Selecting The Best Man

By Ray Van Cleef

A Revival of physique contests in this country commenced auspiciously in 1939. In this particular year two major contests were conducted in different sections of the nation. Bert Goodrich, now the director and owner of a successful gymnasium in Hollywood, had the distinction of winnign the first of the "Mr. America" titles. A month later Roland Essmaker was awarded this title in the physique competition held in conjunction with the 1939 Senior National Weightlifting Championships at Chicago.

In the less than a decade that has elapsed since this rebirth in 1939, the physique contests have surmounted all other events in this field.l It was apparent from the beginning that the physique contests would rapidly attain this predominating position. Analyzing the situation in an objective way the reason for this supremacy are obvious. The paramount factor is the overwhelming numerical superiority of the body builders over the weightlifters. The admiration accorded an outstanding physique by the general public exceeds the impression created by the athlete's physical accomplishments. Eugene Sandow serves an ideal example in this connection. As Alan Calvert pointed out, among the many thousands that witnessed Sandow's act comparatively few retained a memory of the weightlifting feats he performed. But the element of time had no eradicating influence on the vivid impressions of his physique. John Grimek is another outstanding example of the dominating influence of the physique. The impressions created by his herculean pyhsique have eclipsed his extra-ordinary strength feats.

The unrivaled popularity of physique contests, in the sphere of physical culture activities, affords these events the opportunity to prove of immense value, particularly in a missionary sense in converting non-exercisers into body builders. An immeasurable amount of benefits have already been derived from these contests. Unfortunately some of the gains have been counteracted by the undesirable features manifested in many of these events. Flaws are to be expected in any type of project during the early stages of development, so impeccability should not have been expected of physique contests. Some of the detrimental elements have been considerably reduced and constructive effort is being put forth to eliminate a number of these undesirable features. Yet even with these reforms and those that are planned to be introduced there still remains a genuine need for additional improvements. I do not wish to appear presumptuous but I do believe I am qualified to present suggestions designed to further improve these contests. The recommendations I will briefly state in this concise article are the product of experience as an official, extensive observation and an "inside" knowledge of these events. The sole purpose for the constructive criticism and these suggestions is to help in correcting remaining flaws and thereby assisting to elevate the standards of physique contests. Because this form of competition exerts such a far-reaching influence and has vast potentialities, it is imperative that the responsibilities be properly and fully assumed so that these events can serve to the maximum degree in the best interests of the physical culture movement.

It is appropriate that this discussion should commence with the participants in those contests. Competition of this kind is, of course, designed to attract athletes possessing exceptional qualifications, particularly in muscularity. Yet in many contests one or more of the participants is as out of place as "The Angel," the monstrous wrestler, would be as a ballet dancer. These obviously unworthy contestants in exposing themselves to ridicule tend to make a farce of the contest. Their participation should be prevented in a diplomatic way. It is deplorable that some bodybuilders, who are victims of a narcissus complex of an exhibitionist nature, are allowed the opportunity in these contests to make their "I love me" personality evident by conducting themselves in an obnoxious manner. For example, one prominent egotist is so captivated with his own physical merits that it has almost been necessary to resort to using a pole with a hook to bring his prolonged posing display to a halt. To prevent this, the contestants should be informed in advance that they will be disqualified if the specified time limit for posing is deliberately violated. The metamorphosis of stationary poses into a frenzical muscle control exhibition became quite noticeable several years ago and continues to persist. Very often these muscular gesticulations, under these conditions, are grotesque and executed in a ridiculous manner. In fairness to all the contestants uniform posing regulations should be prescribed and rigidly enforced. Under such conditions no competitor would be permitted to convert stationary poses into a muscle control display so as to attract undue attention by such antics.

Unquestionable the greatest menace, insofar as the contestants themselves are concerned, is the invasion of this competition, which should personify masculinity, with practices provoking a suspicion or assumption of homosexuality. It is disgusting to observe male athletes, especially in an event of this nature, employing facial and body make-up. One youthful body builder was foolish enough to state, "Friends said I could have won, had I know how to apply my make-up a little more correctly." He was referring to his experience in a physique contest that should have been exclusively for he-men. How well I remember a rather prominent body builder, who was at that time somewhat of a prima donna, expecting that he would be provided with a special dressing room so that he could apply his body make-up properly. Another well known contestant not only has his coiffure set in a "bewitching" manner by a professional hairdresser but had his hair dyed rather conspicuously. In one contest his hair was a strawberry blond a la Greer Garson and recently it was jet black. Is it any wonder that some physique contests have been branded by critics as "male burlesque shows" because of such effeminate practices ? These "pansy-like" beautifying practices can be largely attributed to the influence of some undesirable elements. These harmful forces should be curbed. The A.A.U. has taken needed action to call a halt to this sort of degradation by absolutely forbidding any contestant to use cosmetics, oils, artificial coloring and make-up. They certainly deserve to be praised for this very necessary ruling. It should be strictly enforce in all contests so that there will be no opportunity for any critic to stigmatize these events. In this connection there is a need for further protective action. No contestant should be permitted to pose wearing trunks that are "chorus-girlish" or decorated with sequins in circus-like fashion. Neither should any contestant be allowed to appear in trunks so abbreviated as to resemble a burlesque girl's "G-string."

I wish to stress the fact that the criticism imparted in the above paragraphs applies to only a comparatively small number of individuals. Some critics wrongly assume because of the conspicuousness of these individuals that they are prevalent among body builders. An exaggeration of this kind is indeed slanderous and grossly unfair to the vast majority of body builders who are normal wholesome men. Because a relatively small number of individuals can impose much harm to such a vitally important and honorable movement makes it imperative that all leaders should exert their influence in discouraging conduct or associations that are undesirable, especially at public exhibitions. It is evident that in most districts proper preventative measures are employed at shows, such as physique contest.

The role of the judges is of paramount importance. Thus, it is imperative that all officials serving in this capacity be well qualified and impartial. To eliminate the possibility of criticism of the decisions, even though such censure may not be justified, having any lining with commercialism, it would be wise to select judges that are entirely free of any involvements with contestants. On this basis it would be advisable to refrain from selecting judges representing any club or gymnasium, if their fellow members are participating in open competition of this nature. Some rather weird and unsatisfactory decisions have resulted from having homosexual individuals serving as judges. There is an obvious need for restricting the officials to men that are not abnormal. In fact, all of the judges should be recognized by the governing A.A.U. body as being qualified. Not only should they meet with the approval of the A.A.U. but they should also be selected by this organization. During the course of the judging the officials should be seated so that they are isolated from each other. This prevents persuasive tendencies on the part of any of the judges from operating. Each judge should be assured the privilege of registering his rating independently and secretly. This can best be assured the privilege of registering his rating independently and secretly. This can best be accomplished by having the judges separated throughout the contest.

The National A.A.U. Weightlifting Chairman, Dietrich Wortmann, has already instituted a number of reforms to eliminate unsatisfactory features connected with physique contests. His contributions have been an invaluable asset in improving conditions and he deserves liberal praise for his efforts. Mr Wortmann's most recent improvement will soon be in operation. It provides a new and greatly improved system of computing the scores of the officials. This new method eliminates both the highest and lowest ratings. This voids the power of any judge as an individual to exert an excessive amount of influence in determining the ratings of the contestants. The fact that both the highest and lowest scores are not counted greatly diminishes the possibility of any contestant not receiving the rating which he deserved. It is hoped and expected that Mr. Wortmann's improved method of computing the scores of the judges will be employed in all contests.

To enable the judges to determine the standards of all of the contestants prior to the actual judging, it is advisable to have the participants appear together as a group under general lighting conditions. The athletes should parade across the front of the stage in a manner so as to provide a "rainbow" effect. This is accomplished by having the tallest contestant in the center of the group and the shorter men range down at each side so as to form an arc. Presenting the athletes in this way is fair to all. While appearing in this manner the entire group should be instructed to assume an "at ease" attitude in both front and back view pose. In this way the judges can properly determine a "par" for the contestants to serve as a guide in ascertaining their rating during the course of the contest. This innovation is comparatively new, to my knowledge, for it was recently employed with much success in the "Mr. Philadelphia" contest.

Having suitable special lighting effects serves to accentuate the muscularity of the contestants. The desirable qualities of this can be more than counteracted by the likely bad features resulting from having the judging restricted to determining the merits of the athletes under special spotlights. It is not possible to fairly evaluate the physical merits of the contestants under such abnormal conditions alone. Through experience some athletes cultivate the art of assuming poses that are quite flattering when special spotlights are used. On the other hand, the physical merits of others is depreciated under abnormal lighting due to their inexperience in posing under such conditions. Quite often it is observed that the special lighting effects are responsible for creating distorted impressions. It is disillusioning to realize that a body builder who appears outstanding, when posing on a pedestal with the accentuating aid of spotlights, is quite mediocre when examined under normal lighting conditions. Because of the deceptive and distorted impressions created by special lighting effects they most certainly should not be exclusively employed. In fact, the posing under such conditions should be very secondary to the display under normal lighting when the true merits can be determined. The function of the judging at physique contests should be to properly rate the athletes as they actually are and not as they appear under illusory conditions. No really impressively developed athlete suffers when inspected under normal conditions. Recently George Eiferman, the 1947 "Mr. Philadelphia," presented an impromptu posing display at the conclusion of the Middle Atlantic Weightlifting Championships. Though he posed without the aid of any spotlights he was very impressive. The reason is very evident; this herculean bodybuilder is extraordinary in reality.

Participants in physique contests are often contemptuously branded as "mirror athletes." This accusation is unfortunately true in more than a few isolated cases. Not long ago a prominent writer observed, for the first time, a number of outstanding body builders present a posing exhibition. He was astonished by their extraordinary muscular development. Yet the uppermost thought in his mind was what can these body builders actually do with their muscles in athletic events. This query is logical and justified. Body builders should be encouraged to demonstrate that they can utilize their above average muscular development to advantage in physical activity, other than exercises and posing. The stigma of "mirror athletes" should be eliminated. One of the most effective ways to accomplish this is to include a physical demonstration as a compulsory part of all physique contest. It is certainly understandable that this form of competition should be more than merely a "body beautiful" event, if it is to more fully promote the best interest of the physical culture movement. Surely there can be no legitimate grounds for excluding an event designed to demonstrate the co-ordination and agility of the contestants. This should certainly provide an important factor in evaluating their physical merits. An event of this nature in conjunction with physique competition is not an innovation. It has been utilized successfully in many European contests of this nature. This proposed event should be restricted as to the amount of time allowed each contestant for his demonstration. Probably two to three minutes would prove an adequate and suitable time limit. The nature of the physical demonstration should be optional and should not involve the employment of any special apparatus or equipment. This would allow the contestants the opportunity to briefly demonstrate their co-ordination in suitable activities, such as tumbling, hand balancing, calisthenic routines, feats involving suppleness, etc. The prime purpose of this event would, of course, not be to attempt to determine the all-around athletic ability of the contestants. It would serve in providing a basis of estimating the muscular co-ordination of the participants. This element of co-ordination is vitally important. The body builders would be presented with a needed opportunity to publicly demonstrate that they can utilize their muscles to advantage in an athletic sense. The spectators would most certainly benefit by the inclusion of this even as an essential part of physique competition. It would add more interest, provide more inspiration and increase the missionary effectiveness of the competition in encouraging non-exerciser to train.

The health factor should not be excluded from these contests, especially since the use of the therm "Mr." in connection with most of these events. A "Mr. America," for example, represents more than the best developed athlete or most muscular athlete. This term is symbolic of physical perfection and surely the health factor is an intrinsic part of that state of idealism. The term "Mr." in its association with physique contests implies physical perfection. The responsibilities connected with the employment of this expression should make it necessary and desirable to have all of the contestants be obliged to submit to a general physical examination conducted by one or more physicians selected by the local A.A.U. This examination would, of course, take place on the day of the contest and would be a part of it. The physicians would provide a specific health rating for each of the contestants based on their findings. This rating would be utilized in determining the complete status of each individual participant. The inclusion of this health factor, to be governed by a suitable general physical examination, would prove an asset in elevating the standards of this type of competition and would add to the significance of such events.

As I mentioned in the first portion of this article, the criticism and suggestions imparted in this discussion are expressed with the sincere hope that they will prove of value in assisting the progress of physique contests. I am aware that this rather concise treatment of this competition only briefly covers some of the involved factors and but a few of its many possibilities. The immense potentialities of this competition for encouraging physical betterment furnish a potent weapon in combatting the degenerative forces that are destroying the health oiif myriads of people.

Photo Captions

- Some of the competitors in the "MR. PACIFIC COAST" contest. We're glad we didn't have to judge a contest as tough as this one with such an array of amazing phisuqes. The winner, No. 19, (6th from right) apparently is not as "photogenic" as the runner-up, No. 18, (7th from right) for his build, in this photo seems less impresive. What do you think ? (Photo by Joe Mahalic of Los Angeles, Cal.) [tmf: number 19 was Steve Reeves, still an unknown, number 18 was Eric Pedersen]

- ERIC PEDERSEN, officially holder of the title Mr. California, assumes a very grateful and muscularly impressive attitude. The arms, shoulders, torso and legs are displayed here to advantage. In the recent Mr. Pacific Coast contest, Eric placed second. Photo by Joe Mahalic, Los Angeles.

- The winner of the Mr. Pacific Coast title is STEVE REEVES, Oakland, California. Reeves is one of the leading contenders for the Mr. America title to be held in Chicago on June 28th and 29th. Photo by Joe Mahalic, Los Angeles, Calif.

- The line up of the three winners. The title holder is on the left, STEVE REEVES, center is ERIC PEDERSON, the present title holder of Mr. California, and the third place winner, Cantwell. The first and second place winners appear to be real huskies, and surprisingly enough, each of them has just graduated into their twenties. Photo by Joe Mahalic, (Captions not by Ray Van Cleef)