As bodybuilding fans all know by now, Badell took home the winner’s purse of $18,000 at the AC and now has set himself up for another run at the Olympia, where he finished in the top 10 last year. “The Freakin’ Rican” was not a surprise and anyone who feels that he was did not do their homework.

Badell has 11 years experience on the pro circuit and has won two shows (2005 Iron Man Pro, 2006 San Francisco Pro). In 2008, he finished second at the Iron Man, sixth at the Arnold Classic and 10th at the Olympia. He came into this year’s Arnold a little off and placed 11th but had plenty of time to prepare for this contest and obviously used it well.

In case you need further convincing, this is a guy who placed third at two consecutive Olympias only five short years ago.

At 5’8″ and 240 pounds, Badell had the size to get more than noticed. He came in condition and took the top spot against some quality competition in Hidetada Yamagishi, Troy Alves, Melvin Anthony and Leo Ingram.

• 1991 Junior Caribbean Championships, overall winner
• 1997 Caribbean Championships, overall winner (received pro card)
• 1997 World Amateur Championships Heavyweight, 10th
• 1998 Grand Prix Germany, 9th
• 1999 Grand Prix England, 17th
• 1999 Night of Champions, Did Not Place
• 1999 [[World Pro Championships, 14th
• 2000 Ironman Pro Invitational, 18th
• 2000 Night of Champions, Did Not Place
• 2000 Toronto Pro Invitational, Did Not Place

• 2000 World Pro Championships, 11th
• 2001 Grand Prix England, Did Not Place
• 2001 Ironman Pro Invitational, 16th
• 2001 San Francisco Pro Invitational, 11th
• 2002 Ironman Pro Invitational, 13th
• 2002 Night of Champions, 10th
• 2002 Mr. Olympia, 24th
• 2002 Southwest Pro Cup, 6th
• 2002 Toronto Pro Invitational, 3rd
• 2004 Arnold Classic, 7th
• 2004 Ironman Pro Invitational, 3rd
• 2004 San Francisco Pro Invitational, 4th

• 2004 Show of Strength Pro Championship, 3rd
• 2004 Mr. Olympia, 3rd
• 2005 Arnold Classic, 3rd
• 2005 Ironman Pro Invitational, 1st
• 2005 Mr. Olympia, 3rd
• 2006 Arnold Classic, 4th
• 2006 San Francisco Pro Invitational, 1st
• 2006 Mr. Olympia, 6th
• 2007 Arnold Classic, 4th
• 2007 Mr. Olympia 8th
• 2008 Ironman Pro Invitational, 2nd
• 2008 Arnold Classic, 6th
• 2008 Mr Olympia, 10th
• 2009 Arnold Classic, 11th
• 2009 Atlantic City Pro, 1st

In 2008, Badell, 36, finished second at the Iron Man Pro, sixth at the Arnold Classic and 10th at the Olympia. So far this year, he has only competed once and placed 11th at the Arnold. This is a man who won the Iron Man in ’05 and the San Francisco Pro in ’06. Badell has also finished third at the 2004 and 2005 Mr. Olympias, so he has done well against the big boys in his career.

In his 11th year competing, the 5’8″, 240-pound Badell may not have many chances left at winning quality shows such as the Atlantic City. His experience and size will be pluses for him against a line-up that he should be able to handle. He must come in to the contest in top condition and having since March to prepare, there is no excuse if he does not.

2009 Atlantic City Pro IFBB Championships
Friday & Saturday, September 11&12th
Atlantic City, New Jersey
Promoted by
Stokley Palmer & Ron Goldstein

Men’s Open

1 Almohsinawi, Khalid (Netherlands)

2 Anthony, Melvin (USA)

3 Apperson, Lee (USA)

6 Chacon, Marcos (SPAIN)

7 Cohen, Simon (UNITED KINGDOM)

8 Dexter, Oscar (Tahiti)

15 Ojex, Bola (Nigeria)

16 Pelletier, Jocelyn (Canada)

17 Piotrkowicz, Robert (Poland)

23 Alves, Troy

The huge Branch Warren is coming back from an injured triceps and has his sights set on winning the show that he has taken the Most Muscular award in. In his two previous Arnold Classic appearances, Warren has finished in second and fourth the last two years.

If posing held as much weight as it did 30 years ago, Kai Green would take the top spot without much competition. His crazy routines have become famous and if he is in top condition after hernia surgery, the rest of the pack better watch out.

Although these three men have been spoken about as favorites to win the contest, coming back after a long layoff will not be easy. Toney Freeman will look to prove that and if he has imporoved even slightly from his fifth place finish at the last Mr. Olympia, he must be taken seriously. The X-Man may be 43, but his size and condition have never been questioned. If he can come in proportioned, his chances will become much better. It will be a shock if Freeman does not crack the Top 3 and may even take the title. 

A few wild cards heading into Ohio are Silvio Samuel, Gustavo Badell and Dennis James. ‘El Matador’ won the Iron Man Pro just three short weeks ago and cannot be taken lightly. Badell finished in the Top 10 at the O, but needs to tighten up his bloated and wide look.

James is reported to be in fantastic shape and is always a threat to break the Top 6.