The Olympia Weekend has come and gone like it does every year . . . and people are all buzzing over the newly crowned Mr. Olympia, Phil Heath. Everyone’s debating and critiquing the top 6 finishers so I thought I might as well throw my two cents into the arena of public opinion, as well. In my mind, this year’s top 6 were very close and a few of the places could have flip-flopped up or down and I don’t think that anyone would have blinked or complained. I’m not going to muck around with the actual placings; rather, I’ll just speak to what I think about the competitor’s physiques. As a side note, my comments are based on how the competitors looked the day of the show. Every top 6 Olympia has incredible genetics and awesome potential; however, I will critique what I witnessed on game day only. My comments are not meant to defame or insult; I only speak the truth according to my personal beliefs. Would you come to expect anything else from a polite Canadian?
#6 - DEXTER JACKSON
This was a great placing for Dexter and he should be proud of the package he brought to the stage. This is certainly the best he has looked in some time. I asked myself when I saw his physique, is this the best shape that he has brought to the stage? The answer was evident; it wasn’t. Of course, he brought the trademark Dexter ‘The Blade’ Jackson conditioning but he lacked the size to stand with the rest of the top 5. They just had too much muscle. Making the top 6 at the Mr. Olympia and not even being close to your best is an amazing accomplishment and it clearly demonstrates how gifted Mr. Dexter truly is.
#5 – DENNIS WOLF
And, announcing Mr. Olympia from the front – Dennis Wolf! This guy is phenomenal from the front; just a freak. That’s only half the story though. When he turns around, his weaknesses show through and he falls behind. Dennis’ lower back, hams, glutes, and high lats all need to be fixed in order for him to really throw down for the top spot. If he never improves these areas, he will be a perennial top 5 competitor. The only thing is that he is at such a high level of development; I doubt that he will be able to fix all of these flaws. That being said, I really hope the big bad wolf proves me wrong. Wolf’s most muscular might be the best in the sport!
#4 – VICTOR MARTINEZ
This guy is the comeback kid of 2011. Victor has battled tragedies, injuries, and death in his family, and he keeps coming back. He’s an inspirational character and it’s great to see him finish so well at the Mr. Olympia after all the drama. It really speaks to his iron will. Just like Dexter, he looked better than he had in a long time. And just like Dexter, he still wasn’t at his best. Fantastic muscle bellies and insertions, he just needs to get over his top heavy appearance that he developed after his quad injury. If he brings up those wheels a bit more he will definitely be fighting for a top 3 finish. If anyone can, the Dominican dominator can return to the top of the sport.
#3 – KAI GREENE
The word freak gets thrown around a lot these days. Kai Greene is the epitome of the word freak. This guy is my favorite bodybuilder currently competing. No questions asked. This man has the most potential to dominate this sport. The only catch, he has to keep his mind right and come in his absolute best, shredded to the bone. Kai Greene is definitely the most muscularly developed bodybuilder competing on today’s Olympia stage, and if he had come in a little more streamlined (10-15lbs. lighter), he would have taken home the title. He needs to figure out the right formula for himself. He needs to stop listening to all these gurus and listen to his body. I think that had he come in at his best, he would have had a battle royale with Heath and could have, potentially, taken home the Sandow. When he nails it, and he will eventually; it’ll be lights out - game over. I am going on the record now, pay attention Kai. If I could have the opportunity to guide him and be in charge of his diet, he would be peeled (like his first Arnold win) while still holding all that new sinewy muscle. I got two words for you Kai, low carbs! He has everything mastered except a properly structured diet and peaking protocol. Kai is a sharp guy and I am sure he will figure it out. You don’t go from his background to one of the top bodybuilders in the world without having brains to go along with the brawn.
#2 – JAY CUTLER
Jay Cutler! He is a bodybuilding legend and a true champion. Unfortunately for Jay, he was off. He clearly had issues with his shoulder and biceps on his left side. It seemed to be causing trauma to his entire body. If I had to speculate, I would say that it was a biceps tear or maybe a bad site injection. Either way, only Jay knows the truth of what was going on there and whatever it was that caused him to not be at his best. In my humble opinion, even at Jay’s best, he would’ve lost to Phil. We’ve seen Jay’s best before but the package that Phil brought in to the Olympia this year was just phenomenal and in my estimation, Jay wouldn’t have been able to beat it. Over the years, I have always thought that Jay looked his best a few weeks out from a show. It shouldn’t surprise you to read this; it’s very difficult to peak a man that heavily massed for one particular day. Another note, his legs seemed down in size for some reason and his obliques seemed a bit distended. I wouldn’t be surprised if it was due to the stress from his shoulder and biceps injury. Again, Jay is a legend and if he chooses to retire after this, no one will blame him. He has accomplished so much in the bodybuilding world; his legacy as Mr. Olympia will always be remembered. I’m not going to lie, I would like to see him come back, injury free, and give it one last shot.
#1 – PHIL HEATH
Phenom Heath; that ‘s what his name should really be. This guy has unleashed a whirlwind of destruction all over every bodybuilding stage he has ever touched. He was his best ever and if he keeps bringing this package to the stage, he will remain at the top spot. That is, unless Kai Green gets his diet together. He was the clear winner; there was no deliberation required. His only flaw is a narrow chest. That being said, he looked like a cartoon come to life. He looked very fresh and seemed to be the only competitor in the top 6 that peaked properly. I am just dying to see Phil stand up against that top 6 with everyone else at their best, as well. In a perfect world, maybe we would see that happen.
In closing, I would like to offer a very huge and Kovacs-sized congratulation to every competitor who competed. You have all attempted and succeeded at something great; stepping on the Mr. Olympia stage. It’s the dream of almost every upcoming bodybuilder and was, most likely, your dream at one time too. Alright, I’m hungry and I am going to go eat a tossed green salad with light vinaigrette. Just kidding, it’s 16oz steak time! Screw salad, what am I a rabbit? Just like leg day, I’ll be back next week - until next time my fellow Kovacians!
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