There was a time in my life when I would have been going to Vegas with nothing in my suit case except some club clothes and money for vodka/sevens…lol. I have realized those days are long gone and may never return…at least while I am bodybuilding.
In contrast this time around my suit case contained, my DVD’s, my T-shirts, pictures to sign, gym clothes an extra bag for food and lastly some comfy clothes to sleep in. I know it sounds like a party..lol
Believe it or not this past weekend was pretty amazing. My girlfriend and I arrived on Thursday for the 45th Mr.Olympia weekend and from the moment I arrived MuscleTech really showed their appreciation for their athletes.
I was picked up at the airport given tons of merchandise in clothing and gym equipment that I didn’t even ask for. It was just the way MuscleTech operates, I am really grateful to be with the best company in the industry.
Friday morning I hit the expo with all my new MT gear on and was ready for the greatest bodybuilding fans on earth. People kept asking me if they were bothering me, if I was tired, how I could really want to be there all day. Honestly nothing could have been further from the truth. I love being around all the bodybuilding fans, my fans, other pros fans it doesn’t matter.
I was talking to Seth Feroce for most of the weekend and Cedric McMillian and the one thing I realized is we all like being there because not only are we in the sport but we are still major fans of the sport ourselves. We were just like most fans when Phil or Jay would walk in, kind of taken back by there size and shape. It’s a good feeling to be a fan of the sport you are part of, it keeps you grounded and very appreciative of all the fans who aren’t in it except for sheer enjoyment.
MT treated us to dinner at the Mandalay Bay and had front row tickets to prejudging and finals. I have never been to a Mr.O to watch, this was my first time. Sitting front row watching this guys battle it out gave me goose bumps and got me just itching to hit the stage again!!
I would like to congratulate Jay on his 4th Olympia and Phil on really showing that he has what it takes to be the best one day. Branch is the man also, I have never seen conditioning like that in my life on any human being in person. Maybe there are guys in pics somewhere that are harder but like I said in person I have never seen anything like it! I was also really happy for Dennis Wolf for bringing back his Olympia form and Ronnie Rockel for getting noticed and placed where he deserved. Kudos to the judges, it was a tough show to judge but I personally think they got this one right.
On a final note I realized that drinking and partying don’t really have a place for me anymore. I had every intention of going out on Saturday night and really having some fun since its been so long. After watching Phil, Jay, Branch battling it out I realized it wasn’t important. My purpose in life has changed. My enjoyment doesn’t come from seeing the bottom of a bottle of vodka anymore, my enjoyment is going to come when I can say I am one of the best. Leaving my mark on the sport is more important to me than anything. I am not in this to ‘live the life’ or ‘live the dream’ as some think it should be lived. ‘Living the Dream’ for me, means having people stand and cheer for me when my time is done because they respect the work and mark I have left behind.
Dennis James retired last night at the show and the people stood on their feet for 5-10mins applauding him for his effort and career. He took a chance, didn’t take the safe route in life, decided to chase his dream and he made something of himself. For that I was also on my feet and at the end of the day that is how I will measure my success.
Sacrifice Without Regret,
Fouad ‘Hoss’ Abiad
