Bodybuilding Apocalypse

The Curse of Sandow

Sandow a curse or a blessing?


Sometimes life imitates art. Similarly, an old American Indian saying states that before you start chanting you better know what you are chanting about because your wish just might come true.

We should consider these lessons as we enter that time of the year when the few Bodybuilders that consider themselves fortunate will have the opportunity to compete for Bodybuildings highest trophy, "Mr Olympia."

In the process of preparing for their contest they mortgage their health and indeed their lives; remaining ignorant of the fact that the trophy was named after "Sandow". For the many who may not know the true history of Sandow, he was a strongman with an extraordinary physique for his time. However, he was exploited, was not given adequate pay or food by his general manager, a gentleman named Mr Levin.


Sandow was made to perform in circus freak shows with two headed snakes, sheep, goats, pigs chickens and other exploited deformed humans. The circus animals were better fed and taken care of than Mr Sandow. Eventually, his vigorous schedule took toll on his aching body and he fell ill due to his joint failure. Sandow was forced to give up and died broke, in shame and poverty. His family could not even afford a tombstone. It is truly ironic that today this man was chosen as a symbol of Bodybuilding highest award.

On the other hand, the name of Bodybuilding's anual "show" is 'Olympia' as in the famous Greek "Mount Olympus." Why fashion the trophy after Sandow then instead of some mythological Greek God like Apollo, Zeus, or Hercules? Could it be that those that crafted the Mr. Olympia trophy had poverty and exploitation in mind for the bearer and not for the show? It seems that even in death this great human being named Sandow could not escape the long arm of con artist that have chosen to make billions from his achievements.

These con artists could also be one of the reasons why Bodybuilding has fallen short of glory and its athletes have became strangers in their own home. For example, it is not unusual to see cyclist Lance Armstrong, tennis player Andrea Agassi, or basketball player Magic Johnson being used to advertise weightlifting gyms and fitness chains like 24 hour fitness instead of Reggie Park, Larry Scott.Bill Pearle, Lee Haney, Dorian Yates, Ronnie Coleman or Jay Cutler. Even the great Gold's gym toned down the size and mass of its iconic trademark to make it look less like a bodybuilder. Perhaps this is the curse of Sandow making Bodybuilding and bodybuilders lose dignity and became the joke of the sports community. A curse that prevents Bodybuilding promoters from gathering enough of an audience for bodybuilding events so that they have to go summon mix martial art stars instead.

Bodybuilding promoters can't expect others to respect the sport when they appear ashamed of it themselves. Just like con artists and thieves have robbed the oysters of their soul for meat and pearls they have sucked the sport of Bodybuilding dry and now look for new victims. It is no wonder it is beneficial for this industry to attract and promote dumb bodybuilders instead of smart ones. Unfortunately, in the end they are hurting themselves because like any parasites, after they are done with the host they will eventually turn on themselves and start to eat themselves out.


 

 

Email Me See Vic's Profile View Vic on Duke City Muscle Team MD FLEX Online