October 15th, 2003! - Previous News
Shawn Ray's Quest
Unless you've been living under a rock, you are well aware that Shawn
Ray has been pursuing a leadership role within the ranks of pro
bodybuilding. His initiatives have made headlines in recent years
fueled by a relentless desire to lead his fellow card carrying IFBB
brothers.
The last time we saw Shawn in his posing trunks, he was collecting a 4th
place check at the 2001 Mr. Olympia. It was his 12th consecutive top 5
finish at the sports most heralded event. He has not competed since.
Since the 2001 Olympia, Shawn's attention has shifted from his own body
to the entire body of athletes that comprise the International
Federation of Bodybuilders. His ambitions are no secret. Shawn wants
to assume a role that will give his fellow athletes a voice among the
hierarchy of the sport.
Shawn has spoken candidly about his displeasure over several issues.
Most notably, he has taken an active role in trying to increase contest
prize money. His initial focus was on the 2002 Olympia. Shawn called
upon the IFBB to award prize money to every athlete who competes in the
Olympia. Currently, only the top 12 receive prize money (before this
year it was the top 10).
Shawn felt that it was ludicrous that a
professional athlete could actually receive nothing despite qualifying
and competing in the sport's most prestigious event. He even called
upon several of his fellow all-stars to contribute to a prize fund that
would raise enough prize money to ensure that every Olympia athlete is
paid.
Well, as it turned out, the effort fell short and never came to
fruition. On the surface, it seemed absurd that the top athletes would
have to contribute to the prize money of the bottom finishers, however,
it was a noble cause and it served a greater purpose by drawing
attention to the issue of prize money and it forced everyone to take a
closer look.
Shawn's next initiative brings us to the 2003 Olympia and it also
revolves around prize money. In this instance, Shawn took an entirely
different path.
Earlier this year, at the Jan Tana Fitness show, it was my pleasure to
create and sponsor a new cash award on behalf of Pro Muscle Online that
was presented to the Fitness athlete who performed the "Best Routine".
Shawn followed suit by presenting a similar award in the Masters Olympia
event. Shawn contributed $1,000 of his own money. Both award
presentations were a huge hit among the athletes as well as the fans.
Shawn decided to take the Best Poser award to the next level by raising
a cool $10,000 cash prize for the athlete who performs the best routine
at the upcoming Mr. Olympia. Once again, the award is designed to
stimulate the routine round and increase the overall entertainment value
of the show. At the same time, it's also intended to put more cash into
the prize purse. Shawn received a ton of support from a collection of
sponsors. In fact, he actually raised more than the desired $10,000.
After Shawn raised the prize money, he contacted the IFBB to formerly
request that the award be recognized and presented on stage. As word
began to spread about the new "Best Presentation Award", several of the
top performers were getting excited about the possibility of earning an
additional 10k.
The early front-runners for the new award were Melvin
Anthony and Darrem Charles, both are known for their show-stopping
routines. Many of the other athletes were also inspired and vowed to
take their routine preparation a bit more serious. The new award
appeared to be a win for everyone, including the fans.
But, not so fast. A few days after Shawn formerly requested the
inclusion of the new award, he was shocked to learn that his request
would not be immediately granted.
According to a letter written by
Shawn to his sponsors, the award would have to be voted on during an
IFBB meeting held during Olympia weekend. Apparently it was also
reported that it is up to the promoter to determine how sponsor dollars
are used.
It would have been very easy for Shawn to cancel the award after he
learned that it was not assured a spot in the show. Instead, Shawn and
his fellow sponsors decided that the athletes should not have to suffer.
The announcement was made that the award will now be presented on the
following day during the All-Star Seminar he is holding in Las Vegas.
Shawn reached into his own pocket and put his money where his mouth is.
He has had more than his share of competitive success, but in the end,
Shawn Ray's legacy just might be defined by what he can accomplish
off-stage.
In Other News...
Join me in congratulating 7 time Mr. Olympia Arnold Schwarzenegger on
his latest conquest. Arnold has proven yet again, that bodybuilders are
a relentless breed.
For expanded coverage of the 2003 Olympia, be sure to visit
www.ProMuscleOnline.com... The Home of Bodybuilding Fans Worldwide!
View: Previous News Archives
Until next time...
BodybuildingRadio@yahoo.com
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