Tag: Bodybuilding
PHOTOS: Nick Walker Looks Massive Guest Posing At The 2022 Pittsburgh Pro
Nick Walker impressed with a massive guest posing routine at the 2022 Pittsburgh Pro
Nick Walker showcased a phenomenal and massive offseason physique during his guest posing at the 2022 Pittsburgh Pro – which was held this weekend on May 7, 2022. Walker’s guest posing is notable after switching coaches and not competing at the 2022 Arnold Classic – despite expressing interest in appearing at the show. He is now training towards the 2022 Mr. Olympia.
The Pittsburgh Pro is known for its star studded guest posing routines. The competition is run by IFBB Pro and NPC president Jim Manion, making it one of the more exciting events of the season each year. Alongside Nick Walker, Brandon Curry, Hunter Labrada, and current Mr. Olympia champion Big Ramy also guest posed.
There has been much hype and anticipation for Nick Walker’s appearance at the 2022 Mr. Olympia after his 2021 Arnold Classic win. This is the first on stage appearance of 2022 and an early indicator of his offseason progress. Walker’s consistent social media photo updates have showcased an incredibly on-point physique – but this is the first time of the year he appeared under the hot lights of the stage.
You can watch the video of Nick Walker guest posing at the 2022 Pittsburgh Pro right here:
Nick Walker’s career has skyrocketed since 2020. At just 27 years old, Walker has sculpted a truly enormous and detailed physique. His win at the 2022 Arnold Classic cemented his iconic status – and many fans now hope to see him take aim at the Mr. Olympia throne. Walker placed fifth place a the 2021 Mr. Olympia. For a competitor still in his 20s, this is a phenomenal feat.
Nick Walker has often been compared to Olympia legend Dorian Yates in terms of his mass monster size and the shape of his physique. During a GI Exclusive interview in 2021, we discussed with Walker about the comparison and what his plans for the future hold. It’s clear that his vision has been on track thus far.
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With so much time ahead of him in his career, Nick Walker might just be the next phenom to take over the Olympia throne for years to come. He just needs to finalize the small details and take down the likes of legends such as Big Ramy and Brandon Curry. Time will soon tell how fast he can accomplish this feat.
Until then, make sure to stay tuned to the Generation Iron Fitness Network for more updates on Nick Walker and all other things bodybuilding, fitness, and strength sports.
PHOTOS: Brandon Curry Guest Posing At The 2022 Pittsburgh Pro
Photo via Instagram @mindtomuscle.in
Brandon Curry gives fans a first look preview of his physique since the 2022 Arnold Classic
Brandon Curry took the stage for an epic guest posing routine at the 2022 Pittsburgh Pro – which was held this past weekend on May 7, 2022. The posing routine gave fans their first on-stage look of Curry since his victory at the 2022 Arnold Classic. Curry posed alongside Nick Walker, Hunter Labrada, and current Mr. Olympia champion Big Ramy.
The Pittsburgh Pro is one of the more notable pro bodybuilding competitions of the year. This is due to the star studded guest posing routines that grace the stage in celebration of Jim Manion – president of the IFBB Pro and NPC league. Typically the biggest names in bodybuilding showcase their physiques on stage – including the current Mr. Olympia champion. This weekend was no different.
Most notable about Brandon Curry’s guest posing routine is that he would be showcasing his physique on the same night as Big Ramy. Ramy narrowly defeated Curry at the 2021 Mr. Olympia competition. So this is our first time seeing both Curry and Ramy on stage back to back. While they are both still in the off season – this gives fans a progress update on their training leading into the Olympia later this year.
You can see photos of Brandon Curry’s guest posing routine here:
Brandon Curry won the Mr. Olympia title in 2019 but has been since shut out by Big Ramy over the past two years. However, with each competition Curry has slowly but steadily improved. In fact, his 2021 Mr. Olympia appearance might have been his beast yet – but was unable to edge past Big Ramy’s massive size.
Earlier this year, Brandon Curry competed in the 2022 Arnold Classic – where he faced off against William Bonac. The two were neck and neck for the entire weekend. Many predicted the win would go to Bonac. Ultimately, Curry took the first place prize. Since then, he has been focusing on prepping for the Mr. Olympia later this year in December. Of course, with a pitstop appearance at the Pittsburgh Pro.
Brandon Curry is one of the top names in contention to defeat Big Ramy at the 2022 Mr. Olympia. His consistency of his physique leaves fans confident that he can still be a true threat – especially if he further improves by this winter.
With the Mr. Olympia still seven months away, a lot can change from this guest posing routine and the final product. Only time will tell if Brandon Curry will step up and overcome Big Ramy or not. And that’s not accounting for the rising tide of younger athletes turning heads such as Nick Walker and Hunter Labrada. It will certainly be an interesting and exciting season of bodybuilding as it continues to unfold.
Make sure to stay tuned to the Generation Iron Fitness Network for more updates on all things bodybuilding, fitness, and strength sports!
2022 Pittsburgh Pro Results
Here are the full results from the 2022 Pittsburgh Pro!
The 2022 Pittsburgh Pro took place over the course of two days over the weekend with many events happening throughout. There were a total of six divisions present at the Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh Downtown Hotel. In the end, Alexander Westermeier and Natalia Abraham Coelho highlighted the event by picking up victories in their respective divisions.
The Pittsburgh Pro was the host of many guest posers featuring some of the top talents in the world. This includes reigning two-time Olympia champion Big Ramy, Brandon Curry, Nick Walker, and Hunter Labrada. There was also a special appearance from three-time Classic Physique Olympia champion Chris Bumstead.
Coelho will return to the Olympia for the fifth consecutive year in Women’s Physique. She finished as the runner-up in 2021 for the second time in her career. Coelho also has two third-place finishes. She has solidified her spot as one of the top competitors in this division.
Westermeier made an impact right away in Pittsburgh and rode this momentum to a Classic Physique title. He will now have a chance to test his luck against some of the other top competitors in the world. Shanice Abrams won Figure after an eighth place finish in Pittsburgh last year.
The results from the show are spread out over Friday and Saturday night. Checkout which divisions have named winners and the official score cards below!
2022 Pittsburgh Pro: All Division Winners
Classic Physique: Alexander Westermeier
Men’s Physique:
Women’s Physique: Natalia Abraham Coelho
Bikini:
Figure: Shanice Abrams
Wellness:
2022 Pittsburgh Pro Breakdown
Classic Physique
First Place – Alexander Westermeier
Second Place – Camilo Diaz
Third Place – Neil Currey
Fourth Place – Daniel Costa
Fifth Place – Brandon Kidd
Women’s Physique
First Place – Natalia Abraham Coelho
Second Place – Justine Albert
Third Place – Marie-Solange Essoh
Fourth Place – Natalie Rae Wolfe
Fifth Place – Jessica Belt
Figure
First Place – Shanice Abrams
Second Place – Ericka M. Morgan
Third Place – LaToyia Farley
Fourth Place – Tereza Linhartova
Fifth Place – Maude Exantus
Men’s Physique
Results coming soon!
First Place –
Second Place –
Third Place –
Fourth Place –
Fifth Place –
Sixth Place –
Bikini
Results coming soon!
First Place –
Second Place –
Third Place –
Fourth Place –
Fifth Place –
Sixth Place –
Wellness
Results coming soon!
First Place –
Second Place –
Third Place –
Fourth Place –
Fifth Place –
Sixth Place –
2022 Pittsburgh Pro Official Score Cards
Coming soon!
Generation Iron wishes to congratulate all the great athletes who earned a win at the 2022 IFBB Pittsburgh Pro. Make sure to check out our full IFBB Pro results page from this year and previous years right here to catch up on any action you may have missed!
Greg has covered the four major sports for six years and has been featured on sites such as Sports Illustrated, Fox Sports, SB Nation, NJ.com, and FanSided. Now, he is transitioning into the world of bodybuilding and strength sports.
Jonathan Tsui Profile & Stats
The biography, life, and accomplishments of Jonathan Tsui
Jonathan Tsui is an American International Natural Bodybuilding Association (INBA)/Professional Natural Bodybuilding Association (PNBA) Pro Men’s Physique Open and Masters athlete born on November 11, 1980. Tsui is a PNBA Hall of Fame Inductee and a PNBA Pro Men’s Physique Natural Olympia champion.
Below is a complete breakdown of Jon Tsui’s profile, stats, biography, training, and diet regimen.
Full Name: Jonathan Tsui
Weight
Height
Date Of Birth
n/a
5’7”
11/11/1980
Division
Era
Nationality
Men’s Physique – Open, Masters
2010
American
Jonathan Tsui’s Biography
On November 11, 1980, Jonathan Tsui was born in Connecticut. Jonathan Tsui played many sports growing up, including gymnastics, swimming, and track and field, and he started lifting weights as a sophomore in high school.
Jon Tsui served in the US Navy for six years. Tsui set out to never be fat/lazy after serving in the military. His friend showed him the ropes of training and nutrition and connected him to a guy that measured body fat. While getting his body fat tested, he was asked if he had ever considered bodybuilding. At the time, bodybuilding had never crossed Tsui’s mind.
Although, that conversation did plant a seed in Tsui’s head. He then found himself at a local NPC show. He Googled natural bodybuilding and discovered the INBA PNBA. Coincidentally, they had a local show coming up in a few weeks. Tsui prepared well and continued to compete after that.
In his first year of natural bodybuilding (2013), he was an amateur and won one show in the Men’s Bodybuilding Open category. The following year, he got sick, which shifted his focus to the Men’s Physique class upon recovering. And it was the Men’s Physique class Tsui dominated. In his first show, he earned his pro card and won his pro debut at Team USA. Since then, his career has flourished.
Competition History
2021 PNBA Ironman Magazine Pro Men’s Physique – 1st
2020 PNBA Natural Olympia Men’s Pro Physique – 1st
2020 PNBA Mr. Team USA Pro Men’s Physique – 1st
2020 PNBA Mr. Muscle Beach Pro Men’s Physique – 1st
2019 PNBA Mr. Muscle Beach Pro Men’s Physique – 1st
2018 PNBA Mr. Team USA Pro Men’s Physique – 1st
2018 PNBA Mr. World Pro Men’s Physique –1st
2018 PNBA Mr. Natural Universe Pro Men’s Physique – 1st
2018 PNBA Mr. International Battle Against Cancer Pro Men’s Physique – 1st
2017 PNBA Mr. World Pro Men’s Physique – 1st
2017 PNBA Mr. International Battle Against Cancer Pro Men’s Physique – 1st
2016 PNBA Mr. World Pro Men’s Physique – 1st
2015 PNBA Mr. Night of the Natural Champions Pro Men’s Physique – 1st
2015 PNBA Mr. Team USA Pro Men’s Physique – 1st
2014 PNBA Mr. Team USA Pro Men’s Physique – 1st
Jon Tsui’s Training
Jon Tsui typically does a 5-day split workout routine. Although, this season, he’s been incorporating CrossFit. Adittely, he’s just doing it to give him time to workout with his girlfriend – he’s not trying to break any personal recoreds. But he’s curious to see what it will do to his physique.
Below is what a 5-day split routine looks like for Tsui.
Monday – Chest
Tuesday – Biceps and Triceps
EZ Bar Curl: 5 sets x 10 reps
Smith Machine/Squat Rack Drag Curl: 5 sets x 10 reps
Wide Grip Barbell Curl: 5 sets x 10 reps
Machine Curl: 5 sets x 10 reps
Hammer Curl: 3-5 sets x 10 reps
Cable Rope Tricep Extension Standing/Bent-Over: 5 sets x 10 reps
Rever Grip Extension With “W” Bar: 5 sets x 10 reps
Wednesday – Back
Bent Over Row: 5 sets x 10 reps
Rack Pull: 5 sets x 10 reps
Cose Grip Row/Landmine Row: 5 sets x 10 reps
Lat Pulldown Standard Width/Close Grip: 5 sets x 10 reps
Isolateral Pulldown Plate Loaded/Cable: 5 sets x 10 reps
Thursday – Shoulders
Friday – Legs
Back/Belt Squat: 6-8 sets x 3-10 reps, drop set
Hack Squat/Leg Press: 5 sets x 10 reps
Hack/Squat/Leg Press Narrow Stance: sets of 10 reps – unload one plate each set, 20 reps last set with plates left on sled
Lunge/Jefferson Deadlift: 5 sets x 10 reps
Seated Leg Curl: 5 sets x 10 reps
Leg Extension: 5 sets x 10 reps
Lying Leg Curl: 5 sets x 10 reps
Saturday – Surfing/Outdoor activity
Favorite Exercises
When it comes to Jonathan Tsui’s favorite exercises, he stated:
“Can’t ever go wrong with bench, hahaha…even though they’re not always a part of my normal routine: Arnold presses, Jefferson deadlifts, hyperextensions.”
Jonathan Tsui’s Nutrition
In regards to nutrition, Jonathan Tsui said:
“Off-season, I definitely don’t count calories or measure out my foods…I actually have a tendency of not eating enough…but I will enjoy my holidays and social events…certainly more fat, carb, and alcohol calories.
In-season, I simplify everything down to two basic meals that I alternate through the day, while also carb cycling. It basically looks like a shake for meals 1, 3, 5 (breakfast, post-job/pre-workout, and before bed). Meals 2, 4 are real food, whole grain + lean protein meals.”
Supplements
Below are the supplements Jonathan Tsui regularly takes.
Gains in Bulk (GIB) 100/CutCake
CLA
Glutamine
Creatine
TestGain
Argi-Pump
VitaminC
Crea-Nitric
Bang Energy
Personal Life
Jon Tsiu loves his day job and uses his military experience to support active-duty troops. Besides his passion for the gym, he spends quality time with his girlfriend, watches movies/TV shows, and has two cats. Tsui likes surfing, scuba diving, fishing, photography, firearms, and wood/metal fabrication. In addition, he’s active in a few veteran non-profits – Force Blue and One More Wave.
Ronnie Coleman Discusses Issues In Bodybuilding: ‘This Sport Is Not Worth Dying For’
Ronnie Coleman recently addressed the deaths in bodybuilding and reflected on an experience of his own.
Ronnie Coleman is one of the best bodybuilders to ever step on stage and his resume backs it up. Coleman is an eight-time Olympia champion, which is tied for the most all-time with Lee Haney. To this day, Coleman remains an influential voice in bodybuilding because of his knowledge of the sport. Coleman recently discussed the recent deaths in bodybuilding and reflected on an experience of his own.
Coleman joined Bradley Martyn to discuss the recent happenings around bodybuilding. Unfortunately, there has been a string of deaths that has hit the world hard. Shawn Rhoden and George Peterson passed away last year. Recently, Cedric McMillan suddenly died and this shifted conversations further toward the health concerns in bodybuilding.
Ronnie Coleman knows a thing or two about preparing for shows and what it takes to be the best in the world. During his time, there was not this many deaths and it is because there used to be testing for substances such as diuretics.
“It’s kind of hard, you know when I was coming up, we had one guy die and they started drug testing every show. He died of diuretics of course, you know. So they started drug testing for diuretics every show, and nobody died or nothing, until they stopped. I’ll never forget when they stopped. He died in 1996 I think. (Mohammed) Benaziza, he died on the European Tour. I know I wasn’t there, I wasn’t Mr. Olympia back then. They drug tested every single show after that in the IFBB.”
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Following this death, Ronnie Coleman explained that the IFBB began testing doe diuretics and there were not many deaths in the sport. This changed once Jay Cutler threatened to sue the league after testing positive. Coleman explained that Cutler got testing outlawed.
“When Jay failed the test, they, because Jay told them he was going to sue them. They was like, okay, well we won’t keep testing, and you get the chance to keep your prize money too. We will just do away with the testing. Jay changed that. They didn’t test no more after that.”
Ronnie Coleman and the 2001 Olympia
Ronnie Coleman knows the dangers of diuretics firsthand and it was at its worst in 2001. This is the season Coleman became the first competitor to win the Arnold Classic and Olympia in the same year. Despite his success, the Olympia victory almost didn’t happen.
Coleman reflects on waking up the morning of the Olympia competition feeling extremely dehydrated and wanting to go to the hospital.
“When you start dying, this sport is not worth dying for. Ronnie laughs. Not at all. I remember back in 2001, I’ll never forget it like it was yesterday. I woke up the morning of the Olympia and I felt awful. I was totally dehydrated, you know, you have to be kind of a little dehydrated to get up there on stage,” Coleman explained.
But this morning, I felt awful, I felt real bad. I was to the point where I felt like I was kind of dying. It scared the living hell out of me. I called my nutritionist, and said hey, dude I feel awful. Forget this show, I’m going to the hospital. I’m not going to die for this sport. I’m going to the hospital.”
Ronnie Coleman was able to hydrate enough to get on stage and defeated Cutler to keep his Olympia streak going. This opened Coleman’s eyes and he did not want to have this problem again moving forward.
Many have discussed how to improve the health of bodybuilding. Since McMillan passed away, competitors and powerlifters have been going to get checked out to make sure their health is in a good position. This is a growing problem and it will be interesting to see how it is handled moving forward.
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Calum Von Moger Allegedly Jumped Through Second Story Window, Currently In ICU
Early reports allege that Calum Von Moger has jumped through a second story window, injured his spine, and is currently in the ICU.
Calum Von Moger has reportedly jumped through a second story window, received serious injuries, and is currently in the ICU. Undisclosed sources and various online outlets reported the news Friday afternoon on May 6th. At the time of this writing, there is no confirmation from Calum Von Moger, family, friends, or representation nor from any authorities or local news outlets.
According to initial reports, Calum Von Moger was recently kicked out of his family’s house in Australia. Previous reports have also showcased Von Moger getting into issues with the law including incidents of road rage and carrying a weapon. While not confirmed – there have also been rumors that Von Moger has been suffering from drug addiction to meth amphetamine.
This story is currently developing, so details are scares and Generation Iron is reaching out to local Australian sources for confirmation and more detail. As of now, statements suggest that Calum Von Moger was under the influence of drugs and jumped through a second story window receiving a large number of cuts from the glass. He then sustained spinal injury upon falling to the ground – requiring emergency medical attention. He is reportedly currently in the ICU.
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ABOVE: Calum Von Moger showcasing his at-home workout.
Calum Von Moger has been off the bodybuilding map for the past year after moving back to his home country of Australia – where he soon faced various legal issues. Shortly after, Von Moger posted a video apologizing for his behavior and claiming that he would be receiving help and working towards recovery.
This story is still developing. Generation Iron will provide updates as soon as they become available. Generation Iron would also like to send well wishes, thoughts, and prayers for Calum Von Moger, family, and friends during this difficult time.
Jacob Ladon is a staff writer and former amateur bodybuilder. He has been passionate about bodybuilding since he was 15 years old and discovered the joys of training in the gym. He reports and comments on all bodybuilding related matters.
Brandon Curry Profile & Stats
The biography, life, and accomplishments of Brandon Curry
Photo via @brandon_curry Instagram
Brandon Curry is a professional bodybuilder with an absolutely massive and shredded physique. With tons of competitions under his belt, he was the 2019 Mr. Olympia champion cementing his place in bodybuilding history.
Below is a complete breakdown of Brandon Curry’s profile, stats, biography, training and diet regimens.
Full Name: Brandon Curry
Weight
Height
Date Of Birth
255-260 lbs.
5’8’’
10/19/1982
Profession
Era
Nationality
Bodybuilder
2000, 2010
American
Photo via @brandon_curry Instagram
Biography
Born in Tennessee, Brandon Curry was always active and was encouraged to be as active as possible. He started lifting at a young age and would soon become enthralled with fitness and everything that came with it. By the time he got to college, he knew he wanted to be involved with this as a career and continued his education with a focus on health and fitness.
He started as a personal trainer and then transitioned into bodybuilding, first competing in 2003 and then turning pro in 2008. From there, Curry has had an amazing career, competing in show after show and placing first at top contests like the Arnold Classic Brazil, New Zealand Pro, Arnold Classic Australia, Arnold Classic, and the 2019 Mr. Olympia contest. In 2020 and 2021, he finished with an impressive second at Mr. Olympia as well.
Aside from his bodybuilding career, Curry is also a family man who is married with four children and he also runs a supplements company called Scitec Nutrition.
Photo via @brandon_curry Instagram
Training
When it comes to training, Brandon hits the gym about five times per week and is always looking for the best way to put on muscle. It is important for him to change up his routine once in a while and this will involve weightlifting, HIIT, and full body circuits. While he does enjoy working legs and back, judging by his physique, every muscle gets plenty of work done.
Chest & Bicep Workout
While the sets and reps are not mentioned for this chest and biceps workout, these exercises are great to try and can certainly give you a serious pump.
Chest Exercises
Incline Smith Machine Press
High Incline Standard Grip Machine Press
High Incline Neutral Grip Machine Press
Flat Unilateral Plate Loaded Bench Press Machine
Standing Machine Decline Press
Chest Machine Press
Seated Cable Flyes Superset (Upper & Lower)
Bicep Exercises
Standing Cable Curls
Unilateral Motion Seat Cable Curls
Plate Loaded Iso-Lateral Curls
Plate Loaded One-Arm Machine Preacher Curls
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Nutrition
Brandon is always fueling his body and typically eats upwards of 6-8 meals per day. These consist of whole foods and the right balance of macronutrients in order to see real gains and to stay healthy overall. Foods in his diet are things like lean meats, rice, oats, sweet potatoes, fruits, vegetables, and plenty of nuts. He does, of course, have cheat meals now and then.
Supplementation
While Brandon uses his own supplements of choice, there are some staple products in a bodybuilder’s routine to take note of that can serve you well. A protein powder is great for seeing gains and working to pump you with protein to aid in muscle growth, recovery, and even weight loss.
For those pre-workout needs, looking to pre-workout supplements will provide energy and muscle pumps so you can take full advantage of every workout. Of course, a shredded aesthetic is the end goal and looking to fat burners can kickstart your metabolism, suppress your appetite, and allow for more calorie burn to give you the best benefits possible.
Competition History
2022 Arnold Classic, 1st
2021 Mr. Olympia, 2nd
2020 Mr. Olympia, 2nd
2019 Mr. Olympia, 1st
2019 Arnold Classic, 1st
2018 Mr. Olympia, 5th
2017 Ferrigno Legacy, 1st
2017 Mr. Olympia, 8th
2017 Arnold Classic Australia, 1st
2017 New Zealand Pro, 1st
2015 Arnold Classic, 16th
2013 Arnold Classic Brazil, 1st
2012 Arnold Classic, 7th
2011 Mr. Olympia, 8th
2010 Pro Bodybuilding Weekly Championship, 6th
2010 Europa Super Show, 8th
2008 NPC USA Championships, 1st
2007 NPC USA Championships, 2nd
2006 NPC Junior National Championships, 2nd
2003 Supernatural Bodybuilding, 1st
PNBA Bodybuilder Adrian Pietrariu Signs Multi-media Contract
Image via Instagram @adrianironman
PNBA natural bodybuilder Adrian Pietrariu signs a multi-media contract with Generation Iron, Iron Man Magazine, and the INBA PNBA.
The sport of natural bodybuilding is continuing to expand thanks to the progressive measures the International Natural Bodybuilding Association (INBA)/Professional Natural Bodybuilding Association (PNBA) are taking. They’ve been signing many athletes to multi-media contracts with behemoth bodybuilding, strength sports, and fitness media companies Generation Iron and Iron Man Magazine. PNBA athlete Adrian Pietrariu is the next athlete to sign a multi-media contract.
Adrian Pietrariu was the INBA PNBA’s Athlete of the Year in 2018. And he was inducted into the INBA PNBA Hall of Fame in 2020. Adrian Pietrariu released a statement on Instagram (IG) regarding his contract. Pietrariu stated:
“BIG NEWS BIG NEWS!!!!
Honored for another huge opportunity in Natural Bodybuilding.
Today is my honor to sign this multi media contract with @inbapnbaglobal_official, @generationiron and @ironmanmagazine
I feel in love with INBA/PNBA from the first day I competed with them at Mr. California in Hollywood and from there is History. I traveled with INBA all over the world and had some amazing amazing athletes and made the best experiences. INBA/PNBA is truly the best natural bodybuilding organization and the only one that is global! Love my @inbapnbaglobal_official Fam
The Memories and Experiences don’t stop here. We have more people to meet and more experiences to make!
I want to Thank all of you for your continued Love and Support”
Pietrariu’s IG post expresses his appreciation for signing the contract below.
INBA PNBA
The INBA PNBA is the largest natural bodybuilding federation and hosts the world’s largest natural bodybuilding competition – Natural Olympia. In addition, the INBA PNBA gives away the most considerable cash and prizes. For example, legend Philip Ricardo Jr. won a Harley-Davidson at 2021 Natural Olympia.
The INBA PNBA represents athletes in 60 countries. Arely Ayala from Mexico won first place in Bikini Angels and received second place in Bikini Divas at 2021 Natural Olympia. Kristy Graham-Kumabe represents INBA Australia, and she’s a 4x pro natural physique Australian champion. Graham-Kumbabe won the PNBA Australian national pro Physique and Figure in 2021.
In addition, the INBA PNBA vets all athletes through the most strenuous drug testing standards – the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Any athlete who fails to follow these drug testing measures will be banned from the sport and hung in the Hall of Shame. In addition, they’ll never receive the merits of signing a multi-media contract.
Multi-Media Contract Details
Each athlete who signs a multi-media contract gets special perks. These benefits include brand building (via social media posts, write-ups, and photoshoots), special guest appearances, and posing and seminar sessions. Moreover, multi-media athletes will get Iron Man Magazine nutrition ads and endorsements.
The INBA PNBA stated the following about multi-media contract athletes:
“An opportunity for a natural bodybuilding athlete to acquire renown and recognition in the sport of natural bodybuilding, exploiting association’s promotional campaign via the iron man magazine, news and events, and the generation iron platform.”
Generation Iron and Iron Man Magazine will be covering every INBA PNBA show throughout the year. Here you can see the INBA PNBA’s full competition schedule!
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for the latest INBA PNBA news!
Hardcore Truth: Women’s Bodybuilding Is Still Underrepresented Despite Ms. Olympia Return
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Johnnie O. Jackson believes that the Women’s Bodybuilding division is still being snubbed by the pro league.
In 2020, the bodybuilding world rejoiced upon the return of the Ms. Olympia competition to the Olympia weekend. This came after the competition was discontinued for six years – with many believing it would never return. This is all part of Jake Wood’s passion and respect for Women’s Bodybuilding – and his plan to bring it back into popularity across the sport. While this is a great start, other massive competitions, such as the Arnold Classic, still refuse to put on a Women’s Bodybuilding competition. In our latest episode of Hardcore Truth, Johnnie O. Jackson comments on the lack of representation for Women’s Bodybuilding and the Ms. Olympia not being enough.
Johnnie O. Jackson was very pleased when the Ms. Olympia returned to the Olympia weekend back in 2020. But he was also disappointed in himself for not realizing that Women’s Bodybuilding has yet to return to the Arnold Classic stage. He literally didn’t even realize it was missing until he had a conversation with a Women’s Bodybuilding competitor this past week.
This exact situation represents the issue Johnnie O. Jackson sees with Women’s Bodybuilding in the IFBB pro league. Jackson even accepts that he is a passive part of the problem – which is why he spent this week’s episode advocating for more Women’s Bodybuilding competitions across the year.
Johnnie O. Jackson believes that the pro league still has a long way to go in order to full support the Women’s Bodybuilding division. The Ms. Olympia is not enough if nearly every other high profile show of the year does not include them. The Arnold Classic, Indy Pro, Boston Pro, and many other major shows still do not feature Women’s Bodybuilding. The Arnold Classic in particular is the second biggest show of the year and contains the largest expo in the sport. Why do we not see Women’s Bodybuilders on stage?
It should also be noted that Johnnie O. Jackson also mentions the New York Pro in his argument. In fact, the New York Pro does feature Women’s Bodybuilding in their lineup of competitions. While Jackson may have misspoke on including the NY Pro in his argument – the overall sentiment still stands.
Johnnie O. Jackson believes that part of the reason the division slowly fell in popularity was due to a dislike of the massive physiques. Much like some of (but certainly less damaging) criticism about Men’s Open getting too big. Jackson believes that, overall, the judges are responsible for what kind of physiques they want to reward. Jackson states – if the fans are unhappy with the state of physiques for Women’s Bodybuilding – it’s the judges responsibility to ensure the right kind of physique is rewarded to bend the trajectory of the division.
Of course, the solution is never quite as simple as it sounds. While putting responsibility on the judges is part of the puzzle – there may be a wider variety of factors at play here. Judges should not always 100% bend to the demand of fans – that’s a dangerous precedent. Also – the criticism of Women’s Bodybuilding physiques could also be based in unfair expectations outside of the judges control.
Many have stated that Women’s Bodybuilding is “too masculine” but there is also a point to be made that the show is not a beauty pageant. The women should be judges the exact same way the men are – femininity should not be a criteria at all.
Another problem may be pure roster issues. Perhaps many of these larger shows cannot get enough competitors to sign up for competition. This is a snake eating it’s own tail type situation. If there is not enough support for Women’s Bodybuilding – there will be less interest by the athletes. Thus less sign ups for the few shows that exist. Thus less shows across the year to build interest. Lather, rinse, repeat.
Regardless, Johnnie O. Jackson’s main sentiment remains true. The Women’s Bodybuilders that do compete are sisters in iron. They deserve the exact same respect and opportunities as the Men’s Open division. Jackson believes a concerted effort must be made to prioritize getting Women’s Bodybuilding back to the Arnold Classic and other major shows across the year.
You can watch Johnnie O. Jackson’s full argument in our latest episode of Hardcore Truth above. Make sure to visit each Thursday for new episodes every week! What do you think? Does the IFBB Pro league need to prioritize more Women’s Bodybuilding representation?
Iain Valliere Shares Plan To Compete In 2022 Vancouver Pro
Iain Valliere will return to his home country to make his debut this season.
Iain Valliere had a successful 2021 season leading up to the Olympia in October. He has yet to make his debut this year but recently shared his plan to compete at the 2022 Vancouver Pro in his home country.
Valliere, who hails from Ottawa, moved to Florida last year in order to take his preparation up a notch. He joined an episode of Bro Chat | Real Bodybuilding Podcast with Fouad Abiad to speak on his future plans, including shows and preparation.
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There is about 10 weeks until the Vancouver Pro is scheduled to take place. Iain Valliere began his prep about six weeks ago and weighed 302 pounds. At this point, he has slimmed down to between 282-285 pounds. The plan was to start bigger in order to keep size longer heading into the show.
“I’m at home and into my schedule every day; it feels good for sure. I’m getting into the swing of things with the prep faster,” Iain Valliere said.
“Last year, I started at 285. I think my legs have probably improved the most, like the quads and adductors, things like that.”
The current state of Men’s Open is full of mass monsters and this is the reason Valliere has focused on putting on size heading into this season. This is where improvements are coming from compared to last season.
Iain Valliere’s 2021 Season
Iain Valliere burst onto the scene a bit in 2021. He qualified for the Olympia in his first competition by winning the Tampa Pro. Valliere decided to return to the stage the very next week and earned his second victory in as many weeks during the Texas Pro. This put Valliere higher up on the map for the biggest shows of the year.
The pandemic forced the Arnold Classic and Olympia to be moved to the end of the year and Valliere was ready for both. He finished second to Nick Walker at the Arnold Classic in September. Two weeks later, Valliere put on a strong showing at the Olympia and finished in seventh place.
This year, Iain Valliere must win a show or finish in the top three of the qualification points system in order to earn a spot at the Olympia. The full roster for the Vancouver Pro has not been released to this point but Valliere will be present looking to earn a victory in his first show for the second consecutive year.
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