Arnold Classic Celebrates 25th Anniversary

Flex Wheeler, Jay Cutler, Kevin Levrone, Kai Greene Among Former Champions To Be Honored

Inaugural Champion Rich Gaspari To Receive Lifetime Achievement Award

COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Arnold Classic will celebrate its 25th Anniversary during the 2013 Arnold Sports Festival by honoring all former past winners of the men’s professional bodybuilding championships named in honor of Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, the sport’s greatest champion.

Four-time winner Flex Wheeler, three-time champion Jay Cutler and 2001 champ Ronnie Coleman will headline the former Arnold Classic champions who will return to the Veterans Memorial stage on Saturday, March 2. Also returning will be two-time winners Kevin Levrone, Kai Greene and Branch Warren, inaugural champion Rich Gaspari, and Mike Ashley, Shawn Ray, Vince Taylor, Michael Francois, Nasser El Sonbaty and Victor Martinez.

Rich Gaspari, who won the inaugural Arnold Classic in 1989, will be honored with the 2013 Lifetime Achievement Award during the 25th Anniversary Celebration.

Dexter Jackson, who won the Arnold Classic, in 2005, 2006 and 2008, will try to tie Wheeler’s record of four wins at the 2013 Arnold Classic. He is the only former champion in the 2013 field and will be making his 14th appearance in the Arnold Classic.

“We look forward to welcoming all of our great Arnold Classic champions back to Columbus for our 25th Anniversary,” said Jim Lorimer, who co-founded the Arnold Classic with Schwarzenegger in 1989. “The Arnold Classic has grown over the years into one of our sport’s most prestigious events, and was the catalyst for the Arnold Sports Festival – the nation’s largest multi-sport festival.”

Fourteen men have combined to win the previous 24 Arnold Classic titles. Wheeler (four), Cutler (three), Jackson (three), Levrone, Greene and Warren (two each) have accounted for 16 of the 24 titles.

In addition to appearing at the Arnold Classic on Saturday night, all previous Arnold champs will also attend the Arnold Champions & Legends Sunday Morning Showcase on Sunday, March 3 at the Hilton Columbus Downtown. Gov. Schwarzenegger and Arnold Classic, Ms. International, Fitness International, Figure International and Bikini International champions crowned on the weekend will also attend. Bob Cicherello will moderate the program.

The Arnold Classic has grown over the years to include five IFBB Professional League Divisions. In addition the Arnold Classic (professional men’s bodybuilding) and the Ms. International (women’s professional bodybuilding), which also debuted in 1989, the Arnold Classic Weekend also features the Fitness International (founded in 1994), Figure International (2003) and the Bikini International (2011).

The 2013 Arnold Classic and Bikini International Prejudging and Finals will be held Saturday, March 2, 2013 at Veterans Memorial. Ms. International, Fitness International and Bikini International Prejudging and Finals will be held on Friday, March 1, 2013.

The Arnold Classic is the premier event of the Arnold Sports Festival, held annually the first weekend in March in Columbus, Ohio. The Arnold Sports Festival features 18,000 athletes from 80 nations compete in 45 sports and events. Gov. Schwarzenegger attends each year and appears at each event.

2013 Lifetime Achievement Award
Rich Gaspari, who won the inaugural Arnold Classic in 1989, will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award at Arnold Classic on Saturday, March 2 at Veterans Memorial.

In addition to winning the first Arnold Classic, Gaspari’s past titles also include Mr. America (now known as the NPC Nationals), Mr. Universe, Professional Mr. World and three-time runner-up at the Mr. Olympia.

Over the past 15 years, Gaspari has developed a brand of supplements under the Gaspari Nutrition brand into one of the most formidable and popular lines in the world. Gaspari’s determination and love for the sport of bodybuilding has helped his successfully transition from a competitive bodybuilder into an active CEO who tours the globe teaching fitness to others and supporting the sports of professional and amateur bodybuilding.

The Arnold Classic Lifetime Achievement Award was established in 2000 to honor the industry’s legends for their contributions to the world of health and fitness. Previous winners include: Joe Weider (2000), Reg Park (2001), Jim Lorimer (2002), Frank Zane (2003), Bill Pearl (2004), Jack LaLanne (2005), Lee Haney (2006), Cory Everson (2007), Ben Weider (2008), Franco Columbu (2009), Sylvester Stallone (2010), Lou Ferrigno (2011) and Robert Kennedy (2012)

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Arnold Schwarzenegger's Latest Movie is The Last Stand!

At age 65, Arnold is still kicking ass on screen. He may not be the baddest of them all, but he sure has the star power

 

by Mike Salazar (FLEX On-Line)

Our favorite action hero is back! At age 65, he's no spring chicken, but you can tell Arnold has been hitting the gym and supplementing properly to regain the awesome physique we've known him to possess on screen.

Arnold is our modern day John Wayne - from his size to his swagger - and he dominates the big screen in whichever movie role he plays, even as a Kindergarten Cop!

In The Last Stand, Schwarzenegger plays a retired LAPD narcotics cop who took on the duties as sherrif in a border town. Happy as a clam living the peaceful dumb life in a town in the middle of nowhere, he's thrust back into the midst of violence when an escaped cartel leader heads through his town in order to cross into Mexico.

The Last Stand riffs on the elements of a Western, throwing Schwarzenegger into a deadly showdown.

There's all the great movie elements we've come to expect from the imaginative Korean director Kim Jee-Woon: violence, humor, and lots of guns! From a Tommy Gun toting heroin to a babbling dork - Johhny Knoxville - helping Schwarzenegger with a gatling gun - this one is a movie you should see.

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Arnold Sports Festival 2013 - Competitor List

February 28 - March 3

Dexter Jackson will gun for his record-tying fourth Arnold Classic title when he leads a field of 13 men’s professional bodybuilders the 25^th Anniversary Arnold Classic at the 2013 Arnold Sports Festival.

Jackson, who will compete in Columbus for the 14^th time, won the Arnold Classic in 2005, 2006 and 2008. A win in March would tie Jackson with the popular Flex Wheeler, the Arnold Classic champ in 1993, 1997, 1998 and 2000. Cedric McMillan, making his Arnold Classic debut; Ben Pakulski, fourth in 2012; and Toney Freeman, fifth in the 2012 Arnold Classic Europe, are expected to challenge.

In the Ms. International, six-time champion Iris Kyle returns to the Veterans Memorial stage after sitting out 2012 due to injury. Kyle will be challenged by five-time winner Yaxeni Oriquen, last year’s winner, and Deb Laszewski, who finished second in 2012.

Five-time Fitness International champ Adela Garcia will not compete in 2013, leaving the door open for Oksana Grishina, Bethany Cisternino, Tanji Johnson and Myriam Capes to battle for the title among a field of 12. Grishina beat Garcia heads up to win the 2012 Arnold Fitness Europe, while Cisternino (fourth), Johnson (fifth) and Capes (sixth) will look to improve on impressive showings in 2012.

A new champion will also be crowned in the Figure International. Three-time defending champ Nicole Wilkins will not compete, leaving 2012 Arnold Figure Europe winner Erin Stern as the favorite among a field of 18. Candice Keene, Ava Cowan and Heather Dees all return after top six finishes in 2012, while Camala Rodriguez makes her Figure International debut after finishing second in the Fitness International in 2012.

Nicole Nagrani, winner of the inaugural Bikini International in 2011; India Paulino, second in 2012; Jamie Baird, third in 2012; and Nathalia Melo, fifth last year, lead a pack of 18 in the Bikini International.

Olga Puzanova (Ms. International), Melinda Szabo (Fitness International), Olga Gallardo (Figure International) and Ashley Kaltwasser (Bikini International) earned automatic invites in the IFBB Pro League events based on overall victories at the 2012 Arnold Amateur IFBB/NPC Bodybuilding, Fitness, Figure & Bikini Championships.

The 25^th Anniversary Annual Arnold Classic, Ms. International, Fitness International, Figure International and Bikini International contests will be held March 102 at Veteran Memorial and the Greater Columbus Convention Center in Columbus, Ohio during the Arnold Sports Festival. Visit www.arnoldsportsfestival.com for more information andwww.ticketmaster.com/arnold for ticket information.

The Friday and Saturday night shows in Columbus will have a slightly different look in 2013. The Fitness International, Fitness International and Figure International will be held on Friday, March 1, while the Arnold Classic, Ms. International and Arnold Strongman finals will be held on Saturday March 2.

2013 Arnold Classic, Ms. International, Fitness International, Figure International and Bikini International Official Invite Lists:

Arnold Classic 2013 Bodybuilding Competitors List

Fouad Abiad

Darrem Charles

Toney Freeman

Marcus Haley

Dexter Jackson

Johnnie Jackson

Michael Kefalianos

Cedric McMillan

Ben Pakulski

Edward Nunn

Ronny Rockel

Fred Smalls

Hidetada Yamagishi

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Cedric McMillan - Plans To Take The Arnold!

Is Cedric McMillan ready to take that big leap in the professional bodybuilding ranks and place top 3 at the Arnold? For a bodybuilder who's never competed at the Arnold or Olympia, that's a tall order. Is 2013 his break out year?

Cedric is a family man and has a full-time Army career in addition to being an IFBB pro. Cedric came on the scene in 2008 when he competed in the 2008 Jr USAs, taking the Super Heavyweight and the overall. The following year he competed in the 2009 National Championships where to he took the Super Heavyweight and the overall, gaining qualification into the IFBB.

For his pro debut McMillan competed in the 2010 Europa Show of Champions where he placed 4th behind Essa Obiad, Mark Alvisi and Bill Wilmore. 2011 was bittersweet with McMillan taking 1st at the 2011 Europa Show of Champions - Orlando then placing a disappointing 11th at the 2011 New York Pro Championships. McMillan had to deal with a car accident that injured his family. He spent a lot of time in the hospital missing workouts. His focus wasn't there. His focus was squarely on his family.However, in 2012 Cedric McMillan partnered with Chris Aceto and boom, he dominated the 2012 New York Pro Championships. No one expected this athlete who was 11th the year prior to take out Johnnie Jackson, Steve Kuclo, Juan Morel, and Jonathan Delarosa.

The huge monster went back into hibernation. He only competed once in 2012.

McMillan is back. He submitted his application and was accepted to compete in the 2013 Arnold Classic. If there's any question of his dedication to this sport, McMillan works out from 230am to 4am - by himself. Armed with the knowledge he gained from working previously with training guru Dante, he is supported and guided by nutrition guru Chris Aceto. (Chris guided Shawn Rhoden through four victories in 2012.) McMillan is locked, cocked, and ready to rock.

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RONNIE COLEMAN SIGNATURE SERIES™ SIGNS CHINA’S TOP BODYBUILDER!!!!

Ronnie Coleman Signature Series™ is proud to announce the official signing of China’s top bodybuilder Zhang Hong Yu aka the “Quad-Zilla” of China… Coming off a fresh victory at the China Bodybuilding Championship, Quad-Zilla has aspirations of making his USA debut at the Arnold Amateur in 2014.  From the looks of it there’s one guarantee… He will have the biggest wheels on stage!

This marks the first time Ronnie Coleman Signature Series™ has signed an international athlete.

“When I started this company I made a promise to give back to the bodybuilding community and given that we are a global brand, our goal is to sign bodybuilders from all over the world and help them achieve their dreams. Most of them have tremendous potential but don’t have the means to compete at a professional level.  Whether its supplements or money for travel we want to give them a chance to be the best they can be,” said Ronnie.

Living up to his moniker of Quad-Zilla, Zhang Hong Yu stands 6’2 tall and competes at 255lbs! The scariest part is his frame has plenty of room to grow!

“I had a chance to spend some time with Zhang Hong Yu during my tour in China and I was blown away with what he has been able to accomplish with so little. Given his age and time competing, this kid has the potential to be a major freak in a couple of years. His legs are way bigger than most pros and he has limited resources. We are excited to help him grow,” said Ronnie.

Ronnie Coleman Signature Series™ will continue to expand its global athlete roster in 2013.  If you think you have what it takes please email talent@ronniecoleman.net

Report by 
www.musculardevelopment.com

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Shawn Rhoden Joins Team Coleman

FBB Pro Shawn Rhoden Inks Deal With Ronnie Coleman Signature Series™!

Well, it’s official.  8X Mr. Olympia Ronnie Coleman takes yet another giant leap in the supplement industry by signing bodybuilding’s newest superstar, Shawn Rhoden, as the very first athlete for his supplement company. 

This monumental signing is a perfect fit for both Ronnie Coleman Signature Series™ and Shawn Rhoden as both have taken the bodybuilding & supplement industry by storm in 2012. 

The signing comes as a huge shocker, even for Ronnie himself.  Ronnie readily admits he didn’t plan on signing an athlete in 2012. “Neither of us expected this to happen really, it kind of came out of nowhere, but this was an opportunity for both Shawn and Ronnie Coleman Signature Series™ to be a part of something special.  We both decided we couldn’t walk away until we figured something out.”

Shawn’s recent success has garnered the attention of the largest supplement companies in the industry. Signing with Ronnie Coleman Signatures is a stunning surprise that will have many wondering, why?

“I chose Ronnie Coleman Signature Series™ first and foremost because I am a huge fan of Ronnie.  He is a legend with so many achievements and the way he has handled those achievements is impressive.  I’ve seen his company grow overnight and I know how hard he works.  They might not be the biggest company that approached me but they certainly are the best in my opinion in every aspect.  They have a great staff, great marketing and most importantly great products.  Plus, I could tell how much passion Ronnie and his team had for what they do and how much fun they had doing it which is really important to me.  They made me feel like I would be a part of the company rather than just an athlete.  I couldn’t ignore the positive buzz from around the world either.  To be selected as the first RCSS athlete is one of the biggest achievements and accomplishments of my life.”

But, why sign an athlete when you are the 8x Mr. O?  Many wonder if this announcement is Ronnie finally giving into to retirement or if a comeback is still on the horizon… but the champ has another take on it:

“Shawn has done some amazing things this year and my experience tells me this is just the beginning.  Ronnie Coleman Signature Series™ is about more than just me, it’s a company that’s committed to excellence in the bodybuilding, fitness, and supplement community.  Bodybuilding has always been my passion, my hobby, and I will never stop living that lifestyle.  I feel blessed to have this opportunity to help Shawn grow into the best bodybuilder in the world.  It’s going to be fun”-says Ronnie.

Ok, that makes sense but does that mean that you are ready to utter the word “retirement?”
“The last few years have been tough on me injury wise.  What a lot of people don’t know is that I’ve made several attempts at a comeback but I kept getting injured and had multiple surgeries.  I’m not ruling out competing again but I’m focused on growing my business now.  Signing Shawn is about the future.  I’d love to make it back on stage but comebacks are totally played out these days!  We will see what happens.”  Mr. Coleman remarked with a slight grin.  “It would be pretty cool to see both of us on stage though…”

This is a raw opportunity that gives Ronnie a chance to give back to bodybuilding the way that only a true legend is capable of…Through knowledge and mentorship of an up and coming star.  Ronnie plans on helping to develop not only Shawn’s physique but his career from the inside out.

“To have Ronnie believe in me enough to make me a part of his team is a dream come true in itself.  Anyone that knows me knows the level of belief I have in myself and in achieving my dreams.  It’s hard to describe it but Ronnie gets it. He understands it and he embraces it.  Plus, who wouldn’t want the greatest of all time in their sport to mentor them!?”
Matching the magical year that Ronnie’s company has had, Rhoden is coming off one of the hottest winning streaks in recent times with wins at both the Europa and Tampa pro and then moving on to take 3rd place at the 2012 Olympia.  Now he is fresh off of his victory at the 2nd Annual Arnold Classic Europe with the British and Prague Pro still to come.  With three victories alone in 2012 Shawn has solidified himself as a contender in 2013.  Add the possibility of two more victories in 2012 and he becomes the next true legitimate threat.  “Life and success is all about momentum and attitude.  Shawn and Ronnie Coleman Signature Series™ look forward to celebrating together at the top in 2013.  The time is now and we won’t be stopped.” Says Big Ron emphatically. 

In less than a year Ronnie Coleman Signature Series has exploded globally and is now available in over 95 countries.  A feat that no other supplement company has accomplished in such a short time but Ronnie’s all about breaking records.  In addition, Ronnie Coleman Signature Series™ just celebrated their US launch by showcasing their custom 45 foot “Mobile Kingdom”, as King Coleman calls it, at this year’s Olympia.

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www.musculardevelopment.com

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Evan Centopani Opts Out of 2013 Arnold Classic

IFBB Pro Evan Centopani's Olympia Stage debut wasn't as well as we would have expected. Evan took 8th place.

Before that, Centopani has competed in both the 2011 and 2012 Arnold Classics taking 4th and 3rd respectively.

In the following video, Centopani explains there isn't much of an off-season between the Olympia and the Arnold. Reading into that, it looks like the only time we will see Evan on stage again will be at the 2012 Mr Olympia.

Will taking an entire year off for the Olympia help Evan Centopani move from 8th to top 6? He will have to combat Mr Olympia Phil Heath, Former Mr Olympia Jay Cutler, the venerable and Mr Olympia Runner Up Kai Greene, former Mr Olympia Dexter Jackson, 3rd place finisher Shawn Rhoden, Branch Warren, Dennis Wolf, etc.

Report by Mike Salazar
www.flexonline.com

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