FLEX FEATURE
TRAINING
RICH
GASPARI, 1988
BACKSTAGE
Height: 5'7"
Weight: 225 pounds
Olympia history: 1991, 10th;
1990, 5th; 1989, 4th; 1988, 2nd;
1987, 2nd; 1986, 2nd; 1985, 3rd
at the
In the first of a two-part
series of great Olympia
backstage photos, we
pay homage to
uncrowned champs
The application of oil, the pumping up, the posedown, the
awarding of the Sandow — although the traditions of the
Olympia over the course of its 45-year history are many, one
in particular lends itself to inclusion in FLEX like no other
— the backstage photos. What better time to capture images
of the world’s greatest physiques at their best than moments
after the world’s number one physique contest?
From Jimmy Caruso to Per Bernal to Bob Gardner, Joe
Weider always made sure to have a photographer on hand to
grab exclusive pics of the top physiques for inclusion in his
magazines. The result was always the same — historical
photos of historical physiques. Without the distraction of
stage lighting, backdrops or fellow competitors, the bodies
of the athletes can be appreciated to a degree commensurate with the effort they expended while building them.
In this, the first of a two-part feature, we’ve gathered
backstage photos of notable Olympia contenders — those
who never quite ascended to the Olympia throne, but not
for lack of trying. Every one of these competitors poured
as much sweat and shed as many tears as those who
finished a place or two higher and, if not for the vagaries
of the sport in which they compete, could well have
reached the same heights. We may not be able to retroactively award them a title for their troubles, but we can
honor them here.
As you turn the pages, keep in mind that although
each photo may not represent the year in which an athlete
reached his or her peak of development, it was picked for
its artistry and how it reveals the character, as well as the
physique, of the competitor.
Joe Weider has stated on more than one occasion that
every man and woman who earns the honor of stepping
onto an Olympia stage is a champion in his or her own
right. We couldn’t agree more.
By shawn perine
Senior Writer
Photography Courtesy of
Weider Health and Fitness
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ANJa
LANGER, 1988
HEIGHT: 5'7"
WEIGHT: 144 pounds
Olympia history: 1988, 2nd;
1987, 4th
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FLEX Backstage At The O
BEV
FRANCIS, 1988
HEIGHT: 5'5"
WEIGHT: 145 pounds
Olympia history: 1991, 2nd;
1990, 2nd; 1989, 3rd; 1988, 3rd;
1987, 3rd; 1986, 10th
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LEe
LABRADA, 1990
Height: 5'6"
Weight: 185 pounds
Olympia history: 1993, 4th;
1992, 3rd; 1991, 4th; 1990, 2nd;
1989, 2nd; 1988, 4th; 1987, 3rd
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LAURA
CREAVALLE, 1994
HEIGHT: 5'4"
WEIGHT: 143 pounds
Olympia history: 2002, lightweight,
6th; 1999, 3rd; 1998, 5th; 1997, 4th;
1996, 4th; 1995, 5th; 1994, 2nd; 1993,
3rd; 1992, 2nd; 1991, 3rd; 1990, 4th; 1989,
6th; 1988, 11th
FLEX
WHEELER, 1996
Height: 5'9"
Weight: 230 pounds
Olympia history: 1999, 2nd; 1998,
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BOB GARDNER
BOB GARDNER
2nd; 1996, 4th; 1995, 8th; 1993, 2nd
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PAUL
DILLETT, 1996
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 275 pounds
Olympia history: 1999, 7th;
PER BERNAL
1998, withdrew; 1997, 5th; 1996,
5th; 1994, 4th; 1993, 6th
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SHAWN
RAY, 1999
Height: 5'7"
Weight: 210 pounds
Olympia history: 2001, 4th;
PER BERNAL
2000, 4th; 1999, 5th; 1998, 5th;
1997, 3rd; 1996, 2nd; 1995, 4th;
1994, 2nd; 1993, 3rd; 1992, 4th;
1991, 5th; 1990, 3rd; 1988, 13th
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CHRIS
CORMIER, 1999
Height: 5'9"
Weight: 245 pounds
Olympia history: 2005, 13th;
PER BERNAL
2004, 7th; 2002, 3rd; 2001, 5th;
1999, 3rd; 1998, 6th; 1997, 8th;
1996, 7th; 1995, 6th; 1994, 6th
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KEVIN
LEVRONE, 1999
Height: 5'9"
Weight: 235 pounds
Olympia history: 2003, 6th;
PER BERNAL
2002, 2nd; 2001, 3rd; 2000, 2nd;
1999, 4th; 1998, 4th; 1997, 4th;
1996, 3rd; 1995, 2nd; 1994, 3rd;
1993, 5th; 1992, 2nd
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VICKIE
GATES, 2001
HEIGHT: 5'4"
WEIGHT: 145 pounds
Olympia history:
2003, heavyweight, 7th; 2002,
heavyweight, 3rd; 2001, heavyweight,
2nd; 2000, heavyweight, 2nd; 1999,
2nd; 1998, 3rd; 1997, 5th; 1996, 5th FLEX
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