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Bodybuilding.com
Interview 9/08
How
do you feel about the 202 lb class?
I
am very excited about the 202 class. The 202 class is very
competitive. It has brought many competitors from other
countries back into the competitive area. In the open class,
I feel that smaller bodybuilders (when I say, "smaller"
I mean in height) don't do themselves justice, because they
have to give up condition just to get close to a standard
that they can't fulfill. There are a handful of bodybuilders
that there frame can carry enough mass or give the illusion
of mass to be competitive with taller bodybuilders. What
happens is they get lost in the open class, 10th or lower.
Every Pro has won before and to bust your butt for 8, 10
or 12 weeks to get 10th because you are too small or lacking
condition because you are trying to come in bigger is crushing.
How
do you feel about 2008 so far?
2008 has been refreshing. I always thought I was training
hard. When I first heard about the inception, I got new
vigor and immediately worked to be the best 200 pound bodybuilder
in the world. The 202 has given me a platform to compete
and be competitive with guys that work just as hard but
are shorter. If you look at every line up of the 202 shows
this year, all the guys are about the same height and same
size with the exception of me. (Smile) LOL I'm still the
biggest and most conditioned so far! (Smile) LOL So, it
makes for a super competitive show and I think the fans
really enjoy it.
What
was your reaction when you qualified for the Olympia for
the first time this year?
It was in New York. They only called back the top three.
After the top 5 were in the pose-down, I was in the top
5. I just wrote it off until the next show. Then, I saw
it posted weeks later on FlexOnline. It brought a smile
to my face. Finally, I get to go to the "Big Ticket!"
I always set goals and that was one of them.
What's
going to be the best thing about stepping on the Olympia
stage for you?
First, the last time I attended the Mr. "O" was
in Atlanta in 1993, 1994 and 1995. After that I said I wasn't
going to go until I was competing in it. This will be G's
first Olympia and I'm very happy and proud to say she will
witness her husband on the most prestigious stage a bodybuilder
can reach. Also that my training partner IFBB Pro Jonathan
Rowe, 8 time Mr. Olympians Lee Haney and Ronnie Coleman
will also be there with me.
What
are your expectations going into the show?
I expect to win! Have you seen the pictures of the last
show or the video? I'm better than that now. I'm getter
better and better. No disrespect to my fellow competitors.
It has already been a success I have surpassed my all time
best each show. This one is no exception. Just like when
I was an amateur. I placed 4th in 2002, then placed 2nd
in 2003 and taking 1st in 2004. Well if we stay to form,
5th in New York, 5th in Tampa, 2nd at the Europa and 1st
and the Mr. Olympia. That's what I'm talking about baby!
Tell
me about your prep strategy.
My training partner Jonathan Rowe and I have been training
together now for 17 years. We started together as unknown
amateurs. No…I'm sorry…wannabe bodybuilders to National
Champions, me in 2004 and Jonathan in 2005. Now IFBB Pros…..a
dream come true. That would be enough for some, but I always
wanted to improve, so after the IFBB Pro show in New Zealand,
I called my buddy, Dexter "the Blade" Jackson.
I saw his condition at the Arnold, Australian Pro and in
New Zealand and his conditioned stayed "sliced"
throughout. I called him and asked for help. We talked about
what I wanted to do, what I had been doing and he laughed.
Dexter said, "Why you wait all this time to ask?"
"You should of asked a long time ago shawty, I would
of helped you!" We started late March for New York
and focused on being full and conditioned. We didn't have
a lot of time, but I still learned a lot. Each show we have
an agenda to reach and I must reach that goal. It works
great for me. Dexter and I have always talked, but now it's
just more about making me the best 200 lb bodybuilder in
the world. I know with his guidance and consistency it will
happen.
How
do you balance your training with your personal training
/gym responsibilities?
I've personal trained clients before I did my first National
show and some are still with me. I have always split my
time with my clients. One part of the year, I devote myself
totally to their competitions, promoting a show or getting
athletes ready for training camps. The next part of the
year is for me to compete. I always train, but if they have
an agenda I'm with them all the way. My wife is my right
hand man, along with our up and coming trainer Lawrence
Kim who works with me. When I compete, we work as a team.
Who supports/pushes /helps you get ready to compete.
Team Roc - Are all my people, clients, everyone that plays
a part in me competing. My wife G, my massage therapist
Basimah Shakur and my stretching expert Dan O'Neil and my
personal assistant, Emir Gaytan. When I have a show, everyone
comes together to make sure I can do what I have to.
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