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 I called the results of the top 6 during Prejudging in Order.
After the top 6 you could have changed just about any place based on what you personally like but it was refreshing to see the Judges on the same page as me. Jim Manion is doing an excellent job in getting the judging on the same page, where fans actually Cheer the end result rather than in years past Boo. I had Dexter in 1st: A carbon copy of the previous year but he was pushed hard by Chris Cormier than Branch. Dexter still needs to bring those Lats down from the front, get more Thigh Separation and Murder his Calves if he is to climb to the next level by Mr. Olympia time.
Branch 2nd: Nice debut for Branch and awesome improvements from the Mr. Olympia kid is on a roll. Not the prettiest physique but his condition and muscle size is what landed him in the number 2 spot. Needs to add back Thickness and build up his arms proportionately to his legs. Martinez 3rd: Victor was handsomely rewarded for pure potential here. Wide shoulders, huge back and size everywhere! That being said, I felt he was holding water and lacked a bit of confidence one would expect from a top 5 finisher in the Mr. Olympia only a few short months prior. Victor needs to work more on Conditioning than Size or he may see days like this again where he is close but no cigar! I had him solidly in 3rd throughout the show. Gustavo 4th: Badell missed a great opportunity here by coming in off his best. He teeters on the brink of competing Over Weight. I'd like to see him 8 to 10lbs lighter, he'd look 15lbs Bigger! Gustavo maybe a victim of too much competing. He came in softer than the Mr. O most notably in the glute and stomach area. The confidence was there but the winning physique wasn't and from experience, I'll chalk his missed peak up to being in popular demand, guest appearances, traveling and timing. He'll bounce back but hopefully will not try to play the Size game or he'll continue to back slide. Melvin 5th: The Marvelous One stole the hearts of the crowd with another stunning Star Wars Posing Routine and walked away qualified for the Mr. O and another $10,000 Best Presentation Award! Not a bad outing for Marvelous considering I had him at least 6th in the Mr. O over Dennis James, as he battled some pretty good BBers in Columbus! Melvin will have to round out his Delts abit more, Bring up his Chest and Calves and master his Coloring and Oil. The last two items I feel are easy improvement between now and the Mr. O but Melvin was seriously close to knocking Gustavo down a notch! Lee 6th: Superman wowed the crowd at night, unfortunately the show is won in the daytime! Lee peaked at the Ironman and fade during the 2 week span to Columbus. Everything that is Lee Priest was there unfortunately at this level you get knocked down for what is not there notably his Conditioning, Chest and Thigh Separation. Inspite of these weaknesses, Lee was a crowd favorite, crowd pleaser and off his peak and still a top 6 guy! Side Note: I had Darrem Charles in 7th Place over Mustafa Mohammad. Overall: No real surprises or breakout athletes. While Branch Warren leaped over a few guys, lets not forget this guy is a National Champion, won 2 out of 3 shows last year and is Hungry like the Wolf! I dont feel Dexter closed any ground on 8 Time Mr. Olympia, Ronnie Coleman however, if I'm Jay Cutler I'm not sleeping too well after watching the kind of shape Dexter was in! Peace, Shawn
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