8th - Gunter Schlierkamp
This is where most of the fans reading this will be like "what the hell is Titus talking about?" Remember this is a physique contest, not a personality competition. We all know Gunter is one of the nicest guys in the sport, a little too nice for my taste but what the hell, I like him. And I wish him all the success in the world, but I have to write it like I see it and I don't think he should place any higher than 8th and that's only because some of the other top names are out of the show. He's made great improvements, but to go from like 15th in the Olympia to not qualifying to a special invite to 5th in the Olympia to beating Ronnie at last year's GNC is a little too hard for me to swallow! The improvements are outstanding and no one can argue with that, but even with the added muscle and better conditioning I just don't see him as a top three guy, which is what all the "hype" has been indicating. Just so there are no hard feelings, I like Gunter and I wish him the best. One thing I know for sure; if being seen in Flex Magazine had anything to so with the Olympia, Gunter would win every time! Then again, so would Jay and Kevin!