Aesthetics and the Mr. Olympia
First of all, Congratulations to Ronnie Coleman for capturing and equaling Lee Haney's 8 straight Mr. Olympia titles.
Bodybuilding is an extremely subjective and hard to judge sport. Every judge needs to observe and score each body part according to the primary three points: symmetry, condition, and muscularity/size. Then, based on the sum of points, a winner is selected. This, of course, isn't always the case. Sometimes judges are affected by the popularity of a competitor. Other times, a judge may let a competitors past contest results affect their decision. For whatever reason, some judges dont stick to the guidelines, and it hurts the sport.
I have only seen Ronnie Coleman in magazines and in the video Ronnie Coleman: The Unbelievable in which he looks incredible. There's no way you can deny he is the biggest competitor of on stage, he is truly inspiring. That being said, I believe his aesthetics have lagged in comparison to the amazing amount of new muscle he packs on yearly. Remember, size isn't the be-all end-all of bodybuilding, competitors need to have "the total package", which is the three points I mentioned earlier plus aesthetics. The bodybuilder must posses "classic lines", as stated by the IFBB guidelines. Yet, since the early 90's, the decisions have been going more for mass/muscularity/size instead of aesthetics and/or "total package".
Just take a look at the top pro bodybuilders and you'll probably have a hard time picking a hand full which have it all. Dexter Jackson and Chris Cormier are fine examples of having the total package.
I find it funny that the IFBB put out some memo to everyone stating how this year aesthetics was going to be at the top of the judging list. But, come October 14-16, we get pretty much the same results we've been getting since 2001. Hopefully, the memo will start getting some serious attention because it will really help the sport.
NOTE: I understand it is MUCH easier to say this then it is to DO it. All I have is respect for bodybuilders and love for bodybuilding. I say what I think will help improve the most under-appreciated sport.
posted by Tony @ 7:31 PM
2 comments
2 Comments:
One of the hidden aspects of any type of contest its popularity. Mr. Coleman (does he make the camping gear as well..teehee) is riding the popularity wave pretty high from quite some time. Check out how many magazines have him featured in the front-page these past few months. A crap load. Ronnie is a very popular guy, to have him not win this past olympia, would've shock the editors of many magazines that had him front page. Lets no forget the amount of companies that have him sponsor their products as well.
Am I trying to say that Mr. Olympia, is fixed? No, what I'm alluding to is that in these type of contest they are always the "favorites". I believe that newcomers, have it really cut out for them. Chances of a newcomer taking the title are slim, if he wasn't featured in the top magazines prior to the contest. Meaning he must've gotten crazy media exposure.
In short popularity, media exposure all have to do in part to winning the Mr. Olympia. I believe Ronnie has all these requirements as well as the body aspect of it. At the same time, I'm sure the judging of this contest has been somewhat influenced by other factors, not solely the bodybuilding aspect of it.
After all, this is "The" Bodybuilding Contest. Contestants and third-party interests I'm sure are part of the competition. Conspiracy theory aside, best regards to Mr. "King" Coleman in his win.
I agree. :)
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