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This article appeared in the Autumn 2002 Issue of Frank Zane's Newsletter "Building the Body"

Mr. Olympia 2002 - Prejudging Report
Tom Pia reports:

Saturday October 19, 2002, twenty-five guys hit the Mr. Olympia stage in a hotly contested battle. Ron Coleman squeaked out his fifth title, barely beating Kevin Levrone. Levrone was in his all time best condition, and in my opinion should have won the show. His posing routine was the best, and certainly received the most applause. Gunther Schleirkamp looked great at close to 300 pounds, and with a more balanced and proportioned physique than in years past. He easily should have made the top three.

It appears competitors are paying more attention to their waistlines and abdominal sections. Waistlines appeared to be in better shape overall, and abdominals were more visible. Clearly... proportion and smaller waistlines are becoming more important attributes in winning big shows. A clear message was sent out to several competitors who are still playing the mass game. They did not crack the top ten. It was obvious that some competitors were also using the banned substance known as synthol. This is an oil based substance meant for external application that some are plunging directly into various muscle groups to compensate for genetic deficiencies. The IFBB, the judging committees and the public must make this unacceptable, with disqualification, banishment or suspension as a penalty for those using this crap. It is time to clean up the sport of bodybuilding of the excessive abuse of drugs. Just as they test pro football players, and how major league baseball is headed for a big clean up, bodybuilding is no exception.

Another interesting not to mention: all Weider publications are for sale. (Bob Delmontique told FZ that Weiders are only selling a portion of the company because they want extra cash.) Under new ownership, magazines may begin to support more acceptable and appealing physiques. Current sponsorship for the mass monsters may dry up, and a whole new direction representing greater proportion and aesthetics could emerge. This would be necessary and very beneficial in reviving a dying sport. The Renaissance is upon us. "Let the change for the better take place; for the betterment of the sport, its participants and the greater number of fans who support proportion over mass." So observed Tom Pia.

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