The Item: Career Updates, Contest Preparation, 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 pros facing injuries, illness and departures.
U.K. IFBB Pro Zack Khan underwent surgery on June 10th, after suffering complete detachment of the tendons above both knees while he was hack squatting in the gym. This injury may postpone his pro debut at the inaugural IFBB FLEX Pro Bodybuilding Championships in Los Angeles, CA, on February 26, 2011. IFBB Pro Silvio Samuel received hospital treatment, reportedly for an
upper respiratory infection. Speculation about additional health issues
(and non-renewal of sponsorship contracts) is prompting discussions that
the 34-year-old bodybuilder may step away from the competitive stage
for some time, if not indefinitely. IFBB Pro Peter Putnam, along with figure competitor IFBB Pro Jessica
Paxson-Putnam, ended their exclusive magazine contract.
The "So What?": Zack Khan had just resumed training about two weeks after a minor hernia surgery that prevented him from making his originally scheduled pro debut at the IFBB Tampa Pro Bodybuilding Championships next month (July 17). Khan's trainer reported that the surgery was successful. Since doctors
predict Khan will be back on his feet within six to eight weeks, the
30-year-old Sheffield, England, resident remains positive, saying, "This
is just another obstacle. I've had many in my life and gotten through
them all, so this is nothing. I'll be back soon."
After four consecutive appearances on the Arnold Sports Festival's IFBB Pro Arnold Schwarzenegger Classic stage, Silvio Samuel
skipped the event last March. Then the 5'7", 223-pounder had set his
sights on competing at the Tampa Pro, which he will now miss. It's believed that the
rigors of strict dieting, hardcore training and contest preparation
multiple times per year (as an ambitious Samuel was known to do) may
contribute to illness and, on occasion, subsequent early retirement.
The Putnams were the first
husband-and-wife team signed and often featured as a
"golden couple" of fitness. The non-renewal of their exclusivity creates space on the team roster for new or
high-profile athletes. "it's commonly known that the [magazines] and supp companies
often rotate in new sponsored athletes on a regular basis to give others
an opportunity to advance their careers as well," the media company's creative director reiterated. "We still have a good
relationship with Peter and Jess, and you may see them featured again in
the mags depending on what they have on the go."
Andrew Oye's Verdict: Recently reported in "Andrew Oye's Pro-Muscle Report," Zack Khan is helping to relaunch the IFBB British Grand Prix Pro Bodybuilding Championships (a.k.a. English Grand Prix or Grand Prix England). The base of fans eager to see the 5'11", 315-pound rookie on the pro stage are disappointed that they'll have to wait even longer. As nothing is yet official, post-recovery decisions by the man himself
will determine the direction of Silvio Samuel's competitive career. Par for the course, the industry
has already seen a lot of media contract rotation this year, in addition to the Putnams' news. Perhaps we'll
see more after (or even before) Joe Weider's Olympia Weekend in September (where IFBB Pro Jay Cutler defends the Mr. Olympia title).
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