A Competitor's Impression Of The Mr. Universe Contest

By Achilles Kallos

THE 1965 Mr. Universe Contests held in London on September 25 proved once again that this is truly the only world physique competition with which to be reckoned. Over sixty competitors attended from all parts of the globe, including Israel, Malaysia, and Malta. For instance, South Africa was represented by four men, all of whom reached the first six of their height class, and with two winning their height classes.

An interesting factor was the age of the winners. Reg Park is 37 years old and has won the Mr. Universe title now for the third time, and Elmo Santiago, well known in America for years is 34. George Paine, the famous American, is 38. Why would these champions enter a competition if they didn't think it was the best or that they would not get a fair deal?

We were all booked into the Royal Hotel for three days. Pre-Judging was done in a hall at the hotel the day before the Show -- quite an ordeal too -- and took one whole day!! Judging started at 10 a.m.; by lunch time only two Amateur classes were completed. Each height class took about 1½ hours to judge. We were judged in three height classes (amateur) and two for the professionals. We were lined up, turned around, and stood sideways in a relaxed state. Then we were called individually to go through our posing routines. Immediately after each person completed his posing he was ushered through to the photographers. Many of us were called to pose with a few other fellows for comparison.

After lunch the judging was resumed. Once all the classes were completed the whole lot of us were called to group together and more comparisons were made, but this time amongst all the classes. By 4:30 p.m. the judging was over. Quite a lengthy procedure!! There were fourteen judges, all well known p. c. personalities: Jean Coryn, Belgium; Jean Stoos, France; Umberto Devetak, Italy; Ivan Dunbar, Northern Ireland; Wag Bennett, England, (former Mr. Britain); Bert Loveday, England, (former Mr. Britain); Ken Latham, (former Mr. Britain); Dennis Stallard, England, (former Mr. Britain); Len Sell, England, (former Mr. Universe); Syd Baker, England, (former Mr. Universe); Bill Stevens, England, (former Mr. Universe); Oscar Heidenstam, England, (former Mr. Universe). The judges secretaries were Bill Ball, Bill Norris, and John O'Farrell.

The following day we all assembled at the Victoria Palace Theatre for a rehearsal at 10 a.m. The show commenced promptly at 1:40 p.m. Each height class competitor appeared on the stage when his name was called and posed on the centre disc. The audience was very enthusiastic and applauded robustly. In between height classes specialty acts akin to p. c. were featured. At the end of the show the winners were announced and presented with their trophies by Mr. Paul Getty and Mr. Oliver Coutts M. B. E.

Well, I must say I was very impressed with the way the officials organized the whole affair, and also with the goodwill of the competitors and the enthusiasm of the audience. During my stay in London I had the opportunity to meet most of the competitors and officials. A dance was given that evening and acquaintances were renewed by all.

IMPRESSIONS OF THE PROFESSIONAL COMPETITION

The overall winner, Reg Park, is no newcomer to readers. This is his third win in the Mr. Universe Contest. I need not elaborate: he has won so many titles that it would be futile to mention them. Reg is a giant of a man - height 6' 1½", weight 235 lbs., an over 19 inch arm, and a 54 inch chest. I not only know Reg personally, but trained with him prior to the contest. I can therefore vouch that he really works much harder than the average bodybuilder. He trains for just over two hours in the morning between 6 and 8 o'clock on a split routine. - Doing one arm section (bicep or tricep) and another body part (deltoid or back) including calves for each period. Prior to the contest he curtailed the amount of sets done for each body part to twenty: he had been doing up to thirty sets!!

George Paine, famous throughout the world for his fantastic muscularity, did not disappoint us. As a matter of fact he even looked better than usual as his weight has increased to 210 lbs without forsaking definement. He said that he had laid off training for a considerable time but decided to make a comeback. What a comeback it was too!! He said he contemplates competing again next year and wants to increase his body weight even more. I am sure he will win the title if he does so.

In Class II Paul Wynter of Antigua, former overall winner, looked fantastic. His calves are great. Paul now runs a gym in Milan. Unfortunately a good tall man is better than a good short man so it was appropriate in this case for the Park/Wynter placing.

Yves Permal of Guadeloupe who is a professional wrestler must have at least 18½ inch arms with a height of about 5'6". He has very good all around proportions.

IMPRESSIONS OF THE AMATEUR COMPETITIONS

In the amateur contest Elmo Santiago proved to be the best man. Elmo, who trains at Enrico (1954 Mr. Universe) Tomas' gymnasium in New York, is really a miniature Reg Park: not meaning that his 17½ inch arm and 50 inch chest are small, but of physical stature. He has no weak points at all. A terrific lat spread and very solid legs. I understand that he had been training solely for this show for some time. That is why we did not hear anything of him in the past year.

Pierre Vandensteen of Belgium, winner of this height class twice placed second. Pierre has a terrifically muscular physique. His abdominals are outstanding.

In Class II Fanie Du Toit of South Africa proved that big arms help win contests. Fanie's arms measure over 18 inches cold. They really are something to see. His arm routine has been featured in this magazine. Reg Park sponsored Fanie to come over as a result of Fanie's Mr. Republic of South Africa win.

Roy Perrott of England placed second. Roy's torso is great. A little more development in the legs can make him a winner. Talking about leg development, few of the competitors had good legs. Body builders should devote more time to their legs; then they will find themselves doing much better in competitions.

Class I proved to be a great tussle between Paul Nash of England and last year's Mr. America winner, Val Vasilieff. It must have been a very close contest with Paul Nash emerging the winner. Actually there is not much to choose between them. Oddly enough they have similar physiques and both are extremely handsome - a Steve Reeves look about them. I had long chats with both and was impressed with their modesty and sporting attitude. Val feels he may not enter physique contests again because he has been offered an acting role in a film to be shot on one of the Caribbean islands and feels he should concentrate on his career. He [is] a noted singer as well and has had one of his records released. Paul Nash has a drapery store and intends to compete again in order to win the overall title.

Well, that's about it. A fantastic experience! The NABBA Mr. Universe Contests must truly be the greatest bodybuilding show on earth.