I think there is no question that the Men 202 Division has been huge success as far as interest, competition, and popularity goes. There have been many shows that I attended last year where the 202 portion of the show was the premier event. When asked, I'm sure most of the athletes consider the division to be a success, as well. That is, with the exception of one small item. When it comes to prize money and potential sponsorship dollars, there's still a huge disparity from the Open division to the 202. Unfortunately for the 202 Division, these last two reasons may cause some top 202 bodybuilders to move into the Open division in 2011.
Top IFBB Pro 202lb bodybuilder Jose Raymond says, "This past December my two-year contract with MuscleTech ended. So I've begun reaching out to companies and the first thing they ask me is whether I'm a 202 or an Open guy. I don't even see why that matters. If I'm a good bodybuilder, that's all they should consider. If I'm a good representative of myself, the sport, and the company, then that's all that should matter."
MuscleTech went from sponsoring three of the top-5 202lb bodybuilders in the world to having no one by December 2010. Not only did they cut Raymond, they also cut 202 Olympia Champs David Henry and Kevin English. Of the remaining two, Jason Arntz and Eduardo Correa, only Correa has a contract (with Probiotica). That means that less than 30% of the entire 202 Olympia line-up has sponsorship contracts. And I believe that Kevin English is the only 202 athlete that has a magazine contract.
As of 2011, Eduardo Correa is no longer competing as a 202lb bodybuilder. His contest prep coach, Chris "The Technician" Aceto says, "Eduardo still hasn't decided which show he will start the 2011 season off with, but it definitely won't be a 202 contest."
Correa is already qualified for this year's 202 Olympia (because of placing third in 2010), When I asked Acetor if Correa planned to be back at the 202 Olympia in September. His answer was, "No, definitely not."
Jose Raymond is also going to try his hand at a few Open shows this year. He explained to me that without a sponsor he literally has to win a 202 show to break even because of the extreme cost of competing. At most of the 202 shows, the first place prize money is $3,000.
I have also heard the rumor that both Kevin English and David Henry will be entering Open shows throughout the year. When I spoke to Jason Arntz early today, he said that he "wouldn't rule out the possibilities" of entering an open event this year as well.
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| David Henry | 202 Olympia Champ Kevin English |
Could we end up seeing the entire top-5 202 Olympia lineup switch back into the Open division at various shows throughout the year? I realize the 202 division is still relatively new, but as a fan, I hope to see this great new division flourish in 2011. I also hope to see more supplement companies signing these top guys to paying contracts.
On a more positive note, Flex Lewis, who's under contract with Gaspari Nutrition, says he'll be back in action at the British Grand Prix 202 in mid-March of this year. That event boasts $20,000 in prize money for the 202 Class, alone.
If you have a tip or an idea for my next Muscle Gossip column, email me at: [email protected]
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