Tag: nEWS
Santi Aragon: “There Is No Light On The Other Side” When You Push To Bodybuilding Extremes
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Santi Aragon opens up about his retirement – claiming that the risks started to outweigh the rewards of bodybuilding.
Last month, bodybuilder Santi Aragon announced that he would be retiring from the sport. At only 33 years old, this was a very surprising statement. Many bodybuilders compete well into their 40s, and in some cases, 50s. More shocking was the reason. He did not suffer a major injury or have health issues. He wanted to leave at the top of his prime before long term damages rear their head. In our latest GI Exclusive interview, Santi Aragon opens up about how the risks of steroid use and contest prep led to his retirement from bodybuilding.
Santi Aragon has been completely open and honest about steroids and other drug use in bodybuilding for quite some time now. Having built his own businesses and no longer sponsored by other brands – he felt free to speak openly without reflecting poorly on any of his obligations. So it comes as no surprise that Santi was very open and detailed while speaking with us about his reasons for retiring.
First things first, Santi Aragon doesn’t want anyone to think that he was against PEDs in the sport. He knew the risks going in and was willing to take them. He wasn’t naive to the reality that top level bodybuilding requires. That being said, as he got older, he felt the risks started outweighing the rewards.
On top of this, he was witnessing many deaths in the sport during the 2021. While he acknowledges that these deaths have no real link – he also understands that drug use in the sport can lead to long term health damages and even death. His very own trainer suffered through heart issues last year (good news: he recovered), which “really hit home” for Santi just how painful those kind of health situations can be.
While he didn’t confirm or state if the heart problems were in relation to steroids, the reality became clear. This is a risk of what can happen down the road from consistent steroid use. Santi Aragon has been on top of his health in recent years, with blood tests every three months, his heart and his blood pressure are all healthy. He wants to keep it that way for as long as possible. So he decided to retire.
But for Santi Aragon, it’s more than just the drugs that pose a risk. Santi believes the entire lifestyle required for top level pro bodybuilding is dangerous – especially rising to meet the higher weight requirements for the biggest divisions.
“It’s very difficult for a guy thats 5’5″ to carry over 200 pounds. At least for me,” Santi Aragon states in our interview. He continues:
“I’m not built to be 200 pounds. I’m a 175-180 max. But when I’m starting to push that 212, when I was trying to be 212, I had to force everything. I had to force training, I had to force food, I had to force drugs at such a high level that I could not see myself sustaining that for over a year… that reality sets in really fast. The drugs, the food, and you know – when you force yourself to do things like that and push your body to that extreme, there’s no light on the other side.”
Santi Aragon goes on to say that most bodybuilders don’t realize the reality of this until it’s too late. They are only aware just how far their health can be at risk once the long term effects start appearing. Santi didn’t want to be one of those people. That’s why he changed course.
And Santi Aragon also wants to point out that nothing is set in stone across the board. Much like cigarettes, some people can smoke their whole lives with no issues. Others can smoke for one year and get lung cancer. Genetics and random luck play a big part. It’s to each their own in how far an individual wants to push that risk.
You can watch Santi Aragon’s full comments on his retirement and health in bodybuilding by watching our latest GI Exclusive interview segment above!
Danial Zamani Bench Presses 727Lbs and Makes it Look Easy
Danial Zamani makes 727lb bench press look like child’s play.
Danial Zamani showcases his incredible strength with a massive 727lb bench press. Zamani recently pulled off the incredible feat in training and made the lift look easy. It’s clear that he’s a threat to the bench press world record held by Julius Maddox. It’s also clear that he’s within striking distance of crushing the record.
Perseverance is perhaps the number one most important trait to have if one wants to succeed at just about anything. No matter what you choose to do in this life one thing is very certain. Before you succeed you’re going to fail. In fact you’re going to fail a whole lot before you consistently succeed. Those with unshakable perseverance have been blessed with an incredible super power, no question.
It’s the exact power that men like Danial Zamani possess.
One of the strongest humans on the planet, Danial Zamani is hunting to conquer the 800lb bench press. The reigning bench press king Julius Maddox is on the very same mission. Both men have been hard at work prepping their minds and bodies to eventually set the world record.
While Maddox may hold the title of bench press king, Danial Zamani is hot on his heels. Training session after training session has improved Zamani’s strength. He has consistently been pushing himself to the point that he’s become a real threat to not only the current world record, but also the 800lb record as well.
Incredible Strength
Danial Zamani recently bench pressed 727lbs in training and made it look like cakewalk. The feat shows that he is clearly ready to challenge the world record bench press.
?330 kg?without using any stimulant, one of my important attempt in this training cycle, starting attempt of my last 4 heaviest attempts. Here it is presented to all my sport seniors and athletes in the world.
With the help of first god and second my coach great Babak @babak_ghazbani who takes care of all my training plans, and support of my fans, I am willing to break the world record ?
It appears that 727lbs was barely even an issue for Danial Zamani. He has the strength, the drive, the perseverance, and the momentum to push him towards challenging for the bench press world record.
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News and Editorial Writer at Generation Iron, Jonathan Salmon is a writer, martial arts instructor, and geek culture enthusiast. Check out his YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Sound Cloud for in-depth MMA analysis.
Big Ramy Shares Offseason Weight Is Currently 341 Pounds
Big Ramy is training for what could be a third consecutive Olympia title in 2022.
Big Ramy is not one to share information in the offseason regarding his plans or training. On Thursday, the reigning two-time Olympia champion joined his coach, Dennis James, to discuss the upcoming bodybuilding season. Big Ramy also revealed that his current offseason weight is 341 pounds.
The Olympia was held in Orlando the last two years and Big Ramy took home gold in each event. The show will be moving back to Las Vegas in December this year. The bodybuilder joined his coach to discuss different topics around the sport but it began with his current weight.
“I don’t like to tell people my weight but maybe I tell you, friend. Right now, I’m 155kg, (341lbs) with abs huh. You know I don’t stop anything, I do my cardio for the day. I feel I’m very healthy. I train every day. I need to train every single day. I don’t like to lift one day, I don’t like to do something for next year, I like for this year. We need to do many things before Ramadan, you know Ramadan we don’t have enough food. So that’s why I need a small break for us, but after I’m done yeah. Then, back to Vegas,” Big Ramy explained.
Big Ramy defeated Brandon Curry, who finished as the runner-up in each of the last two Olympia competitions, in 2021. Hadi Choopan finished third followed by Hunter Labrada and Nick Walker. This was a controversial victory as many thought that Choopan was in the best shape at the time of the show.
Unlike Big Ramy, there are many bodybuilders who believe in showing off recent progress on social media. This has become a craze where athletes give frequent physique updates to keep fans involved on their day-to-day activities. This can be done on social media platforms such as Instagram or YouTube.
Big Ramy has never been into this but he spoke candidly with James, who is a retired bodybuilder himself. Despite his current weight, Big Ramy continues to show abs and is as muscular as ever. Big Ramy did not begin training last year until a couple months before the Olympia. This year has been different. He returned to the gym in October shortly after winning his second title.
“This year, because last year we didn’t have time to change many things in our prep but this year I think we can make something different. I’m excited. I hope, we can make something different for the fans. People keep waiting for us, I know I’m working very hard but we can do many things more.”
This new training regimen and program could make for a big year for Big Ramy. With the Olympia being moved back to December, bodybuilders will have more time to prepare. Big Ramy will look to complete the three-peat at this year’s event.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
3 More INBA PNBA Natural Bodybuilding Athletes Sign Multi-media Contract
Brandon Lirio, Derek Joe, and Marc Cheatham are the next three INBA PNBA natural athletes to sign a multi-media contract with Generation Iron, INBA PNBA, and Iron Man Magazine.
The INBA PNBA is making big moves in the natural bodybuilding realm. They’re signing a wave of natural bodybuilding athletes to multi-media contracts and recently signed three more – Brandon Lirio, Derek Joe, and Marc Cheatham. Each athlete has accepted a multi-media deal with Generation Iron, INBA PNBA, and Iron Man Magazine. The three new INBA PNBA athletes who signed expressed their feelings on Instagram (IG). Here’s what each of them had to say below.
Brandon Lirio’s statement:
“I’m so excited about this new opportunity for natural bodybuilding!
Thank you to both @ironmanmagazine and @generationiron for the incredible honor of being one of the natural athletes selected for a multi-media deal to showcase the base the sport has to offer!”
Derek Joe’s statement:
“This is huge, guys. This is a big deal. Not just for myself, but for natural athletes all over the world. This is the first time in history that we’ve had this opportunity as natural athletes.”
Marc Cheatham’s statement:
“I’m pumped for this opportunity!
This past year was great and it feels good to be rewarded like this from all the work I put in
Looking forward to this partnership and continuing to grow in the world of natural bodybuilding with @inbapnbaglobal_official”
Derek Joe is the reigning 2021 Natural Olympia Classic Physique champ, so it’s no surprise that he signed. Brandon Lirio is a 3x Natural Olympia champion and PNBA Pro Hall of Famer. And Marc Cheatham is a rising star who placed in the top 6 in his first Natural Olympia at 2021 Natural Olympia.
The INBA PNBA is changing the game of natural bodybuilding and expanding it through innovative new bodybuilding categories and bringing more attention and benefits to natural athletes. The INBA PNBA stated that the contract is:
“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.”
Why is This Big News?
Well, for starters, as Derek Joe stated, this is a big deal for natural athletes, and it’s the first time in the history of natural bodybuilding that this has ever been done. The INBA PNBA has been around since 1988, and it’s been growing ever since. They’re in over 60 countries.
Signing allows athletes to develop in their natural bodybuilding careers. In addition, they’ll get help with promotion and brand building – digital media write-ups, social media posts, photoshoots. Athletes will also get the opportunity for special guest appearances, posing, and seminar sessions. Moreover, the signed athletes will receive Iron Man Magazine nutrition ads and endorsements.
INBA PNBA athletes who earn a contract are looking for professional growth opportunities and are in good standing with the league. Furthermore, they’ve agreed to in-season and off-season drug testing abiding by the toughest drug-testing standards – World Anti-doping Agency (WADA), the standards the Olympics use.
Generation Iron would like to congratulate Brandon Lirio, Derek Joe, and Marc Cheatham for signing with us and the INBA PNBA and Iron Man Magazine team. We’re excited about what’s to come!
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to stay tuned in with INBA PNBA athletes!
Eric The Trainer Discusses The Fitness Legend That Inspired Him To Do 40,000 Push Ups
Eric The Trainer pays tribute to fitness legend Jack Lalanne.
Eric The Trainer is a rare sight to behold in the bodybuilding and fitness world. He’s a fusion of celebrity trainer, personal trainer, and social media influencer. Most importantly, he brings a level of optimism and kindness not often seen in the industry – and in recent times – not often seen in the world. Eric credits a big part of this to his mentor and idol, Jack Lalanne – one of the earliest and most legendary fitness icons in history. In our lastest GI Exclusive interview, Eric The Trainer explains how Jack Lalanne inspired him to do 40,000 push ups for charity.
Earlier in the year, we spoke with Chef Rush about his dedication to doing 2,222 push ups every single day. He did it for veteran suicide awareness but the feat is also a shocking display of strength and dicipline. Similarly, Eric The Trainer also commited to an incredible feat of strength for charity. He did 40,000 push ups in a row. It’s a shocking display and one not for the faint of heart.
But the idea to do 40,000 push ups in one go didn’t come out of thin air. In fact, Eric The Trainer was inspired by one of the most legendary fitness icons in history – Jack Lalanne. Born in 1914, Lalanne was an American fitness and nutrition guru and motivational speaker. He was known for bringing fitness to the mainstream and also for his feats of strength.
Eric The Trainer was lucky enough to meet him before Lalanne passed in 2011. The relationship they built helped Eric become the man he is today. One that is not only focused on fitness but also on helping the community around him.
Eric goes into detail about just how far Lalanne’s influence inspired Eric’s entire persona and future in the fitness world. He also talks about the kinds of feats of strength Frank Lalanne was known for doing – such as pulling ships in the ocean from a nearby dock. It was the kind of old school strongman spectacles that are rarely seen today.
It was a combination of Lalanne’s feats of strength mixed with his dedication towards helping people that inspired Eric The Trainer to do 40,000 push ups for charity. It combines two amazing tings – stunt spectacle with doing good for mankind.
Check out Eric The Trainers full comments on Jack Lalanne and the power of optimism in fitness by watching our latest GI Exclusive interview segment above!
Aaron Singerman: Bodybuilding Today Is “More Swelling, Less Definition”
Aaron Singerman shares his gut feelings about the modern era of bodybuilding compared to previous decades.
Aaron Singerman has been making some major moves in the bodybuilding space with the recent announcement that Kai Greene has become a Redcon1 sponsored athlete. Being a man so focused on preparing today for the future, we wanted to know his thoughts on the current state of bodybuilding. In our latest GI Exclusive interview, Aaron Singerman gives his critique of today’s bodybuilders and looks towards a hopeful future.
One of Redcon1’s biggest sponsored athletes (besides the recent acquisition of Kai) is Cedric McMillan. In a sense, this tells you everything you need to know about Aaron Singerman’s preferred look in bodybuilding. So Aaron’s thoughts on modern bodybuilding might not come to a surprise – he thinks the conditioning is lacking.
He makes sure to clarify that the athletes competing today are talented and hard working. In fact, he doesn’t paint the difference in conditioning as an objectively bad thing. He just finds it different.
Aaron Singerman is also not quite sure why the conditioning is different today. He’s heard all of the possible reasons – evolution of drugs, change in drug culture, or perhaps the rise of social media having an effect. At the end of the day, Aaron doesn’t know what causes it. He also doesn’t know if it’s better or worse. But for his personal opinion, he has a preference to what he grew up with in the 90s era.
Aaron Singerman uses Kevin Levrone as the prime example of what a bodybuilder should look like in his opinion. He thinks bodybuilders today focus “more on swelling, less on definition.” This concept is what has plagued some of the most promising athletes such as Big Ramy and Roelly Winklaar. Truly mammoth competitors that falter in the small details.
Overall, Aaron Singerman has a positive outlook about bodybuilding as a whole – especially for the future. The new ownership of the Olympia brand gives him increased hope for the sport to continue to thrive. Unlike AMI, Jake Wood has been a passionate fan of the sport.
Aaron Singerman believes that if AMI still had ownership fo Olympia, it would have already been full cancelled due to the pandemic. While safety is important, having faith in finding an alternative safe way to continue on in the name of the athletes is paramount. Aaron believes that beyond safety, the livelihood of the sport most be protected during these challenging times.
So while this year has had its drawbacks, Aaron Singerman sees these decisions during hard times as proof that the Olympia and bodybuilding will continue to thrive in the future. Perhaps the fresh Olympia ownership might also lead to a change in physiques for the new generation. Once we’re out of the weeds we’ll soon find out.
You can watch Aaron Singerman’s full comments in our latest GI Exclusive interview segment above!
Aaron Singerman Reveals The Future Supplement Trends That Will Take Over Bodybuilding
Aaron Singerman discusses what changes appear to be trending in big ways in the supplement industry.
Supplementation is a big industry even outside of bodybuilding proper. As society has become more educated and focused on health, supplements have become common in nearly every household. But much like any industry, the technology, culture, and trends change from decade to decade. What does the future have in store for supplements? In our latest GI Exclusive interview, Aaron Singerman shares insight into what future trends will take over the supplement industry and how it will affect bodybuilding.
Aaron Singerman has been in charge of RedCon1 for quite a long time. It’s become a heavy hitter in the bodybuilding and supplement industry. So during our video conversation, we wanted to see what the future holds for supplements. What changes are on the way and what trends will become the norm? Most importantly, how will it affect bodybuilding and the future of the sport?
Aaron Singerman sees the biggest trend growing right now is consuming supplements on the go. Making supplements more mobile is booming right now in the industry. Singerman can see it become the main way that we all relate to and consume supplements. Does this mean no more giant tubs of protein powder? Probably not – but it might mean that they become less common as we see easy to care single use products.
On top of that, Aaron Singerman believes that the recent pandemic has accelerated another big change happening in the supplement world. The direct-to-consumer market was already growing slowly due to the rise of the internet. Now with the pandemic causing superstores to be held closed or vacant, direct to consumer is more important than ever.
The pandemic has forced companies to adapt to that model faster than they otherwise would have. This could have a huge impact on the future of supplements. It can cause a sea change in what brands or distributors are the most common and popular.
Ultimately, this would be a win-win. Consumers can get more direct access to the brands they love without a middleman. Brands can get direct sales without big superstores taking a cut.
Of course, there will always be big online marketplaces like Amazon to fill in the gap. But with the model changing, if a brand is powerful enough, they won’t have to rely majority on distributors like Amazon. Instead their own website would be a central hub.
Vlad Yudin and Aaron Singerman also touch upon some other smaller trends that have popped up in supplements such as protein ice cream and the further rise of supplement bars and meal replacements. While popular – the cost for these kinds of items is enormous and thus prevents them from ever becoming truly mainstream.
You can watch Aaron Singerman break it all down in our latest GI Exclusive interview segment above.
WATCH: Nora Langdon Deadlifts 335 Pounds At 78 Years Old
Nora Langdon continues to accomplish incredible feats of strength at age 78.
They say that it gets difficult to maintain strength and perform in the sport of powerlifting as one gets older. Nora Langdon is proving that this is not always the case. The 78-year-old powerlifter continues to put up impressive numbers in the gym and will be back on stage competing in 2022.
Recently, Langdon has been sharing some lifts on Instagram. On Wednesday, she completed three reps of a 265-pound squat. Last week, Langdon impressed with a 335-pound deadlift for a triple. In her caption, Langdon says that she is in training for her first competition of the year.
“Rack pulls 335 x 4
Started out training for the State Meet 3/13/22, only 9 weeks out!”
Nora Langdon is not sponsored but currently has a GoFundMe page setup so she can receive hep financing her competitions. So far, she has raised over $3,000 that will help her appear on stage this year. Langdon is planning to compete during the USAPL National Championships in June and the 2022 WPC World Championships in November.
Langdon has been dominant in the Masters 70-79 division. Her numbers are difficult to best and she is only getting stronger. Langdon has expressed that she wants to reach the 500-pound mark in her lifts.
Langdon did not spend her lift dedicated to powerlifting despite her incredible strength. She worked as a real estate agent for 35 years before discovering the gym. She wanted to get in better shape and this is when she began training with Art Little, a trainer at Royal Oak Gym in Royal Oak, MI.
After her first training session, there was a bit of skepticism coming from Nora Langdon but she continued to work and fell in love with the craft. In 2006, Langdon made her powerlifting debut at age 64. She won gold in the equipped division by lifting a total of 556.9 pounds. This came during the 2006 USAPL State Championships. This is one of three competitions that Langdon has competed in yearly, along with Nationals and World Championships.
So far, Langdon has competed in 25 sanctioned meets and has won 23 of them. Her competition best lifts include a 413.3-pound squat, 203.9-pound bench press, and 381.4-pound deadlift. These are all numbers that Langdon is committed to breaking at some point.
Nora Langdon is not only a competitive powerlifter. She has turned into an inspiration for all at any age. She hopes that her work will continue to inspire others to go out and accomplish their goals, regardless of age. Langdon will be competing this year and hoping to add some more medals to her trophy case.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Lou Ferrigno Takes Tour Of Fitness Icon Jack LaLanne’s Home Gym
Lou Ferrigno was shown around by LaLanne’s wife, Elaine LaLanne.
Lou Ferrigno is known for his massive physique and is considered one of the pioneers of the sport of bodybuilding. Recently, Ferrigno took some time and shared his experience touring the gym of another fitness legend — Jack LaLanne.
The bodybuilder joined LaLanne’s wife, Elaine, for a special look at his home gym that is equipped with machines from the 1930’s. LaLanne was a fitness and nutrition guru and also worked as a motivational speaker. LaLanne began inspiring others to invest in their own health before it was mainstream. After his death in 2011, Arnold Schwarzenegger credited LaLanne for his work. This is something Ferrigno hit on early as well.
“Jack was way ahead of his time. Way ahead. In the late 1930s, people condoned weight training, they said you workout with weights, you get stiff and muscle unbalance,” Lou Ferrigno said.
“They didn’t understand what nutrition was. Back in World War II, a lot of people were smoking. People were going home having a drink and smoking but Jack was a pioneer. He knew about this.”
Lou Ferrigno began his tour by showing off some machines that Jack LaLanne innovated himself. This is before the new gym technology was founded. The machine that is showed off is an earlier version of machines used today where the pin can be inserted into the person’s desired weight.
This is just one example of how bodybuilding and weight training have come a long way. In the early 1900s, the methods were much different and LaLanne is credited with helping take some big steps forward.
“This one is an old-fashioned. This is before Smith invented a Smith machine. Jack’s idea, with two pipes and two simple leg presses, with these weights. Amazing, and she said these were from back in the 30s.”
Lou Ferrigno is one bodybuilder that has reaped the benefits of weight training over the years. He built a physique that is still iconic today on the bodybuilding stage and the big screen.
Ferrigno developed a rivalry with Schwarzenegger during the crux of their careers. This includes some battles during Mr. Olympia competitions. Ferrigno won Mr. America and Mr. Universe titles during his career before moving to acting. He is best known for his role as The Incredible Hulk. Ferrigno quickly became one of the biggest names in bodybuilding and was known for his incredible strength.
“What an incredible woman, inspiration and legend @jackandelaine_lalanne is.
I’m honored to have been able to call her my friend for decades now.
It’s amazing how positive and energetic Elaine is. Though Jack has been gone from us for a while now I know he’s smiling down watching us in his home gym.
Miss you Jack,” Ferrigno wrote on Instagram.
Lou Ferrigno is an important member of the history of bodybuilding. Jack LaLanne is another influential figure in fitness and has been for many years. It is amazing to see some of the early equipment that was used while weight training and how it has enhanced over the years. LaLanne certainly helped pave the way for today’s generation.
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Terrence Ruffin Shows Off Massive Back And Biceps Workout
Terrence Ruffin is primed and ready for a big 2022 season.
There has been a clear top tier in Classic Physique bodybuilding and Terrence Ruffin is right near the top of the list. The reigning Arnold Classic champion looks as determined as ever to take the next step toward winning his first Olympia title. That is the ultimate goal for Ruffin and he recently shared a huge back and bicep workout during a recent training session.
Ruffin shared the video on his YouTube page for viewers to check out. He began by eating oats and peanut butter for breakfast before heading to the gym. Ruffin was training was Westside Barbell gym in Columbus, OH.
Terrence Ruffin began the workout with single-arm lat pulldowns before moving to chest-supported rows and T-bar rows. During a back day, rows are clearly highlighted and Ruffin explained the importance of maximizing each lift.
Ruffin’s next exercise featured resistance bands in order to utilize shoulder mobility. After this movement, Ruffin began hitting arms. He began with preacher curls followed by rope hammer curls. Ruffin then complete bicep curls while leaning to stretch out the muscle before ending his workout with a posing routine.
Terrence Ruffin implements a high-volume style when working out. He likes to complete a high number of reps in order to build up the muscles. This, combined with focusing on form, has helped Ruffin build a championship physique.
Ruffin is coming off an Arnold Classic title in 2021. He was the runner-up in this event to Alex Cambronero in 2020. Now that he has climbed one mountain, it is time to conquer another.
Terrence Ruffin is coming off two consecutive second-place finishes at the Olympia. Chris Bumstead has three-seated at the Olympia with Breon Ansley finishing third in the previous two years. Ruffin has trained legs with Bumstead before as the two have built a relationship while competing.
There is no doubt that Ruffin is one of the best competitors in Classic Physique. The 2022 Olympia will take place from Dec. 16-18 in Las Vegas. Before aiming for this event, Ruffin will defend his title at the Arnold Classic.
Arnold Classic – Classic Physique Roster
Below, you can find the full list of competitors that will be looking to take home the Arnold Classic title. The event will take place from March 3-6 in Columbus, OH.
Breon Ansley
Michael Daboul
Urs Kalecinski
Peter Molnar
Terrence Ruffin
Ramon Rocha Quieroz
Darwin Uribe
Lenny Wicks
Divine Wilson
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