a liability he shares with Ramy, and it’s a big reason why a top-five slot at the big show has thus far eluded him.
Lionel Beyeke
Shawn: Lionel ended the year with a win in San Marino, a small republic near Italy— but we are hard pressed to remember who he beat. That said, he won a decisive contest but it was short of Olympia material, leaving a lot of questions unanswered with respect to what he can actually do in a Mr. Olympia lineup. These questions will be answered in September. However, Lionel will have to be 100 percent healthy, as he had some issues in the past, and can ill afford to go into this contest at less than his absolute best in order to crack the top 10.
Ron: I tell you what, I hadn’t been right up in the front row (in this case, a good 15 feet closer than the judges) for a show before this past Arnold Classic for quite some time, and seeing Lionel Beyeke up close for the first time made me really appreciate what a fantastic physique this guy has. The crazy round and full muscle bellies remind me so much of Flex Wheeler. His condition there from the front was perfect, hard as nails. It just wasn’t the same from the back, more so the waist down than the back. You just don’t get into the top five at the Olympia without near-flawless condition from head to toe and front to back. If he finally brings that, I could see this man as a great bet for the top five. Beyond that, there are just too many other excellent physiques in his way.
Nathan De asha
Shawn: A year ago, Nathan was left “wanting” on the Mr. Olympia stage— out of the top 10. Some had him at least 10[SUP]th[/SUP] place, but he’s still a work in progress. Nathan will need to bring up his back and dial in his conditioning to get noticed. He lacks the “wow factor” of some others, so he will have to show the judges that he has improved or he could be left out once again. In my book, he cracks the top 10 this year.
Ron: As far as I am concerned, I definitely had Nathan somewhere around ninth or 10[SUP]th[/SUP] place last year. I agree with Shawn that his back isn’t quite where it needs to be yet, but he strikes me as both intensely determined and a gut-busting hard worker in the gym. He’s also got the Camel Crew in his corner. Excellent delts, chest and arms; could use better hams. I can see him somewhere in the sixth to ninth range this year.
Brandon Curry
Shawn: The 2017 Arnold Classic Australia and New Zealand Pro champion found his way into the Mr. Olympia once again by way of winning. Brandon had spent the better part of five months training in Kuwait over the past year to improve, and it’s been paying off dividends. At a mere 5’6”, he is looking to add more size with the help of the Camel Crew. That could be a mistake, considering he vanquished much larger foes earlier this year, including Maxx Charles. I hate to be redundant, but conditioning will play a role in Brandon’s placing more than anything else.
Ron: I can’t argue that, because I always felt Brandon would have been doing better all along if he just showed up in shape most if not all of the time. He did look vastly improved this spring, and now has the level of mass to hang with the big dogs at the Olympia to go along with his superb shape. I need to see him in killer shape a couple more times before I will be convinced he’s solved his condition issues for good. I sure hope he brings the cuts to Las Vegas, because it would be very interesting to see how he fares on that ultimate stage with the new size he picked up over in Kuwait over the winter and early spring.
Victor Martinez
Shawn: The Dominican Dominator has found his way back to the Mr. Olympia stage by way of victory in the new Muscle Mayhem Show in Missouri this past June. Victor, who is now well over 40, will have his work cut out for him to remain in the top 10. He may get there this year not because of how good he is, but because of who is missing from this year’s lineup. Not much to say here regarding Victor, other than it appears that time is catching up with him. Victor needs more leg volume and detail in the hams, as well as more ab detail and control. Time will tell if he can struggle to stay in the top 10 against this year’s group of athletes.
Ron: Victor is 44 years old now, which doesn’t seem to be anything like what being 44 meant in this sport not so long ago. I was very impressed with Victor’s look at the Muscle Mayhem show— very close to the old Vic in his prime circa 2007, without the same thickness and fullness in the legs. You need to be complete and balanced to get past most of the lineup at this show. Here’s to hoping Vic is able to bring a little more to his legs by then, because not only does he have one of the best physiques of his generation, but he’s also a really good guy who’s been through more crap than anyone else in the sport I can think of.
Maxx Charles
Shawn: Big Maxx will struggle to make top 10, as it appears his hamstrings and leg separation have yet to appear on the big stage where he needs them most. Big and wide, but missing some key ingredients to elevate himself to the upper echelon in this event.
Ron: Maxx has some insanely thick and dense muscle mass, especially in his shoulders, chest and arms. He also has brought diced condition to his last few outings, proving he is a worthy adversary. His wheels are still a work in progress that don’t quite match his massive upper body. At this level, that will hold you back. I see him somewhere around 10[SUP]th[/SUP] to 15[SUP]th[/SUP] place unless he’s managed to beef up the quads and hams more since the spring.
Josh Lenartowicz
Recent photos of the massive Australian show an entirely new and bigger beast. Josh already had jaw-dropping quads and delts, but now everything else is catching up fast. Josh may not have the prettiest shape, but like his inspiration, Dorian, he brings loads of thick muscle with etched-out condition. Look for him to move up from last year’s ninth place.
212 Division
Flex Lewis
Shawn: Flex wins again on the basis of simply being in a class of his own. The chest is still relatively weak by comparison to other body parts, but this lineup is not deep enough to expose it— thereby allowing him to defend and retain his winning ways in this division. Lewis hasn’t changed much over the years sans the muscle maturity, but each year— like Phil Heath in the open Mr. Olympia— is not being challenged by guys capable of taking his title.
Ron: Flex Lewis has five 212 Olympia titles, and I don’t see anyone stopping him from picking up number six this time. You can knock little things about his physique— he’s not the widest guy, and his back could still be wider and thicker— but his overall package of thick, round mass, flowing lines and symmetry, and condition is pretty much unbeatable. Like Dexter Jackson before him, Flex set such a high standard for his condition for years that even when he’s a tad off, he’s still more shredded than most of the lineup. There’s been talk for a couple of years now about Flex leaving the 212 division behind and moving up to the open. And truth be told, to my eyes he always seems to look better a few weeks out at about 225. Sucking down to 212 takes away a substantial amount of his muscle fullness. Yet even so, the package he brings to the stage every September is too much for his rivals to handle.
Ahmad Ashkanani
Shawn: Clearly the surprise of the division and a welcome one at that. From the amateurs to the pros, Ahmad has been nothing but consistent and impressive. He’s wide as a house, and shows up in shape. Ahmad slayed the Arnold Classic lineup, and put to rest the “what ifs” with respect to what he is capable of accomplishing in the pros. If he has plans to defeat Flex Lewis, he will need to be shredded— and will suffer on his diet in hopes of winning on condition and not size. Due to his short statue, he will battle “spilling over” and holding water if he tries to play the size game. Needs fuller hamstrings. Still, he’s in my top two.
Ron: Ahmad has won two out of the three pro shows he’s done so far, and the only man who’s beaten him is Flex. That being said, a best-ever David Henry did almost edge him out back at the Arnold Classic in March. Ahmad has one thing that very few 212 competitors, and particularly those on the shorter side (he’s 5’3”) possess: tremendous clavicle and back width. I don’t want to say he’s been winning based on his superior back, but it’s clearly his strong point. His chest, shoulders and arms are also excellent, and his legs from the side look great. Ahmad still needs thicker quads with better sweep. Simply put, you don’t beat Flex Lewis without having a pair of damn good wheels, and last I saw, Ashkanani’s legs from the front still had room for improvement. The Camel Crew has done some incredible things with athletes in a short time, so let’s see if they can pull this one off!
Jose Raymond
Shawn: Like a few guys in the open class, Jose is not battling the other competitors, but rather Father Time and injuries. Jose has won everything he’s competed in with the exception of this Olympia Showdown, and like a slew of guys before him, may never taste victory here. Bad knee, soft and aging Jose will struggle to remain top five here.
Ron: My man, The Boston Mass! Jose has been in the top four of this show every year since 2010, and managed to beat everyone except Flex in 2015. There is a reason for his consistently high placings. Jose is built like a tank, and brings crisp, grainy condition year after year. His thickness is unparalleled, with his arms, shoulders, legs and back all being standouts. It’s true that he doesn’t have the narrowest waist, and lacks the clear, deep muscle separation displayed by men like Flex, David Henry and Eduardo Correa, but he still brings a package of striations and vascularity that all hardcore fans appreciate. Jose is always in the mix at the Olympia.
Eduardo Correa
Shawn: Arguably one of the most peeled and detailed of the athletes, yet when he hits the stage, the fullness needed to compete works against him. Eduardo is vascular and detailed, yet he still lacks in the hams and the quad sweeps. He has a tiny waist, yet needs to control his breathing onstage to not show stomach distention between poses. Eduardo’s is always a physique to marvel at, yet a tad slight on the muscular side leaves him looking good but not great.
Ron: The Brazilian should first be commended for his tremendous consistency. In seven appearances at the Olympia, he has never placed out of the top five, with three third-place spots and a runner-up in 2014. He has never failed to show up in anything less than top-notch condition, peeled and grainy, to complement his excellent package of mass and shape. Even tearing his right triceps 14 days out from the 2013 Olympia didn’t stop him from getting onstage in Vegas and battling for the title. He’s got one of the best physiques in the 212 division, and is always a man the other guys need to watch out for.
David Henry
Shawn: The original 202-pound Olympia Showdown winner has showed “flashes” of brilliance like at this year’s Arnold Classic Ohio, but Ahmad Ashkanani vanquished Henry’s victory plans. David, with arguably the best back in the business and world-class arms, battles issues with retaining leg mass on the day of the show. This is where he falls behind, and can’t catch the younger guys like Flex and Ahmad.
Ron: He was the first Olympia 202 champion back in 2008, and the U.S. Air Force veteran is still kicking ass and taking names. In fact, in early March I watched him very nearly— some say clearly— take out 212 O favorite Ashkanani at the Arnold Classic. The Giant Killer has that rare blend of full, round, “bubbly” muscle mass along with striking detail, his entire upper body virtually a storm of grooves and striations carving up the thick muscles of his back, chest, delts and arms. There’s a reason he’s been runner-up at the O four times so far. He’s just that damn good. His only major flaw also happens to confirm a popular theory, that quadriceps sweep is almost entirely genetic in the same way that biceps peak is. Having seen David train both on video and in person, I am certain his lack of quad sweep isn’t for lack of trying. Regardless, the rest of his physique is jaw dropping
Ronny Rockel
Shawn: Ronny has had a resurgence in the 212 division, however I believe he is the benefactor of choosing the right contests to get to the Olympia Showdown. Ronny is a good bodybuilder with wins in the open pro division, and he’s an Olympia veteran. This 212 class is better suited for him, and he should find himself well within the top five finalists. Nothing amazing, but pleasantly put together when he controls his stomach. Problem areas are smooth hams and glutes.
Ron: Here is a guy who I thought was well on his way out of the sport, yet shocked me with two strong back-to-back wins in May in New York and Toronto. All kinds of dense, mature muscle mass, with no weak body parts. I have to agree with Shawn about the hams and glutes. Everyone we’ve mentioned so far gearing up for the 212 Olympia has abundant grooves and striations carved out in their glutes and hams, consistently. Without that, Ronny won’t have a chance at beating that crew.
Ricardo Correia
Shawn: Based on his last two shows, Ricardo has impressed me so much that I believe he will be in the top six at his first Olympia appearance. Great lines and excellent muscle bellies. This is one guy that will instantly make the lineup more exciting.
Ron: I barely had any idea who Ricardo “Rude Boy” Correia was until he won back-to-back titles at the Chicago and Vancouver Pro shows this summer. He has that rare combination of size, shape and balance that makes him an instant threat. It’s true that he has yet to stand next to any of the perennial 212 elite at the O, but I think this Brit by way of Cape Verde, an island country off the coast of West Africa, will more than hold his own.
Hide Yamagishi
Shawn: Hide, like Jose, is fighting for his life on these contest stages and the battles, again, are against Father Time and not other competitors. Hide will struggle to dry out while making improvements that time may prevent from happening.
Ron: Hide has been at this for a dozen years as a pro now, and things seem to be hit or miss in recent years. Hide came down from the open to battle as a 212 in the 2014 season, and it’s always been problematic for him to maintain fullness as a 212. At times he shows up flat, which takes away his “pop” and keeps him out of the running. If he can bring the full and shredded look that we’ve seen a few times, Hide will definitely be in the fight.
Classic Physique
Dan Hester
Shawn: The defending champion from 2016 was a perfect choice to represent this division. Like Dexter Jackson, he’s been winning the battle against Father Time at 48 years old. Perfectly packaged Danny has the advantage of appreciation for the art of posing, and highlights his physique better than most. Few others in the lineup of guys have the completeness of Danny.
Ron: I have known Danny since 1991 and consider him a friend, but I am not sure he will be able to fend off this new crop of Classic competitors gunning for his title. He has the structure, shape and condition to pull it off, but this year his rivals have had a full year to improve and attempt to beat him. Danny is a great representative for the Classic Physique title, and I would love to see him hold on to it one more time.
Shawn: The old-school fans are excited in a different way than last year’s old-man Levrone’s comeback, because Flex hasn’t made ridiculous claims like Kevin did, predicting victory! Flex has quietly gotten off the retirement couch and lumbered his way into respectable shape for a 52-year old former three-time Mr. Olympia runner-up and four-time Arnold Classic winner. That said, Classic Physique is not bodybuilding as we know it, where Flex was killing the game. Flex “lite” may not have the same wow factor, nor will he accentuate those small joints with full muscle roundness and fullness. Following years of medical issues and a kidney transplant, I don’t have any expectations of the impact of the Flex Wheeler factor, and I believe that anything in the top 10 would be remarkable but not realistic. His body is tattooed from front to back, and will be hard to examine objectively. Flex will get points for simply going through with competing, but lose points for getting manhandled by guys we have barely even heard of. Prediction: out of top 10.
Ron: Last year, the big hype around the open Mr. O centered around the comeback of Kevin Levrone at age 52, after 13 years away from the stage. This year, another Hall of Famer returns to the stage at the same age, 14 years post-retirement: Flex Wheeler. Flex was always known for his superb shape and symmetry, and his serious health issues toward the end of his career are well documented. That’s why it wasn’t a complete shock that he announced his comeback would be in the new Classic Physique division, where those qualities are prized, and the weight limit for his height would be 210, the lowest he has competed at since winning the California title as a light-heavy back in 1989. How will he look at this age and having been out of the game so long? That’s the million-dollar question so many of us want to find out the answer to. Unlike Shawn, I do see him in the top 10.
Arash Rahbar
Ron: Arash was the runner-up at the premiere Classic Physique Olympia last fall, and for good reason. The Long Islander by way of Iran packs 205 pounds of shapely, proportionate mass on his 5’10” structure, with a level of size and muscularity even hardcore fans can appreciate.
Sadik Hadzovic
Ron: After two consecutive years placing runner-up to Jeremy Buendia, this other Long Islander by way of war-torn Bosnia made the switch over the Classic, where at last we could see his impressive thigh development. He appeared taller and lankier, yet still managed to land in the top three at his first Olympia outing in Classic Physique. Recent photos show that Sadik has gained appreciable mass in his upper body since then, so it should be interesting to see how that impacts his overall look.
Breon Ansley
Shawn: This kid won in New York Pro this past May, and arguably could have beaten Danny a year ago. Breon is a legit contender to the throne. He has a complete, throwback physique, he’s an excellent poser and he’s conditioned with excellent musculature. Look for Breon to remain top three and battle for the title.
Ron: Breon impressed the hell out of me in New York. With no disrespect at all to the other competitors, this is who I see as pushing Hester hardest for the win. The guy is just put together right and knows exactly how to show it all off.
Chris Bumstead
Shawn: Really, nice classic build. Chris is a tad soft in areas, but he’s pleasing to watch. He pulls off the rarely seen vacuum pose in his front double biceps and lat spread, and has quality muscle fullness. Should raise some eyebrows and shake up a few people in this lineup.
Ron: I saw Chris win in Toronto back in May, and it was one of those cases where it was him— and everyone else. None of the other top contenders for the O title were there except Darrem Charles, though. I love his shape and lines, and the kid (age 22) has arguably the best legs in this entire division. He still needs more upper body thickness to balance out those wheels.
Robert Timms
Shawn: Tall and slender with a lanky, athletic appeal. Robert looks to be 6 feet tall, yet he’s flexible, lean and muscular. He has a tiny waist and is surprisingly proportionate. Should be hard to miss in this field.
Ron: Robert’s height, just as with Bumstead, will indeed have him “head and shoulders” above the mostly under 5’9” lineup. That can also be a liability, as they will appear thicker and more muscular. As with many other taller men, leg mass is an issue. It’s going to be tough for him to contend for a top spot until he gets those wheels larger.
The Mr. Olympia is our Super Bowl, an event where legends like Arnold, Sergio, Lee Haney, Dorian and Ronnie proved they were the best-built men on planet Earth. The sport has grown and expanded to include newer divisions in recent years that feature more diverse types of physiques. Let’s take a look at the front-runners who will be vying not only for the title of Mr. Olympia, but also the 212 and Classic Physique Olympia titles.
Open Bodybuilding
Shawn: I believe Phil will win his seventh Mr. Olympia title not because he’s made dramatic changes or improvements, but because his competition is the same from a year ago. Genetically superior, Phil doesn’t face the challenges that previous Mr. Olympia winners did. For them, at any given contest, any one of five or six guys could move in on the title. Faced with this lineup, it’s a safe bet that Phil will remain ahead of the pack and reign supreme once again this September by virtue of having better genetics.
Ron:Phil has most definitely been getting gradually bigger since winning his first Mr. Olympia title in 2011. But has he been getting better? Most would say no. Phil’s midsection is no longer as flat and compact as it once was, and he also seems to have passed the point of maximum muscle mass for his bone structure. The result is a “bunched up” look that is most obvious in his front double biceps and front lat spread poses. He still slays in his rear double biceps, side shots and his mind-blowing crab most muscular pose, but is it enough to successfully ward off his challengers for another year? Ronnie Coleman recently said in his MD column that the more Olympia titles you win, the harder it is to keep winning. That sounds ironic from a man who scored eight Sandow trophies in a row, but it makes sense if you think about it. Phil is now dealing with men like Ramy, who outsizes him, Rhoden, who has prettier shape and Dexter, who is his equal with muscle maturity and detail. He may very well fend them all off once again, but it won’t be an easy task.
Shawn: Last year’s runner-up is relatively quiet by comparison to past Mr. Olympia runner-ups like Labrada, Gaspari, Wheeler, Levrone and myself. Little has been discussed in the way of Shawn passing Phil in this year’s lineup, yet much has been said about other athletes he beat last year. Shawn is a good bodybuilder, but to win the Mr. Olympia, Shawn would have to be GREAT! I’m of the opinion that Shawn, while having a pretty physique, lacks depth and thickness in his back. He also lacks the much-needed size in his triceps and pecs, leaving him at a disadvantage relative to the “wow factor” Phil brings in terms of fullness and overall thickness.
Ron: Placing runner-up usually means you are the favorite to win next year, but that didn’t pan out for past greats like Shawn, Flex or Kevin. Flexatron has some of the absolute best structure and shape in the IFBB, bar none. Some of his poses, like his front double biceps, are nearly flawless. And Rhoden has consistently brought stellar condition to the Mr. Olympia stage these last few years. Why isn’t he beating Phil Heath? Two words— back and triceps. Those are two of The Gift’s most powerful weapons, and neither are strong points for Rhoden. Put him next to Phil in a side chest or especially a side triceps pose, and Heath owns him. The same can be said about the back shots, where Phil has far more rugged development. Shawn has been working his tail off to bring both areas up, but few men his age (42) have ever managed to drastically improve on weak points. Rhoden’s fans, and really any fan of shape and symmetry, would love to see him trounce Phil and usurp his title. If I were a gambling man, I wouldn’t bet the farm on it.
Shawn: Dexter is the “old man” in a lineup of guys he has already beaten at least once in his career, including Phil! At 48 years old this November, Dexter was third place a year ago, and arguably could have placed higher in the eyes of many. This future Hall of Fame Bodybuilder, who holds the 2008 Sandow on his mantle, could have one last shot at winning this title again should Phil play the size game and miss his peak. Dexter beat Shawn Rhoden immediately following the Olympia last year on more than one occasion, giving him the power to do it again on the big stage this September in Las Vegas.
Ron: You don’t win the Mr. Olympia, five Arnold Classic titles, and hold the record for all-time pro wins with 27 without having a damn near-perfect physique. And that’s what Dexter has. He checks off all the boxes for the criteria physiques in bodybuilding are judged on: mass, structure, shape, symmetry, proportion, condition and presentation. The craziest thing is that at almost 48 years old, The Blade isn’t showing any signs of deterioration. He is still in his prime, and bigger than ever. He pushed Phil just as hard in 2015 as Kai had pushed Heath for the three years prior, and many argued he should have won. Since Dexter shares many of the same qualities as Phil, he makes a formidable adversary for the younger reigning champ.
Shawn: Ramy is in the beginning stages of the peak years of his career, and it was never more apparent than following last year’s Mr. Olympia in Kuwait, where he defeated Dexter Jackson and company on the post-Olympia tour. Ramy will be the biggest thing on the stage this year. More detail and conditioning will move him up even higher in this lineup and into the top three.
Ron: As overwhelming and impressive as Ramy is, he is proof that bigger isn’t always better. Nobody can match him on sheer mass, and his shape isn’t bad— though in shots like his front double biceps and front lat spreads, it’s not wonderful. For years now, we have been waiting for Ramy to display the finer details and quality that we refer to as “muscle maturity.” While there are glimmers of improvement in that area, he still has a long way to go to match men like Phil and Dexter. After fourth place at the 2016 Mr. Olympia, he had runner-up finishes to William Bonac in Prague and Dexter at the Arnold Europe, then beat Dexter in his native Kuwait, of all places. Because he came in flat for the Friday judging and looked far better for the Saturday finals at the Olympia, many fans thought he could have been as high as second, with rabid Ramy followers feeling he was the rightful winner. I was there, and I can say with absolutely zero bias that such an outcome was never a possibility. Ramy is very good, and if he has more detail and both Dexter and Rhoden are off their game, he could be as high as second place.
Shawn: William showed us his all-time best last year. He was big, round and full, with shape and balance, which rocketed him into the top five. I commented a year ago that if William had eaten one more potato, he would have spilled over. William, being the shortest of the top six, seems to have maxed out on size, which means he needs to be careful or he could spill over and smooth out, effectively taking him out of the top five. Refinement, cardio and detail will help make William appear even bigger in this lineup should he come in better condition. However, only William knows which look he will be comfortable with. He had better choose wisely, or it could cost him a placing or two.
Ron: This guy was the biggest surprise of last year’s Olympia. The Giant Killer from Ghana, all 5’5” and 230 pounds of him, stormed into the elite top five, beating much larger men like Cedric, Roelly and Dallas in the process, with a package of ultra-dense mass and crystal-clear condition. The real shocker came a couple of weeks later in Prague, where William trounced everyone at the O who had beat him except Phil— as in Rhoden, Dexter and Ramy. He packs a ton of muscle on a small frame with very pleasing shape. The only physique issues he seems to suffer from are structural: a relatively short torso that can make his waist look blocky in certain poses, and a midsection that can protrude if he doesn’t pay strict attention. Still, Bonac could and should wind up in the top five once more.
Shawn: He is the “X-factor” once again, should Cedric decide to compete. Cedric, winner of this year’s Arnold Classic Ohio, looked phenomenal. However, he was challenged in last year’s Olympia and would surely be tested if he jumps back into this year’s version. If he does, I believe he could move up and past Roelly Winklaar, who is competing too heavy and should have beaten him last year. Cedric could be as high as fifth place and as low as sixth in my book.
Ron: Cedric’s Arnold Classic win early this season was a victory for those who staunchly believe in the importance of shape, symmetry, proportion and presentation. Big Mac is a unique individual with a one-of-a-kind physique, an updated throwback to the classic days of Arnold, Serge Nubret and Frank Zane with modern mass, yet the same tiny waist. Excited talk after his payday in Columbus speculated as to how well he could do if he could bring more clearly striated glutes and hams to the O in September. The assumption there is that Cedric is willing to play anyone else’s game. Having spoken with him many times, I can assure you that he strives to bring the look he considers best, which isn’t exactly what the judges might want to see. So if he doesn’t bring the insane condition it would take to bring down shredded types like Phil and Dexter, don’t be surprised. There are many who find Cedric’s look just about perfect, striated glutes or not. Arnold put it this way: who would you rather look like? That’s not how the Mr. Olympia is judged, but it’s why McMillan has droves of loyal fans around the world.
Shawn: I’ve said it in the past and I will say it again: Roelly, you’re competing too HEAVY! Roelly has all the muscle in the world, but each year is coming in softer and softer, especially in the quads and midsection. He sweats profusely onstage, which indicates he’s carrying too much water. The Dutch Beast also loses control of his midsection the deeper into prejudging he goes. The color mixed with the sweat leaves him a mess on the biggest stage in our sport. My advice is, “Come in lighter, practice your mandatory poses, and do lot and lots of cardio!”
Ron: For a minute there, it seemed as if The Dutch Beast had destroyed his physique by doing what so many others in search of mega mass before him had done— blown out his midsection to full-term pregnancy levels. Somehow, he managed to get it back under control in time for the 2016 season. Roelly is one of the very few who can hang with Heath when it comes to round, full muscles that hang off the bone. But even when in his best condition, his enormous quads lack the separation and detail seen throughout his upper body. That’s a liability he shares with Ramy, and it’s a big reason why a top-five slot at the big show has thus far eluded him.
Shawn: Lionel ended the year with a win in San Marino, a small republic near Italy— but we are hard pressed to remember who he beat. That said, he won a decisive contest but it was short of Olympia material, leaving a lot of questions unanswered with respect to what he can actually do in a Mr. Olympia lineup. These questions will be answered in September. However, Lionel will have to be 100 percent healthy, as he had some issues in the past, and can ill afford to go into this contest at less than his absolute best in order to crack the top 10.
Ron: I tell you what, I hadn’t been right up in the front row (in this case, a good 15 feet closer than the judges) for a show before this past Arnold Classic for quite some time, and seeing Lionel Beyeke up close for the first time made me really appreciate what a fantastic physique this guy has. The crazy round and full muscle bellies remind me so much of Flex Wheeler. His condition there from the front was perfect, hard as nails. It just wasn’t the same from the back, more so the waist down than the back. You just don’t get into the top five at the Olympia without near-flawless condition from head to toe and front to back. If he finally brings that, I could see this man as a great bet for the top five. Beyond that, there are just too many other excellent physiques in his way.
Shawn: A year ago, Nathan was left “wanting” on the Mr. Olympia stage— out of the top 10. Some had him at least 10[SUP]th[/SUP] place, but he’s still a work in progress. Nathan will need to bring up his back and dial in his conditioning to get noticed. He lacks the “wow factor” of some others, so he will have to show the judges that he has improved or he could be left out once again. In my book, he cracks the top 10 this year.
Ron: As far as I am concerned, I definitely had Nathan somewhere around ninth or 10[SUP]th[/SUP] place last year. I agree with Shawn that his back isn’t quite where it needs to be yet, but he strikes me as both intensely determined and a gut-busting hard worker in the gym. He’s also got the Camel Crew in his corner. Excellent delts, chest and arms; could use better hams. I can see him somewhere in the sixth to ninth range this year.
Shawn: The 2017 Arnold Classic Australia and New Zealand Pro champion found his way into the Mr. Olympia once again by way of winning. Brandon had spent the better part of five months training in Kuwait over the past year to improve, and it’s been paying off dividends. At a mere 5’6”, he is looking to add more size with the help of the Camel Crew. That could be a mistake, considering he vanquished much larger foes earlier this year, including Maxx Charles. I hate to be redundant, but conditioning will play a role in Brandon’s placing more than anything else.
Ron: I can’t argue that, because I always felt Brandon would have been doing better all along if he just showed up in shape most if not all of the time. He did look vastly improved this spring, and now has the level of mass to hang with the big dogs at the Olympia to go along with his superb shape. I need to see him in killer shape a couple more times before I will be convinced he’s solved his condition issues for good. I sure hope he brings the cuts to Las Vegas, because it would be very interesting to see how he fares on that ultimate stage with the new size he picked up over in Kuwait over the winter and early spring.
Shawn: The Dominican Dominator has found his way back to the Mr. Olympia stage by way of victory in the new Muscle Mayhem Show in Missouri this past June. Victor, who is now well over 40, will have his work cut out for him to remain in the top 10. He may get there this year not because of how good he is, but because of who is missing from this year’s lineup. Not much to say here regarding Victor, other than it appears that time is catching up with him. Victor needs more leg volume and detail in the hams, as well as more ab detail and control. Time will tell if he can struggle to stay in the top 10 against this year’s group of athletes.
Ron: Victor is 44 years old now, which doesn’t seem to be anything like what being 44 meant in this sport not so long ago. I was very impressed with Victor’s look at the Muscle Mayhem show— very close to the old Vic in his prime circa 2007, without the same thickness and fullness in the legs. You need to be complete and balanced to get past most of the lineup at this show. Here’s to hoping Vic is able to bring a little more to his legs by then, because not only does he have one of the best physiques of his generation, but he’s also a really good guy who’s been through more crap than anyone else in the sport I can think of.
Shawn: Big Maxx will struggle to make top 10, as it appears his hamstrings and leg separation have yet to appear on the big stage where he needs them most. Big and wide, but missing some key ingredients to elevate himself to the upper echelon in this event.
Ron: Maxx has some insanely thick and dense muscle mass, especially in his shoulders, chest and arms. He also has brought diced condition to his last few outings, proving he is a worthy adversary. His wheels are still a work in progress that don’t quite match his massive upper body. At this level, that will hold you back. I see him somewhere around 10[SUP]th[/SUP] to 15[SUP]th[/SUP] place unless he’s managed to beef up the quads and hams more since the spring.
Recent photos of the massive Australian show an entirely new and bigger beast. Josh already had jaw-dropping quads and delts, but now everything else is catching up fast. Josh may not have the prettiest shape, but like his inspiration, Dorian, he brings loads of thick muscle with etched-out condition. Look for him to move up from last year’s ninth place.
212 Division
Shawn: Flex wins again on the basis of simply being in a class of his own. The chest is still relatively weak by comparison to other body parts, but this lineup is not deep enough to expose it— thereby allowing him to defend and retain his winning ways in this division. Lewis hasn’t changed much over the years sans the muscle maturity, but each year— like Phil Heath in the open Mr. Olympia— is not being challenged by guys capable of taking his title.
Ron: Flex Lewis has five 212 Olympia titles, and I don’t see anyone stopping him from picking up number six this time. You can knock little things about his physique— he’s not the widest guy, and his back could still be wider and thicker— but his overall package of thick, round mass, flowing lines and symmetry, and condition is pretty much unbeatable. Like Dexter Jackson before him, Flex set such a high standard for his condition for years that even when he’s a tad off, he’s still more shredded than most of the lineup. There’s been talk for a couple of years now about Flex leaving the 212 division behind and moving up to the open. And truth be told, to my eyes he always seems to look better a few weeks out at about 225. Sucking down to 212 takes away a substantial amount of his muscle fullness. Yet even so, the package he brings to the stage every September is too much for his rivals to handle.
Shawn: Clearly the surprise of the division and a welcome one at that. From the amateurs to the pros, Ahmad has been nothing but consistent and impressive. He’s wide as a house, and shows up in shape. Ahmad slayed the Arnold Classic lineup, and put to rest the “what ifs” with respect to what he is capable of accomplishing in the pros. If he has plans to defeat Flex Lewis, he will need to be shredded— and will suffer on his diet in hopes of winning on condition and not size. Due to his short statue, he will battle “spilling over” and holding water if he tries to play the size game. Needs fuller hamstrings. Still, he’s in my top two.
Ron: Ahmad has won two out of the three pro shows he’s done so far, and the only man who’s beaten him is Flex. That being said, a best-ever David Henry did almost edge him out back at the Arnold Classic in March. Ahmad has one thing that very few 212 competitors, and particularly those on the shorter side (he’s 5’3”) possess: tremendous clavicle and back width. I don’t want to say he’s been winning based on his superior back, but it’s clearly his strong point. His chest, shoulders and arms are also excellent, and his legs from the side look great. Ahmad still needs thicker quads with better sweep. Simply put, you don’t beat Flex Lewis without having a pair of damn good wheels, and last I saw, Ashkanani’s legs from the front still had room for improvement. The Camel Crew has done some incredible things with athletes in a short time, so let’s see if they can pull this one off!
Shawn: Like a few guys in the open class, Jose is not battling the other competitors, but rather Father Time and injuries. Jose has won everything he’s competed in with the exception of this Olympia Showdown, and like a slew of guys before him, may never taste victory here. Bad knee, soft and aging Jose will struggle to remain top five here.
Ron: My man, The Boston Mass! Jose has been in the top four of this show every year since 2010, and managed to beat everyone except Flex in 2015. There is a reason for his consistently high placings. Jose is built like a tank, and brings crisp, grainy condition year after year. His thickness is unparalleled, with his arms, shoulders, legs and back all being standouts. It’s true that he doesn’t have the narrowest waist, and lacks the clear, deep muscle separation displayed by men like Flex, David Henry and Eduardo Correa, but he still brings a package of striations and vascularity that all hardcore fans appreciate. Jose is always in the mix at the Olympia.
Shawn: Arguably one of the most peeled and detailed of the athletes, yet when he hits the stage, the fullness needed to compete works against him. Eduardo is vascular and detailed, yet he still lacks in the hams and the quad sweeps. He has a tiny waist, yet needs to control his breathing onstage to not show stomach distention between poses. Eduardo’s is always a physique to marvel at, yet a tad slight on the muscular side leaves him looking good but not great.
Ron: The Brazilian should first be commended for his tremendous consistency. In seven appearances at the Olympia, he has never placed out of the top five, with three third-place spots and a runner-up in 2014. He has never failed to show up in anything less than top-notch condition, peeled and grainy, to complement his excellent package of mass and shape. Even tearing his right triceps 14 days out from the 2013 Olympia didn’t stop him from getting onstage in Vegas and battling for the title. He’s got one of the best physiques in the 212 division, and is always a man the other guys need to watch out for.
Shawn: The original 202-pound Olympia Showdown winner has showed “flashes” of brilliance like at this year’s Arnold Classic Ohio, but Ahmad Ashkanani vanquished Henry’s victory plans. David, with arguably the best back in the business and world-class arms, battles issues with retaining leg mass on the day of the show. This is where he falls behind, and can’t catch the younger guys like Flex and Ahmad.
Ron: He was the first Olympia 202 champion back in 2008, and the U.S. Air Force veteran is still kicking ass and taking names. In fact, in early March I watched him very nearly— some say clearly— take out 212 O favorite Ashkanani at the Arnold Classic. The Giant Killer has that rare blend of full, round, “bubbly” muscle mass along with striking detail, his entire upper body virtually a storm of grooves and striations carving up the thick muscles of his back, chest, delts and arms. There’s a reason he’s been runner-up at the O four times so far. He’s just that damn good. His only major flaw also happens to confirm a popular theory, that quadriceps sweep is almost entirely genetic in the same way that biceps peak is. Having seen David train both on video and in person, I am certain his lack of quad sweep isn’t for lack of trying. Regardless, the rest of his physique is jaw dropping
Shawn: Ronny has had a resurgence in the 212 division, however I believe he is the benefactor of choosing the right contests to get to the Olympia Showdown. Ronny is a good bodybuilder with wins in the open pro division, and he’s an Olympia veteran. This 212 class is better suited for him, and he should find himself well within the top five finalists. Nothing amazing, but pleasantly put together when he controls his stomach. Problem areas are smooth hams and glutes.
Ron: Here is a guy who I thought was well on his way out of the sport, yet shocked me with two strong back-to-back wins in May in New York and Toronto. All kinds of dense, mature muscle mass, with no weak body parts. I have to agree with Shawn about the hams and glutes. Everyone we’ve mentioned so far gearing up for the 212 Olympia has abundant grooves and striations carved out in their glutes and hams, consistently. Without that, Ronny won’t have a chance at beating that crew.
Shawn: Based on his last two shows, Ricardo has impressed me so much that I believe he will be in the top six at his first Olympia appearance. Great lines and excellent muscle bellies. This is one guy that will instantly make the lineup more exciting.
Ron: I barely had any idea who Ricardo “Rude Boy” Correia was until he won back-to-back titles at the Chicago and Vancouver Pro shows this summer. He has that rare combination of size, shape and balance that makes him an instant threat. It’s true that he has yet to stand next to any of the perennial 212 elite at the O, but I think this Brit by way of Cape Verde, an island country off the coast of West Africa, will more than hold his own.
Shawn: Hide, like Jose, is fighting for his life on these contest stages and the battles, again, are against Father Time and not other competitors. Hide will struggle to dry out while making improvements that time may prevent from happening.
Ron: Hide has been at this for a dozen years as a pro now, and things seem to be hit or miss in recent years. Hide came down from the open to battle as a 212 in the 2014 season, and it’s always been problematic for him to maintain fullness as a 212. At times he shows up flat, which takes away his “pop” and keeps him out of the running. If he can bring the full and shredded look that we’ve seen a few times, Hide will definitely be in the fight.
Classic Physique
Shawn: The defending champion from 2016 was a perfect choice to represent this division. Like Dexter Jackson, he’s been winning the battle against Father Time at 48 years old. Perfectly packaged Danny has the advantage of appreciation for the art of posing, and highlights his physique better than most. Few others in the lineup of guys have the completeness of Danny.
Ron: I have known Danny since 1991 and consider him a friend, but I am not sure he will be able to fend off this new crop of Classic competitors gunning for his title. He has the structure, shape and condition to pull it off, but this year his rivals have had a full year to improve and attempt to beat him. Danny is a great representative for the Classic Physique title, and I would love to see him hold on to it one more time.
Flex WheelerShawn: The old-school fans are excited in a different way than last year’s old-man Levrone’s comeback, because Flex hasn’t made ridiculous claims like Kevin did, predicting victory! Flex has quietly gotten off the retirement couch and lumbered his way into respectable shape for a 52-year old former three-time Mr. Olympia runner-up and four-time Arnold Classic winner. That said, Classic Physique is not bodybuilding as we know it, where Flex was killing the game. Flex “lite” may not have the same wow factor, nor will he accentuate those small joints with full muscle roundness and fullness. Following years of medical issues and a kidney transplant, I don’t have any expectations of the impact of the Flex Wheeler factor, and I believe that anything in the top 10 would be remarkable but not realistic. His body is tattooed from front to back, and will be hard to examine objectively. Flex will get points for simply going through with competing, but lose points for getting manhandled by guys we have barely even heard of. Prediction: out of top 10.
Ron: Last year, the big hype around the open Mr. O centered around the comeback of Kevin Levrone at age 52, after 13 years away from the stage. This year, another Hall of Famer returns to the stage at the same age, 14 years post-retirement: Flex Wheeler. Flex was always known for his superb shape and symmetry, and his serious health issues toward the end of his career are well documented. That’s why it wasn’t a complete shock that he announced his comeback would be in the new Classic Physique division, where those qualities are prized, and the weight limit for his height would be 210, the lowest he has competed at since winning the California title as a light-heavy back in 1989. How will he look at this age and having been out of the game so long? That’s the million-dollar question so many of us want to find out the answer to. Unlike Shawn, I do see him in the top 10.
Ron: Arash was the runner-up at the premiere Classic Physique Olympia last fall, and for good reason. The Long Islander by way of Iran packs 205 pounds of shapely, proportionate mass on his 5’10” structure, with a level of size and muscularity even hardcore fans can appreciate.
Ron: After two consecutive years placing runner-up to Jeremy Buendia, this other Long Islander by way of war-torn Bosnia made the switch over the Classic, where at last we could see his impressive thigh development. He appeared taller and lankier, yet still managed to land in the top three at his first Olympia outing in Classic Physique. Recent photos show that Sadik has gained appreciable mass in his upper body since then, so it should be interesting to see how that impacts his overall look.
Shawn: This kid won in New York Pro this past May, and arguably could have beaten Danny a year ago. Breon is a legit contender to the throne. He has a complete, throwback physique, he’s an excellent poser and he’s conditioned with excellent musculature. Look for Breon to remain top three and battle for the title.
Ron: Breon impressed the hell out of me in New York. With no disrespect at all to the other competitors, this is who I see as pushing Hester hardest for the win. The guy is just put together right and knows exactly how to show it all off.
Shawn: Really, nice classic build. Chris is a tad soft in areas, but he’s pleasing to watch. He pulls off the rarely seen vacuum pose in his front double biceps and lat spread, and has quality muscle fullness. Should raise some eyebrows and shake up a few people in this lineup.
Ron: I saw Chris win in Toronto back in May, and it was one of those cases where it was him— and everyone else. None of the other top contenders for the O title were there except Darrem Charles, though. I love his shape and lines, and the kid (age 22) has arguably the best legs in this entire division. He still needs more upper body thickness to balance out those wheels.
Shawn: Tall and slender with a lanky, athletic appeal. Robert looks to be 6 feet tall, yet he’s flexible, lean and muscular. He has a tiny waist and is surprisingly proportionate. Should be hard to miss in this field.
Ron: Robert’s height, just as with Bumstead, will indeed have him “head and shoulders” above the mostly under 5’9” lineup. That can also be a liability, as they will appear thicker and more muscular. As with many other taller men, leg mass is an issue. It’s going to be tough for him to contend for a top spot until he gets those wheels larger.
