It was 1996 and I was12 weeks out from my future victory at the Canadian Nationals. I was doing my first guest posing exhibition in Cleveland, Ohio and it was one of the most unforgettable experiences of my life. Mr. Olympia, Dorian Yates, was also guest-posing at this event and he was my idol. I remember a wave of emotion crashing over me at how surreal it all was. Here I was, an amateur from Canada, about to guest pose on the same stage as the great Dorian Yates. Imagine having to get up onstage and guest pose on the same stage with your favorite bodybuilding icon. It was such an honor.
I had to get to Ohio, from Niagara Falls, and the promoter gave me the option to fly down. Kovacs does not like to fly. Just to refresh your memories if you haven't read my previous articles, flying was mortifying to me. I turned down the offer for the flight and I jumped in my car and made the 5 hour drive down to Ohio. I don't think the promoter questioned my decision because he was so happy to be saving money on the flight. Anyway, I checked into the hotel late that evening and I sauntered up to my room, exhausted. I have to admit, it felt a little like Christmas Eve, and I was that little kid trying to fall asleep the night before opening all my gifts. Eventually, my mind faded into deep REM sleep where I dreamt dreams of thick juicy steaks, heavy iron, first place trophies and pro cards.
The next morning I woke up early, took a shower and headed down to the hotel restaurant for breakfast with Dorian. Oh yeah, the promoter was there too, but I couldn't see him because of this huge "Shadow" cast over him. But seriously, the promoter introduced me to Dorian and it was a great honor for me. As we ate, I just sat there and listened to Dorian and the promoter talking about the day's schedule. One of the things they conversed about was the posing order, so I decided to be funny. I turned to the promoter with a stone-cold serious expression on my face and said, "Maybe Dorian should pose earlier in the program and I'll be the final guest poser." The promoter bought it and his face went pale with disbelief that I would say something like that. I burst out laughing and so did Dorian. We had a similar sense of humor and we hit it off immediately.
After breakfast, Dorian invited me to go to the gym just to do some cardio and stretching to warm up for the guest posing later in the day. As we pedaled our stationary bikes, we conversed about the bodybuilding industry and the current state of the amateur division. I remember Dorian bringing up a name that we would all come to know, a future Mr. Olympia, Jay Cutler. He had said that a few weeks prior, he had met this "freak" at a guest posing, and his name was Jay Cutler. He thought that Jay had the potential to be a future Mr. O. I think we can all agree that Dorian called that one.
As we returned to the hotel, we parted ways to relax in our rooms and get ready for the guest posing. One of the coolest things about the whole experience was that my training partner and another friend of mine drove down to see me guest pose. I really appreciated it. I remember how proud he was of me and, especially, that I was on stage with a legend like Dorian. After I finished my guest posing, I went into the crowd and watched and waited for Dorian to come out. The music speakers started pounding. Nirvana was blasting and then a massively huge, ripped, Brit named Dorian Yates rocked the house. The thunderous applause that I received when I came out were nothing in comparison to the deafening wave of applause and adulation for Dorian. It was a great crowd that night. If any of you were wondering what I chose as my music, you'll probably be disappointed. I chose, Billy Ocean - Get Into My Car. Before you tear ol'Kovacs a new one, it was 1996 and Billy Ocean was huge back then! Almost as huge as me! One lesson that I learned from the Shadow that night was to consider my music choices a little better. I mean, I was 340lbs. and posing to Billy Ocean. Oh well.
I was pumped after the guest posing and absolutely famished. We all went to dinner and I asked Dorian flat-out what he thought of my physique. He was Mr. Olympia and I had to know his opinion. Unfortunately, he had been out at his booth signing photos and doing his thing. Luckily, my friend had videotaped me and Dorian actually asked for a copy. I was floored, Mr. O actually asked for a copy of me posing. I was honored and obliged; he said he would view it back in England and give me feed back. We exchanged numbers and after the show we chatted on a pretty regular basis. He analyzed my physique and told me what I had to work on. He was highly instrumental in my prep for my eventual pro card. I am sure you guys could only imagine the boost in confidence and motivation it was to be getting advice from Mr. Olympia.
Dorian, I just want to extend my most sincere thanks for all the help and knowledge you imparted to me all those years ago. Your presence, advice and friendship helped shape my victory and I am very grateful for that. I was lucky to have such a positive experience meeting my bodybuilding idol; I don't think everyone gets that. Dorian is one of the greatest ambassadors to the sport of bodybuilding that bodybuilding has even seen. It was fantastic seeing him, recently, after such a long time at the 2011 Toronto Pro; although we only chatted for a short period of time. I never got to tell him all this, so I do hope he takes the time to read this column. I don't know if his MD contract will allow it! Just kidding. Anyway, you guys know the tag line, check me out next week. Same Kovacian time, same Kovacian channel!
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