Muscle Sport Magazine

It’s Now or Never for Toney Freeman

The X Man needs to make a statement in 2009. Perhaps at his best back in September, the 42-year-old placed fifth at the Mr. Olympia and should have been at least one spot higher.

As for the entire year of 2008, Toney Freeman started out slow with an eighth place finish at the Ironman Pro Invitational and seventh at the Arnold Classic. He then finished fourth at the Australian Grand Prix before winning both the Tampa Bay Pro and Europa Super Show on his way to Las Vegas.

The upcoming Arnold will be a very important show for Freeman. The competitor list is loaded, so it will not be an easy task. Victor Martinez, Branch Warren and Kai Green will be making their return from injury, and that trio was not present at the Mr. O, possibly helping Freeman place as high as he did. Also coming to Columbus, Ohio in March will be Gustavo Badell, Moe El Moussawi, Silvio Samuel, and six others.

As the years pass, it may only be a matter of time before they catch up with Freeman. Not everyone can be an Albert Beckles, who competed until he was 62 years of age.

What Freeman has going for him is his 6’2″ and nearly 300 pound frame. He was a presence on the stage at the Olympia and his deltoids were amazing. He will have to deal with a list of men who are all qualified to take home the title, especially the three who had to sit out in September.

If Freeman does not place high, it may spell the beginning of the end for him.

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