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Joe Weider's Olympia Weekend spans Thursday night though until Sunday, with the main focus obviously being the Mr Olympia finals on the Saturday night. Other events include the Physique, Figure, Fitness and men's under 202lbs events, and, of course, the two day Expo.
The Orleans Area in Las Vegas was, once again the host venue for the main event, and it was the place for a new victor, Dexter Jackson, who has been after the most acclaimed title in bodybuilding for 10 years. Dexter (39 years old), who has competed in bodybuilding a whopping 47 times, has now knocked two-time champ Jay Cutler off his throne. Dexter won the Arnold Classic earlier this year and this has been his lifelong dream. Indeed, many fans believe Dexter has had the best physique for a long time and they will be rejoicing in the fact that a less 'freaky', more symmetrical physique has been the triumphant choice.
Dexter Jackson didn't seem to be in quite as good condition as he was at the Arnold, but at 235 lbs gave up over 30lbs to Jay Cutler. This condition versus size issue was a conflict even amongst the judges, indicating how subjective a sport competitive bodybuilding is.
Cutler lost out on timing; at Friday's prejudging he was a little flat and watery, and although, in my opinion, he rectified this to be a clear winner on Saturday night, the damage had been done. An experienced competitor like Cutler should not have made this error, and it clearly cost him.
Dexter Jackson, on the other hand, peaked on Friday and looked less than optimum on Saturday, which made the stage decision, and with other competitors too, less easy to grasp. But Jay, forever the good sports man, was quoted saying, "It makes the Olympia a little more interesting, we've had those years where it's the same guys winning all the time, it just sucks that I have to be the guy who gets defeated so quickly. But that's what makes me who I am".
But let's not leave the closeness between just these two; the top five were all excellent. Third place Phil Heath was a favourite with a lot of the crowd. This was Heath's first Olympia, but since his 2008 Ironman win, he's been on the cards as a potential Olympia winner. Heath has great symmetry and deep cuts – his sweeping quads are mind-blowing and unique. Heath is just 28 years old and this is the highest place for a debut appearance since Dorian Yates placed second to Lee Haney in 1991.
German Dennis Wolf placed a disappointed forth, another crowd favourite so many people wanted a non-American to win. Maybe next year?
The competitor who impressed me most was Toney Freeman. Freeman is an old hand, but someone who never places that high – he's frequently in poor condition. This time though the giant hit the nail on the head and he was bang on. His routine was mind blowing and when it was announced that he placed fifth, there was a lot of boos from the audience, indicating that others agreed with my view.
Melvin Anthony had the best routine of the night, and for the third year running he placed sixth – but a fair positioning.
Mr Olympia 2008 Final Results
1. Dexter Jackson
2. Jay Cutler
3. Phil Heath
4. Dennis Wolf
5. Toney Freeman
6. Melvin Anthony
7. Silvio Samuel
8. Dennis James
9. Mo Elmoussawi
10. Gustavo Badell
11. Darrem Charles
12. Johnnie Jackson
13. Craig Richardson
14. Ronny Rockel
15. David Henry
16. Kevin English
17= Fouad Abiad
17= Sergey Shelestov
17= Leo Ingram
Pro-Figure
The ladies Pro-figure was won by Jennifer Gates who was clearly surprised at her win.
2008 Figure Olympia Final Results
1. Jennifer Gates
2. Gina Aliotti
3. Zivile Raudoniene
4. Jenny Lynn
5. Mary Elizabeth Lado
6. Sonia Adcock
Men's Under 202lbs
The Men's Lightweights (under 202lbs) was held at the Expo on the Saturday morning and it was great to see a British guy place so highly. James 'Flex' Lewis was ecstatic at his third placing. He came third to Kevin English, second, and David Henry, first; both of whom went on to compete in the main category too. Lewis only got his pro-card last October as the winner of the UKBFF British Finals, qualifying for the Olympia this year from the under 202 Europa event.
2008 Under 202lbs Men's Final Results
1. David Henry
2. Kevin English
3. James Flex Lewis
4. Jason Arntz
5. George Farah
6. Rashid Shabazz
7. Curtis Bryant
8. Charles Ray Arde
9. Jaroslav Horvath
10. Charles Dixon
11. Richard Jackson
12. Jeff Long
13. Nathan Wonsley
14. Eric Castagnet
Ms. Olympia 2008 Final Results
1. Iris Kyle
2. Betty Adkins-Viana
3. Yaxeni Oriquen-Garcia
4. Lisa Aukland
5. Dayana Cadeau
6. Cathy LeFrancois
7. Betty Pariso
8. Mah-Ann Mendoza
9. Jeannie Paparone
10. Jennifer Sedia
11. Nicole Ball
12. Brenda Raganot
13. Debbie Bramwell
14. Heather Armbrust
15. Rosemary Jennings
16. Sherry Smith
17. Klaudia Larson
2008 Ladies Fitness Final Results
1. Jennifer Hendershott
2. Tracey Greenwood
3. Kim Scheideler
4. Julie Palmer
5. Tanji Johnson
6. Regiane Da Silva
7. Mindi O'Brien
8. Laticia Jackson
9. Trish Warren
10. Erin Riley
11. Nicole Duncan
12. Heidi Fletcher
13. Stacy Simons
14. Julie Lohre (DNF)
The 2008 Olympia Expo
The Olympia Expo was held at the Vegas Convention Centre and was a great event, with many of the big players in the industry exhibiting. Although it was apparently considerably quieter in both exhibitors and visitors this year. Is the international recession hitting the sport?