“I’m actually happy right now,” Cutler said with a smile as he congratulated Heath on the win.

Overcome with emotion, Heath reveled in being congratulated by the other nine finalists and then brought up a story when he first met Cutler backstage at a local bodybuilding show. “I was playing college basketball back then…all scrawny and I saw (Cutler) walk by and I thought to myself, ‘That’s one big dude,’” recalled Heath.

Heath becomes the 13th man to win the Sandow and prevented Cutler from joining an elite group with five or more titles (Lee Haney, Dorian Yates, Ron Coleman).

Rounding out the top 10 were Kai Greene, Victor Martinez, Dennis Wolf, Dexter Jackson, Toney Freeman, Brandon Curry, Ronny Rockel and Hidetada Yamagishi.

Nicole Wilkins reclaimed the Figure Olympia title she lost to Erin Stern in 2010, with Stern taking the runner-up spot and Ava Cowan placing third.

OFFICIAL RESULTS – MEN’S OPEN

It’s will be hard to argue if “The Gift” gets the nod, as he is showing improvements from 12 months ago. The same cannot be said of the defending title holder. Cutler appeared to be a little drier in 2010, but a day can make a big difference in bodybuilding. We will see tomorrow night.

Kai Greene, Dexter Jackson, Victor Martinez and Dennis Wolf were also in the first call-out and that should be the top six in no particular order. Greene is a little bloated but looks massive and he should be able to place third. The rest can be interchangeable.

On Saturday evening, we will find out if Cutler can win his fifth Sandow or become the first Olympia champion to be defeated on two separate occasions.

The figure competition is also on tap, where Nicole Wilkins-Lee and Erin Stern have chiseled out a great rivalry. Here is the full line-up:

FIGURE

Alea Suarez
Alicia Harris
Ann Titone
Ava Cowan
Candice Keene
Candice John
Chelsea Morgenstern
Cheryl Brown
Courtney West
Darlene Escano
Deena Walsh
Ella Horton
Erin Stern
Felicia Romero
Gennifer Strobo
Heather Dees
Holly Beck
Jami DeBernard
Jelena Abbou
Krissy Chin
Kristen Nagrani
Larissa Reis
Latisha Wilder
Michele Mayberry
Monica Specking
Natalie Waples
Nicole Wilkins
Raechelle Chase
Teresa Anthony

Centopani was victorious that evening in Manhattan and did not enter a contest again until the FLEX Pro Championships earlier this year, where he once again stood in the winner’s circle. He then entered his first Arnold Classic and placed a very respectable fourth in a stacked line-up.

Contemplating the Mr. Olympia, Centopani took many things into consideration. His wife is expecting their first child and he is having a house built, so the Connecticut native decided to wait until next year. “Earlier in the year I was thinking that I wanted to do the Olympia and now that things are coming up, with everything going on with the house and the baby seven weeks from now, and I’m looking at where I’ll have to be getting ready for the Olympia, I think maybe it would be in my best interest probably to wait one more time and come in strong at the (2012) Arnold and know that I’m going to go from there into the Olympia,” he said in a recent video clip on Muscular Development.

If Centopani did go to Las Vegas this year, he probably would not have had an easy time of it. With the likes of Jay Cutler, Phil Heath, Branch Warren, Kai Greene and Dennis Wolf up there, there’s a good chance that he would have not made the top six. That doesn’t mean the field will be any easier in 2012, but the youngster is giving himself a better chance by keeping it to the two major contests in the calendar year.

This will give him ample time to work on some weaker points, such as his chest. By possessing such mass and symmetry, a Sandow or two is certainly not an impossibility for Centopani.

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Last September, Greene had a bloated midsection and fell out of the top six. He then decided to not defend his Arnold title and use the New York Pro as a warm up for the Olympia. When asked by emcee Bob Cicherillo if he can in fact unseat Jay Cutler in Las Vegas, Greene was coy and joked with an ambiguous answer. “I’d like to thank my entire team,” he said with a laugh and a smile. But come September, this will be anything but funny.

Cutler has won four of the last five Olympias and will be a tough out. Phil Heath was a close second to Greene at the 2010 Arnold and gave his buddy Cutler a run for his money six months later. ‘The Gift’ is not going anywhere and has had a full year – like Cutler – to prepare for the O. Branch Warren won the Arnold and has finished in the top three two years in a row in Vegas.

What all of that means is that Greene will need to be in his best shape just to break into the top three. Sure, he can accomplish that but may need to wait until Cutler hangs up the posing trunks before adding a Sandow to his trophy case.

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‘The Predator’ fell from fourth place in his inaugural Olympia the year before to a disappointing seventh and the two-time Arnold Classic champion took a beating from the critics. In their defense, the Brooklyn, New York native did come in out of shape and had a distended midsection that was noticeable by everyone, including the judges.

Greene sat out this year’s Arnold – a strange decision but one that makes sense in some ways – to concentrate on the O. He seemed to peak earlier in the year since 2009 at the Arnold but now has changed his strategy to get it together six months later. If he knows that he has one shot every 12 months to do some damage, then it would seem wise to move up and go after the big prize.

having already dominated in Columbus, Greene’s career will be completed with at least one Olympia win. But that seemed as unlikely as Barry Bonds eventually being inducted into the Hall of Fame last September. Perhaps the best thing that could have happened to Greene was the shock of a bad showing on bodybuilding’s biggest stage.

There is a lot of pressure on him as far as quieting the critics and putting himself back on the map. Greene’s name has hardly been mentioned and no one is expecting him to be a factor at the Orleans Arena. But he can pull off a stunner and break into the top three by putting together a presentation like the one in Ohio the night he won his first Arnold.

The line-up for the O is stacked with Cutler, Phil Heath, Dennis Wolf, Branch Warren, Ronny Rockel and so many others, so Greene has his work cut out for him. His work ethic has come into question but that would seem ridiculous when you see Greene at his best. He has arguably the best back in the sport and brings a flair that is unmatched to the stage. Greene needs at least a top six placing to get back into the pack but anyone who counts him out of the top three this early has obviously forgotten how much of a difference he made not too long ago.

KAI GREENE’S CONTEST HISTORY

2005 New York Pro – 14th

2006 Iron Man Pro – NP

2006 a Ray Colorado Pro – 14th

2007 New York Pro – 6th

2007 Keystone Pro – 3rd

2007 Colorado Pro – 1st

2008 Arnold Classic – 3rd

2008 New York Pro – 1st

2009 Arnold Classic – 1st

2009 Australian Pro Grand Prix – 1st

2009 Mr. Olympia – 4th

2010 Arnold Classic – 1st

2010 Australian Pro Grand Prix – 1st

2010 Mr. Olympia – 7th

Rockel has brought an incredible proportioned physique to the stage but had been stuck below the top three. His diminutive stature was the obvious reason why he would hear his name called after the likes of Branch Warren, Jay Cutler, Dennis Wolf and Phil Heath but that is something out of his control.

Rockel stuck to his game plan and it was a general consensus within the industry that he finally received his due. Now the question arises is how he can springboard the victory into a better placing in September at the Orleans Arena.

The line-up will be tough, as usual, but even more so now that Warren can come in flexing his first Arnold win. After finishing second and third, respectively, at the 2009 and 2010 Olympias, ‘Quadrasaurus’ is more than just a mere threat to Cutler’s reign. Speaking of the two-time defending champion, he will need to be knocked out to be dethroned and that doesn’t seem likely. Cutler learned from his mistakes in 2008 when Dexter Jackson swiped the Sandow from him and he has been in top condition ever since.

Last year, Heath took the stage looking amazing but still couldn’t defeat his close friend Cutler. ‘The Gift’ bowed out of the Arnold to concentrate on the Olympia and will need every advantage just to be the runner-up again. The ‘Big Bad Wolf’ has been on a tear since the last O and will be a tough out and Kai Greene will slip under the radar after a poor showing in Las Vegas. That may play right into his hands and ‘The Predator’ cannot be overlooked as a possible top six finisher.

So even though ‘The Rock’ can come into bodybuilding’s most prestigious show on a high note, he will have to peak again just to stand pat.

2011 IFBB Mr. Europe rand Prix Results:

1 – Ronny Rockel

2 – Roelly Winklaar

3 – Flex Lewis

4 – Robert Priotrkowitz

5 – Toney Freeman

6 – Essa Obiad

7 – Sergey Shelestov

8 – Thomas Bengali

9 – Alvin Small

10 – Marcos Chacon

Greene stated in the report that due to competing at least three times every year since 2006, his body needed a rest for him to be in top condition once the 2011 Mr. Olympia arrives. He will in fact compete before September to qualify for the O, so bodybuilding fans will get to see what Greene looks like after a decent break.

Considering that he seems to peak once a year, going all out for the Sandow may seem like a good strategy on the outside. If Greene can harness his conditioning in the Fall instead of earlier in the calendar year, then this seems like a smart strategic move. But if he puts all his eggs in one basket and fails to make at least the top three, then the critics will have a field day.

Greene has taken a lot of criticism since finishing seventh in the 2010 Mr. Olympia. He was probably lucky to have placed as high as he did and could have easily fell out of the top 10. His abdominal area was far from sharp and was definitely one of his weaker points and Greene needs to concentrate on improving that if he hopes to have any shot at unseating Jay Cutler.

It will be a much different Arnold without Greene and Phil Heath, last year’s runner-up who previously announced that he was taking the show off. That opens the door for someone like Dennis Wolf or Branch Warren, or even a wild card such as Evan Centopani.

Speaking of the defending champion, Cutler looks amazing. He should be able to retain the Sandow. Kai Greene was all covered up in his infamous hoodie, so we will have to wait and see until tomorrow. The majority of the pros were wearing a tight t-shirt or sleeveless shirt, so you can get a glimpse of what’s to come.

Phil Heath, Branch Warren and Victor Martinez looked good, but Dennis Wolf appears off again. Anything can change between now and then, but he still has that bloated look that has been his downfall of late.

In the 202, Kevin English looks amazing and will once again take that award back to Long Island. With the women, don’t take your eyes off Debi Lazewski. She sounded totally confident and looked sharp.

Here’s a few video clips and interviews to kick things off. It’s getting late and I’ve been up for over 22 hours between traveling and working. I’ve been in Las Vegas since the afternoon and I haven’t lost a dollar yet. I haven’t won anything, either. Time to go downstairs to the roulette wheel and change that…

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We all know what happened, with Cutler besting Branch Warren to reclaim what was once his. Jackson fell to third, with Greene and Heath following. Wolf did not even place and has been quiet of late. With such unexpected results then, who knows what is going to occur this time?

The men who have qualified so far are Cutler, Jackson, Warren, Greene, Heath, Wolf, Melvin Anthony, Erik Frankhouser, Toney Freeman, Marcus Haley, Victor Martinez, Evengy Mishin, Robert Piotrkowicz, Craig Richardson, Ronny Rockel, Roelly Winklaar and Hidetada Yamagishi.

People are very curious about Winklaar, who has been very impressive so far in his rookie professional campaign. He has not officially announced if he will in fact compete a the Olympia. Greene, who took his second consecutive Arnold in March (albeit a controversial decision as far as this writer is concerned), is looking to add his names to the list of bodybuilding greatness by capturing a Sandow.

Cutler is still the favorite going in until proven otherwise and he can assure himself of another victory even by coming in the same as he did last year. It will be hard to beat him if he does but because it is so wide open after that, anyone can jump into the top six and possibly do some damage. But if Cutler comes in a bit off – which is possible for anyone – then a guy like Heath (who deserved this year’s Arnold) can jump up.

There is always a wildcard once we reach Olympia weekend. Looking for one this year? Keep your eye on Rockel, who looked to be in superb condition at the Arnold Classic. If he an add some size and not lose any of his symmetry, he may just be the one we are talking about.

No, we’re not talking about Arnold Schwarzenegger but he was one of Gunter Schlierkamp’s inspirations.

“The German Giant” may be 40 years of age and six years removed from his last contest, but do not sell him short. “I feel like I’m 30,” the 6’1″ Schlierkamp said on a recent episode of MD Radio. “I was down to 260 and I’ve already put back on about 25 pounds and things are starting to look pretty good.”

During his competing days, Schlierkamp had an offseason weight of  300 and took the stage in the 280 range. He had to drop some of that in order to get the acting roles he was seeking but stayed in excellent condition throughout his hiatus. Once he made the decision to compete again, it was as psychological as it was physical.

“If I didn’t think that I could come back and look as good as I was or even better, then I wouldn’t even think about it.”

Just when Schlierkamp makes his appearance remains to be seen. He is hoping to get back by the end of this year but also is hoping for an invite to the 2011 Arnold Classic, a show that he has competed in on four prior occasions. Perhaps the best year of his career came in 2002, when Schlierkamp finished fifth at the Mr. Olympia in a show won by Ronnie Coleman. Three weeks later, Schlierkamp beat ‘The King’ to win the GNC Show of Strength.

A year later, he once again placed fifth at the O. In 2004 he fell back one spot but in ’05 he came in looking extremely sharp. Many people had him in the top three if not winning the Sandow, but he ended up in fourth. In an October 2008 appearance on MuscleSport Radio, Schlierkamp expressed great disappointment in his placing and even more so after placing 10th at the 2006 Olympia.

That is when he decided to step away from bodybuilding and establish himself in Hollywood. He appeared in a number of television commercials and a few films, most notably “Beerfest” (2006). Even though he is going to compete again, Schlierkamp does not feel as if his acting career is over by any means. In fact, he just hired a new agent.

“I hope that I can create a look that people finally like,” he told host Shawn Ray. “Maybe some movies need a big guy again.” That answer may come in time, but bodybuilding is certainly getting a big guy again.

When Schwarzenegger made his comeback in 1980, he reclaimed his Olympia title. Anything close to that with Schlierkamp is something that would make a great movie.

CONTEST HISTORY

• 1990 German Championships Overall Winner
• 1990 German Championships 1st, Junior Tall
• 1992 European Amateur Championships 1st, IFBB, HeavyWeight
• 1992 German Championships 1st, Heavyweight
• 1993 World Amateur Championships – IFBB 1st, HeavyWeight
• 1994 Grand Prix England – IFBB 8th
• 1994 Grand Prix Germany – IFBB 8th
• 1994 Mr. Olympia – IFBB 19th
• 1995 Canada Pro Cup – IFBB 2nd
• 1995 Grand Prix Ukraine – IFBB 10th
• 1996 Arnold Classic – IFBB 11th
• 1996 Night of Champions – IFBB 11th
• 1996 San Jose Pro Invitational – IFBB 9th
• 1997 Canada Pro Cup – IFBB 6th
• 1997 Ironman Pro Invitational – IFBB Disqualified
• 1997 Night of Champions – IFBB 9th
• 1997 San Jose Pro Invitational – IFBB 11th
• 1998 Grand Prix Finland – IFBB 6th
• 1998 Grand Prix Germany – IFBB 6th
• 1998 Night of Champions – IFBB 10th
• 1998 Olympia – IFBB 15th
• 1998 San Francisco Pro Invitational – IFBB 9th
• 1998 Toronto Pro Invitational – IFBB 6th
• 1999 Arnold Classic – IFBB 9th
• 1999 Ironman Pro Invitational – IFBB 5th
• 2000 Ironman Pro Invitational – IFBB 4th
• 2000 Arnold Classic – IFBB 6th
• 2000 JOE WEIDER’S WORLD PRO CUP 6th
• 2000 Grand Prix England 4th
• 2000 MR OLYMPIA 12th
• 2001 Toronto Pro 6th
• 2001 Night of Champions XXIII 9th
• 2001 Mr. Olympia 15th
• 2001 British Grand Prix 10th
• 2002 Mr. Olympia 5th
• 2002 GNC Show of Strength 1st
• 2003 Mr. Olympia 5th
• 2003 English Grand Prix 3rd
• 2003 Holland Grand Prix 4th
• 2003 GNC Show of Strength 5th
• 2004 Arnold Schwarzenegger Classic 4th
• 2004 Mr. Olympia 6th
• 2005 Mr. Olympia 4th
• 2006 Mr. Olympia 10th