7 Titles in 1981 Alone for the ‘Ragin’ Cajun’

On this week’s episode of MuscleSport Radio, our special guest will be Boyer Coe, who is a former Mr. America, Mr. Universe and Mr. World. Coe won an incredible seven titles in the year 1981 alone and is known for the incredible peaks on his biceps.

Be sure to listen live on Tuesday, November 18 from 3 to 4 PM Eastern time on Blog Talk Radio, or hear it via archives on iTunes, MuscleSport Mag or Blog Talk Radio.

On November 25, we will be joined by 1983 Mr. Olympia Samir Bannout.

Legendary Bodybuilder Joins Us for Special Episode

Make sure to download this week’s episode of MuscleSport Radio, which included a special interview with legendary bodybuilder Bill Grant, the former Mr. America and Mr. World. Bill shares some great memories with us about being one of the early pioneers of the sport in Venice, California back in 1975. Gold’s Gym, better known as the ‘Mecca,’ and the motion picture “Pumping Iron” are just some of the topics discussed. Arnold, Vince Gironda and Joe Weider’s names also came up, so this is one show you will not want to miss.

Be sure to listen to ‘MuscleSport radio’ live every Tuesday from 3 to 4 pm (Eastern time) on www.blogtalkradio.com. Episodes can be heard live or via download on Blog Talk Radio, iTunes or MuscleSport Mag. On next week’s show, our special guest will be Boyer Coe. On 11/25/08, we will be joined by 1983 Mr. Olympia Samir Bannout.

WWF/WWE Mogul Vince McMahon Tried His Hand at Bodybuilding in the 90s

The IFBB can be viewed as a monopoly. Even an organization that monopolizes its own industry couldn’t make a dent in bodybuilding. Considering that it was Vince McMahom from the wrestling world makes it even more surprising.

Back in September of 1990, at none other than the Mr. Olympia weekend in Chicago, the World Bodybuilding Federation was born in a press release stating that the new organization would “revamp professional bodybuilding with dramatic new events and the richest prize money in the history of the sport.” Calling the competitors the ‘WBF BodyStars,’ a slew of pros were signed over from the IFBB, including Gary Strydom, Berry DeMey, Mike Christain and Lou Ferrigno. Continue Reading »

Bodybuilding Guru Passes Suddenly in Montreal

Although he was 85 years old, the passing of Ben Weider comes as a shock to the bodybuilding world. He died at a Montreal hospital of an undisclosed illness. Just a few short weeks ago, Weider was standing on the Mr. Olympia stage crowning Dexter Jackson in Las Vegas.

A funeral is being for Monday in Montreal. Weider is survived by his wife Huguette Derouin and their three sons, Louis, Eric and Mark.

Two Huge Names to Grace the Columbus, Ohio Stage

One had to sit out because of an injury, the other finished a disappointing fourth. Two names that were being thrown around liberally before the most recent Mr. Olympia contest was Branch Warren and Dennis Wolf, and it won’t be long before they’re being spoken of in the same light again.

The difference this time will be that Wolf and Warren are going to be hitting the stage at the next Arnold Classic. For Wolf, this will be his first foray in Ohio, and Warren finished in second place at the 2006 Arnold. Continue Reading »

Maiden Voyage of Weekly Podcast Available on iTunes, Blog Talk Radio

Well, we just wrapped up the first installment of what we hope is the first of many shows. We gave a brief overview of what we will bring you each and every week and who we are planning on having as guests.

A quick recap of the show:

1- Future Steroid Call-in Forum

2- Mr. Olympia wrap-up and commentary

3- Gridiron Gap: NFL weekend recap, including MNF Giants loss to Browns

4- Diamond Cuts: NL & ALCS talk

5- NY Sportscene magazine - next month interview with Gregg Valentino

You can hear the show live every Tuesday from 3 to 4 pm on www.blogtalkradio.com or by listening to the archived broadcasts right here, on iTunes or Blog Talk Radio.

’82 Mr. Olympia Chris Dickerson Had a Great Mentor in Bill Pearl

Bodybuilding is different from many other sports. Winning a competition is a self-gratifying accomplishment, one that differs from team sports. There are no other players, coaching staff or front office to thank. But there are special people behind the scenes that are there with the athletes every step of the way, from that first workout in preparation to the night of the contest.

Chris Dickerson had someone that fit that description, and then some.

“My parents divorced when I was just a kid,” he said. “I’m one of triplets, so I never had an older brother. Bill Pearl was like a father, older brother and coach to me.”

Pearl, the legendary bodybuilder from the 1950s and ‘60s, was a mentor to a young Dickerson, who began training at the age of 23. “I emulated [Pearl] even with the big plaid shorts he wore,” said Dickerson. “He influenced me in many ways.

“Winning was for myself, but also to please him.” Continue Reading »

Long Island Native Finishes Second in 202 Showdown

Most athletes have the luxury of something called an ‘offseason.’ You know, the winter in baseball and the spring for football. A time of the year to recover from all the work that you put in. That is the case in most sports.

Not in bodybuilding, which is a 12 month, seven days a week commitment. To prepare for a competition, especially one with the magnitude of Mr. Olympia, there isn’t a day to waste. Kevin English has to get down approximately 70 pounds to his contest weight of a little over 200.

“Usually when people see me on stage they think that I’m about 20 pounds heavier,” the 5’4” Great Neck, New York native said. No wonder with the mass that he possesses.

In September, he was on bodybuilding’s largest stage at the 44th Mr. Olympia contest, which took place at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas. It was English’s rookie ‘O,’ and he finished 16th out of 19 competitors. Earlier in the day, he was the first runner-up in the 202 Showdown, which pitted the smaller bodybuilders against one another. Continue Reading »

“Big Bad” Lucky to Finish in Fourth

Heading into the Mr. Olympia contest, the fan favorite to take the title away from Jay Cutler was none other than Dennis Wolf. The 5′11″ German had been spoken of as the most likely of the competitors to make the biggest jump from his fifth place finish in 2007.

While he did come in looking as if he trained intensely for the show, he did have enough flaws that his fourth place finish was questioned. Tony Freeman finished in fifth and appeared to be in much better condition than Wolf.

Wolf lacked in a few areas, including his hamstrings and calves. His obliques were not where they should have been, either. From some angles, he appeared to have ‘love handles.’ Definitely not a trait that you want on stage striving for the Sandow. Continue Reading »

Finishing Third in Maiden Olympia a Huge Accomplishment

Heading into the 2008 Mr. Olympia contest, the one name being tossed around as a wild card was Phil Heath. The man known as the Gift was making his first appearance on the Olympia stage, but has had a very productive year. Winning the IFBB Iron Man and finishing second to Dexter Jackson at the Arnold Classic had the 28 year-old in line for a good finish in Las Vegas.

Two days before the Olympia, Heath remained humble about his chances. “Any time that you have the opportunity to be mentioned like that, it is a privilege,” he said. “Especially being a rookie, with the build up, to be in my position (being picked as) in the top six going in, for me, it’s an honor and a privilege.” Continue Reading »