SHAWN?RHODEN tuned up for next month’s exhibition at the Darcy Beckles Invitational Classic with an impressive fourth place finish at the Arnold Classic Europe in Spain over the weekend.
The high quality contest in Madrid was a virtual replica of last month’s Mr Olympia in terms of the top four positions with goliaths Phil Heath, Kai Greene and Dennis Wolf once more occupying the first three places.
Rhoden, who was fourth at this year’s Mr O is expected to arrive in Barbados on October 31 as the special guest for this year’s edition of the Darcy Beckles Classic slated for November 2 at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre.
The majestic Jamaican, the defending champion, reportedly was in top form but the scores of Spanish muscle fans only had eyes for the great Heath, who has taken the sport to a new level over the past three years.
By once again outdoing his fiercest competition, Heath has shown himself to be untouchable. At age 33, he may have five or six Sandows (Olympia crowns) still in him and it seems to be only a matter of time before he joins Ronnie Coleman, Dorian Yates, Lee Haney and Arnold Schwarzenegger as one of the most dominant bodybuilders in the history of the sport.
Heath showed his excitement after winning the Arnold Classic Europe on Facebook immediately after the show.
“So excited!!!!! I won the Arnold Classic Europe and chatting with Arnold was a dream come true. I always wanted to win his show and get the handshake from Arnold who in my eyes is a true LEGEND!!! I’m so excited u guys have no idea as this year was filled with ups and downs but now I can truly say its ‘2013 The Year Of The Gift’. thank u for all who have supported me and my family.”
Victor Martinez, who had to settle for a disappointing 11th place at the Olympia, came in much better shape and placed fifth. It was a heartening fightback from Martinez, who has been dogged by injury and misfortune in recent years. Roelly Winklaar of the Netherlands completed the top six.
Toney “The X-Man” Freeman, who was a shadow of himself at the Mr O, taking 15th place, was seventh. This was a solid performance from the X-Man, and his best showing since taking third in this year’s Arnold Classic in March.
Former Mr Olympia winners Jay Cutler and Dexter “The Blade”?Jackson did not compete.
Top Ten results
1. Phil Heath
2. Kai Greene
3. Dennis Wolf
4. Shawn Rhoden
5. Victor Martinez
6. Roelly Winklaar
7. Toney Freeman
8. Brandon Curry
9. Lionel Beyeke
10. Fred Smalls