There is a Scarcity of Cards

In the late 90s, you might realize that printing of sports cards was not limited. Companies printed too many cards due to an increase in demand. However, according to the law of economics, when the supply is too high, the demand falls and this is what happened in the late 90s. As such, the cards from this period are not worth much. The great thing about today’s production is that there are serial numbers that prevent duplication. This has brought about scarcity, which is the main element in investing. You can still get collectable sports cards at a good deal even though most of them are expensive. However, this element has increased the value of these cards considering that overprinting is prohibited.

Autographed Cards are Also Scarce

Autographed cards are promising future appreciation in price considering that they continue to be scarce. If you notice, the best-known players are only likely to autograph a few cards every year. This means such cards will continue to be scarce. Since the demand for autographed cards will continue to increase, one card will be a gem for your investment.

Card Grading has Added Quality and Scarcity

In the late 80s, you could easily get Michael Jordan’s cards from almost anywhere. However, today things are not the same. Card grading is has been introduced to determine the quality of the cards. This makes it easy for you to buy them from platforms like Amazon and other online stores selling these cards. Grading also adds scarcity to the valuable cards, and even though the cards from the 80s were overprinted, grading could also consider them valuable.

It is Now Possible to Sell Cards

Back in time, it was not easy to get the best money value for your cards. Even when the card was worth a specific amount, it was impossible to get the same amount after selling it. The story is different today. Platforms like eBay and Amazon have made the selling of cards easy. You can easily sell your cards on online platforms and auction places, and this has brought a complete transformation of the game. You can invest in sports cards, watch the price appreciate, and withdraw your profits.

Final Thoughts

These are reasons why sports cards might be the next large investment. Their scarcity, grading, and liquidity have changed the game. Things are different now, and their value is projected to increase in the coming years.

Known as Canada’s #1 bodybuilder, Pakulski has earned himself the title of being one of the top 15 bodybuilders in the world.

“Ben is one of the youngest rising stars in the IFBB,” FLEX Editor-in-Chief Allan Donnelly said. “He’s a next-generation mass monster and the fans love him. He’ll be a force to be reckoned with in the very near future.

“I am so honored and privileged to be part of the ALLMAX team,” said newly signed Team ALLMAX member Ben Pakulski. “I have been using ALLMAX products since I began my bodybuilding career because of their reputation for a high standard of quality.

“I wanted to align myself with a company with a great deal of credibility and integrity to maintain a great reputation in the sport, while still growing and moving forward. ALLMAX is a perfect fit for me. We both have clear visions of where we see ourselves in the next few years. It is a blessing to have found a company that not only wants to be at the top of their game but has the true potential to reach it.

“I love the team and can’t wait for the amazing things we will be able to accomplish together as we ascend the ranks of the health and muscle-building world, together.”

BPak, as he is affectionately known, placed 5th at the 2011 Flex Pro and was a top 10 bodybuilder in the prestigious 2011 Arnold Classic. Pakulski has been recognized as having some of the best legs and delts in the sport of bodybuilding. Many bodybuilding experts feel that Pakulski has everything he needs to be a top Olympian contender. In time he is going to be a real threat on the IFBB circuit.

ALLMAX is truly honored to have a top athlete like Ben Pakulski, who is not only extremely knowledgeable about training, nutrition and supplementation but who is also a great person.

Joele Smith, IFBB Pro Physique Competitor

With the results of the first Ms. Physique Olympia, it was apparent that the judges did not want lightweight female bodybuilders competing in the Women’s Physique Division(WP).  They wanted Figure type girls who were lean and more muscular, but not too muscular.  This led to followers believing that Women’s Physique was turning into “Figure Without Heels”.  With that said, if judges wanted “Figure With A Push” competitors.  It is surprising why Joele Smith could not qualify for the chance to be in the hunt for the first Ms. Physique Olympia.  If their is one WP competitor who fits the “Figure X” prototype, it is her.  Nevertheless, she was never in the mix for Ms. Physique Olympia.

From the state of Mississippi, Joele Smith has supermodel looks and southern charm.  Yet, she has the body of Greek goddess and the mindset of a pit bull.  This steel magnolia also brings energetic routines and is not afraid to fling it on stage.  Not only does she bring a lean, tight body to the stage.  It is also flexible and she poses with regal confidence.

Always an athletic person, Smith started competing in 2010.  When she participated in the NPC Alabama Steel World Bodybuilding Championships, as a Figure competitor.  Not only did she win the Figure novice class.  She also won the Figure open class and the Figure overall.  Next, she competed in the NPC Southern Classic.  Where she placed fifth.  She ended her 2010 season, at the NPC Eastern USA Championships.  However to her dismay, she did not place.

2011 would put Ms. Smith at a crossroads.  She began the year at the NPC Junior Nationals.  This was her first time on a national stage.  Despite being in her best shape ever, she did not place.  She went back to the regional level.  Where she returned to the NPC Southern Classic.  This time, however, Smith was victorious.  As, she won her class.

Smith had already planned to compete at the NPC Nationals in Florida.  But, friends were telling her.  If she wanted to be successful on the national level, she should compete in the new Women’s Physique Division.  Which was being held at the Nationals for the first time.  At first, Smith was hesitant.  For, she did not want to give up wearing the clear heels that comes with competing in Figure.  But, Smith was convinced and decided to crossover to WP.

At the 2011 NPC Nationals, Smith competed in the C (Tall) class in the Women’s Physique Division.  She was one of over 30 competitors in that class.  Throughout the contest, she was in a neck and neck battle with Georgia’s Tycie Coppett for the class title.  After a tight struggle, the judges chose Smith as the Class C champion.  Her crossover gamble paid off with an IFBB Pro Card.  Smith would narrowly lose the overall to Idaho’s Karin Kimura.

Smith made her pro debut at the 2012 IFBB Grand Prix of Los Angeles.  Where she finished a very respectable sixth.  She would compete in three other shows in 2012.  She placed fourth at the IFBB Europa Orlando Show Of Champions.  She placed fifth at the IFBB New York Pro.  She then ended her year with a sixth place finish at the IFBB Greater Gulf States Pro.

With 2013 being the start of Physique Olympia qualification, it was thought that Smith would be in the hunt for a spot in Vegas.  But, 2013 would be a mix bag for Smith. After finishing third at the IFBB Optimum Classic and fourth at the IFBB New York Pro.  Smith would not place in the top five in her next three shows.  She placed seventh at the IFBB Toronto Pro.  Then, placed fourteenth at the IFBB Tampa/PBW Pro.  Later, she placed twelfth at the IFBB Europa Dallas SuperShow.  These disappointing showings prevented her from participating in the Olympia.

Smith At The 2013 IFBB Toronto Pro.

Smith is a graduate of University of Southern Mississippi.  She is a licensed nurse.  She is also a former model, who went by the name Joelle Tyler.  Not to mention, she is the owner and operator of Physique Pro Fitness.  A web site that provides nutritional products and workout apparel.

Smith plans to start her 2014 season at the IFBB Europa Orlando Show Of Champions.  Here is hoping that it is the beginning of a year that ends in Vegas.

To Connect With Joele Smith:

Site
Facebok
Physique Pro Fitness
Model Mayhem

Still Unmatched

Two-time and the original Mr. Olympia Larry Scott passed away today at the age of 75. Larry Scott won the very first Mr. Olympia contest in 1965 and repeated the feat the following year in 1966. Known for his massive biceps, Larry set a standard for arm development that was unmatched until Arnold Schwarzenegger won the Olympia title in 1970. Larry Scott is often cited as the first bodybuilder whose arms broke the 20″ barrier and he credited his amazing upper arm size to performing preacher curls (a/k/a Scott Curls).

Larry was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease in 2012 and was, by all accounts, a positive and optimistic man until the end, despite suffering through the deaths of two of his children.

In a bygone era in which steroids were at their infancy and the bodybuilders who used steroids typically took less than today’s HRT dosages, Larry Scott built a physique that is still far superior to 99% of what we see on a bodybuilding stage nearly 50 years later. This is a testament to his dedication, genetics and training.

Larry Scott will be remembered as not only the first Mr. Olympia but as a symbol of a time when physiques were earned through hard work and not through synthol, growth hormones, and insulin.

MuscleWeek sends its heartfelt condolences to the Scott family.

By R. Knight

It may be premature to talk about the future of Women’s Physique.  Since the division is barely three years old and they just crowned its first Ms. Physique Olympia champion only four months ago.  But let’s face it, Dana Linn Bailey(DLB) can’t win it forever.  So, who is going to be the next star Women’s Physique can put their faith in?  They can start by showing some love for Erykah Blockman.

Erykah Blockman is an outgoing, young lass.  Who can give DLB her money’s worth.  Blockman may not have DLB’s social media presence(At least not yet.).  But, she has all the traits of DLB without coming off as annoying or conceited.  She is an unique beauty and slowly making the powers that be take notice.

Blockman, 26, started her fitness competition “career” on a whim.  When she participated in the 2010 Flex Model Bikini Search.  Which was held during Olympia weekend.  Although, she didn’t place in the event.  It would be the start of her road into becoming an IFBB pro.

In 2011, Blockman entered the NPC Emerald Cup.  One of the NPC’s most prestigious regional shows, she competed in Women’s Bodybuilding and Figure.  While she placed a lowly eighth in the lightweight class in bodybuilding.  She won her class in Figure.  Her next competition was the 2011 NPC Sacramento.  Where she again won her class.  She ended the year with a fifth place finish at the 2011 NPC Nationals.

In 2012, Blockman once again entered the NPC Emerald Cup and again competed in two divisions.  This time, she competed in Figure and Women’s Physique(WP).  Women’s Physique was at the Emerald Cup for the first time.  She defended her class title in Figure.  While she placed third in her class in WP.  Blockman went back to the NPC Nationals.  Where again, she placed fifth in her Class A Figure class.

In 2013, feeling that she had gone as far as she could in Figure.  Blockman decided that she would concentrate on Women’s Physique exclusively.  As she skipped the Emerald Cup, upped her training and set her sights on the 2013 NPC Junior Nationals in Chicago.  When she stepped on stage in Chicago, it was appearant that she was the odds on favorite to win.  Her back and her posing was far superior from the rest and she easily won her class and the overall in Women’s Physique. Which also won her IFBB Pro status.  It was now obvious that a WP star was in the making.

She made her pro debut two months later, at the IFBB Europa Supershow in Dallas, Texas.  Where she placed a respectable sixth.

Blockman was born in California, but now calls Beaverton, Oregon home.  Known as “spitfire” to her friends, she is a licensed paramedic and former firefighter.  She is now a popular personal  trainer.  She is a Liquid Sun Rayz sponsored athlete and a sales representative for Cyclone Cup shakers.  She is also the fraternal twin sister of NPC Bikini competitor, Sondra Blockman.  Who once caused a small storm at the 2012 NPC Nationals for some provocative posing.

It is expected that Ms. Blockman will start her 2014 competitive season at the Emerald Cup on April 26.  Where a pro show will be held for the first time.  Since, she has won there before.  It should be no surprise to see Blockman hold up the winner’s trophy again.  This time, it comes with an invitation to Vegas in late September.  In which case, the future is now.

http://www.facebook.com/erykah.blockman

We are two years in, but for all purposes. The Men’s and Women’s Physique divisions have been a magnificent success for the NPC/IFBB. This year, both divisions crowned their first Olympia champions. Mark Anthony Wingson won the Men’s Physique Olympia title. While, Dana Linn Bailey claimed the Women’s Physique Olympia title. However, while Women’s Physique has become a welcomed addition to the NPC/IFBB Family. Men’s Physique is still looking for an identity and respect by old school followers. Who, for some reason, can’t see what the interest in MP is all about. To those who disdain MP, it’s a disgrace. But, to its supporters. They say its the new era of bodybuilding. MP’s critics are long and furious. But, The numbers are clearly with MP’s supporters.

To its critics, MP is nothing but a damn twink fest. That lowers the standard of true bodybuilding. It’s just a showcase for beach boys to catwalk on stage. While wearing ridiculous looking board shorts. That allows them to cover their legs. Thus, not having to worry about training them. Which makes MP detractors cry that it is bodybuilding without legs.

That probably doesn’t matter anyway. Since, it seems the guy who wins most MP competitions are usually the ones with the best hair and prettiest face. Which makes MP competitions look more like a model search contest than a bodybuilding contest. Some critics have gone as far to call Men’s Physique, “Men’s Bikini”.

Another thing that makes MP’s attackers blood boil is the time MP competitors add to shows that are already long thanks to Bikini. With Bikini and now MP, already dehydrated bodybuilders have to wait longer to get on stage. Bodybuilders usually go last during most competition events. These bodybuilders now have to wait for hours to show their wares. While having to endure tens of Figure, MP, and Bikini competitors. As, they go on stage before them. Which means the bodybuilding side of things doesn’t get decided until well after 12am or later.

MP’s supporters, of course, see it differently. They see MP as a new cash cow for the NPC/IFBB. Who have been searching for a fitness division that will spring into the mainstream for decades. MP’s biggest backers are bodybuilding promoters. who are making decent profits. Thanks to the large number of participants competing in MP. In some shows, MP competitors are outnumbering bodybuilders. In some cases, there are twice as many MP competitors than bodybuilders. The big participation in MP is not only during national events. But, for local and regional events, as well. Add the MP competitor’s girlfriend/boyfriend, family, and friends going to the show. Promoters are making money not only from entries but, from the ticket office as well.

2013 Mr. Physique Olympia Champion, Mark Anthony Wingson

Another large proponent of MP are the competitors themselves. Who are bodybuilders at heart. But, are not interested in pushing the envelope or trying to get big for big sake. MP has given them a chance to compete on stage. For some guys, they can’t achieve the mass that is needed to compete in bodybuilding contests. They see MP as the middle ground that allows them to successfully compete. While not having to go to the extreme.

Another factor that is on MP’s side are the supplement companies. Who are now signing MP competitors to help pimp their products to consumers. Companies are literally falling over themselves to get the next big MP athlete. Resulting in them no longer seeking bodybuilders to promote their products. MP critics see this as MP taking money away bodybuilders. Which they say will make more men want to become MP competitors instead of bodybuilders.

Here’s how I see it. Both sides of the MP debate have good points. But, let’s be frank. Bodybuilding contests are beauty pageants. How can bodybuilders who compete while dipped in oil and wearing thongs call anything a disgrace. Bodybuilders seem to love to rant about how society treats them. Yet, they are first in line to moan about other people’s lives and choices. It seems because of how society treats them, bodybuilders need to reflect some deep seeded insecurity upon the rest of us. So, they can get some necessary ego boost.

That being said, I can see myself saying the same thing about MP competitors in a few years. With their large numbers of participation and seemingly growing popularity, MP will claim to be bigger than bodybuilding. Then, MP competitors will demand that they be the main attraction during the Olympia. MP competitors will demand higher prize money. Which, in turn, the MP competitor will take the place of the bodybuilder as the insecure misfit needing an ego boost.

No matter what the future holds for both bodybuilding and Men’s Physique. It seems that neither will be dropping off the map anytime soon. So, both will have to learn to coexist, live together, and let destiny decide which one best showcases how muscle men are suppose to be.

By R. Knight

On April 11, 2013, a black Porsche Cayenne SUV struck a 78-year old woman who was trying to cross the road. The victim died at the scene. The driver of the SUV was Nicole K. Nagrani.

Yes, that Nicole Nagrani.

Nicole Nagrani, the daughter of IFBB Figure Pro Kristen Nagrani. Nicole Nagrani, the girlfriend of Tyler Manion. Member of the first family of the National Physique Commitee (NPC). Nicole Nagrani, 2011 IFBB Ms. Bikini Olympia Champion. That Nicole Nagrani. Now, you can also called her a killer.

Nicole Nagrani has become the main jewel competitor in the IFBB. Since turning pro in 2010, Nagrani has won 6 titles. Including the 2011 Ms. Bikini Olympia, the youngest person to ever win an Olympia title. She is the most requested of JM Manion’s FMG staple of models. She is also Team Bombshell’s most successful competitor.

Despite all her success, Which included various sponsorships. Nagrani’s life goal was to become a Physican. After the 2013 IFBB Australian Grand Prix, Nagrani took time off from competing. So, she could concentrate on her Pre-Med studies at Stetson University. The private institution is located just under 30 minutes near her home in Daytona Beach, Florida. Nagrani’s father is a doctor.

Nagrani was driving in Port Orange, Florida. She was heading south on South Ridgewood Avenue when she hit Port Orange resident, Leona E. Daniluk. Daniluk was trying to cross the four-lane road when Nagrani struck her. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Nagrani was cited for failure to use due care toward a pedestrian and received a $166.00 citation.

According to Port Orange police reports, Nagrani, now 22, was reaching for her cellphone while driving. When she ran into Daniluk. Port Orange police also obtained a surveillance video. Which showed Nagrani had not taken evasive maneuvers. However, she was going only 30 MPH in a 45 MPH zone. Nagrani also refused to take a blood test.

On November 4, 2013, Nagrani’s hearing was held. Nagrani’s Family lawyer, Tim Herring, argued that Nagrani was not distracted by the cellphone and that Daniluk was at fault for the accident. According to Herring, the statue Nagrani was cited for should have been given to Daniluk. Herring intended that Daniluk caused the accident because she failed to yield and walked in front of the SUV.

Herring requested that the citation and charges be dropped. But, Judge Christopher Kelly rejected Herring’s request and gave Nagrani a $1,000 fine, 120 hours of community service, and her license suspended for six months. Nagrani did not attend the hearing.

Daniluk’s family believed that Nagrani got off scot-free. Daniluk’s family spokesman said the fine should had been more heavy and she should serve jail time, “We think she should get what she deserves, a fine, jail time, license suspended, this is a slap on the wrist”. Daniluk’s daughter, Tina Melincoff also commented “I feel she should have got more than what she got. My mom lost her life. It’s devastating. It’s heartbreaking”.

Leona E. Daniluk

The SUV Nagrani was driving was owned by her father, Mark Nagrani. The Nagrani’s insurance company settled with Daniluk relatives for over $250,000.

More Information can be found here

Yeon Woo Jhi, At The 2013 Arnold Classic Europe.

By R. Knight

In a world of manly muscle women, rarely can one find a nice girl. Who is also chiseled like a greek statue. From a land where even less women do bodybuilding, we find Yeon Woo Jhi.  The land of Asia, Jhi is the one who probably comes close to the perfect muscle woman.  She’s exotic, yet lean. She’s timid, but strong.  She’s shy, yet not afraid to show off her glorious muscles.  She is the type of girl who will read you bedtime story. While she’s cradling you in her arms as she rocks you to sleep. She is what it means to be strong and sexy. The kind of woman Fa Mulan couldn’t dream of being.

Jhi, 29, is somewhat of a mystery. Because of the lack of interest and participation in bodybuilding in her native South Korea, little is known of her competition history or when she started training. What is known is that she started training after meeting, her now husband, Jong Sup Won. Who is bodybuilder as well.

Jhi began competing as a Figure competitor. She participated in various amateur contests in Seoul, South Korea. Where she regularly placed high. Sometime later, Jhi began competing in Bodybuilding as well.

It wasn’t until she made a trip to the United States that Jhi started catching peoples’ eyes. Jhi went to California to support her husband and compete at the 2011 NPC California State Championships. Though, she did not place. She wanted the chance to compete on American soil again. So, she competed at the Memorial Day Muscle Beach International Classic. Not only did she won her class, she won the overall as well. The win gave Jhi more confindence and convinced her to continue moving forward with her training.

For the next several months, Jhi and her husband traveled back to South Korea and the United States to train for the 2011 NPC Excalibur. Now a bodybuilder, Jhi sported a more leaner and defined package. At the Excalibur, Jhi placed second. But, she became sought-after by photographers who wanted to capture her unique, exotic look. Despite keeping a low profile, photos and videos of her kept showing up on the web. As they quickly made her internet sensation. Which give her new fans from all over the world.

After finishing third at the 2012 Ms. Korea Bodybuilding. Jhi relocated from South Korea to Hong Kong. Where she began training to compete in the Women’s Physique Division. Jhi believed she would be perfect for Women’s Physique due to her body structure and shape. In 2013, Jhi participated in the Arnold Classic Europe Amateur Event. Where she competed in Women’s Physique against women from all over the world. Judges were impressed. Not only did she win the 163cm over Class, she won the overall too. The win made her already rising star rise even more and she was now a competitor to look for in the future. However, it’s not sure if she has applied for pro status.

Yeon Woo Jhi, At the 2012 Ms. Korea Bodybuidling Contest.

Yeon Woo Jhi, At The 2013 Arnold Classic Europe Amateur

Yeon Woo Jhi is a true muscle women. She is definitely a woman with muscles. Not a woman looking like a man. She is still in her prime and has what it takes to make waves. Lots of fans and followers are waiting for her next move.

In a story eerily reminiscent of their prior verbal bullying of Maria Kang — the watercooler mom with the six-pack abs — the National Association for the Advancement of Fat People (NAAFP) has focused their sights upon yet another proud mother in choosing to attack new mom Caroline Berg Eriksen. In relinquishing their attack upon Maria Kang, NAAFP Executive Director Beth Macbeth announced that ‘We are no longer interested in attacking an ordinary fit mom like Miss Kang, when there are hotter, more fit and more famous moms we can attack.” Berg-Eriksen is the wife of pro soccer player Lars Kristian Eriksen and by even the toughest standards as measured on the EU-accepted Montana Scale rates as a 9.25, while Beckett’s Monthly grades her out as a 9.4 in Gem Mint Condition.

In her court appearance yesterday before the 2nd Circuit Training, Eriksen pled ‘Not Guilty’ to charges of Attention Whoring in the 3rd Degree, Attempted Inferiority Complexing, and Intentional Infliction of Emotional Eating Distress. Outside the courthouse, Eriksen was besieged by requests from High Cholesterol Rights Groups to remove her Instagram photos for the sake of improving the self-esteem of Oprah fans across the country. Reporters followed her to New York hotspot Liquiteria, where Eriksen indulged in a double shot of wheat grass before removing a kitchen scale from her satchel and weighing herself at 925 ounces.

After smiling proudly for the paparazzi, Eriksen was about to address reports of a rumored endorsement with Rickshaw Rice Cakes when she was brutally assaulted by an Afro-American woman who snuck up behind her and proceeded to shove a marshmallow cookie in her mouth. In what Fox News is calling the ‘Mallomar Game’, big beautiful black women select random skinny white bitches and launch a vicious caloric assault on them. For his part, CNN’s Anderson Cooper is accusing Eriksen of provoking the attack for being straight, white and beautiful.

Eriksen was treated for her injuries and released from the Promises Equinox Addiction Treatment Center after 45 minutes on the treadmill at 3.6 mph on a 5.5 incline. For his part, Mr. Eriksen has chosen to remain silent, which only makes him an accomplice in the eyes of the NAAFP. Said Macbeth: “For a man to spend nine months next to his wife every night, and not stuff her face with Magnolia cupcakes, Fritos and Ben and Jerry’s Phish Flavor Ice Cream is tantamount to spousal abuse. Study after study from the Mount Holyoke School of Lesbian Dominance shows that skinny women are seventeen times more likely to be victims of domestic violence. We hereby call upon obese Mexicans everywhere to boycott soccer and churros until Hans Kristian Andersen is officially removed from the FIFA Federation.”

Since this story broke, Eriksen has retreated to her 14,000 square foot high-rise apartment where a photographer for the New York Post recently snapped controversial photos of her doing sit-ups hanging upside down by her ankles from the balcony while nursing her newborn. Her publicist later clarified that those were, in fact, ‘Reburpees’ and that breastfeeding is actually healthier when performed in an inverted manner. The NAAFP, however, disagrees, and adamantly opposes all forms of breast-feeding, which they claim is an act of bullying, which intimidates mothers who prefer to feed their newborns Chinese-manufactured formula containing dyes, toxins, trace elements and other rare metals that the NAAFP claim are ‘vital to prepare babies for the onslaught of dyes, toxins, trace elements and other rare metals found in life-saving vaccines.’

With the lines being drawn in the proverbial sand, it appears that only the United Nations can forge an agreement between the narcissists who love themselves and the fascists who hate everyone better than themselves. One can only hope that the upcoming E3 Conference in Las Vegas can help the two sides mend fences and find the middle ground between obtuse delusions of grandeur and the obese derision of glamour.

by Special Ed

IFBB Pro Bodybuilder Greg Kovacs died today at the young age of 44. After turning professional by winning the 1995 Canadian Provincials, Greg quickly became one of the most popular professional bodybuilders by virtue of being featured in Muscletech advertisements that lined the pages of every major muscle magazine. The ads touted Greg as possessing 25 inch arms and tipping the scales at 400 lbs with abs. Although he never lived up to his promise as a competitive bodybuilder on the big stage, Greg’s reputation as the world’s largest bodybuilder made him a sensation at Expos and bodybuilding contests across the globe and his poor placings at IFBB Pro Shows never impacted his ability to make jaws drop when seeing the man in person.

I had the great experience to see Greg on the IFBB stage at the 2001 Night of Champions, where his return to the stage was highly anticipated. Unfortunately, Greg’s once-aesthetic physique was already on the down-side. A report from the show criticized his appearance:

Everyone’s favorite non-bodybuilder, Greg Kovacs, was without question the most awful sight on the stage. From the moment he walked onstage, groans and screams of disgust were heard from the crowd. Greg’s distended belly overhung his waist by almost a foot.  And he could not even suck it in at all. It was quite atrocious.  He was not even in contest condition.  One can only assume that Muscletech gave him a “Do the NOC or lose the contract” ultimatum,  for why else would Greg embarass himself in this manner? Fifteen minutes into the pre-judging, Greg walked off the stage and never returned.

His appearance over the years slowly transformed from an aesthetic bodybuilder to a mass monster to a virtual freak show fallen victim to Palumboism — the condition in which a distended abdomen grossly protrudes from the body, oil deposits appear obvious and the arms and legs exhibit muscular atrophy. Despite his failure to compete in many professional events, Greg maintained a large degree of popularity, which was resurrected when his old friend and fellow deceased IFBB Pro Nasser El-Sonbaty revealed Greg’s inability to wipe his own hindquarters without the assistance of his wife, who carried an extra towel wherever they went.

In recent years, Greg maintained a relatively low profile, training local clients and occasionally contributing to the RXMuscle website. At just 44 years old, Greg joins a list of immensely popular bodybuilders whose lives have ended too soon.

Rest in Peace, Greg.