2007 Sacramento Pro Grand Prix report by Wayne Gallasch.

Sacramento is the home city for Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger during the work week, here in the CA state capitol. At the prejudging in the beautiful art deco Crest Theatre, it was soon evident that Toney Freeman and Silvio Samuel would be the men to beat. From there on down the field was very even for the next 5 or so placings. I was sorry that some of the top-placed bodybuilders from the Iron Man Pro passed on the Sacramento show:  In particular Mark Dugdale and David Henry. No doubt Eddie Abbew had returned to UK. However Henry seemed to be off his peak at the IM, probably carrying a little extra weight that had prevented him from presenting his usual shredded physique. There were no surprises at the prejudging apart from the Japan's only pro, Hidetada Yamagishi appearing to be improved on his fine showing at the IM, and definitely looking like a chance for a 3rd place finish.

At the finals it was clear that X-Man Toney Freeman was the winner. This now gives Toney 3 victories out of his last 5 pro shows. He was outstanding in my opinion with Samuel a very good second and a fraction less ripped than he was at the IM. He is a 31 year old Spaniard and is making a huge impact in USA. In 3rd place was Japan's only pro bodubuilder, Hide Yamagishi. This was an historic moment when he was announced 3rd, thus qualifying him for the Olympia. He will be the first ever Japanese competitor in the Mr. Olympia event.

Unlucky to miss out on Mr. O qualification was 4th placed Ahmad Haidar. He truly deserves to be in the Olympia as he represents the very best of bodybuilding. In 5th place was Marcus Haley. His routine was most entertaining but a real bitch for Tina to try to photograph him during his routine! For the complere results, please click here. For some men's photos please click here.

In the women's Pro Bodybuilding, Heather Policky, 2006 USA heavyweight and overall champ made the most of her pro debut. She convincingly won the heavyweight and overall title over lightweight winner Antoinette Norman.
Policky had great size, good symmetry, excellent condition and an extremely confident and entertaining posing routine. I predict she will go a long way.
I felt she was reminiscent of a young Yaxeni. Antoinette Norman has a smaller, tighter, wonderfully aesthetic physique, and should do well in her class if she makes it to the Olympia later this year. She and Policky will be battling it out at the Arnold again next weekend along with many other top pros.

We will have separate Sacramento DVDs for both men and women and also all the women's events from the Arnold in due course.