More About "The Challenge"

by John Grimek

Some criticism was directed to my previous lengthy response, but I hasten to explain that that reply was not meant for publication, but submitted to the challenger. However, since he meant to publicize this challenge, I had no other alternative than to use the answer as it was submitted. This copy, however, is expressly written for publication and contains a concise answer to his recent comback.

While a personal reply was anticipated I see the wait was in vain. My challenger was placed in an awkward spot and in order to "save face," as the Japanese would say, replied in an apologetic vein through another medium. My compliments to his "ghost writer" on his sense of humor. His writer wisely transformed the "me, myself and I" complex into an attitude of humble modesty. This sudden metamorphosis must have proved rather perplexing to "the bodybuilders of America," to whom this open letter was addressed.

Cleverly interwoven in this article were the expected alibis. Actually my challenger merely repeats what I advocated in my proposal, except that he now endeavors to "sell" the idea that he has a prior claim to the plans contained in my proposal. Rather strange that these supposed plans of his were not revealed in his original challenge.

How odd it is that in only a couple of months he changes his tune. Though he now frankly admits that he is not the possessor of the most muscular body in America, he has the audacity to brazenly exploit himself as America's most muscular man.

Apparently Danny's memory is not retentive or perhaps he ignores facts when it is convenient to do so. As the records will attest, I won the title, Most Muscular Man, in the competition conducted at Madison Square Garden in 1940 when I was first awarded the Mr. America title. This I clearly stated in my reply to his challenge. It so happens that this physique tournament was for the first time officially recognized by the AAU and operated under their supervision. Surely this alone should verify the fact that these contests were conducted legitimately. In the following year I was again awarded the title Mr. America but did not participate in the competition for the most muscular man title. Perhaps the challenger can be excused for overlooking the fact that I was awarded the title, Most Muscular Man, because I personally never attempted to ballyhoo or exploit this award. The same holds true for the Mr. America titles. This is quite contrary to the course my challenger has followed thus far. Incidentally, he is, to my knowledge, the only athlete to exploit a title awarded in any amateur physique competition.

Preparations are being made to conduct the competition for the title, Most Muscular Physique in America, in a manner designed to make it possible for the best qualified athletes, including Clarence Ross, the present Most Muscular Man title holder, to have an opportunity to participate. This is in accordance with the proposal I stressed in my reply to the challenge. Lurie will be provided with the opportunity to participate in this competition. other professional athletes desiring to take part in this competition will also be provided with the opportunity to participate in this event. i whish to emphasize that I'm not interested in creating a "feud" for the sake of publicity, therefore, this is my final response to the challenge.

Although definite plans as to the date and place for this contest have not yet been completed, it is quite likely that it will be held in Philadelphia either in March or April. Specific information will be published in Strength & Health in ample time prior to the contest. Effort is being put forth to have this contest sponsored for a charity benefit so that it will be operated on a non-profit basis.

PHOTO CAPTION

- A splendid recent picture of JOHN GRIMEK, showing magnificent proportions. Grimek will take part in the huge strength show that is scheduled for January 26th, to be held in the Ocean Park Arena, Santa Monica, Calif. Vic Tanny, one of our west coast representatives, is sponsoring this show. Note how slender is his waist in comparison to the breadth of his shoulders. Show starts at 7:30 P.M. (Photo by Lon of N. Y. C.)