What is the Arnold Classic?
This has arguably been the best Arnolds ever, with a record-breaking attendance and some of the best athletes we’ve seen. Also, some of the worst losers and sportsmanship I have ever seen. This was a great show and I’m very excited to tell you about it. But first, if you don’t know what the Arnold Classic is here’s a brief history of the show. in 1970 Arnold competed in the Mr. World contest in Columbous Ohio and won. Jim Lorimer was the event organizer and formed a good relationship with Arnold. Arnold Promised Jim he’d come back after he retired to help promote the show. Arnold retired in 1980 and in 1989 – as he promised, he went back to Jim, and the Arnold Classic was born. Since then, the Arnold classic has become the second biggest body building show in the world behind the Mr. Olympia.
An upset at the Arnolds
This year’s Arnold had record breaking attendance with 130,000 people expected to attend and sold out on tickets. multiple events were showcased this year, such as the open class, classic physique, wellness international, fitness international, men’s physique, pro wheelchair, and strongman events. Andrew Jacked won the open class this year, flowed by Nick Walker in second and Samson Dauda in third. This was quite the upset because Derek Lunsford won the open last year, and is the current Mr. Olympia. This year’s classic physique was taken by Wesley Vissers, followed by Ramon “Dino” Rocha Queiroz in second, and Urs Kalecinski in third.
Controversy and sore losers at the Arnolds
People train for decades and starve themselves for months to compete for this show. Naturally emotions are hard to keep in check, you’re dehydrated, hungry, your hormones are destroyed and want nothing more to win this show. But that is no excuse to act how Martin Fitzwater acted when Nick Walker was announced second in the open. When Nick was announced second, Martin cheered and yelled and pumped his fist. Not for the accomplishment, but because he didn’t win first, it was out of spite. Eyewitnesses have also stated that Martin shoved Nick backstage escalating tensions. What was Nicks reaction? He stayed professional and congratulated Martin. He said second place is,
Next year’s Arnolds
In body building it’s really hard to make an early prediction, since people bulk up and cut down, it’s impossible to make an accurate statement on who looks the best because their physiques change so much. You’ll see a fat bodybuilder and 16 weeks later they’re in show condition. Though, the Arnolds does tend to have favorites. People who win the Arnolds tend to win it a few more times. So, people who won this year will have a higher likelihood of winning next year. Is this unfair? perhaps but that also makes Andrew wining such a big accomplishment.
