2017 Olympia – Brief Report by Wayne Gallasch, GMV Productions
From left to right: Phil Heath, Oxana Grishina, Flex Lewis
All photos by Gary Phillips Photography
Mr. Olympia
Phil looked great, in a class of his own, but must keep a watch on that mid-section that is becoming harder to control. Big Ramy was impressive as the runner-up in his best ever condition, and William Bonac was close behind in 3rd place. I preferred the shape and lines and tight waist of Bonac. I felt he could easily have been 2nd. He could even win this class.
212 Class
Flex Lewis was not just a class above the rest, it was like he was from another planet. A very clear cut victory for his #6. He has everything perfectly together for this one. I wonder if he will ever go up against the big guys in the Mr O? In past years shorter guys have done well in the Olympia, for example Makkawy, Labrada, Lee Priest, Momo Benaziza, Chris Dickerson etc and many more. I know this was some years ago, mostly well before Lee Priest.
In second place was Ahmad Ashkanani who was a little soft this year compared to last year, with Jose Raymond 3rd in front of a disappointed David Henry 4th.
Men’s Physique
It was Jeremy Buendia all the way in this class for victory #4. Where to from here – maybe Classic Physique Olympia in the future so we can see all of his physique? Only time will tell.
Andre Ferguson was a classy runner-up from Brandon Hendrickson.
Classic Physique
This is the most amazing and extremely popular newer class. In its second year and with 3 new guys in the top 3 places. 1st was Breon Ansley with Chris Bumstead 2nd. This is the real growth class with more and more top guys coming in to do battle in this great class. George Peterson was 3rd.
Fitness Olympia
It was one final victory for Oksana Grishina before she now goes into retirement. As usual the field in this competition was outstanding. Myriam Capes from Canada was second and Regiane Da Silva from Germany placed 3rd.
Figure Olympia
It was a brand new champion this year in Cydney Gillon from a most unlucky Latorya Watts. I did not agree with this decision as Watts had the superior shape, and condition wise they were about even. Candice Lewis Carter also looked amazing in taking out 3rd.
Bikini Olympia
It was another strong victory for Angelica Teixeira, with Jennifer Ronzitti a very impressive runner-up and future winner in waiting.
Women’s Physique
A superb victory for a stunning women’s physique champion in Juliana Malacarne. She has now won this title 4 years in a row and gets better each year, if that is possible! Second was Jennifer Taylor with a perfectly symmetrical physique and in 3rd place it was the very popular Heather Grace.
Amateur Olympia Las Vegas
This was a first time event at the Olympia, with 10 Pro Cards awarded to the top competitors. There were about 370 competitors and I will do a report shortly on this very high standard competition.
(This was Wayne’s 20th consecutive year on the Olympia video/camera team.)
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