Tag: arnold classic
THROWBACK: Shawn Rhoden Picks Fred Smalls’ Brain
[embedded content]
Shawn and Biggie are two friends that go way back.
NOTE: This is an archived video reposted in tribute to the late Shawn Rhoden – who passed away on November 6th, 2021.
Shawn Rhoden is at it again. The bodybuilder took over the mic and interviewed some of the most talented competitors in the game. One such athlete is the underrated Fred “Biggie” Smalls, one of Flexatron’s old friends and a talented bodybuilder in his own right. Shawn Rhoden got some updates on Fred’s plans for 2015 and what things we can expect from the talented competitor.
You can also check out our complete video catalog by hitting up our Episodes tab right here on our site. Also, be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter as well as subscribe to our YouTube channel for exclusive updates.
WATCH FLEXATRON AT THE ARNOLD CLASSIC 2015
[embedded content]
What’s next for Shawn Rhoden in 2015?
NOTE: This is an archived video reposted in tribute to the late Shawn Rhoden – who passed away on November 6th, 2021.
If you haven’t noticed, Shawn Rhoden has been hanging out with us all weekend at the Arnold Sports Festival – grabbing interviews and hanging out with the fans at the expo. We also took the opportunity to grab an interview with the powerful Flexatron himself about what’s in store for 2015. Will he be fully prepared to gun for the #1 spot at the next Mr. Olympia? Find out in this exclusive video above.
You can also subscribe to our official YouTube channel to keep getting updates about everything at the Arnold Sports Festival 2015.
Arnold Schwarzenegger Believes Classic Physique Is The Future Of Bodybuilding
Arnold Schwarzenegger joined the broadcast on Saturday to share some insight on the future of the sport.
The Arnold Classic 2021 took place on Saturday. There was plenty of action in the four divisions that took place and Arnold Schwarzenegger joined the broadcast to discuss the event. During the show, the best bodybuilder of all-time made some comments on a division that he had a hand in building.
Schwarzenegger is one of the legendary figures that built Open bodybuilding to what it is. Despite this, the seven-time Olympia champion believes that Classic Physique is the future and there are risks in the Open division.
Terrence Ruffin finished with the win in the Classic Physique division at the Arnold Classic after placing second in 2020 behind Alex Cambronero. At this year’s event, the two switched places. This was an exciting race and Schwarzenegger believes this could be the future of bodybuilding.
“I was not only impressed, I was delighted to see a great performance when it comes to posing and the way they relax their faces. It looks so much more appealing,” Arnold Schwarzenegger said on the Classic Physique Division.
“I think this is the direction we need to go, no two ways about it. I think that you really need to build this part of the bodybuilding sports, so that it’s equal to the Open competition. That way people always have choices, and there’s always a good thing with sponsorship money, and get them more cash prizes. So I’m going to work on that because I think that it’s the right direction to go.”
Chris Bumstead is currently the biggest name in the division coming off back-to-back Olympia titles. Bumstead will look for three in a row this year but Ruffin will have momentum heading into the biggest competition of the year.
Nick Walker took home the Men’s Open title on Saturday defeating the likes of Iain Valliere and Steve Kuclo. All competitors entered with incredible size and mass. This has become the norm in this division and it could lead to some complications.
There have been some tragic deaths in the sport of bodybuilding and other speculation on how dangerous the supplements could be that these athletes are taking. This includes comments made by eight-time Olympia champion Ronnie Coleman, who believes diuretics should be banned.
Arnold Schwarzenegger backed up this notion during the broadcast with some comments on Open bodybuilding.
“Let’s not forget, they (Classic Physique) don’t have to take all of this stuff that some of the other guys are taking to be bigger.”
“This is, I think, what the danger is. In this sport, it’s the most dangerous sport in the world. In MMA fighters, you’ve had four guys die in the last ten years. In bodybuilding you’ve had 14 guys over the last ten years. So it just shows you how dangerous it is to take some of those medications and things that those guys take.”
For his full comments, check out the replay of the Arnold Classic broadcast. Arnold Schwarzenegger is not the first to make comments along these lines and it will be interesting to see where it goes from here.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Arnold Classic 2021: The 3 Biggest Takeaways
Our biggest takeaways from the Arnold Classic 2021.
It’s hard to believe but the Arnold Classic 2021 has already came and went. After a long wait due to delays and rescheduling, the Arnold Classic finally took place on September 25th – albeit a much shorter and condensed version due to the global pandemic. Regardless, the event was still an exciting one that gave us a new champion in the form of Nick Walker.
The Arnold Classic, usually taking place in March, was held just two weeks before the Mr. Olympia. The Olympia itself is also happening at a later date this year due to the pandemic. What’s really notable here is that both of these major events are just two weeks apart. It will be interesting to see how this effects those who decided to compete in both the Arnold Classic and the Mr. Olympia.
The Arnold Classic 2021 only held four divisions all competing in one night. This differs from a typical year of the Arnold Classic – often holding eight divisions over the course of two nights. There was also no expo held nor the hundreds of other athletic events that usually take place – such as the Arnold Classic Strongman, powerlifting events, and much more. Luckily, there was a free live stream of the full pro bodybuilding event. You can still watch the replay in full for free – check it out here.
Arnold Schwarzenegger has already stated that the Arnold Classic will be back in full by 2022 back on its original schedule. Which means we’ll have a much shorter wait for next year’s big event.
Now that we’ve had some time to think over the outcomes from the event – here are our three biggest takeaways from the Arnold Classic 2021.
Nick Walker Has Solidified Himself As A Leading Competitor
Ever since Nick Walker exploded onto the scene in 2020, fans have been singing his praises as the next coming of Dorian Yates. But if we’re being honest, this kind of early hype happens at least once a year in some form or another. It’s just as likely that many of these young up-and-comers burn out quickly after an initial shot in the arm from a good competition.
Nick Walker show incredible promise in 2020, and he then encouraged more hype after his impressive showing at the New York Pro 2021. Still, it would all come down to the Arnold Classic and Mr. Olympia to see how he holds up against older icons currently competing in the sport.
With the Arnold Classic 2021, Nick Walker has proven that he is not just a flash in the pan. He has shown consistent improvements and his physique at the Arnold Classic was a continued step up over what we saw at the New York Pro. Upon first appearing for his individual routine during the pre-judging, it all became crystal clear. He showcased the kind of size and conditioning that required no comparison rounds – the world knew that he was truly a force to be reckoned with.
Later going up against the others during comparison rounds further proved it. While there were many top tier athletes who dropped out from this competition (more on this later), Walker was up against many other up-and-coming athletes with hype. Walker proved that he was a notch above other hyped athletes like Iain Valliere and Justin Rodriguez. He’s truly pulled in front of the pack.
Some may say he always was ahead – and they’re right – but consistency is what matters. This win has proven he can stay consistent even under big pressure. After winning the Arnold Classic, Walker told Cicherillo that he expects to place in the top 5 at Mr. Olympia. This would usually be a cocky claim for such a young athlete. But this time – we believe him.
Arnold Schwarzenegger Is Still Unhappy With Men’s Open Physiques
One notable aspect of this year’s Arnold Classic 2021 was the announcement that Arnold Schwarzenegger himself would provide some sort of commentary. It wasn’t clear just how detailed this would be before the show. Luckily, it turned out that he provided commentary throughout the full men’s division pre-judging and final rounds. It was a pure joy to see Schwarzenegger directly comment on specific athletes, routines, and comparisons throughout the entire broadcast.
His continued presence also made one thing crystal clear – Arnold Schwarzenegger far prefers Classic Physique to Men’s Open. During both the pre-judging and finals, Schwarzenegger made multiple comments about his distaste for the stomachs of Men’s Open. He even directly references PED use (though just calling it “stuff”) as a cause for distended stomachs.
While the Men’s Open were on stage, Schwarzenegger would make calm but critical comments about many of the athletes on stage. He would stress that an athlete is judged every second they are on stage – not just when they are in a mandator pose. He would often catch an athlete’s stomach loosening and distending in between poses. If Schwarzenegger can see it on camera, he argues, then so too can the judges.
Conversely, every time the Classic Physique competitors were on stage, Arnold Schwarzenegger had nothing but positive things to say. He would beam with pride at the physiques and the posing on display. He also compared them directly to Men’s Open multiple times. The ultimate takeaway was clear. Arnold Schwarzenegger still wants more change to the Men’s Open division.
The Pandemic Is Still Having A Major Effect On Pro Bodybuilding
It’s fantastic that the IFBB and NPC alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger were able to provide the Arnold Classic in some capacity this year. That being said, it’s obvious that the pandemic is still creating a sort of asterisk next to these big shows. In the lead up to the Arnold Classic 2021, there were two major Men’s Open athletes due to travel issues directly related to the pandemic.
William Bonac, the returning Arnold Classic champion, had to bow out just days before the show. While the details were never explicitly stated – it was confirmed that he was held up by surprise travel problems due to the pandemic. Problems he didn’t foresee coming that forced his hand to drop out last minute.
Lionel Beyeke, another strong competitor, announced dropping out as well. Though he knew a bit sooner (by about a week) than Bonac. Beyeke’s withdrawal was also directly related to travel issues caused by the pandemic.
The 2021 pro bodybuilding season has seemed less marred by the pandemic. Most shows went off without a hitch compared to 2020. But it must be noted many of these shows were local – requiring less international travel. Yes, some international athletes have traveled with no issue. But when the bigger shows come around, a higher volume of international competitors are brought out. This leads to the inevitable travel issues due to the Delta variant of COVID-19 still causing travel restrictions.
Nick Walker’s Arnold Classic 2021 win was fantastic. But it would have been even more fantastic if he had managed to win against returning champion (and top 5 Olympia athlete) William Bonac. It would have given even more credence to our first segment in this article. Until the pandemic ends, we will continue to have these “what if” conversations in our head.
It should be noted that many major international pro bodybuilders have already arrived in the states for the Mr. Olympia. So the likes of Big Ramy and Hadi Choopan will be present in two weeks without issue. Hopefully, there will be no sudden drop offs within the next two weeks. Also hopefully, athletes like William Bonac will have their issues settled to appear at the Mr. Olympia in October.
Wrap Up
The Arnold Classic is a standout competition that is rivaled only by the Mr. Olympia. It’s a watershed moment each year that helps us determine the current quality and standing of pro bodybuilding. There’s no doubt that 2021’s event was electrifying. But it was also a reminder of how things are not truly back to normal.
You can recap our entire coverage of the Arnold Classic 2021, including pre-judging analysis, color commentary, and result reports, by heading over to our official Arnold Classic coverage page right here.
*Header image courtesy of W. Wittman Photography
Ronnie Coleman Receives Arnold Classic Lifetime Achievement Award
Ronnie Coleman receives the Arnold Classic Lifetime Achievement Award.
Each year at the Arnold Classic, an individual in the bodybuilding and fitness industry is selected for the lifetime achievement award. This award is to commemorate an individual who contributed to the sport of bodybuilding throughout their life and career. During the Arnold Classic 2021 finals broadcast, Ronnie Coleman received the lifetime achievement award.
Presented by Arnold Schwarzenegger himself, it was spectacular to see two massive legends of bodybuilding share the stage together. The announcement came during the Arnold Classic 2021 finals and included a special video segment recapping his life, career, and legacy. Ronnie Coleman requires truly no introduction – best known as one of only two 8x Mr. Olympia champions. The most Olympia victories in the history of the sport only tied by Lee Haney.
Beyond his record setting eight Mr. Olympia wins, Ronnie Coleman is a bodybuilding icon. He single handedly changed the entire direction of the sport. His massive frame and insane conditioning redefined the term “mass monster.” Ever since Coleman’s reign in pro bodybuilding – each following generation of competitors have tried to chase that massive size. Coleman raised the bar and changed what was possible with the human body.
Ronnie Coleman’s journey was chronicled in the 2018 documentary film – Ronnie Coleman: The King. It followed his childhood, bodybuilding rise to success, and life post retirement. More specifically, he tracked his post retirement injuries and surgeries – including multiple spinal and hip surgeries. Due to his intense training and massive size, he has suffered many complications in his later life. Despite this, he has repeatedly claimed to have no regrets.
Upon receiving the Arnold Classic Lifetime Achievement Award, Ronnie Coleman thanked his wife and eight kids. He also thanked his mother – and became slightly teary eyed upon reflecting on the love and support he received from his mother, wife, and family. He also recounted his multiple surgeries post retirement – confidently claiming, “I’m still here.” He also stated that, in his opinion, the Arnold Classic is the greatest bodybuilding competition in the world.
“This is one of the greatest awards I’ve ever received,” Ronnie Coleman stated at the end of speech. This includes his eight Mr. Olympia titles. He then quickly became emotional again, gasping for air as he teared up. A truly exceptional moment fitting for one of the most successful, legendary, and talented pro bodybuilders ever in the history of the sport.
“Momma, we got ourselves a lifetime achievement award,” he uttered finally. There will perhaps never again be a bodybuilder as significant as Ronnie Coleman. The Arnold Classic Lifetime Achievement Award was long overdue.
Generation Iron Fitness Network will be coverage the full Arnold Classic 2021 event including pre-judging reports, analysis, and results updates. Stay tuned to Generation Iron and visit our official Arnold Classic 2021 coverage hub right here!
Watch The 2021 Arnold Classic Finals (LIVE)
The 2021 Arnold Classic finals broadcast is live – here’s how to watch.
The 2021 Arnold Classic is well underway after an exciting batch of pre-judging and confirmation rounds. Taking place on September 25th in Columbus, Ohio – four bodybuilding divisions are battling it out for the ultimate prize. The judges have already put competitors through the paces during a heated comparisons. And now the finals have just begun. Here’s how to watch the 2021 Arnold Classic finals live stream.
The 2021 Arnold Classic has been providing a free live stream the entire day of the event. This year’s stream is more important than ever due to the global pandemic limited in-person attendance. What is typically a multi day event and expo with over 100 sports present is now condensed into one day of pro bodybuilding.
Watch The Arnold Classic Finals
The 2021 Arnold Classic live stream is broken into two parts. The pre-judging commenced at 10:00 A.M. (EST) and the finals start at 6:30 P.M. (EST). Both streams are completely free and available at the official Arnold Classic webcast page right here.
As mentioned, the bodybuilding pro show been condensed and none of the other sporting and fitness events typically held at the Arnold Classic will be conducted this year. That means there are no additional live streams for Strongman, Powerlifting, and the usual dozens of other events.
Arnold Classic Finals: What To Expect
Before the 2021 Arnold Classic even began – there was quite the drama unfolding with a few of our competitors. Namely, there have been four major athletes in the Men’s Open division who have announced withdrawal from the competition. For those who haven’t caught up – Cedric McMillan was the first to announce his withdrawal due to an injury. There were also three athletes who dropped out last minute due to travel issues. Lionel Beyeke was unable to arrive in the states due to COVID-19 related travel issues. This was later followed by Roelly Winklaar. Then at the very last minute – returning champion William Bonac had to withdraw also due to COVID-19 travel complications.
Needless to say, these four major dropouts have greatly changed the landscape for the Men’s Open at the 2021 Arnold Classic. There is still quite the stellar lineup – and the lack of Bonac means we will have a new champion this year.
The 2021 Arnold Classic pre-judging was electric – particularly the Men’s Open division. Due to the many drop outs – it’s definitive that we will have a brand new champion. Many of the up-and-comers showed up hungrier than ever before. But ultimately, it looks like the Men’s Open competition will come down to two top athletes of the night – an established career pro bodybuilder vs a relative newcomer.
Steve Kuclo and Nick Walker both appeared in the final callout of the pre-judging round. Our obvious top two, the judges truly put both athletes through some heated paces. The entire final callout was extended by minutes – and you can see both athletes try and hold composure under the tension. This is going to be an extremely close match. Nick Walker presented what might be one of the best physiques of his career – and the same can be said of Kuclo.
Steve Kuclo, after a string of missing first place victories earlier in the season, came truly on point. Towering taller of Walker, Kuclo was a formidable threat for the presumed leader of the pack. The battle between these two competitors during the final callout was a sight to behold. Each one trying to get some sort of edge over the other. It’s the kind of face off that reminds you what makes bodybuilding so spectacular.
Of course, a lot can change between the pre-judging and the finals. We’ve seen competitors make miraculous improvements. We’ve also seen the leader of the pack fall under the pressure. With the finals about to broadcast – we’ll see the entire division go through one more confirmation round during the finals. Will the Steve Kuclo or Nick Walker take the gold? Or perhaps a wild card will rise up to pull ahead? We’ll soon find out.
You can watch the 2021 Arnold Classic finals webcast above – broadcasting live now! Generation Iron Fitness Network will be coverage the full Arnold Classic 2021 event including pre-judging reports, analysis, and results updates. Stay tuned to Generation Iron and visit our official Arnold Classic 2021 coverage hub right here!
Arnold Classic 2021: Nick Walker & Steve Kuclo Leading The Pack With Epic Face-Off
Nick Walker and Steve Kuclo battle for first going into the Arnold Classic 2021.
Leading up to the Arnold Classic 2021, Nick Walker was hyped to be the lead for first place. This was largely due to many other athletes dropping out – including returning champion William Bonac. With many legacy competitors dropping out last minute, the competition was wide open for a new champion. In what may have been a surprise to some fans, Steve Kuclo rose to the occasion challenging Walker during the pre-judging. The Arnold Classic 2021 comparison rounds ended with an epic top two face-off between Nick Walker and Steve Kuclo.
First, let’s talk about the individual posing routines. The moment Nick Walker walked out on stage, something in the air changed. Walker built much hype after his win at the New York Pro. Despite his massive and impressive physique – he held some structural flaws that might have been hard to fix in a year. Any doubts some may have had were erased upon seeing Walker’s individual pre-judging posing routine. Walker truly put the word monster back into mass monster. He’s incredible size, separation, and intensity were a sight to behold. It’s almost as if the ground shook as he walked out.
On the other hand, Steve Kuclo also pleasantly surprised fans. After falling behind Iain Valliere at the Texas Pro just six weeks earlier, there was a question of how high Kuclo would place at the Arnold Classic. Kuclo’s individual posing routine showed a finely tuned bodybuilder – far more on point than what we saw in Texas. It became immediately clear that Kuclo would land at the very least in the top three.
Pre-Judging: The Battle Of Nick Walker And Steve Kuclo
When the comparison rounds began, our first callout pulled Nick Walker, Steve Kuclo, Iain Valliere, and Justin Rodriguez onto the stage. This was our presumed top four. Very quickly, the judges moved Kuclo and Walker into the center. Things started to become more clear – Kuclo was making a big impression.
But this didn’t fully lock into place until the final top two callout. Nick Walker and Steve Kuclo were invited back onto the stage. All became clear – these were our two options for Arnold Classic champion… it’s also where the fun began. The judges certainly were torn between Walker and Kuclo. The final comparison round was stretched out to a much longer length – a trend that has been increasing in recent years.
Nick Walker and Steve Kuclo posed, and posed… and posed. Each mandatory was gone through at least twice in a cycle. Not only that – but the most muscular was held for an extended period of time. This seems to reveal just how close this competition is as the judges double and triple checked each pose comparison. Not only that but this extended comparison tactic is a way to push the athletes farther. Who would fade first? Who has the most stamina to hold their pose for a full minute? This could give the edge that either Walker or Kuclo needed to pull ahead.
The crowd went wild (and commentator Amanda Kuclo also couldn’t help but cheer for her husband on stage). With each new passing pose, Walker and Kuclo became more intensified. Who would break first? Would one fade? Ultimately, both competitors held their composure extremely well.
Steve Kuclo’s height over Nick Walker is certainly an advantage in this moment. He seemed to tower over Walker with each pose. That being said, Walker’s insane conditioning and musculature can’t be ignored. This is the best version of Nick Walker we’ve seen yet. If we had to choose at this moment – we predict that Walker will pull ahead ultimately for the prize.
But a lot can change between the pre-judging and finals. Both of these competitors are neck and neck. Their success lies on a razor’s edge. One wrong move can throw off their finals routine. Alternatively, we’ve seen competitors rise up with a surprising transformation between pre-judging and finals. Perhaps one of these two can show up even better – or perhaps even a wild card throwing off this current face-off.
Only time will tell – and Generation Iron will continue to provide updates, analysis, and result updates later tonight when we return for the Arnold Classic 2021 finals!
Watch The 2021 Arnold Classic Pre-Judging (LIVE)
The 2021 Arnold Classic pre-judging broadcast is live – here’s how to watch.
Today, September 25th 2021, is the 2021 Arnold Classic competition. One of the biggest bodybuilding events of the season has finally arrived after some delays and a condensed schedule. Nevertheless, we have top competitors from around the world ready to battle for the title. The Arnold Classic is being held in Columbus, OH – but the event is also providing a free live stream for the world to watch. The pre-judging has just begun. Here’s how to watch the 2021 Arnold Classic pre-judging live stream.
Like last year, the Arnold Classic is providing a free live stream of both the pre-judging and finals of the event. This year it’s more important than ever before due to the global pandemic limiting in-person attendance for the event. What is typically a multi day event and expo with over 100 sports present is now condensed only into the pro bodybuilding Arnold Classic competition
Watch The Arnold Classic Pre-Judging
The 2021 Arnold Classic live stream is broken into two parts. The pre-judging starts at 10:00 A.M. (EST) and the finals start at 6:30 P.M. (EST). Both streams are completely free and available at the official Arnold Classic webcast page right here.
As mentioned, the bodybuilding pro show been condensed and none of the other sporting and fitness events typically held at the Arnold Classic will be conducted this year. That means there are no additional live streams for Strongman, Powerlifting, and the usual dozens of other events.
Arnold Classic Pre-Judging: What To Expect
Unfortunately, the 2021 Arnold Classic has been plagued with athlete drop outs. In the Men’s Open division, four major athletes have announced that they will not compete. Cedric McMillan was the first to announce his withdrawal due to an injury. There were also three athletes who dropped out last minute due to travel issues. Lionel Beyeke was unable to arrive in the states due to COVID-19 related travel issues. This was later followed by Roelly Winklaar. Then at the very last minute – returning champion William Bonac had to withdraw also due to COVID-19 travel complications.
Needless to say, these four major dropouts have greatly changed the landscape for the Men’s Open at the 2021 Arnold Classic. There is still quite the stellar lineup – and the lack of Bonac means we will have a new champion this year. Nick Walker is the clear standout to win the title. His victory at the New York Pro earlier this year showcased a phenomenal physique. His mixture of conditioning and size will be hard to beat.
But it’s not impossible. Biting at Walker’s heels are Akim Williams, Iain Valliere, Justin Rodriguez, and Steve Kuclo. All four of these athletes have shown incredible promise and will give Walker a run for his money. GI alum Victor Martinez predicts that Rodriguez is poised to at least place in the top 3. Could he edge his way into the first position?
Kuclo has had a string of bad luck – competing against the likes of Iain Valliere in previous shows and falling short. Perhaps this competition will be when he perfects his peak timing. Valliere himself has already won multiple shows this year – including just six weeks earlier at the Texas Pro. Will his short turnaround be a blessing or a curse for his peak timing at the 2021 Arnold Classic? We’ll soon find out.
The pre-judging round is our first change to really see these competitors side by side. It’s also our first chance to see who is coming in on point after weeks of previews during prep. By the end of the pre-judging, we’ll have a clear idea of who is to land in to the top five.
Of course, a lot can change between the pre-judging and finals. We’ve seen competitors fade and competitors show up with renewed vigor and dryness. Unlike a typical year for the Arnold Classic, Men’s Open will not have a full day between pre-judging and finals. So the window is much more tight. Still – it will be exciting to see how the competitors adjust after today’s pre-judging round.
You can watch the 2021 Arnold Classic pre-judging live stream above. Make sure to stay tuned to the Generation Iron fitness network for pre-judging reports, results, and more updates!
Iain Valliere On The Risk Vs Reward Of Competing In The Arnold Classic & Olympia Back To Back
[embedded content]
Iain Valliere explains why he is doing the Arnold Classic right before the Mr. Olympia – even though he has already qualified.
Iain Valliere has become a big part of the bodybuilding conversation in 2021. He’s had near back to back wins at the Tampa Pro and the Texas Pro. This earned him qualification to the Mr. Olympia. It’s also notable as he knocked out powerhouse Steve Kuclo at the Texas Pro. Despite having already qualified for the Mr. Olympia, Valliere is still set to compete at the Arnold Classic before facing off for the Sandow trophy. Why? In our latest GI Exclusive interview, Iain Valliere explains why he wants to compete in both the Arnold Classic and Mr. Olympia.
Typically, when a pro bodybuilder earns Olympia qualification for the year – they stop competing and focus solely on the Olympia competition. This is normally done to preserve all energy on being as perfect as possible for the biggest competition of the year. Iain Valliere is bucking this trend. He’s already competed at the Texas Pro after qualifying for Olympia previously at the Tampa Pro this year. Not only that – but he’s still set to compete at the Arnold Classic.
Competing in many shows within one year – especially close to the Mr. Olympia can be a huge risk. This is for a variety of reasons. Athletes can burn out. They can get thrown off mentally by placing low in a show just before the Olympia. They can also have their physique and conditioning timing thrown off by focusing on one show – only to be a few days off with their conditioning by the time they hit the Olympia weekend.
During our conversation with Iain Valliere, we asked him to explain why he decided to do the Arnold Classic. Did he consider skipping the show to focus solely on the Mr. Olympia? Iain Valliere is not oblivious to the importance of this decision – and he certainly considered skipping the Arnold Classic to focus on Olympia. Ultimately, he decided to stick the course.
“It was a discussion especially after winning Texas it’s like, you know, I knew my stock was high,” Iain Valliere stated in our interview. He continued:
“And I knew that I had a lot of moment going into the Olympia. Basically the last two shows of the season I had won… But at the end of the day I know that I get better as shows go on. I think Tampa right to Texas one week apart is indicative of that.”
There’s a risk vs reward aspect to competing at competitions so close to each other. It seems Iain Valliere is confident that this will actually help him stay focused and improve rather than throw him off. If it works out – we might see the best version of Valliere step onto the stage.
In fact, he believes the Arnold Classic being closer to the Olympia is better than it’s typical dates. For those looking to compete at the Olympia, the Arnold Classic falls right in off season. This, Valliere argues, is more damaging to prep than if the competitions were close together as they are this year.
You can watch Iain Valliere go into even more detail about his recent string of victories and his plans for the Arnold Classic and Mr. Olympia in our latest GI Exclusive interview segment above!
Arnold Schwarzenegger Responds After ‘Screw Your Freedom’ Comments
After making comments about anti-maskers, Arnold Schwarzenegger has responded once again.
There has been plenty of backlash against Arnold Schwarzenegger since his recent comments about anti-maskers during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Screw your freedom” is the phrase that has not been received well from many. Schwarzenegger continued by calling people who do not wear masks “schmucks.”
Different companies and individuals have commented and began taking action following these comments. Schwarzenegger himself recently responded following his comments in a recent column with The Atlantic.
“I’ll admit, calling people schmucks and saying “Screw your freedom” was a little much, even if I stand by the sentiment. But there is nothing that I’m more passionate about than keeping America great, and it’s the only subject that can make me lose my temper,” Schwarzenegger wrote.
Arnold Schwarzenegger knew that he would receive backlash for his comments but did not exactly take them back. He continued discussing responsibilities that Americans should have.
“But some of the responses really worried me. Many people told me that the Constitution gives them rights, but not responsibilities. They feel no duty to protect their fellow citizens.”
“That’s when I realized we all need a civics lesson. I can’t help but wonder how much better off we’d be if Americans took a step back from politics and spent a minute thinking about how lucky we are to call this country home. Instead of tweeting, we could think about what we owe to the patriots who came before us and those who will follow us.”
On Monday, REDCON1 CEO Aaron Singerman announced that his company will no longer be sponsors of the Arnold Classic. Mutant Nutrition will replace REDCON1 as spoors at the event this year. Executives of the event have confirmed that there is no sponsorship issue with the Arnold Classic.
Senior event manager Brent LaLonde recently spoke with Generation Iron’s Edwin Mejia Jr. and assured that the Arnold Classic events will continue to be first-class events with many sponsors continuing to work with the brand. They are also offering for REDCON1 athletes to still participate in the event.
“We are appreciative of all of the companies and people that are working with us to support the athletes and fans that are looking forward to being in Columbus,” executives of the Arnold Classic have said.
“As always, Arnold will personally pay for the travel of athletes. If REDCON1 won’t supper their efforts to compete in the Arnold Classic, we will make sure they have the chance to be onstage. This show isn’t political.”
Along with REDCON1’s decision to withdraw as a sponsor, Brian Shaw has recently taken down posters of Arnold Schwarzenegger in his gym. Many took offense to Schwarzenegger’s comments about freedom in America, especially with him finding great success in many areas after coming from Austria. This is something that Schwarzenegger addressed as well.
“I am an immigrant. This country gave me everything. I often tell people not to call me self-made; I prefer to call myself American-made. My success would have been impossible without the principles of the United States and the generosity of Americans.”
Generation Iron will continue to provide updates as more news come out involving this story. For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Header photo credit: Gage Skidmore