Wayne’s Hard News Opening report on arrival in Columbus, Wednesday March 4th, 2009.
As it says in the press everywhere “The Arnold Sports Festival is pumping up Columbus once again, bringing 170,000 spectators to appreciate 17,000 athletes in 37 different events at five different venues throughout the city this weekend. Built on the shoulders of movie-star-turned-governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, this year the monstrous affair, in its 21st year, is ramping up the entertainment with a few additions to the already packed lineup. These include the inaugural Arnold 5K Racewalk stepping off from the Greater Columbus Convention Center on Sunday morning, and the Senior DanceSport event that’s been added to the Active Aging Festival” The Arnold Sports Festival truly has something for everyone.
Faces I have spotted so far included Gunter and Kim Schlierkamp at the Columbus airport, Juliette Bergmann who has brought a team of 4 amateur athletes to compete from Holland. Juliette will be one of the judges. I also saw Brenda Raganot and Dayana Cadeau at reception, and Jan Tana and her team of tanners. Dayana looked particularly sharp. I also saw Jan and Terry Todd and David Webster, here for the Strongman event. Most competitors will be arriving Thursday.
Tomorrow I will be at the GCCC Expo main stage, checking on my TV riser and various cables, ready for the Women’s Prejudging on Friday afternoon. I am looking forward to a fantastic event this year and the return of 2007 winner Victor Martinez.
The festival’s pride and joy, the Arnold Classic men’s bodybuilding competition is set to kick off its prejudging at the Veterans Memorial at noon Saturday with the finals starting at 7 p.m. Grand prize this year is $130,000, a $20,000 Audemars Piquet watch, a Tony Nowak Arnold Classic jacket and the Arnold Classic crystal trophy.
On the female side, the Ms. International bodybuilding competition, Figure International and Fitness International rules Friday, with prejudging at noon at the convention center and the finals at 7 p.m. at Veterans Memorial. Grand prize for Ms. International includes $25,000, a Tony Nowak special Arnold jacket and the Ms. International trophy. Check out the Arnold Sports Festival’s full schedule at www.arnoldsportsfestival.com
Further reports as the weekend develops. |
