Tag: nEWS
Arnold Schwarzenegger Finally Addresses “Screw Your Freedom” Statement
Arnold Schwarzenegger finally addresses the backlash from his recent comments.
Freedom is a powerful word. To some it means the sacrifices made by those who came before them. For others its the symbol that gives their lives reason to soar. So when famed bodybuilder Arnold Schwarzenegger made comments that seemed to attack freedom, many in the fitness community were none too happy.
In an interview with CNN some weeks back, Arnold Schwarzenegger said “screw your freedom” in regards to those who refused to wear masks. While he may have meant the comments in a very specific way, many took the words as attacking the idea of freedom. It caused many athletes like Brian Shaw and Calum von Moger to take down posters of Arnold in their gyms.
The Legend Addresses His Comments
Well it seems that the legendary bodybuilder is finally ready to address the comments. In his most recent newsletter, Arnold Schwarzenegger wrote in detail about the comments he made in the interview and unpacked his words.
“That’s fine! They have the right to choose clickbait instead of informing their audience,” wrote Arnold. “If they listened to the whole quote, they would have realized that I am talking about all of the whiny babies that I see going viral on the internet who think that being asked to put on a mask is a perfect reason to throw a toddler fit in a grocery store and look like an absolute child.
“These are people who yell “FREEDOM” in their American flag hats while not taking any time to study the history of our nation and how freedom and duty have ALWAYS gone hand in hand. They think being an American means not caring about their fellow Americans, and I’m sorry, I can’t accept that.”
Addressing The Fallout
Calum von Moger and Brian Shaw weren’t the only ones who were upset with Arnold’s words. Aaron Singerman of REDCON1 had issues with the comments and removed his sponsorship from the Arnold Sports Festival. Arnold Schwarzenegger also addressed this in his newsletter.
“With all of this going on, it was a wild week! One of my favorite strongmen I’ve ever worked with took my poster off of his gym wall, then a bodybuilder who played me in a movie copied that move, which wasn’t very creative. We lost a sponsor of the Arnold Sports Festival, we added new sponsors immediately.
“When the worst thing that happens to me this month is some people yelling at me, then losing a sponsor for the Arnold Sports Festival, that’s when you realize how lucky we are to live in this country.
“In fact, if nothing else, this whole episode has made me say, ‘I love this fucking country.’ Because you know what? All of these people have the right to complain, and they won’t be sent off to prison. And I have the right to say what I believe. That’s beautiful.”
The Media Agenda
Arnold also addressed media and news outlets that aren’t doing their due diligence to inform the people with unbiased information.
“A lot of our news sources, whether it’s social media or mainstream news, and whether it is left or right, prefer that you’re emotional instead of informed.”
Arnold went on to address how many people are choosing their feelings over the facts.
“We are constantly choosing our feelings over learning and being open-minded to other ideas. We haven’t been able to come together around very simple steps that can help prevent the spread of this disease. That makes me worry about how we would respond to an even bigger challenge. We have to stop making everything political, or we will be in big trouble when the next crisis strikes us. We have to be able to come together.”
Are Your Freedoms Really Under Attack?
Lastly Arnold Schwarzenegger addressed the idea of wearing a mask as being an infringement on freedom. The legend simply isn’t buying it.
“If you are someone who thinks masks are an infringement on your freedom, can I ask what happens to you when you get caught not wearing a mask? Is it that you are politely asked to put one on? Or is it that you may be asked to leave the business if you refuse? At worst, you might have paid a fine? Was your freedom really taken away? Think with your learning brain, not your emotional brain right now. Even in the worst case, if you paid a fine or got kicked off an airline for refusing to wear a mask, did you lose your freedom?
“No, you didn’t.
“We can see limitations on freedom all around us, because that’s how society works,” wrote Arnold Schwarzenegger. “It is how every society since the beginning of civilization worked, and the United States, with all its flaws, is the pinnacle. We will always have more work to do, but that’s part of what makes us great.”
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Managing Editor at Generation Iron, Jonathan Salmon is a writer, martial arts instructor, and geek culture enthusiast. Check out his YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Sound Cloud for in-depth MMA analysis.
2021 Battle of Champions Pro Results
Wesley Vissers wins Classic Physique at the 2021 Battle of Champions Pro.
The 2021 Battle of Champions Pro took place on Sunday in Warsaw, Poland. This competition gave athletes another chance to earn qualification to the 2021 Olympia. Wesley Vissers finished at the top in Classic Physique while Adrianna Kaczmarek won Bikini.
Vissers began competing professionally after earning his pro card by winning the London Royal Pro qualifier in 2017. He traveled to the United State to take part in the 2018 Chicago Pro, where he finished first in the classic physique division and earned a trip to the Olympia. Here, he will have a chance to compete in his second Olympia and show that he is becoming a force in the sport.
For Kaczmarek, this will be her second-straight appearance in the Olympia. She earned her qualification last year by winning Bikini at the 2020 Europa Pro Championships.
There were two divisions at the Battle of Champions Pro who gained qualification to the Olympia. The full results have now been announced. Check out our full breakdown of the IFBB 2021 Battle of Champions results below.
2021 Battle of Champions: All Division Winners
A quick breakdown of the winners in each division from the 2021 Battle of Champions. All winners are now automatically qualified to compete in the Olympia 2021.
Classic Physique: Wesley Vissers
Bikini: Adrianna Kaczmarek
2021 Battle of Champions Breakdown
Classic Physique
First Place – Wesley Vissers
Second Place – Roman Khaliulin
Third Place – Jack Connor
Fourth Place – Pavel Szotkowski
Fifth Place – Hubert Kulczynski
Sixth Place – Denis Romanov
Bikini
First Place – Adrianna Kaczmarek
Second Place – Noora Mahonen
Third Place – Priscila Rodrigues
Fourth Place – Ottavia Mazza
Fifth Place – Anastasia Gonzalez Andreu
Sixth Place – Wiktoria Gasior
Official Score Cards
Generation Iron wishes to congratulate all the great athletes who earned a win at the IFBB Battle of Champions. Make sure to check out our full IFBB Pro results page from this year and previous years right here to catch up on any action you may have missed!
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.
Jake Paul Defeats Tyron Woodley By Decision
Get the full results of Jake Paul vs Tyron Woodley below.
This is certainly a match up many never would have thought they’d witness just a few short years ago. But now here we are; Jake Paul, former Disney star and social media figure will be going to battle against former UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley. The world is truly a strange place indeed.
The two will do battle this Sunday night in Cleveland, Ohio. Both Jake Paul and Tyron Woodley have put their all into preparation for this match up and are looking eager to compete. The big confrontation at the press conference leading into the fight has sparked even more interest in the bout.
So now that the event is upon us, what can we expect from the showdown between Jake Paul and Tyron Woodley?
Jake Paul
While Jake Paul certainly talks a great deal of smack and can be grating, his boxing ability isn’t something to dismiss. His knockouts of Nate Robinson and Ben Askren are nothing to scoff at. While neither were experienced strikers, we were able to glean a few things from the matches.
Firstly, Jake Paul has a great understanding on how to use the jab. He uses it mostly to gauge distance more than as a legit weapon. He also uses the punch to set up his solid power.
Second, Jake Paul has some serious speed and power in his punches. He’s missed on his lead hooks in the past, but there’s no denying that there is some solid speed and power there. His timing on his overhand right as a counter is something Woodley needs to be concerned about.
Lastly the size advantage that Paul possesses could play in his favor. He’s bigger than Woodley, hits hard, and has enough skill to pose serious problems for the former UFC champion.
Tyron Woodley
The former UFC welterweight champion, Tyron Woodley was one of the most dangerous humans on the planet in his heyday. In fact, he still is. While he may no longer be in his prime, Woodley is the kind of ageless athlete that you’d see in fiction.
Tyron Woodley was able to assert his dominance as UFC champion with a mixture of heavy hands and high level wrestling. His punching power, particularly in his right hand, is something Paul should be concerned about. He has the kind of explosive one shot power to end the show in an instant.
That said, Jake Paul mostly has one weapon to be concerned about. Tyron Woodley may have a right hand, but he’s never been known for having brilliant striking. His explosiveness and timing has gotten him through many battles and it’s exactly what he’ll need to defeat Paul come Sunday.
Results
The showdown between Jake Paul and Tyron Woodley went down and the results are in.
After a back and forth showdown, Jake Paul defeated Tyron Woodley by decision.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Managing Editor at Generation Iron, Jonathan Salmon is a writer, martial arts instructor, and geek culture enthusiast. Check out his YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Sound Cloud for in-depth MMA analysis.
Mike Tyson Believes Jake Paul Will Defeat Tyron Woodley
Mike Tyson has been a fan of Jake Paul since he began boxing.
Mike Tyson is one of the best boxers to ever live so when he speaks, people usually listen. Recently, Tyson has been speaking highly of Jake Paul and his ability as a boxer. That has not changed with Paul’s fight against Tyron Woodley coming up.
Tyson recently told TMZ that this will not be an easy fight and Paul’s record speaks for itself. The 24-year-old YouTuber participated in his first fight back in January 2020 and has been in the spotlight in the boxing world ever since. Paul has victories over NBA player Nate Robinson and MMA fighter Ben Askren.
Paul, along with his brother Logan, have been vocal since their boxing debuts. The Internet sensations have a knack of getting under the skin of their opponents and that includes Woodley.
“Jake has been fighting for five minutes. Why is age a factor?” Woodley said to the New York Post. “It’s a factor if someone’s faster, stronger or if they are more skilled — he’s none of the above. He can’t change the fact of my experience level, what I’ve done in the game, my mindset, my mentality and just being in there for the minutes, hours and years. He can’t make that up in any training camp.”
Mike Tyson believes that Paul’s fists will be the difference in this fight. Woodley is 19-7-1 in his career as a fighter. This will clearly be Paul’s biggest test yet but Tyson believes that he can pickup another victory and keep his record unblemished.
If Paul can take down Woodley, there will be even more believers in his ability to compete as a boxer. Regardless of the outcome, he already has the praise of a legend from what he has been able to do to this point.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Leroy Walker Sets World Record With 114kg Strict Curl
Leroy Walker was able to crush the lift and set a new mark.
The strict curl world record is one that has been sought after for years now by many athletes. On Sunday, Leroy Walker became the powerlifter that was able to set a new mark with his incredible lift.
Walker completed a 114kg (250lb) strict curl to set a new world record. This beat the previous record set by Denis Cyplenkov in 2019 by a single kilogram. Walker took to Instagram to share his accomplishment and broke down the process.
Leroy Walker completed the record lift on his third attempt. He seemed to have plenty in the tank — even after failing on his first two attempts at a higher number. Walker began with a 259-pound attempt but could not finish it.
“There are moments you fail in order to appreciate success . This fail was one of those moments. I was actually proud to fail at 259. It meant I was in a great place. 250lbs had been achieved on my 3rd attempt. This was instead of my fourth. I had planned on going 220-230-235 and an attempt at 250 on a fourth,” Walker wrote on Instagram.
“After 230 I felt great and wanted to conserve energy for a shot at the world record. My programming said I was 243-248 ready. You never know until you know.”
This is not the first record that Walker has locked up. Back in June, he set the American strict curl record with a 102.5 (226lb) lift. This is a lift that has also been sought after. Different athletes, such as Larry Wheels and former Pittsburgh Steelers’ linebacker James Harrison, have been training to put up big numbers in the strict curl.
Now that Leroy Walker has successfully achieved the world record, it is the to build on it. There is a clear sense that Walker will continue to look for a higher number, especially after a couple failed attempts. This will be the new goal for Walker moving forward as he continues to put up eye-popping numbers.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Matt Mendenhall Has Passed Away at Age 61
Veteran bodybuilder Matt Mendenhall has passed away at age 61.
It appears that bodybuilding legend Matt Mendenhall has passed away. According to sources, the veteran bodybuilder has passed away due to unknown circumstances.
Matt Mendenhall came to prominence in the 1980s showcasing a truly mind blowing physique at the height of his powers. Mendenhall was regarded by many, including Lee Haney, as having one of the greatest physiques of the era.
Matt Mendenhall was also a personal trainer and made it his mission to help others get into the best shape of their lives. The Generation Iron will continue to follow this story as it develops.
Competition History
1978 Mr Ohio High School, 1st
1979 Teenage Mr Ohio, 3rd
1980 Teen Mr. Metropolitan, 1st and Open winner
1980 Mr. Ohio Association, 3rd
1981 Mr Cincinnati 1st,
1981 Buckeye Open, 1st
1982 NPC Nationals, 2nd
1983 NPC Nationals, 4th
1984 NPC Nationals, 2nd
1985 NPC USA Championships, 1st
1985 IFBB World Games, 2nd
1986 NPC Nationals, 2nd
1987 NPC Nationals, 10th
1988 NPC Nationals, 11th
1991 NPC Nationals, 5th
The Generation Iron team extends condolences to the family and friends of Matt Mendenhall.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Managing Editor at Generation Iron, Jonathan Salmon is a writer, martial arts instructor, and geek culture enthusiast. Check out his YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Sound Cloud for in-depth MMA analysis.
Managing editor of Generation Iron, Jonathan Salmon is a writer, martial arts instructor, and geek culture enthusiast. He has been writing about bodybuilding, combat sports, and strength sports for over 8 years. Check out his YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Sound Cloud for in-depth MMA analysis.
Abbas Karimi To Compete For Refugee Paralympic Team In Tokyo
Abbas Karimi, a swimmer born without arms, fled Afghanistan at 16.
The story of Abbas Karimi has gone from Afghanistan to a pool in Tokyo.
Karimi, a 24-year-old swimmer, was born without arms but this has not stopped him from accomplishing great things and becoming an inspiration. Karimi is one of six athletes competing for the Refugee Paralympic Team in Tokyo and might be the only Afghan competitor. Due to the current situation with the Taliban in Afghanistan, the country’s Paralympic delegation was unable to fly to Tokyo for the competition.
Karimi was able to escape Afghanistan long before the current chaos. It was not an easy journey for Karimi to get to the Paralympic Games but it all came together when he led a flood of nations during the opening ceremonies. He was one of two flag bearers for the team.
In 2013, Karimi was taken to Iran and he connected with a group that then traveled to Turkey. He was determined to continue swimming and learning different styles. This began during his time in Afghanistan, where he fled from at age 16. During his time in Turkey, Karimi connected with Mike Ives, a retired wrestling and football coach. Ives began a letter-writing campaign that helped Karimi resettle as a refugee in America, where he lived with Ives in Portland and joined a U.S. Masters Swimming Team.
Abbas Karimi has enjoyed some success in swimming and this includes winning silver in the 50-meter butterfly at the paraswimming world championships in Mexico City in 2017. He competed in 2019 and placed sixth at the 2019 world championships in London before he was forced to take a break due to the pandemic.
The current adventure he is embarking on in Tokyo gives Karimi a chance to compete once again but will also offer an experience that will not be forgotten soon. Karimi began training as a swimmer at a young age against all odds. On Instagram, he recently shared a photo where he simply said “Dream came True.”
Abbas Karimi is a story that can inspire anyone in any sport. The world of swimming will have a chance to watch Karimi in Tokyo. He also shared on social media that he will be swimming the 50-meter butterfly on Friday and the 50-meter backstroke on Monday.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
What Can We Expect From Jake Paul vs Tyron Woodley?
Jake Paul vs Tyron Woodley could be a very interesting fight.
This is certainly a match up many never would have thought they’d witness just a few short years ago. But now here we are; Jake Paul, former Disney star and social media figure will be going to battle against former UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley. The world is truly a strange place indeed.
The two will do battle this Sunday night in Cleveland, Ohio. Both Jake Paul and Tyron Woodley have put their all into preparation for this match up and are looking eager to compete. The big confrontation at the press conference leading into the fight has sparked even more interest in the bout.
So now that the event is upon us, what can we expect from the showdown between Jake Paul and Tyron Woodley?
Jake Paul
While Jake Paul certainly talks a great deal of smack and can be grating, his boxing ability isn’t something to dismiss. His knockouts of Nate Robinson and Ben Askren are nothing to scoff at. While neither were experienced strikers, we were able to glean a few things from the matches.
Firstly, Jake Paul has a great understanding on how to use the jab. He uses it mostly to gauge distance more than as a legit weapon. He also uses the punch to set up his solid power.
Second, Jake Paul has some serious speed and power in his punches. He’s missed on his lead hooks in the past, but there’s no denying that there is some solid speed and power there. His timing on his overhand right as a counter is something Woodley needs to be concerned about.
Lastly the size advantage that Paul possesses could play in his favor. He’s bigger than Woodley, hits hard, and has enough skill to pose serious problems for the former UFC champion.
Tyron Woodley
The former UFC welterweight champion, Tyron Woodley was one of the most dangerous humans on the planet in his heyday. In fact, he still is. While he may no longer be in his prime, Woodley is the kind of ageless athlete that you’d see in fiction.
Tyron Woodley was able to assert his dominance as UFC champion with a mixture of heavy hands and high level wrestling. His punching power, particularly in his right hand, is something Paul should be concerned about. He has the kind of explosive one shot power to end the show in an instant.
That said, Jake Paul mostly has one weapon to be concerned about. Tyron Woodley may have a right hand, but he’s never been known for having brilliant striking. His explosiveness and timing has gotten him through many battles and it’s exactly what he’ll need to defeat Paul come Sunday.
Who do you think wins, Jake Paul or Tyron Woodley?
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Managing Editor at Generation Iron, Jonathan Salmon is a writer, martial arts instructor, and geek culture enthusiast. Check out his YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Sound Cloud for in-depth MMA analysis.
Bodybuilder Megan Elizabeth Has Passed Away at 28 Years Old
The 28-year-old earned her pro card in 2018.
IFBB pro bodybuilder Megan Elizabeth has passed away at the age of 28. The cause of Marshall’s death has not been released. An announcement was made on the Facebook page of her mother, Denise.
“It is with the heaviest of hearts that Chuck and I let you know that we said goodbye to our beautiful Megan yesterday. We have had many reach out after seeing other posts. We will let you know about services after we have some time,” Morris wrote.
“Megan has been taken from us sooner than any of us were ready for, and as parents our hearts hurt and are broken. We now have another angel in Heaven to watch over us. Megan will join my Mom and my sister and her MawMaw. Soar high Miss Mighty Mouse! We love you always.”
Megan Elizabeth was an athlete all throughout her life. She joined the Navy after high school and learned about bodybuilding in 2013. She quickly gained a passion for the sport and trained to build her impressive physique. In 2014, Elizabeth began competing. This is when she started working toward her pro card. Elizabeth was able to earn her card at the 2018 NPC Junior USA Championships.
Elizabeth took to Instagram recently to celebrate the anniversary of earning her pro card.
Megan Elizabeth has stepped away from bodybuilding over the last few years but she was still a big part of the sport.
This has been an unfortunate time in the sport of bodybuilding. Many athletes have lost their lives recently and this has caused Olympia owner Jake Wood to push for a change.
I AM DEEPLY SHAKEN BY THE LOSS OF ALENA. 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 wrote.
Generation Iron sends condolences out to Megan Elizabeth’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.
TJ Marrero Breaks Teen American Record With 283kg Deadlift
The 17-year-old powerlifter bested the previous record by half a kilogram.
Antonio “TJ” Marrero entered the 2021 USA Powerlifting Massachusetts/Rhode Island State Championships looking to make an impact. That is exactly what he did as the 17-year old set a new American deadlift record in the Teen 16-17 (T2) division. Marrero completed a 283kg (623.9lb) deadlift to claim the championship.
Marrero beat the previous record by just half a kilogram. Jacob Waltzer set the previous record during the 2020 USAPL Virginia Winter Wrecker when he deadlifted 282.5kg (622.8lb). This record stood for nine months before Marrero was able to climb on top. Marrero posted the record setting lift on his Instagram account where he makes the lift look rather easy.
TJ Marrero’s performance at this event was impressive all-around. He entered the competition at a bodyweight of 74kg. He totaled 573kg (1,263lb) with his three lifts. The full breakdown was a 180kg (396.8lb) squat, 110kg (242.5lb) bench press, and of course, the record-setting 283kg (623.9lb) deadlift. All three lifts were competition bests for Marrero, who is beginning to make some noise on stage.
This was just Marrero’s third appearance in a sanctioned event. He began competing in March and won gold in his first competition at the USAPL Pittsburgh Spring Classic. Marrero has been making crazy strides in training in a short amount of time as a powerlifter. His numbers will only continue to rise as he progresses in the sport. Along with powerlifting, Marrero also has a passion for bodybuilding.
For what it’s worth, Marrero’s American record is 12 kilograms more than that of the International Powerlifting Federation Sub-Junior division. This features competitors 18 years old and under, which is where Marrero would be if he had competed internationally. France’s Nahel Baali deadlifted 271kg (597.5lb) at the 2019 European Powerlifting Federation European Classic Championships.
The speed at which TJ Marrero is adding weight to his lifts is impressive and shows that there is a bright future ahead as a powerlifter. Whenever he competes again, it will be a must-watch to see if he attempts to break his own record and continue to set a mark that is difficult to reach.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.