Tag: GI News
Italian Bodybuilder Orlando Gallucci Passed Away Following 2021 NPC Worldwide European Championships
Orlando Gallucci was found dead just days after competing.
Italian bodybuilder Orlando Gallucci was found dead just days after the 2021 NPC Worldwide European Championship in Alicante, Spain. the cause of his death has not been confirmed.
Gallucci was in Spain to help other competitors who were competing that weekend. He decided to extend his stay and continuing training. He posted on Facebook on August 17 and it is speculated that he passed away that night.
Orlando Gallucci lived in Avellino, Italy but was originally from Solofra. He was a competitor and personal trainer who was beloved in his hometown. Gallucci was well-known at the gym he worked, Officina 2.0. In addition to working as a trainer, Gallucci was still an active competitor at the NPC level.
This comes just a few days after the tragic news that Alena Kosinova passed away in Alicante just before competing in the 2021 Europa Pro. There was also no official statement made on the cause of her death. This got the attention of Mr. Olympia owner Jake Wood.
“I AM NOT ONE FOR EMPTY WORDS. INSTEAD OF MAKING POSTS I’M MAKING CHANGES. I HAD A PRODUCTIVE MEETING WITH JIM AND TYLER MANION THIS MORNING AND WE’RE ALL SICKENED BY THIS TURN OF EVENTS. WE AGREED THAT CONDITIONING IS OVER EMPHASIZED IN THE JUDGING CRITERIA AND SOMETHING MUST BE DONE. I WILL PUSH FOR CHANGE IN ALL DIVISIONS,” wood said in a recent comment.
This statement from Wood was seen in a comment or direct message and does not appear on any official social media pages of his. This is a call to action for change and he seems to be working towards making that change. The news of Gallucci’s passing will cause some more work to be done to bring necessary change.
Generation Iron sends condolences out to Orlando Gallucci’s family and friends during this time. This article will be updated as more information is confirmed and becomes available. For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Greg has covered the four major sports for six years and has been featured on sites such as Sports Illustrated, Fox Sports, SB Nation, NJ.com, and FanSided. Now, he is transitioning into the world of bodybuilding and strength sports.
IFBB Pro Bodybuilder Phil Hernon Has Reportedly Passed Away
IFBB Pro bodybuilder Phil Hernon has passed away among a string of tragic and sudden bodybuilding deaths.
More sad news hits the bodybuilding world today as it’s been reported that IFBB Pro Bodybuilder Phil Hernon has passed away. At the time of this writing, the cause of death has not been made public. Hernon is best known as the Mr. USA 1995 champion.
The news of Phil Hernon’s death was first reported by Muscular Development on their official Instagram. At this moment, there has been no official announcement on Hernon’s social pages, website, or made by family. The cause of death was not mentioned in the original report.
Though initial information at this time is slim, Phil Hernon had previously posted in 2020 on Instagram posts (now deleted) that he had to be on dialysis – indicating some sort of health issue. There has been little activity on his social media channels. His latest posts falling near early 2020.
Phil Hernon’s passing comes after a string of tragic and too soon deaths. It was earlier reported that NPC bodybuilder Sofia Graham passed away in her sleep. She was 27 years old. Additionally, two bodybuilding competitors passed away at the Europa Pro this past weekend. Alena Kosinova, who was rushed to the hospital mere hours before she was set to walk on stage. Italian athlete Orlando Gallucci was also found dead just days after competing in the Europa Pro.
While many of these deaths have happened in a short string of time (and unfortunately much too young), at the moment there seems to be little in way of correlation between these deaths. Despite this, there have been calls to make competitive bodybuilding a healthier sport for athletes. Mr. Olympia owner Jake Wood recently made comments stating he was investigating into the passing of Alena Kosinova and alluded to future changes in judging.
Regardless, the high volume of bodybuilding deaths is tragic and weighing heavily on the fans, athletes, and family within the bodybuilding community. Our condolences go out to Phil Hernon’s family and friends during this time.
This article will be updated as more information is confirmed and becomes available. Stay tuned to the Generation Iron Fitness Network for more bodybuilding news and updates.
NPC Bodybuilder Sofia Graham Dies In Sleep Preparing For Shows
Sofia Graham passed away in her sleep after suffering a heart attack.
Sofia Graham passed away in her sleep of an apparent heart attack while prepping for competition. The 27-year-old was an up-and-coming performer at the NPC level. She was preparing to perform on stage at the NPC North Americans and NPC USA’s. It is unknown was officially caused her death but there are speculations from different sources that the demand of preparation, specifically the use of diuretics, could have been the cause.
Graham has been competing for a few years and was in the process of gaining her Pro Card. She was a top-five finisher at Jr USA and WPD while also finishing near the top during North Americans Figure 2020.
Sofia Graham developed a passion for bodybuilding at an early age. Born in the country of Georgia, Graham was adopted and eventually moved to Virginia. She worked as a dental assistant while pursuing her dream of becoming a professional in the sport of bodybuilding.
A GoFundMe campaign has been setup in memory of Graham. There is currently over $10,000 that has been raised and all donations will go to Kelly Kirk, fellow NPC competitor and who the GoFundMe described as Graham’s “true match, their souls were and are intertwined for life.”
“These donations will go directly to Kelly Kirk to help with any financial needs that arise due to the passing of Sofia as well as support Kelly in purchasing a tiny home like the one pictured above, as a tribute to Sofia, his true love. She and him had plans that are now on hold, but with our help we can make Sofias dream come true and Kelly will secure the tiny home they had in their future and name it Sofia, in honor of her so she will be forever immortalized.”
Below, you can read Graham’s obituary remembering her life and discussing her career as a bodybuilder and the the of person she was.
Sofia M. Graham (Age 27)
On Saturday July 31, 2021. Survived by her mother, Roberta W. Graham (Christopher Casey), Aunt, Sheila Whetzel (Steve Matthews), Uncle, Norman Whetzel (Kristina), Aunt, Deb Matthews (Chey Larson), Aunt, Lynne Siefert (Mark), Cousin, Ashley Matthews (Kevin Brady, Alice and Adam), and long-term boyfriend, Kelly Kirk. Predeceased by her father, William Graham and grandparents.
Born in Tbilisi, Georgia, on February 21, 1994. Adopted and emigrated to the US as an infant. Grew up in Manassas, VA and graduated from Woodbridge Senior High School’s Center for Performing Arts program in cello performance. Performed with the Prince William County Youth Orchestra. Attended Radford University and subsequently became a Dental Assistant at Pediatric Dental Care (PDC), until her death. Provided hands-on instruction to students attending the Dental Assistance Training School (DATS). With a passion for weightlifting and body building, she spent many hours in the gym and competed in body building competitions, winning numerous awards.
Sofia made friends everywhere. Friendly, intense, active, quirky and a delight. As we journey through life, we may meet individuals who have a positive or profound impression on us, like Sofia. She lived life to the fullest, was full of energy and kindness, with a positive, confident attitude and discipline, which she carried not only to the gym but also to work. Always willing to provide a helping hand and go above and beyond.
Truly, one of a kind. Memorial service and celebration will be scheduled in the future. She will be interred with her father at National Memorial Park in Falls Church, VA.
Mr. Olympia 2021: List Of Qualified Competitors And Point Standings
Here is an updated list of qualified athletes for Mr. Olympia 2021 along with post standings.
The summer is winding down and Mr. Olympia 2021 is right around the corner. It will take place from Oct. 7-10 in Orlando. This is where the best competitors in the world will gather to see who will take home victories at the biggest event of the year.
There have been qualifiers each weekend and that will continue up until the deadline of Sept. 12. Athletes have up until this day to get into the Olympia. There is one exception and that is the Arnold Classic. On Sept. 25 in Columbus, the Men’s Open champion will earn an automatic qualification.
Mamdouh Elssbiay took home the Olympia victory in 2020 while the 2019 Brandon Curry finished second. The top five finishers from the 2020 Olympia have already qualified for this year’s competition. This is just one way to earn an automatic qualifier. Athletes can also qualify by winning an IFBB pro contest or finishing in the top three of the point standings.
Below, you can find the updated list of competitors who have qualified and will look to dethrone Elssbiay this year.
Mr. Olympia 2021 Qualified Athletes and Point Standings
Mr. Olympia
James Hollingshead (UK)
Regan Grimes (Canada)
Mamdouh Elssbiay (Egypt)
Brandon Curry (USA)
Phil Heath (USA)
Hadi Choopan (Iran)
William Bonac (Netherlands)
Justin Rodriguez (USA)
Nicholas Walker (USA)
Patrick Moore (USA)
Akim Williams (USA)
Andrea Presti (Italy)
Hunter Labrada (USA)
Iain Valliere (Canada)
Nathan De Asha (UK)
Roelly Winklaar (Curacao)
POINTS: (top 3 qualify)
Mohamed Shaaban (Egypt), 19
Hassan Mostafa (Egypt), 16
Vladyslav Sukhoruchko (Ukraine), 16
Mokhamed El Emam (Russia), 15
Tim Budesheim (Germany), 13
Maxx Charles (USA), 11
Phillip Clahar (USA), 11
Theo Leguerrier (France), 9
Dorian Haywood (USA), 8
Charles Griffen (USA), 7
Brett Wilkin (USA), 6
William Martins (Brazil), 5
Steve Kuclo (USA), 4
Marc Hector (UK), 3
Blessing Awodibu (Ireland), 3
Lionel Beyeke (France), 3
Andrea Muzi (Italy), 3
Jamie Christian-Johal (UK), 2
Martin Fitzwater (USA), 2
Carlos Chapa (USA), 1
Eddie Bracamontes (USA), 1
212 Olympia
Angel Calderon Frias (Spain)
Shaun Clarida (USA)
Kamal Elgargni (Libya)
George Peterson (USA)
Derek Lunsford (USA)
Ahmad Ashkanani (Kuwait)
Tonio Burton (USA)
Nathan Epler (USA)
Piotr Borecki (Poland)
Lucas Coelho (Brazil)
Keone Pearson (USA)
Noel Adame (USA)
Kerrith Bajjo (USA)
Ahmed Elsadany (Egypt)
Vladimir Iakolev (Moldova)
Pasquale D’Angelo (Italy)
POINTS (top 3 qualify)
John Jewett (USA), 21
Steve Benthin (Germany), 15
Naser Mohammad (Kuwait), 13
Radoslav Angelov (Bulgaria), 10
Estaban Alejandro Fuquene Bravo (Colombia), 9
Dectric Lewis (USA), 7
Dan Cirstea (Spain), 7
Derik Oslan (USA), 6
Gaetano Cisternino, Jr (USA), 6
Justin Randall (USA), 5
Boas Henrique Oliveira (Brazil), 5
Fabrizio de Souza Moreira (Brazil), 5
Zoran Kolevski (Madedonia), 4
Milton Martinez (USA), 4
Andrey Melnikov (Russia), 4
Austin Karr (USA), 4
Diogo Nunes (Portugal), 3
Oswaldo Gonzalez (USA), 3
Lionardis Cardoza (Mexico), 3
Martin Gomez (USA), 3
James Llewellin (UK), 2
Bryan Balzano (USA), 2
Victor Eric Lopez Garcia (Mexico), 2
Jason Herbert (USA), 2
Paul Latham (UK), 1
Christyan Gomez (Honduras), 1
Charles Curtis (USA), 1
Classic Physique Olympia
Laszlo Kiraly (Hungary)
Peter Molnar (Hungary)
Courage Opara (USA)
Chris Bumstead (Canada)
Terrence Ruffin (USA)
Breon Ansley (USA)
Alex Cambronero (Costa Rica)
Bryan Jones (USA)
Divine Wilson (USA)
Dani Younan (USA)
George Kawalawu (USA)
Zeek Andrews (USA)
Tony Taveras (USA)
Gabriel Zancanelli Machado (Brazil)
Brady King (USA)
Mike Sommerfeld (Germany)
Jose Maria Mete Bueriberi (Spain)
Darwin Andres Uribe (Colombia)
Seonghwan Kim (South Korea)
Urs Kalecinski (Germany)
Robert Timms (USA)
Fabian Mayr (Austria)
Ramon Rocha Querioz (Brazil)
POINTS (top 5 qualify)
Sabur Favors (USA), 17
Tommy Clark (USA), 14
Neil Currey (UK), 13
German Pastor (Spain), 12
Vahid Badpei (Iran), 11
Christopher Hunte (USA), 10
Mohamed Amine Fakhfakh (Tunisia), 10
Steve Laureus (USA), 9
Brandon Kidd (USA), 8
Dimitrii Vorotyntsev (Russia), 7
Marcus Perry (USA), 7
Marco Ruz (France), 6
Giuseppe Christian Zagarella (Italy), 6
Mattie Nelms (USA), 6
Ashwin Lucas (USA), 6
Mikhail Timoshin (Russia), 5
Traveon Daniels (USA), 5
Wesley Vissers (Netherlands), 5
Carlos Dommar (USA), 5
LeLand Devaughn, Jr (USA), 4
Lamar Shaw (USA) 4
Kevin Wilson (USA), 4
Alex dos Anjos (Brazil), 4
Jihoon Bang (South Korea), 4
Logan Franklin (USA), 4
Michael Daboul (UK), 3
Roman Khaliulin (Russia), 3
Jonathan Pelkey (USA), 3
Michael Bell (USA), 3
Harold Bright, Jr (USA), 3
Julio Cesar Balestrin de Freitas (Brazil), 3
Maurice Burgess (USA), 3
Jaewan Park (South Korea), 3
Shane Cullen (Ireland), 2
Jarek Crew (USA), 2
Arturo Mendez (USA), 2
Jorge Luis Guerrero Gallegos (Mexico), 2
Jaehun Park (South Korea), 2
Brandon Williams (USA), 2
Jonathan Lofthouse (UK), 1
Tomas Adame-Hernandez (USA), 1
Omar Bautista (USA), 1
Joseph Wahlberg (USA), 1
Jared Feather (USA), 1
Tom Connelly (USA), 1
Myeongho Park (South Korea), 1
Men’s Physique Olympia
Abisai Pietersz (Netherlands)
Riccardo Croci (Italy)
Carlos DeOliveira (Brazil)
Brandon Hendrickson (USA)
Raymont Edmonds (USA)
Khali Quartey (USA)
Antoine McNeill (USA)
Corey Morris (USA)
Kyron Holden (USA)
Erin Banks (USA)
Micah Thomas, Jr (USA)
Arya Saffaie (USA)
Rodrigue Chesnier (France)
Jahvair Mullings (USA)
Daniel Ammons (USA)
Suraqah Shabazz (USA)
Charjo Grant (USA)
Diogo Montenegro (Brazil)
Ramses Rams (Spain)
Clarence McSpadden, Jr (USA)
Andrei Marius Lincan (Romania)
Felipe Franco (Brazil)
Bong Seok Choi (South Korea)
Andre Ferguson (USA)
Jason Huynh (USA)
Joseph Lee (USA)
Youcef Djoudi (France)
Leonardo Vecchiato (Italy)
POINTS (top 5 qualify)
Luca Biolo (Italy), 19
John Sarmiento (USA), 17
George Brown (USA), 15
Ismael Dominguez (Mexico), 14
Nick Koeu (USA), 14
Ashley Lamont Patillo (USA), 12
Jeremy Potvin (USA), 10
Thomas Kunz (Switzerland), 8
Brett Mario Jackson (USA), 8
Emanual Hunter (USA), 7
Myron Griffin (USA), 7
Reuben Glass (USA), 6
Mehdi Kabbadj (USA), 6
Antoine Weatherspoon (USA), 6
Edvan Palmeira (Brazil), 6
Mike Stripling (USA), 5
Anthony Gilkes (USA), 5
Adrian Horton (USA), 5
Pedro Lima (Brazil), 5
Bumsu Park (South Korea), 5
Wellington Rodriguez (Brazil), 4
Ahmed Abdelgalil (Egypt), 4
Evan Kanu (USA), 4
Matthew Greggo (USA), 4
Daniel Stull (USA), 4
Steven Cao (USA), 4
Elton Mota (Portugal), 4
Tre Trotter (USA), 4
Yujin Lee (South Korea), 4
Anthony Chinakwe (USA), 4
Andrea Mosti (Italy), 3
Vinicius Viera Lima (Brazil), 3
Antonio Smothers (USA), 3
Zach Savoie (USA), 3
Michael Mperey (USA), 3
Saint Michael Anthony Moodie (USA), 3
Stevelon Dennis (USA), 3
Brandon Warren (USA), 3
Wooyoung Seo (South Korea), 3
Mark Robinson (USA), 3
Philippe Degila (France), 3
Maxime Parisi (France), 2
Denis Gusev (Russia), 2
Marcel Treichler (Switzerland), 2
Alex Newell (USA), 2
Antoine Williams (USA), 2
Jonathan Jimenez (USA), 2
Bryan Blackman (USA), 2
Alessandro Cavagnola (Italy), 2
Gerardo Gabriel (USA), 2
Junghyeon Jo (South Korea), 2
Aroldson Etienne (USA), 2
Frank Worley (USA), 2
Ms. Olympia
Virginia Sanchez (Spain)
Andrea Shaw (USA)
Margie Martin (USA)
Helle Trevino (USA)
MayLa Ash (USA)
Irene Anderson (Sweden)
Leah Dennie (USA)
Nadia Capostosto (Italy)
Michaela Aycock (USA)
LaDawn McDay (USA)
Anastasia Leonova (Russia)
Sheena Ohlig (USA)
Mona Poursaleh (Canada)
Margita Zamolova (Czech Republic)
Silvia Matta (Italy)
POINTS (top 3 qualify)
Janeen Lankowski (USA), 11
Stephanie Flesher (USA), 10
Monique Jones (USA), 9
Aleesha Young (USA), 8
Hunter Henderson (USA), 8
Tamara Makar (UK), 7
Corinne Ingman (UK), 7
Monica Gioiosa (Italy), 6
Anne Sheehan (USA), 6
Kristina Mendoza (USA), 6
Julia Fory (Germany), 6
Alcione Sanots (Brazil), 6
Wendy Sanchez (USA), 5
Heather Grace (USA), 5
Vera Mikulcova (Czech Republic), 5
Felicia Spatarescu (Spain), 5
Stacey Nunez (USA), 4
Jessica Martin (USA), 4
Hulda Lopez (Honduras), 4
Vanesa Lloria (Spain), 4
Akemy Jones (USA), 4
Anastasia Korableva (Russia), 3
Susanna Jacobs (USA), 3
Nicki Chartrand (USA), 3
Traci Rugged (USA), 3
Keisha Oliver (USA), 2
Gabriela Pena de la Vega (USA), 2
Women’s Physique Olympia
Lenka Ferencukova (Czech Republic)
Caroline Alves Dos Santos (Brazil)
Emily Renee Schubert (USA)
Melissa Teich (USA)
Sarah Villegas (USA)
Shanique Grant (USA)
Natalia Abraham Coelho (USA)
Barbara Menage (France)
Ivie Rhein (USA)
Carli Terepka (USA)
Alyssa Kiessling (USA)
Ana Harias (USA)
Tanya Chartrand (Canada)
Christelle Zarovska (Sint Maarten)
Daniely Castilho (Brazil)
Patricia Gosselin (Canada)
Brooke Walker (USA)
Ashley Jones (USA)
Anne-Lorraine Mohn (France)
Penpraghai Tiangngok (Thailand)
POINTS (top 3 qualify)
Elizabeth Bradshaw (USA), 23
Elisama Manuel Benta Zorzetta (Brazil), 11
Laura Pintado Chinchilla (Spain), 11
Sheronican Henton (USA), 8
Modesta Halby (Denmark), 8
Jeannie Feldman (USA), 8
Yuna Kim (South Korea), 7
Sheena Washington (USA), 7
Oana Marinescu (Spain), 6
Patricia Vezirian (USA), 6
Julia Whitesel (USA), 6
Christina Bryant (USA), 6
Elena Aviles Romero (Spain), 6
Claudia Arroyo (USA), 5
Brittany Watts (USA), 5
Raluca Raducu (Romania), 5
Corinne Ingman (UK), 4
Jeanette Johanson (Sweden), 4
Candice Willmore (USA), 4
Amanda Machado (USA), 4
Chelsey Worster (USA), 4
Priscila Reis (Brazil), 3
Jennifer Faccinto (USA), 3
Ann Gruber (USA), 3
Kimberly Rieck (USA), 3
Acione da Silva dos Santos (Brazil), 3
Katherine Hall (USA), 3
Tomefafa Ameko (USA), 3
Jeannea Burritt (USA), 2
Claudia Diaz (USA), 2
Lorraine Gonzalez (USA), 2
Amy Ramsel (USA), 2
Winsome White (USA), 2
Pamela Canfield (USA), 2
Bian Ruiying (China), 1
Teresa Brooks (USA), 1
Laura Richards (USA), 1
Victoria Flores (USA), 1
Katherine McLaurin (USA), 1
Priscila Cavilha (USA), 1
Wellness Olympia
Francielle Mattos (Brazil)
Angela Borges (Brazil)
Gisele Machado (Brazil)
Maria Paulette (Spain)
Yarishna Ayala (USA)
Isabelle Nunes (Brazil)
Sunny Andrews (USA)
Casey Delong (USA)
Lorena Ragusa (USA)
Juliana Mota Esteso (France)
Isamara dos Santos (Brazil)
Kassandra Gillis (Canada)
Bruna Seredich (USA)
Renee Jewett (USA)
Devyn Cambre (USA)
Barbara Emanuele Cesar (USA)
Tatiany Valliant (Brazil)
Julia Chitarra (Brazil)
Susana Mendez Monteiro (Brazil)
POINTS (top 3 qualify)
Mallory Myers (USA) 11
Charline Mas (France), 11
Renee Harshey (USA), 9
Lisa Christin Meiswinkel (Germany), 9
Amanda Rezende (Brazil), 8
Devoné Martin (USA), 7
Kenea Yancy (USA), 6
Helena Ordonez (Spain), 5
Marcela Mattos (Brazil), 5
Anna Mroczkowska (Poland), 5
Minna Pajulahti (Finland), 4
Daisha Johnson (USA), 4
Susana Rodriguez (Brazil), 3
Dani Balbino (Brazil), 2
Crystal Hayes (USA), 2
Figure Olympia
Wendy Fortino (USA)
Julia Heerenveen (Netherlands)
Carly Starling-Horrell (USA)
Cydney Gillon (USA)
Natalia Soltero (Mexico)
Nadia Wyatt (USA)
Nicole Zenobia Graham (USA)
Latorya Watts (USA)
Bojana Vasiljevic (USA)
Maria Luisa Baeza Diaz (USA)
Jessica Reyes Padilla (Puerto Rico)
Lola Montez (Canada)
Rhea Gayle (UK)
Julia Waring (USA)
Michele Silva Pinto (Brazil)
Larhannah Robinson (USA)
Anna Banks (Poland)
Bahar Arya (Germany)
POINTS (top 3 qualify)
Shelace Shoemaker (USA), 15
Latoyia Farley (USA), 12
Heather Dees (USA), 12
Lena Ramsteiner (Germany), 12
Sandra Grajales (Mexico), 11
Jennifer Zienert (Germany), 10
Ivana Ivusic (USA), 9
Christine Stearns (USA), 8
Jossie Alarcon (Mexico), 8
Desiree Alferes (USA), 7
Melissa Brodsky (USA), 7
Gabriela Linhartova (Czech Republic), 7
Jessica Huete (USA), 6
Mayra Yudith Rocha Hernandez (Mexico), 6
Julia DiPompeo (USA), 6
Michele Pinto (Brazil), 5
Veronica Gallego (Spain), 4
Kristen McGregor (Jamaica), 4
Oyku Baser (Turkey), 4
Karina Grau (Paraguay), 4
Rachel Shoemake (USA), 3
Autumn Cleveland (USA), 3
Shanice Abrams (USA), 3
Jacquelyn Hurry (USA) 3
Anita Davis (USA), 3
Danielle Rose (USA), 3
Catherine Lavoie (Canada), 2
Queren Pacheco (Mexico), 2
Julia Champlin (USA), 2
Rachel Cucchia (Switzerland), 2
Rori Ross (USA), 1
Jill Braxmeyer (USA), 1
Rita Villarreal (USA), 1
Donya Jackson (USA), 1
Kim Clark (USA), 1
Fitness Olympia
Aurika Tyrgale (USA)
Missy Truscott (USA)
Oksana Grishina (Russia)
Whitney Jones (USA)
Ariel Khadr (USA)
Jaclyn Baker (USA)
Derina Wilson (USA)
Minna Pajulahti (Finland)
Sara Kovach (USA)
Alix Small (UK)
POINTS (top 3 qualify)
Tamara Vahn (Canada), 19
Debbie Fowler (USA), 15
Kate Errington (UK), 13
Corrine Bean (USA), 10
Stacy Dawn (USA), 7
Layla Mikayla (USA), 6
Marta Aguiar (Uruguay), 6
Stephanie Jones (USA), 6
Rene Brosch (USA), 5
Anna Chism (USA), 5
Allison Kramer (USA), 5
Sally Kendall-Williams (USA), 4
Michelle Gales (USA), 4
Jobie Goodro (USA), 3
Alison Burns (USA), 3
Missy Khasawneh (USA), 2
Bikini Olympia
Stine Hansen (Denmark)
Lucia Malavaze (USA)
Jourdanne Lee (USA)
Francesca Stoico (Italy)
Emily Plajer (USA)
Angelica Teixeira (USA)
Jennifer Ronzitti (USA)
Janet Layug (USA)
Ashley Kaltwasser (USA)
Elisa Pecini (Brazil)
Melissa Carver (Australia)
Lauren Dannenmiller (USA)
Ashlyn Little (USA)
Gabrielle Messias (USA)
Romina Basualdo (USA)
Alessia Facchin (Italy)
Chen Qi Liu (China)
Sara Choi (South Korea)
Eli Fernandez (Mexico)
Jimi Marley (USA)
Maria Julia Lemos (Brazil)
Jessica Wilson (USA)
Ariel Barley (USA)
Daraja Hill (USA)
Kristina Brunauer (Austria)
Lauralie Chapados (USA)
Maureen Blanquisco (USA)
Jasmine Gonzalez (USA)
Erin Stern (USA)
Allison Testu (France)
Noora Mahonen (Finland)
POINTS (top 5 qualify)
Carolina Collazos (USA), 18
Sierra Swann (USA), 16
Jennifer Dorie (Canada), 16
Ivanna Escandar Fernandez (Spain), 16
Vania Auguste (USA), 14
Reijuana Harley (USA), 13
Shelby Pierce (USA), 12
Anya Nicholson (USA), 12
Etila Santiago Santos (Brazil), 11
Cristobalina Pajares (Spain), 10
Carla Garthwaite (USA), 10
Haley Houdyshell (USA), 10
Hannah Ranfranz (USA), 9
Ottavia Mazza (Italy), 9
Svetlana Elina (Russia), 8
Eszter Oczella (Hungary), 8
Cory Hageman (USA), 7
Jessica Dolias (USA), 7
Adrianna Kaczmarek (Poland), 6
Phoebe Hagan (UK), 5
Chloe Margraitner (Switzerland), 5
Aleksandra Banda (Australia), 5
Song Reum (South Korea), 5
Brittany Ann (USA), 5
Anastasia Gonzalez Andreu (Spain), 5
Breena Martinez (USA), 5
Jessica Johnson (Australia), 4
Alyssa Blessing (USA), 4
Christina Heath (USA), 4
Hyo Jung Kim (South Korea), 4
Julia Wohlschlegel (USA), 4
Dulce Cristal Lopez Castellanos (Mexico), 4
Isha Barrow (USA), 4
Christiane Silveira (Brazil), 4
Jade Kelsie Wolfenden (UK), 3
Stephanie Kalms (Australia), 3
Rudy Guerrero (USA), 3
Sonia Lewis (USA), 3
Bola Seo (South Korea), 3
Lydia Munroe (USA), 3
Alejandra Soule (USA), 3
Lexus Redmond (USA), 3
Pricila Rodrigues (Brazil), 3
Alice Marchisio (Italy), 3
Elizabeth Yisrael (USA), 2
Sethia Daigle (USA), 2
Beatriz Biscaia (Portugal), 2
Claire Bonaccorso (Australia), 2
Hope Harper (USA), 2
Emily Plajer (USA), 2
Trisha Green (USA), 2
Meechka Marcelin (USA), 2
Hyekyeong Hwang (South Korea), 2
Yadira Rosado (USA), 2
Alexandria Ross (USA), 2
Jodie Yunker (USA), 2
Giuditta Taccani (Italy), 2
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Greg has covered the four major sports for six years and has been featured on sites such as Sports Illustrated, Fox Sports, SB Nation, NJ.com, and FanSided. Now, he is transitioning into the world of bodybuilding and strength sports.
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
Gunter Schlierkamp Answers: Did He Retire Too Soon?
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Gunter Schlierkamp discusses his lower placing in 2006, struggling with his physique, and the decision to retire.
In 2005, Gunter Schlierkamp placed fourth at the Mr. Olympia. This seemed part of a steady rise over the years and an indicator that he could continue to be a threat for the Sandow trophy. Unfortunately, a year later Schlierkamp placed 10th at the Mr. Olympia 2006. Shortly after he retired from competitive bodybuilding. What happened? In our latest GI Exclusive, Gunter Schlierkamp details his final year of bodybuilding and whether or not he retired too soon.
Gunter Schlierkamp is a bodybuilder with an iconic physique despite never being a Mr. Olympia champion. And to many fans who followed his career – he seemed destined to one day earn that champion status. Then suddenly in 2006, his physique took a hit. He looked less on point than the previous year. He ultimately placed 10th at the Olympia and retired.
For fans of the bodybuilder, this seemed like a sudden and screeching halt. Gunter Schlierkamp had a steady rise to a high point of fourth place – only to suddenly slam down to 10th and stop competing all together. What would have happened if he gave it another year? Did he retire too early?
We asked Gunter Schlierkamp these questions directly. Reflecting back – does Schlierkamp regret retiring after his slump year in 2006? Or does he think it was all for the best? Schlierkamp speaks bluntly about the whole situation. For some unexplainable reason, his body was not reacting to his training methods the same way it had been in years prior. He tried changing up his methods but nothing worked. It’s as if his body suddenly started rejecting his training all together.
Gunter Schlierkamp was 36 years old at this time. There have been bodybuilders that compete well into their 40s and even 50s. But perhaps for Schlierkamp, his body was starting to change as he aged. With his body reacting differently to his training, he got off rhythm and lost confidence. Suddenly he was in a spiral that led to a physique he was less proud of than in previous years.
After placing 10th at the Mr. Olympia 2006, Gunter Schlierkamp thought long and hard about what his next move should be. He understood that bodybuilding couldn’t be a lifetime career. He also had other passions in his life that he wanted to pursue such as being a husband and father. Ultimately, Schlierkamp saw this as an early warning sign. A warning that the decades of bodybuilding were starting to take a toll on his body. So he hung up the towel and started focusing on his family.
Of course, Gunter Schlierkamp had plenty of other opportunities due to bodybuilding. He maintained a sponsorship for income and eventually started his own business. This was all thanks to the reputation he gained as a bodybuilder. So does he feel that he retired too early? No, Schlierkamp thinks he made the right choice. Perhaps he could have bounced back after 2006 – but he would have also missed out on other opportunities that he is proud of in his life.
You can watch Gunter Schlierkamp’s full response about his retirement in our latest GI Exclusive interview segment above!
Julius Maddox and Danial Zamani To Square Off In Bench Press Showdown
Julius Maddox and Danial Zamani are preparing to go head-to-head in a bench press battle early next year.
When discussing the tp bench pressers in the world, there are two names that come to mind immediately — Julius Maddox and Danial Zamani. Who is the best? We might have an answer to that question very soon.
According to an Instagram post by CT Fletcher, there will be a showdown on the bench between Maddox and Zamani at Iron Wars V, a powerlifting competition created by Fletcher himself.
“THE STAGE IS SET!
FOR THE GREATEST BENCH BATTLE IN MODERN HISTORY!
I’VE RECEIVED VERBAL CONFIRMATION FROM BOTH JULIUS MADDOX @irregular_strength THE UNDISPUTED KING ? OF THE BENCH AND REINING WORLD RECORD HOLDER
AND THE IRANIAN ?? SUPERMAN HIMSELF @danialzamani1 THE NO.1 CHALLENGER TO THE CROWN?,” fletcher wrote on instagram.
Maddox currently holds the world record for a raw bench press at 782 pounds. He has an attempt at 800 pounds set up for the end of August. It will be interesting to see if Maddox can make the leap. If there is going to be anyone that has a chance to take the record from Maddox, it will be Zamani. This is something that Maddox has even acknowledged.
Danial Zamani has been putting up some enormous numbers while training. This includes a 766-pound bench press back in July. It is clear that the world record is on his mind and we could see an attempt soon.
Julius Maddox is not shy about commenting on Zamani’s posts on social media. The two are well aware of wha the other can do and this will make the head-to-head matchup even more exciting.
“Getting crazy out here ????” Maddox commented after Zamani’s 766-pound bench.
“thanks brother ❤️❤️❤️” Zamani responded.
“I’m super excited to be there to host and witness history,” Fletcher continued on Instagram. “We will livestream and tape this event, but ask anyone who has ever been to Iron Wars, there’s nothing like being there in person, so if you can, you don’t want to miss this opportunity, coming January 2022 to the Valley of the Beast!! Danial Zamani – Just did 777 in training. Julius Maddox – World Record 782.”
Friendly competition is good for the sport and that is what can be seen between these two elite lifters but there is no doubt that they both want to hold the world record. This event has a chance to be as exciting as it gets so like Fletcher said, you will not want to miss it.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Bodybuilder Arrested After Being Photographed Dragging Police Office During Capitol Riots
Logan Barnhart was arrested on Tuesday following his role in an attack during the riots on the Capitol.
It has been more than seven months since the Capitol was attacked by a group of pro-Trump rioters. The book has not been closed on the day just yet. Logan Barnhart was been arrested on Tuesday after being identified in a photograph dragging a police officer down a set of stairs during the Capitol riots. HuffPost was the first to report the arrest.
Barnhart is a 40-year-old bodybuilder from Michigan. He has been charged with multiple federal offenses such as assaulting and resisting or impeding certain officers using a dangerous weapon. Barnhart made his initial court appearance on Tuesday.
HuffPost also reports that Barnhart was identified with the help of Instagram. There were plenty of people searching for information following the initial attack on the Capitol. Barnhart became a “white whale” for certain groups. The “Sedition Hunters” group gave Barnhart the nickname “CatSweat” because he apparently wore a Caterpillar-brand sweatshirt on the day of the attack.
You can see the attack for which Logan Barnhart aka #CatSweat was arrested in this compilation video – put together for #Scallops (Jack Wade Whitton), but Barnhart appears at center in his Caterpillar sweatshirt as the crowd yells “pull the cops out!” 7/https://t.co/LJJvLA3BAs
— capitolhunters (@capitolhunters) August 17, 2021
“Long-awaited news: #CatSweat is arrested! He’s Logan Barnhardt, bodybuilder from MI. One of the key attackers at the tunnel when Officer Miller was dragged. ID was fast once #SeditionHunters found his clear face shot.”
On Barnhart’s Instagram, a photo of himself wearing the same shirt was discovered from back in July of 2019. This was a factor in finding his identity from the day of the attack. In April, there was a video revealed of Barnhart at the Capitol riots without sunglasses. This allowed sleuths on the internet to get a good look at his face.
Prosecutors alleged that Barnhart was part of a multi-person attack of police officers and was added to a 22-count indictment that features seven people. They say Barnhart dragged the officer down the stairs then he was beaten with a flag pole. He has made his initial court appearance in his home state.
Logan Barnhart last competed in 2019 during the NPC North American Championships. He played fourth in the Men’s Classic Physique Masters Over 35 Class B and 16th in the Men’s Classic Physique Class B.
Generation Iron will continue to update on this story moving forward. For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Aaron Reed Appears As Ryan Reynolds’ Body Double In ‘Free Guy’
Aaron Reed has appeared in bodybuilding and WWE wrestling and now — the big screen.
On Aug. 13, Ryan Reynolds made his latest appearance on the big screen. ‘Free Guy’ was finally released after being pushed back multiple times due to COVID-19. If you have seen the film and are wondering why Reynolds looks larger than life, there is a reason. Former bodybuilder and WWE wrestler Aaron Reed served as Reynolds’ body double for the action-comedy.
In the film, Reynolds plays a bank teller who finds out he is a background player in an open-world video game. When he decides to become the superhero of his own story, Reed can be seen. He said on his Instagram page that the movie was “worth the wait.”
Aaron Reed is known as the tallest bodybuilder ever to win a Men’s Physique competition. He has found great success but the road was not easy. Reed battled leukemia and spent time in hospitals trying to recover. Once his health was back, Reed began working out at 12 years old. He fell in love with lifting and quickly burst onto the scene as a bodybuilder at 19.
At 6-foot-7, Reed was much taller than the competition but this did not take away from his physical stature. In his career, Reed has been named the 2010 NPC Greater Gainesville Overall Champion and 2011 NPC Orlando Metropolitan Men’s Physique Overall Champion. Reed was successful on stage during his time. At 29 years old, he signed a contract with the WWE but his stint did not last long. Reed suffered an injury that forced him to back away.
Aaron Reed is an accomplished individual who has found success in many lanes. He has become a nutrition coach and even is a published author on the subject. This is a reason that Reed has been able to maintain his impressive physique that has been seen on the big screen.
There are stunt doubles and now we have body doubles. In a movie featuring a bank teller turned superhero, it needed a bit more muscle and that is what Reed provides. Now, all that is left to do is to go see the movie and watch the performance of Reed.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Melvin Anthony Answers: Is Bodybuilding Less Lucrative Today?
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Melvin Anthony discusses financial opportunities in bodybuilding during his era vs today.
Those who follow bodybuilding history know of the coveted Weider contract. Back when Joe Weider was still alive – he would offer lucrative sponsorship contracts to the top bodybuilders in the sport. It was at once a sort of confirmation of a bodybuilder’s talent as well as a consistent pay day. In a sense, it was how an athlete became a career bodybuilder. Today contracts like Joe Weider’s are unheard of. Instead, social media influencer sponsorships and affiliate rates provide opportunity for income. In our latest GI Exclusive interview, Melvin Anthony debates on whether or not bodybuilding was more lucrative in the past model compared to today’s model.
Melvin Anthony’s bodybuilding career happened just at the tail end of a massive cultural shift in the world. By the time he was done with pro bodybuilding, social media had just begun blowing up. Now ten years later – it’s almost a way of life for younger generations.
The rise of the internet, and more specifically social media, completely changed how bodybuilding worked. The competitions, of course, remained the same. But how the fans interacted with key athletes and followed the sport shifted. Magazines were no longer king and fans could get daily updates instead of monthly.
In many ways, this has helped bodybuilding grow. Bodybuilders can now promote themselves without a middleman. Live streams can be broadcast to those who can’t attend shows in person. Exposure is at an all time high. But has the financial opportunities for athletes grown with it?
Melvin Anthony is at odds with bodybuilding revenue opportunities of today vs yesteryear. He’s old enough to remember what the 90s paydays were like. Prize money might have been down – but supplement contracts were massive. Today, it’s common to hear that athletes are only paid in free supplements an affiliate percentage rates. Meaning – the more the bodybuilder can sell the more money they can make. This can be lucrative for some – but is vastly different than a consistent monthly paycheck.
Melvin Anthony at first claims that bodybuilding in the past was more lucrative. The lack of exposure made the niche sport even more “elite.” A bodybuilder could sell merch at expos – and they became collectors items. On top of this, earning a supplement contract or a Weider contract, was only for the best of the best. When it was earned – it was like winning the lottery.
At the same time, Melvin Anthony admits he doesn’t understand fully the new model of sponsorships for bodybuilders. He feels as though it’s less impressive of a payday – but he also understands that social media provides so many more options for exposure. Exposure can equal big money for those who know how to harness it.
The reality probably falls somewhere in between. It seems as if, in the past, the paydays were higher but dispersed to smaller number of athletes. Today, even a bodybuilder who places low on stage can make big money if they build a brand on social media. Many more bodybuilders have gone on to become entrepreneurs. While this isn’t direct money from bodybuilding proper – they used their physique and social media to help kick start a business.
The old vs new debates will always rage on in sports and in culture at large. The only true fact we know for sure is that there are more fans of bodybuilding today than ever before. So there is plenty of opportunity to succeed with that kind of exposure. Perhaps it’s simply different but not better or worse in that regard.
You can watch Melvin Anthony break down his thoughts on bodybuilding revenue in our latest GI Exclusive interview segment above!