2004 NOC

[GerryT]

Was at prejudge and looks like the judges love Melvin. I would place Darrem and Ahmad above him 1st and 2nd and Melvin 3rd. Honestly, George Farah was in the best shape I've ever seen him in and can see him top 5. Richard Jones was a bit overhyped but still very good. Art was hard as a rock and deserves a top 5, but looks like top 10 is best he can hope for. Admit that this is my prejudiced opinion.

Glad that Branch Warren competed and he looked very good as well. Deserves a top ten as well as Mike Morris. And for some strange reason, Garrett Downing was called out near the end of the second round (after Ken Jones!!). Total mystery there, looks top 10-12 to me at worst.

Nasser looked very good, not as great as when he won Arnold, but better than he had lately. Was good to see him on stage. And don't know why Toney Freeman was virtually overlooked. Thought he looked in good condition. So do Kallbach. With this many competitors, would not want to judge.

Was great to see Big Al Fortney. He came up from the prejudge only and it was good to talk with him. Other non competing pros in attendacne wereKing Kamali, Jeramy Freeman, Vince Taylor, and Craig Titus and Kelly Ryan. Sure there were others around as well.

[Tim Wescott]

Thanks for the report Gerry.

It looks like it was a good contest ,and I for one am glad to see that symmetry and proportion over just sheer mass, is becoming more than just a passing fad again.

Props to all the contestants involved.

[GerryT]

Agree, Tim. Thought Art should have been in there. Best he has ever looked and dropping weight was a key for him. But he will try again in Hungary.

If this is finally the trend, then how does this bode for Ronnie in the O? He's no Melvin or Dexter for sure!

[Tim Wescott]

I know this sounds like a double standard from me Ger,but I think Ronnie is the exception to the rule, as is Jay,if there is a new trend starting,and it appears that there is one, so far anyway.

I think Art will get his just due once he irons out a few things, and I`m sure he`ll work hard to do just that.
Good luck to him as always.

[GerryT]

Hear you, Tim. Ronnie and Jay are in classes by themselves for sure.

And have no dispute with Melvin or Darrem placing on top. They are great bodybuilders in the classic sense and should get their due.

Spoke with Art after the show and he is determined to do what he has to do. Rooting for him.