2011 World Masters - An Event for the Ages
#TBT 2011 - Pro World Masters
An Event for the Ages...In Every Sense
MIAMI NICE
The Pro World Masters, after a five-year hiatus returned on December 10, 2011, to the Jackie Gleason Theater in Miami Beach. (Full results shown at the foot of this column.)
The event was the brainchild of former competitor and 1998 Ms. Olympia promoter Jarka Lorie. Originally from the Czech Republic but now living in Miami, Jarka, who also staged many pro Gran Prix back in the ‘90s, had long nursed a passion to pay homage to the legends of our sport. Like many of us more mature followers of bodybuilding Jarka found it sometimes a little disappointing to learn that younger bodybuilders sometimes have no knowledge of champions from the past. Thus Jarka had a vision to organize a gathering in which the main focus was to honor the legends that helped build the sport toward its present day level. For the Masters contest itself some veterans who hadn’t competed for many years once again donned posing trunks. Although they fell short of emulating the iconic images from years gone by (well, Usain Bolt won’t be clocking sub 10 second 100 meters time when he’s over 50) the audience welcomed them in good spirit lauding them for having the guts (in fact guts was what they didn’t have) to get up there and strike the poses. Throughout the evening the non-competing legends were introduced via clips of them in their competitive prime and there was a warm and fuzzy feelgood atmosphere surrounding the whole event. Those taking part included, Larry Scott, Frank Zane, Lou Ferrigno, Samir Bannout, Robby Robinson, Juliette Bergmann, Lee Haney, Dorian Yates, Vince Taylor, Ronnie Coleman, Kevin Levrone and emcee Shawn Ray. The highlight was first ever Mr. Olympia (1965) Larry Scott receiving Jarka’s Lifetime Achievement Award from Lou Ferrigno. Jarka, you had a vision, you never wavered from what you wanted to achieve and the report card has to read, Vision Accomplished. From all who witnessed the event, thank you for creating a unique happening, and one of the most enjoyable nights I’ve had in bodybuilding. In 2012 Jarka staged the Olympia Masters (which was again won by Dexter Jackson) and the event has not thus far returned to the IFBB calendar.
DEXTER: LIFE BEGINS AT 42
In early 2011 Dexter Jackson was being talked of as having had his best days, and was written off more times than Greece’s national debt. The year started badly for a former (2008) Mr. Olympia as he finished runner-up to Evan Centopani at the FLEX Pro. At the Arnold Classic he slumped to fifth, his worst showing at that event since 2001. Even though he won the FIBO Europe he crashed to sixth at the Mr. Olympia: where he had been top four in his eight previous appearances. So as 2011 wound to an end the message was clear: He was done; toast; Hasta la vista, baby; adios amigo; Sayonara; Au revoir; see ya; have a nice life. He was a blunt Blade -- an ex-Dexter Jackson. That’s all she wrote.
Fast forward to December 10, at the Pro World Masters and, two weeks after his 42nd birthday, our subject steps out and steps back in time to be in my opinion at his all-time best. The thighs, which in size and separation had lagged all year, were back. He was rounder and fuller than he’s ever been – which given his sliced condition made his cuts even deeper and more dramatic. The Blade was back in razor sharp mode. Why the transformation? As the man himself tells it, the catalyst was contest prep advisor, George Farah. “We started working together earlier in the year and improved gradually over the months. What was important was that I believed in George and he believed in me. Man, he stuffed me with carbs those last three days, which is why I was so full. Also in the gym, Chris Cormier worked my ass off these past few weeks.”
MASTERS SHORT SHOTS
- Helping with emcee duties three time Mr. Olympia (1977-’79) Frank Zane reminded the audience that this was the same Miami stage on which he beat Arnold at the 1968 IFBB Mr. Universe.
- Despite his father-in-law passing away five days before the Masters, Tricky Jackson, on his wife’s insistence, competed at the contest.
- Six-year-old Asia Monet Ray, daughter of Shawn and Kristie Ray, rocked the Masters with a wild hip-hop routine, busting some moves we never saw from her Pa.
- The legendary Robby Robinson, now 65, and eight-time Mr. Olympia Ronnie Coleman, 47, guest posed to much acclaim at the Masters. Not as a couple: they couldn’t agree who would lift whom up.
- Four time (1992, ’96, 2000, ’01) Mr. Olympia runner-up Kevin Levrone morphed into the Maryland Music Machine when he opened the Masters finals by singing the National anthem.
- When Pavol Jablonicky was questioned at the Pro World Masters pres conference about any advantage he might have over the other competitors, he glanced around the room and said, “I still have most of my hair.” Indeed seven of the 12-man line-up didn’t have to pack shampoo for their Miami stay.
2011 Pro World Masters: Full Results
Jackie Gleason Theater, Miami Beach, Decemeber 10, 2011
Place - Competitor - Country - Prize Money
1st - Dexter Jackson - USA - $100,000
2nd - Toney Freeman - USA - $50,000
3rd - Bill Wilmore - USA - $35,000*
4th - Ed Nunn - USA - $15,000
5th - Troy Alves - USA - $5,000
6th - Darrem Charles - Trinidad & Tobago - $5,000
7th - Tricky Jackson - USA - $5,000**
8th - Roland Cziurlok - Germany - $5,000
9th - Pavol Jablonicky - Czech Republic - $5,000
10th - Lee Apperson - USA - $5,000
11th - Samir Bannout - Lebanon - $5,000
12th - Stan Frydrich - USA - $5,000
* Plus $20,000 "Best Comeback" Award
** Plus $5,000 "Best Poser" Award
For the full photo gallery of the 2011 Pro World Masters, click here.