Prince
Board Sponsor
Okay so this is got to be one of the dumbest topics yet, but it's also not a totally novel one, either. I am, of course, speaking of bodybuilding fans going to task on bodybuilders preparing for a competition doing guest posing appearances at shows leading up to their contests. Over the years we have seen top tier athletes take abuse from the fans because when they see them they are not at their best. But why should they be at their best? They are guest posing, they're not competing.
One look at Martin Fitzwater from last year's New York Pro to last year's Olympia to then Prague, you see a steady progression. The Martian has already long-qualified for the 2025 Olympia, but yet he's competing in more contests. He has become a driving force in the sport of bodybuilding in just two years time. He has grown by leaps and bounds, his condition comes in better and better, and he has also been able to battle against some of the best in the sport. Even though in my opinion he should have placed higher than Derek at last year's Mr Olympia and even though he beat Nick Walker last year in New York despite the fact they gave it to him, Fitzwater is not considered a favorite to win Pittsburgh. He's the man who single-handedly sent Chris Bumstead, The G.O.A.T. of classic physique into retirement. He battled him in Prague and made mincemeat out of him. But nonetheless Martin is not considered a favorite to win the Pittsburgh. Even though he was one of the first to have thrown his hat into the ring - he still gets no love. So what's the deal with bodybuilding fans trashing him for not looking 100% entertaining the audience?