Mr. America "Rhubarb" - And Reply

By Jim Murray

THOSE who were there will recognize that the report on the "Mr. America" contest written by Barton Horvath and published in another magazine grossly distorted the true facts, but for the information of those who only read about the 1952 contest, here is another reporter's version:

First of all, Jim Park is the 1952 "Mr. America", chosen by a panel of qualified, unbiased Amateur Athleteic Union officials. The officials were: Jack Ayars, Wilmington, Delaware; Wilbur Smith, Pittsburgh, Pa.; Clarence Johnson, Detroit, Michigan; Captain John Paul, Chicago, Illinois; Larry Barnholth, Attleboro, Mass.; and Karo Whitfield, Atlanta, Georgia. All of these men have been actively interested in the Iron Game longer than the writer of the biased report criticising their decision. The judges were selected by Emmett Faris, National A.A.U. Vice-Chairman, and approved by the late Dietrich Wortmann, president of the International Weightlifting and Physical Culture Federation.

The judging was based on the following A.A.U. scoring system:

On a basis of this system, Jim Park scored 72 points out of a possible 75. Malcolm Brenner, the second place man, scored 70 points. It is interesting to note that he scored exactly the same number of points in winning the "Jr. Mr. America" contest in Oakland with a different set of qualified A.A.U. judges.

To state that 2,000 bodybuilders "rose as one man and booed..." is an extravagant exaggeration, to say the least. From the time Jim Park began to pose, before he had won his title, and extremely noisy group in the "peanut gallery" demonstrated against him, apparently trying to discredit him in the minds of the judges. It was this same minority group in the audience that boorishly protested the final decision.

Far more members of the audience were crowding around Jim Park for his autograph than were showing their ill manners and poor sportsmanship by booing. Such outstanding young New York bodybuilders as Paul Waldman and Artie Zeller expressed disapproval of the noisy group's actions to this writer.

Unfortunately, physique contest judging involves the personal opinion of the judges to a great extent - and this may not agree with the personal opinion of all the spectators. But the judges are placed in a position to be able to see the contestants better than any spectator. Horvath says on his scorecard Brenner was first and Park second. That's interesting; it may have been the same on some of the official judges' cards, but the overall score found Park winning by two points - a consensus of qualified officials.

That Park's victory was a surprise cannot be denied. But a comparison of the May and November covers of Strength and Health will show why it was a surprise, since Park had made unusual improvement in muscularity. Always possessing a well-balanced physique, being one of the few men to have calves large enough to match his thighs and forearms on a par with his upper arms, Park had "fined down" by hard training and rigid diet until he presented an appearance of powerful, proportionate development with sharp definition.

This kind of controversy could be drawn out for pages, but to do so would give it undeserved importance. The decision of the judges is final an dI feel sure that Malcolm Brenner, George Paine, Irvin Koszewski and Don Van Fleteren, the more outstanding runners-up, are sportsmen enough to recognize this fact and will train harder to gain success in future contests. Any of them would be worthy titleholders and all will undoubtedly gain great honors in years to come.

PHOTO CAPTIONS

- Jim Park, on pedestal, won the 1952 "Mr. America" contest on a basis of the A.A.U. scoring system, with points for symmetry, development, general appearance, posing, and face and skin. He tallied 72 points, with Malcom Brenner (center), the 1952 "Jr. Mr. America", placing second with 70. George Paine (right, 1951 "Jr. Mr. America", was third with 65 1/2. (Giardina photo)

- This action photo of Jim Park during his posing routine at the "Mr. America" contest gives an idea why he was chosen the winner, as well as "Most Mucular Man". He had trained himself into sharply defined condition with exceptionally balanced proportions. (Giardina photo)

- In the opinion of some of the spectators and at least oen writer about muscular development, big Malcolm Brenner should have won this year's "Mr. America" contest. Others thought George Paine or Don Van Fleteren should have won, but the majority of judges chose Jim Park. (Giardina photo)

- Here is a semi-relaxed study of the three men who rated the most number of points in the "Mr. America" contest. Jim Park (left), had 72 points, won "Most Muscular", "Best Arms" and "Best Chest". George Paine (center) scored 65 1/2 points, won "Best Legs". Malcolm Brennner (right) tallied 70 points, won "Best Back". (Giardina photo)