Training a Full Year the ‘09 Mr. O Will Benefit “The Gift”

Finishing third in his first Mr. Olympia, Phil Heath has decided to concentrate on moving up the ladder with Sandow on his mind. The bodybuilder known as “The Gift” has decided to skip the Arnold Classic in March and utilize that time preparing for next September in Las Vegas.

While some feel that is a mistake, Heath’s high finish in 2008 gives him a ‘pass’ in having to win any other contests prior to the Olympia. He has proven his worth and if he happens to come into the Arnold not at his best, he can lose some credibility, the type that he just has been rewarded with.

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“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 »

No Contest in Taking the Sandow from Jay Cutler

Las Vegas, NV - Although a good portion of time had passed, when Dexter Jackson arrived at the after party, the newly-crowned Mr. Olympia was still at a loss for words. Arriving fashionably late dressed in a dapper dark blue suit, the man known as ‘The Blade’ was introduced and spoke briefly to the gathering as he accepted his FLEX Magazine award for ‘Bodybuilder of the Year.’

“I still can’t believe it,” he stated more than once. But believe it, because it’s true. Once the top six competitors were down to two, there was no way that Jay Cutler was going to make it three straight.

Jackson had better symmetry than the defending champion and the rumors swirling around the Orleans Hotel that Jackson was ahead after the prejudging came true. Perhaps the only disappointing thing about Jackson’s presentation Saturday night was his posing routine, which did not flow and his transitions were a bit awkward. In comparison, Cutler’s routine was sharp and regal, but it was not enough to get him a third Sandow. Continue Reading »

As MuscleSport Mag Predicted, the Blade Unseats Jay Cutler

Las Vegas, NV - On Thursday night, Dexter Jackson took the high road when asked where he would finish in the Mr. Olympia competition. “No predictions,” the humble one said. But surely he had to have an opinion inside, one that was very high. Who could blame him after winning three contests in the calendar year.

Winning the Arnold Classic, Australian Pro and New Zealand Grand Prix were incredible accomplishments, but paled in comparison to latest triumph by the Blade. On Saturday night in at the Orleans Arena, Dexter Jackson was named the new Mr. Olympia.

It came down to two men, both who stood on the stage awaiting the announcement from host Bob Cicherillo. As his name was read, Jackson was visibly emotional and went down to one knee and bowed his head. By the time he was able to arise, tears of joy were flowing down his face while the crowd erupted even louder. Continue Reading »

Pre-Judging for Mr. Olympia Title Complete

Call it reading into something. Or reading between the lines. It could be either or a combination of the two. But it certainly appeared on Saturday night during the pre-judging for the 2008 Mr. Olympia that reigning two-time champion Jay Cutler and Dennis Wolf are going to be in the forefront tonight at the finals.

Both received a raucous ovation when introduced, and even more so when they were placed next to one another during the comparison stages. That may have been what occurred when the two behemoths were performing the requested poses, but the interesting moments came as they stood off to the side while some of the other competitors were posing.

What they were doing wasn’t the issue, but rather what they were not doing. Camaraderie runs high between the bodybuilders, even during strict competition. Many of the men, including, Cutler, were congratulating each other when the head judge called their name. A small handshake, fist pump or backslap were common, but Wolf and Cutler stood next to each other for a good length of time on and off stage without nary eye contact, let alone an exchange of words. Continue Reading »

Getting Started at The Orleans

Las Vegas, NV - Viva Las Vegas. After a nearly five-hour flight from New York, it was good to settle down at The Orleans Hotel. But who has time to settle down? After a decent workout in the ‘Fitness Center’ (don’t you just hate those places in hotels?) and a quick bite to eat, it was off to ‘Meet the Olympians’ in the Mardi Gras Ballroom.

With all the competitors seated in a wide, rectangular-shaped room, the lines for the top ones ran all the way across to the far side. By the time the velvet ropes opened up to the public, the place was packed. It was a good thing that the press was allowed in during the V.I.P. hour.

We had the opportunity to speak to a number of the men that have their eyes on the Sandow. All of them looked to be in fantastic shape and hungry for the stage.

Bodybuilding’s Newest Player Vegas-Bound

This time next week, the staff of MuscleSport Mag will be settled into The Orleans Hotel and Casino in sunny Las Vegas. Lucky enough to be lodging at the same location as the actual Mr. Olympia contest, we will be hands-on the entire weekend. Nothing will get by our prying eyes and ears without us reporting it and getting the information out to the bodybuilding fans.

From the ‘Meet the Olympians’ on Thursday night; to the Olympia Expo on Friday and Saturday at the Las Vegas Convention Center, the Women’s Fitness, Figure and Ms. Olympia pre-judging and finals; and of course the Men’s Mr. O pre-judging and finals, MSM will be bringing you all the action.

Be sure to check our site regularly the entire weekend for up-to-the-minute photographs of everything happening out west. Will Jay Cutler make it three in a row? Will Dennis Wolf climb the mountain? Is Dexter jackson going to cap off an incredible year with the Sandow? We’ll be there and you will feel like you are with our around-the-clock coverage of the entire Olympia experience.

Injuries to Many Top Contenders an Unexpected “Gift”

The bodybuilder known as “The Gift” may receive an unexpected one come September 27. Phil Heath was not being spoken about as a top three contender for the Mr. Olympia title, but after a few good men had to drop out due to injuries, his stock has risen.

Victor Martinez finished a controversial second to Jay Cutler at last year’s Olympia, but suffered a knee injury earlier in the year. Branch Warren tore a tricep and Kai Green is recovering from a hernia.

Heath did not compete in the ‘07 Olympia, but has had a productive year. He won the Iron Man contest and finished second to Dexter Jackson two weeks later at the Arnold Classic. The former University of Denver basketball star may make a statement at this show, even if it to finish ahead of Jackson.

Considering that this is his first time going for the Sandow, if Heath can finish in the top three, that would be a big step for the 28 year-old. A top-five is more likely.

Jay Looking to Three-Peat While Wolf, Jax Eye Upset

The photos of the top contenders have been making the rounds on the Internet, some legitimate, others not. While this makes the anticipation for the Mr. Olympia contest even more frenzied, it also puts either confidence or doubt in the minds of the fans. What their favorite bodybuilder actually looks like may not be ascertained until September 27 at the Orleans Hotel in Las Vegas.

One of the names that has been repeated often as a wild card has been Dennis Wolf. The young German has even been called the ‘next Arnold.’ If that isn’t enough pressure to put on anyone, the photos of him three weeks out of the contest prove that he is headed in the right direction.

The biggest complaint heard in the ‘No Bull’ forum on Muscular Development’s website was that Wolf needed a tan! If that is the worst of it, then Wolf is doing exactly what he should be. He looks huge and shredded. A championship-worthy physique. Continue Reading »

5th Place Finish in ’07 for Young German

Dennis Wolf will not turn 30 years of age until the month after the upcoming 2008 Mr. Olympia contest in Las Vegas on September 28. The up and coming bodybuilder finished in fifth place last year, and although his official website states that he was “proud to have finished” in that spot, some observers felt that he had enough to place higher.

Moving up 11 spots in one year – and only his second time competing for the Sandow Trophy – Wolf has made quite an impression in a short period of time. Last September, the 5’11” German followed Cutler around the stage during the pose down, and giving the incumbent a run for his money.

Expect Wolf to be a major factor at the Orleans Hotel and give not only Cutler a run for his money, but Dexter Jackson and the rest of the field, as well. A top-three finish for Wolf is not only likely, but should be expected. Continue Reading »