The Item:
Career Updates, Andrew Oye's IFBB Pro Athletes Roundup
The Scoop: Recently Reported: IFBB Pro League athletes had career updates or made
recent guest appearances at various sports, bodybuilding, physique and
fitness events. The latest "Andrew Oye's Pro-Muscle Report" Pro Athletes
Roundup includes more media contract signings news.
IFBB Pro Hidetada Yamagishi signs a media contract with the Canada-based magazine that often features athletes like IFBB Pro Ben Pakulski and IFBB Pro Fouad Abiad before they rise in the pro ranks. "I'm very excited to be a part of the team. I just did my first photo shoot as a contract athlete...Stay tuned," says Yamagishi.
IFBB Pro Phil Heath signs a multi-year media-contract extension,
continuing a business relationship that began five years ago. The company's editor-in-chief says, "We are
thrilled that Phil has decided to sign an extension with [us]. He's been one of the
cornerstones of our athlete program since he came on board in 2005, and
it has been a pleasure to watch him grow and mature into the competitor
and person he is today. Phil has that rare combination of talent, work
ethic and charisma that can make him one of the best ambassadors our
sport has seen, one we haven't seen for quite some time."
Recently exiting his previous company, IFBB
Pro K. Greene also signs a media contract with the company that
houses Heath (as well as IFBB Pro Flex Lewis and IFBB Pro Dennis
Wolf, and that just released IFBB Pro Dexter Jackson and IFBB Pro Toney
Freeman). "I'm excited and I feel many steps closer to the goals
that I dream about," Greene says.
The "So What?": A week ago, Hidetada Yamagishi made a remarkable showing in Florida at the 2010 Europa Orlando Pro Show of Champions, by winning the Open Division (IFBB Pro Eduardo Correa won the 202 Division) against bigger competitors and capturing his first pro-contest victory since earning his IFBB Pro card in 2003.
Thirty-year-old Phil Heath was the 2nd place runner-up at the Arnold Sports Festival's 2010 IFBB Pro Arnold Schwarzenegger Classic Bodybuilding Championships. He earned
his IFBB Pro card at the 2005 NPC USA Bodybuilding Championships. Heath says about his re-signing. "I just get excited knowing I get to continue
my career with this company. All over the world, people get to know a little bit about me as an
athlete and a person. Traveling and meeting those fans has been a great
experience."
A product of the
foster care system, Greene endured a challenged life to turn pro at the
2004 NPC Team Universe and eventually become a two-time Arnold Classic
Champion (in 2009 and 2010). "What he has had to overcome in his
life on his quest to follow his dreams and become one of the top
bodybuilders in the world is simply amazing," remarks the company's editor-in-chief. "His
story is truly an inspiration to anyone who has faced adversity in their
life. We are extremely happy and proud to be able to call him a member
of the family."
Andrew Oye's Verdict: Yamagishi is on a roll. We'll see if his current quest to hit every pro bodybuilding contest leading up to Joe Weider's Olympia Weekend (to challenge 3-time
Mr. Olympia IFBB Pro Jay Cutler) works in his favor. The folks at Yamagishi's new company say, "We have a feeling he's just getting warmed up for 2010." With a 2nd place finish at the recent Arnold Classic, Phil Heath seems to be living up to his hype as a top contender. An Olympia Sandow trophy would seal the deal for Heath, who has momentum on his side. Greene
placed 4th at his Olympia debut in 2009. Sport watchers speculate that
his current career momentum (bolstered by this contact signing) could
translate to a bump in his placing at the 2010 Olympia in September.
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