This year was the 5th time this prestigious event has been staged in Melbourne by star promoter Tony Doherty. As usual it was a sell-out. The line-up was not massive but the quality was exquisite. It was evenly balanced with 3 competitors coming from USA and 3 each from Europe and Australia. GMV-603DVD To the many pros who did not come I can only say it was their loss not to be part of such a fantastic event. They also missed out on a possible Olympia qualification, as the 3rd placing was wide open. It was seized by a superbly conditioned Ronny Rockel who grabbed his Olympia opportunity with both hands. Or should I say with both bulging biceps! He will now live the dream in October in Las Vegas. You may recall that Troy Alves also got his first Olympia invite after placing 2nd at the Australian GP several years ago. See the 2003 Australian GP,
GMV-530. Jaroslav Horvath got his first Olympia invite after placing 3rd at the 2002 Australian GP, GMV-470. The event was taped by Sean and Ollie and they did a wonderful job as usual in capturing all of the action from the Athletes’ Meeting to the Pro Pump room, Amateur contest and the Pro Grand Prix. Now for a brief run down on each competitor in order of placement. LEE PRIEST Lee not only won this event for his second ever GP victory, it was the Lee Priest show as he blitzed the field and sent the home crowd crazy. After 6 years in USA it was the return of Australia’s prodigal son of bodybuilding. All that aside, I have studied the footage in great detail comparing Lee and 2nd placed Chris Cormier. Lee clearly had the edge in condition, displaying great separation in the hamstrings, a tight hard midsection, good glutes and overall crisp condition. Not to mention those amazing arms, perfect tan and an excellent posing routine. Lee also made an emotional victory speech, which was not surprising. I often wonder why he has not won more G.Ps. Lee was expertly prepared in the pump room by his long time friend and helper Andy Cunningham. Andy knows how to get the best out of Lee and it is a pity he can’t be there to help him at the Olympia this year. CHRIS CORMIER As usual, Chris was a real contender for first place. Several of my USA friends have asked me whether Chris was given a raw deal seeing that Lee was the local Aussie favourite. To suggest this would be an insult tot the top level-judging panel who gave a clear-cut decision to Lee. It was no fluke or easy victory – Lee carried it with style by presenting a better package on the day. Chris was huge, showing excellent back and legs with good overall symmetry and posing. However his hardness was down a little and Lee was able to take the victory on this occasion. I am not sure this Chris saw it this way, but viewing the DVD many times, there is no doubt that Lee was a most worthy winner.
RONNY ROCKEL
Here was a surprise packet from Germany in the form of a superbly prepared and shredded Ronny Rockel. When I saw Ronny in the 2000 NABBA Universe some years ago (GMV-382) I never imagined I would one day be taping him in the Mr. Olympia Pump Room. That should be the case in 2005 when new Ronny lines up against big Ronnie in October! What Ronny has is a wonderfully symmetrical physique with very few weaknesses. His condition was perfect and this was the best he has ever looked. There was no doubting his 3rd placing and first every Olympia invite. The next day we shot gym workouts with Ronny and Jaroslav Horvath for release later this year. JAROSLAV HORVATH The Slovakian super star Jaroslav performed as well as he could under the circumstances. He was fighting a virus throughout the event and did not feel well. However he displayed his wonderful symmetry, great abs and hard condition such that he gained 4th place. His usual condition was off a fraction due to his health, not to mention the 20-hour flight from his hometown in Eastern Europe. I feel sure he will be back at the Olympia again in the near future. He has a most under rated physique. MIKE MORRIS Mike is a relatively new USA pro and is some what unknown in Australia. He made a good showing at the Iron Man Pro a few weeks before. However he had lost his edge by the time he stepped on stage at the “Battle Down Under”. He has great legs and shows huge potential for a higher placing in the future. THOMAS STELLANDER The Norwegian monster has a huge physique in every way. Given a bit more refinement and harder condition, he will also move up the ladder. He reminds me of the Art Atwood style of physique and this time he had to settle for 6th place. NEIL GARDNER, JIM PEDONE AND PIETRO GILBERTO were the local Australians who filled the final placings. They will all greatly benefit from the exposure to top international competition and will only get stronger for next time. For a full set of results click here. AMATEUR CONTEST We shot this whole event and it is included on our DVD of the Pro Pump Room GMV-604DVD. The stars included Michael Nysten, Phillip Lloyd, Robert Lampe and Lou Vecchio in the men. Women to impress me included Melita Jagic, Kelli Johnson and Daniella O’Mara. For a full set of results click here. |
