WAYNE’S HARD NEWS - 2008 Olympia Report.

After 10 Olympia appearances Dexter Jackson made it 10th time successful by defeating incumbent champion, Jay Cutler at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas.
Although Jay has been a most worthy champion, I have long been a fan of Dexter's physique and the style of physique he presents on a consistent basis at every show he enters. Although it is always something of a surprise to see a reigning champion beaten, Dexter Jackson won his first ever Olympia title fairly (be it narrowly) in the minds of the judges. It was also well received by the audience who all stood up, applauded and stayed in the Arena till Dexter had left the stage after the final photos had been taken. Defending champ Jay Cutler accepted defeat most graciously, with sensational Olympia newcomer Phil Heath in 3rd place. This 3rd place was the highest placing by a rookie in about 16 years.

It was not that Jay looked bad. He was certainly better than last year and looked extremely impressive. He was however not as hard as Dexter and the overall impact of Dexter's physique and condition was enough to sway the judges away from the more massive look and in a new direction. We have had monster Mr Olympia winners since Dorian Yates took over from Lee Haney. After Dorian it was Ronnie Coleman and then Jay. The trend now may well be towards the smaller, tighter more aesthetic look which is perfectly complimented by the new 202 class.

In 4th place it was the very popular German, Dennis Wolf. Dennis has been coming up each year, from no callouts at all as a rookie to now being a genuine contender for the title. I predict he will be a future Mr Olympia when Dexter hangs up his trunks. However he will be having a huge battle with Phil Heath who at this moment has the superior leg development.

5th place went to the wonderful physique of the X-Man, Toney Freeman.  For a tall man, Toney displays excellent symmetry, wonderful hard condition, a tiny waist and presents an entertaining posing routine.  Having said all that it is hard to pin-point why he did not place a bit higher.

6th place went to the ever consistent Melvin Anthony. He was also in superb shape this year and appeared to be a little lighter and sharper than when I last saw him earlier in the season. His posing was as masterful as ever but it did not seem to be quite as sensational as I have seen him pose on previous occasions. He also has good symmetry and is not trying to be a mass-monster. I do find it hard to see how Melvin can place very much higher at Olympia level.

7th went to a sensationally ripped Silvio Samuel. Rather than talk about his weaknesses, more competitors should aim for his lean type of look, small tight waist and shredded muscularity. He always looks so fit and healthy, and is very popular with the fans.

It was good to see Moe Elmoussawi from New Zealand placing 9th in this his first Olympia. For a small boned guy, this was a terrific result making the top 10 and beating many other more favoured physiques. His arm poses are quite outstanding. However it's very hard to photograph his double biceps shots as he has a habit of hitting and holding these poses for only a second before flicking straight into another pose.

Of those outside the top 10, Ronny Rockel impressed me greatly with his added size, huge delts, good 6-pack and excellent leg development. Watch out for him to break into the top 10 next year.

David Henry Wins The New 202 Class Showdown!

This is a great new idea, to have a Pro 202 Class for the guys. After three previous “202” events at recent Pro shows, this is the first time it has been staged at the Olympia. David Henry had too much class for the excellent Kevin English who came in second, just a fraction ahead of James "Flex" Lewis. Flex easily had the best legs in the class and is within striking distance of either taking this class next year or being in the main draw of the Mr Olympia - or both. He has won Rookie of the Year and continues to rise and to improve every contest he enters.

Iris Kyle Wins The Ms Olympia Again!

In the Ms Olympia contest it was Iris Kyle domination time once again. I am not sure without checking as to just how many Olympias Iris has been in, or has won, but it is considerable. She is building a run of victories like a modern day Lenda Murray, and turned the tables on her big rival from the Arnold in Yaxeni Oriquen Garcia.  Iris was shredded and her biceps poses are absolute killers, as are most all of her poses. She displayed too much definition for Yaxeni this time with the surprise packet being Betty Viana Adkins placing 2nd, in the best condition of her life.

Although Iris Kyle completely dominated this class, Betty was not disgraced with this outstanding placing and also beating her Venezuelan rival in Yaxeni. Iris received a perfect score in every round from the judges being the only competitor at this year's Olympia to achieve this feat.

Lisa Aukland in 4th continues to improve and has a most impressive and mature physique. Dayana Cadeau is always extremely impressive and popular and has some killer poses. However this time she did not quite have the overall condition or the tight midsection to place higher than 5th.

In 6th place it was the Canadian star, Cathly LeFrancois and this top 6 placing was thoroughly deserved. Her posing routine was a sublime performance as opposed to another posing routine. Cathy is definitely destined for higher Olympia placement if she truly believes she can achieve it.

Jennifer Hendershott Wins The Fitness Olympia title!

Jen Hendershott was the most worthy of winners in the 2008 Fitness Olympia class. Nobody puts more into their training and their routines than Jen does. She really nailed it this year both with her physical condition and with her amazing routines both at Prejudging and at the Finals. You need to see the DVD when released to see what I mean. Her condition was as tight as a drum, equal to any competitor in the whole event, male or female. My congratulations Jen! Your determination to succeed after many disapoinments in past events has really paid off.

Tracey Greenwood came in at 2nd place, also a great result for her, while current Arnold Fitness International winner Kim Scheideler (Klein) had to settle for 3rd place.

I felt it was an outstanding success for Regiane Da Silva from Germany to break into the top 6 with her 6th place finish, after putting in some outstanding performances at the top events over the last few years. Our congratulations to Regiane and Matthias Botthof who were married in Las Vegas on the day after the Mr Olympia.

Jennifer Gates Wins The Figure Olympia title!

I hate to use the cliche of "package" but this year Jennifer presented THE package that the judges were looking for. I had felt at the prejudging that Gina Aliotti had done enough to clinch this title, but it was not to be. Gina came in 2nd place with her outstanding figure that has virtually no weaknesses. However it was Jennifer's day. She looked simply incredible.

Rookie from Lithuania, Zivile Raudoniene took a well deserved 3rd place from past winner in Jenny Lynn. Both Zivile and Jenny Lynn are beautiful women with totally contrasting figures. The lean look that was presented by Zivile suggests to me that greater rewards may be in store for her in the future.

Mary Elizabeth Lado took 5th place and I have seen her look much better when carrying a slightly fuller figure. She appeared to be flat and maybe she was a little over-trained. However I am sure she will be placing at the top again in future contests.

Steve Stone RIP

I am very sad to report the death of the well respected IFBB expeditor and NY official, Steve Stone, at the women's prejudging. He was an outstanding official and administrator and also a great and much loved person. I first met Steve through Kenny Kassel at one of the San Francisco GPs a few years back. He will be greatly missed by all of us.

For a complete set of 2008 Olympia Results, please click here.
To Pre-Order the Mr Olympia DVD, please click here.
To Pre-Order the Olympia Women's DVD, please click here.