2009 NZFBB Auckland Champs

[laurasaur]

Am I reading the results correctly?

There were 57 competitors?

Looking at the list of results it would appear that nearly every single competitor either won or placed.

22 classes with 11 of the classes having only 1 or 2 competitors in them.

How is this a contest?

This is just a day of trophy presentations.

Absolute crap.

Don't get me wrong, we have them here in Australia too - they are a joke. How is this helping bodybuilding?

The Sportsmodels looked embarrassing, but thats no surprise as most of them jumped in at the last minute and were dancers from that Dance Routine that put most of the crowd asleep.

And what about the delays, not much has been said about those.

Competitors were asked to be at the venue at 8.45am but Moe didn't show up until 10.00am, with the start time supposed to be 9.30am.

Can someone please confirm if this is true?

I believe the night show started 45mins late and dragged on forever with the only highlights being the emcee and big Mike's routine. (Well done Mike).

Sounded like a comedy of errors to me, but I wasn't there, but those that were have expressed this view to me.

I'd be interested on everyone's feedback and assessment with how the show was run.

From all reports the competitor standard was great which is the main thing of course, but some better organisational skills would be appreciated next time by the sounds of it.

Yeah well regarding to the trophies its always like this in minority sports in NZ. Same as power lifting, there simply isn't the sheer quantity of athletes to provide the competition that is needed. That's why the "Overall" winner of each class was probably the coolest for me, seeing who the judges thought was the best. Shame that most people had left by then though

[Outlaw53]

It's still a trophy presentation, there are no losers, everyone either wins or places.

Its easy to fix - just don't have as many classes.

22 is a bit over the top isn't it?

Do the maths: 22 X 3 placegetters.

That means the show needs at least 66 competitors to fill out the placings.

I dunno about NZ, but here in Aust, unless it is a National show, then 66 competitors is a massive amount of competitors, any promoter would take those numbers.

So why are there so many classes?

Why not cut the classes to around half and create a contest?

I'm not trying to be rude, but those titles are not worth much, you've got a one in 2 or 3 chance of winning just for showing up.

Again, it is the same here in Australia, we have more and more shows that are simply trophy presentations.

Thats pretty much what this show was.

Surely the competitors deserve to be given a decent competition.

If I was a competitor I would be very disappointed to be standing next to only 1 or 2 other competitors.

All that hard training and dieting for nothing.

Some classes only had 1 competitor, how disappointing is that?

Perhaps this is why everyone had left by the time the Overall was on, they were all bored shitless watching trophy presentation after trophy presentation.

[biggurl27]

2 words Outlaw SHUT IT! Stop going on about shows that you have not even attended you sound like a moaning bitch!

[Debszie]

Are there any photos of these 'bikini girls' so I can have a look and compare them to the other women? So I can see what all the controversy is about? :shock:

[Android]

I didn't enjoy waiting outside the venue for an hour with my pre-paid ticket in hand. The setup was same as any other show so I don;'t see the harm in letting us sit down in the venue while organisers go about their things.

Apart from the Novice Mens which was a good group I think they could have combined classes, at every event I go to I see Masters split 3 or 4 ways and each competitor gets a 1st or 2nd place trophy. I expect the argument is it's not fair for a 50 or 60 yr old to compete against a 40 yr old and that's a valid point but f*ck 'em, the old fellas must have a closet full of 1st and 2nd placed trophies already :-) LOL that'll get me haters-mail...same goes for the old ladies, throw them all in together, old is old, period. If the 40-yr olds had any balls they'd be in the Open class anyway.

The Figure girls were just amazing this is one of my favourite classes. A toned girl with low b/f has a great shape, every single one of them looked great...did I mention they looked good 8)

When the Bikini models came out the family next to me got up and walked out. They never came back and we were in front-row $$$ seats so I doubt they went and sat up the back, they just left. I joked with a friend of mine that I was just watching to see a wardrobe malfunction but alas it wasn't meant to be, and not for lack of staring...geez guys we need to focus our Mojo on just one girl and maybe, just maybe, it'll happen.

I would never criticize the girls, their shapes and sizes were all unique and they were well presented, but I do think they were all brave to be judged separately from the rest of the show which was in the morning.

My personal preference wasn't up on the stage that night but oh well maybe next time!

The money thing with Moe and Nathan was as he said just a little joke between them...I don't personally believe they should involve us the audience in their little fetishes and it was crass.

I would walk off stage if he ever tries that when I am up there, it's pathetic...go on Moe try me, try and get 2 lovely girls to stuff $100 notes down my budgie-smugglers I dare you ;-)

Overall I got to see what I came to look at, the competitors and BigMD before he hits the States.

I was impressed with quite a few of the Novices. I had never seen Nato before as I didn't watch the NABBA Nationals last year, he was the best on the night and deserved the win. Big unit and a definite favourite going into the Nationals.

Finally the guest posers. BigMD delivered a great routine he really suits the part of a romanesque character and I was was watching his lip-syncing more than his routine for a while there - doh! He reminds me of the Italian/Oz Pro that got his invite to the Olympia at the Pro show in March. Little smaller for sure but same shape and fantastic balance in the Arms, triceps were popping out!

Moe looked great on stage, mass monsters always do it's freak'n awesome to watch.

Thanks Moe for a great night of cheap entertainment (cheap as in only $40, no pun intended)

[laurasaur]

I agree 100% with everything Android just said... nicely done. Maybe apart from the wardrobe malfunction part but we had something similar going on haha

[Debszie]

Woah I just had a quick look at the photos - do some of those dudes put socks/bananas/small animals in the front of their :nod: thongs or.........

[Outlaw53]

2 words Outlaw SHUT IT! Stop going on about shows that you have not even attended you sound like a moaning bitch!

LOL..........a bit touchy are we? :grin:

I have only stated facts.

It was a long unorganised drawn-out show that saw most people leave at half time and pretty much every competitor either win or place.

Whats to like about that?

The results are here in black and white for everyone to see, I haven't made anything up.

I have simply asked for answers to a few questions.

I don't suppose you could confirm or deny them since you obviously know more than me.

[oomps]

Gee... Wow... Ok... Here goes... It's Oomps here... I have been blessed to be asked to run the backstage of many of the NZFBB shows around New Zealand and also have helped out at NABBA. After all... Bodybuilding is bodybuilding isn't it?

There where 57 competitors... correct!

The Bikini girls were not professional bikini girls... Correct! No kidding I hear you say BUT the winner was a 26yr old girl who has here own promotions business and has done bikini modeling before. as she said before hand... She's feels to old to do this but what the heck... What the heck is right... Not bad for $600.00 to stand in front of everyone in a bikini... Good on you.

Now... The other girls were part of the dance troup who were blimen amazing. Normally I personally can't stand dance groups as their standard is often terrible. These girls WERE a cut above the rest and we all were amazingly surprised. check out the show DVD eventually to prove my point and for you to give your opinion. Anyway... For young females to jump on a stage and walk away with $300 and $200 respectively good on them. Nice to have money when your that age! Good luck to them.

We managed to get all the 57 competitors through to the judging in 1.5hrs. Everyone ready, tanned, pumped up and prepared. An amazing group of athletes who seemed cool, calm and collected but were a lot of fun.

They also left the backstage surprisngly clean which helped us immensley.

The MC Terry Hills carried the show brilliantly and as most of you are aware this week is running the Masterton show. His charisma, character and ethics is recognised around New Zealand across both Federations. Nice to have honesty around aye!

So anyway... After raving on... Before you (anyone) bags a show... Any show please think of us backstage, the helps, the MC's and the Athletes. By bagging the shows you're bagging everyone...

See you backstage next week, Wgtn, Nationals and Wanganui... COme say hi...

Train hard, eat well, stay focussed! Win with your mind first.

Oomps

[Outlaw53]

2 words Outlaw SHUT IT! Stop going on about shows that you have not even attended you sound like a moaning bitch!

Perhaps you should read Android's post.

It sounds pretty much like what I said except he was possibly not quite as blunt as me.

He went to the show and observed many of the things that I posted earlier.

Maybe you need to open your eyes a bit wider and see the bigger picture.

[oomps]

saw most people leave at half time and pretty much every competitor either win or place.

Whats to like about that?

The results are here in black and white for everyone to see, I haven't made anything up.

Ok... Damn Brah... I hardly ever come on to this site to reply but you seriously like to trash things?

The placed was packed until the end! The number of competitors to the number of categories can swing anyway. even you know that. Nationals we had 140 people and a lot more categories and as you are probably aware not everyone walked away with a trophy. At the end of the day because they got a trophy doesn't mean they'll place at Nationals!

Let it go.

Oomps

[Outlaw53]

Gee... Wow... Ok... Here goes... It's Oomps here... I have been blessed to be asked to run the backstage of many of the NZFBB shows around New Zealand and also have helped out at NABBA. After all... Bodybuilding is bodybuilding isn't it?

There where 57 competitors... correct!

The Bikini girls were not professional bikini girls... Correct! No kidding I hear you say BUT the winner was a 26yr old girl who has here own promotions business and has done bikini modeling before. as she said before hand... She's feels to old to do this but what the heck... What the heck is right... Not bad for $600.00 to stand in front of everyone in a bikini... Good on you.

Now... The other girls were part of the dance troup who were blimen amazing. Normally I personally can't stand dance groups as their standard is often terrible. These girls WERE a cut above the rest and we all were amazingly surprised. check out the show DVD eventually to prove my point and for you to give your opinion. Anyway... For young females to jump on a stage and walk away with $300 and $200 respectively good on them. Nice to have money when your that age! Good luck to them.

We managed to get all the 57 competitors through to the judging in 1.5hrs. Everyone ready, tanned, pumped up and prepared. An amazing group of athletes who seemed cool, calm and collected but were a lot of fun.

They also left the backstage surprisngly clean which helped us immensley.

The MC Terry Hills carried the show brilliantly and as most of you are aware this week is running the Masterton show. His charisma, character and ethics is recognised around New Zealand across both Federations. Nice to have honesty around aye!

So anyway... After raving on... Before you (anyone) bags a show... Any show please think of us backstage, the helps, the MC's and the Athletes. By bagging the shows you're bagging everyone...

See you backstage next week, Wgtn, Nationals and Wanganui... COme say hi...

Train hard, eat well, stay focussed! Win with your mind first.

Oomps

Point taken, I have heard as far away as Australia that the emcee and the crew of helpers did a wonderful job.

They do at nearly every show I go to, I'm sure it was probably only due to them that the show eventually got started.

They are hardly to blame for the poor organisation of the day.

The promoter always shoulders the blame for this.

[Debszie]

So does all this....friendly banter...mean that there were stuffed animals in the male competitors thongs? :pfft:

[oomps]

Point taken, I have heard as far away as Australia that the emcee and the crew of helpers did a wonderful job.

They do at nearly every show I go to, I'm sure it was probably only due to them that the show eventually got started.

They are hardly to blame for the poor organisation of the day.

The promoter always shoulders the blame for this.

Thank you... Much appreciated... Not getting at you personally but as I understand from some one such as yourself who runs shows a lot of what is said afterwards is "hear say" and although you touched on some correct points some were a bit incorrect...

Take care

Oomps

[biggurl27]

Outlaw yeah I do get a little touchy when most of the posts I see of yours are saying how shit shows are and bagging them... when you have not attended them yourself.

Overall most of the spectators enjoyed the show. Androids post was a good rendition of how things went from a spectators perspective, yes there were a few little hiccups but overall it was a great show. The competitors seemed to enjoy the night and possitive feedback has been received from many.

[1day]

2 words Outlaw SHUT IT! Stop going on about shows that you have not even attended you sound like a moaning bitch!

:clap: well said. dnt bother moaning about our comps wen ur not even attending them. yea sure there was delays etc but waa, was still a nite out and we got so see some fine atheletes, wasnt a waste of 3ish hrs on the road in my books. :wink:

I didn't enjoy waiting outside the venue for an hour with my pre-paid ticket in hand.

ahahaha, LMAO!! yea we all seen ur angry face standing at the top of the stairs :pfft:

[laurasaur]

So does all this....friendly banter...mean that there were stuffed animals in the male competitors thongs? :pfft:

Dude I don't know eh but I'd love to know how that works

[andymac]

The placed was packed until the end!

That is a lie. See what a few of the others here have said about this:

eg:

Yeah well regarding to the trophies its always like this in minority sports in NZ. Same as power lifting, there simply isn't the sheer quantity of athletes to provide the competition that is needed. That's why the "Overall" winner of each class was probably the coolest for me, seeing who the judges thought was the best. Shame that most people had left by then though

People started to leave at the interval and substantial numbers had left after the bikini debacle. Many were rather pissed at that point. People continued to leave. It was getting light on numbers by the end. That was really, really sad. The "bikini" girls had something to do with that, but it all just went on too long. I've given Moe a B+ so its not all bad, but needs streamlining for next time.

[luv.me.oats]

Not sure if my list was read out on the night - by here goes it,

Big Moe

My sis for putting up with my moodiness/scattered behavour leading up. My 'the big boss' - training partners - Andrew Van Lent, Del Preet and Andrew Johnston. My grrrll Jody Dirx - thanks for helping me all weekend, Lee G, Enz Murphy, Jason Harrison, Jax Jarret, Cathy Orevich, Fi Wallace, Craig Lucas & the boys @Hardcore Aussie Muscle and Les Mills

Also at the show, Mark De Lew you do an awesome job back stage as always and Terry Hills. Can't wait til Nats in the Tron.

Ps - Some catch phrases which we came up with during our pump up/excessive sugar consumption back stage courtesy of Julie Harris, Tracy Frost, Cathy Orevich, Sheree Taunui-fontaine and myself

- Hold my tits

- no sharing of jellies

- Keep it tight

if your lucky you may even get see the little ditty Julie came up with as a warm up, lol \:D/

[AllenNZ]

Got this of the Gofigure web site

The poster of the NZFBB Auckland Champs held a lot of excitement and promise. The Champs was a changing of the guard from Mark Stewart who'd organized the Akl Champs for many years to Moe Moussawi, an IFBB Pro. A professional athlete who'd competed in many shows and probably attended many more so he knew what a good show should be, so expectations were high from everyone.

He was taking on the responsibility to take care of athletes and spectators alike. The poster promised a spectacular show which included special guests current Ms Olympia Figure Jen Gates and of course Moe himself was going to guest pose along with Kiwi Mike Debenham. Plus there's the anticipation of seeing Kiwi boxer Shane Cameron and also an exciting dance troupe was going to be there. So yes, many in the bodybuilding community were excited at seeing their own athletes on stage.

But alas, this show was overhyped and under delivered. It began at the morning show when athletes were asked to be at the venue for briefing at 8.45am for a 9.30am start.

Bodybuilders and lovers of bodybuilders alike of course were there right on time as they don't want to miss out on their friends and families competing. But when it was time for the show to start there was no ticket booth and no one was to be seen selling tickets. So there they were, 57 athletes waiting to do their thing and about 100 more waiting to buy tickets which aren't there.

The ticket seller (think it was Moe actually) finally arrived around 10am and was pounced upon by some anxious supporters who don't want to miss out. Later we found out that not even plastic was put up in the dressing room on contest morning and there was no weights. So more time was lost waiting for that to happen we assume.

The show finally got a start at 10.15am while people were still buying tickets to get in.

Once the show started it moved very quickly and was finished by 11.45am!

The night show pretty much picked up where the day show left off...another late start. The show was due to kick off at 5.30pm. Sure we expect delays at shows. 15-20min is understandable, but 45min is pushing the boundaries. Athletes have had a long day, most probably have been up since 5am (especially since they had to be at early briefing time of 8.45am) and delaying the night show just makes their day that much longer. Around 250 people were standing waiting around and if you know what the Akl Girls Grammar venue is like you'll know there's not much room indoors and most were forced to stand in the outside cold air. So a lot of people were uncomfortable and ready to see some action.

We were all looking forward to the spectacular of the promised entertainment and of course the routines of the 57 athletes. We were prepared for a long night but 4.5 hours was just way too long and boring, with the show finally finishing at 11.30pm. During that time we saw some great athletes (which we'll talk about in another segment) with some tidbits of information and action thrown in.

Some of these segments included;

* announcing that the IFBB are researching whether its viable to have the Men's Worlds here in 2010. I mean yes, great news, but did we need to have the letter read out and watch the video from the president as well? That's 10min wasted right there. Does not mean the Worlds are going to be held here so why the fuss.

* Moe gives Jo Stewart a Pro card. Another 10 min.

* Great to see Ms Olympia Jen Gates taking the time to come to NZ for a whirlwind 5 day trip. She chatted to Terry and shared some history and her contest plans for the year. She's trained as paedaeatric nurse. Productive 10min.

* Mike Debenham guest posing. Thank goodness for Mike! He really put some effort into his guest posing to the music from Flash Gordon. He's a great mover and got into the crowd and gave them a close up glimpse of his physique. Afterwards he spoke with Terry Hills about how his contest plan's going for the Florida comp. Another 15min but we're ok with that.

* Moe guest posed. I think it was more like a quick 10 poses, run into the audience, flex a bit then finish. So wasn't really a choreographed guest posing routine as such. He then talked to Terry. Another 10min.

* Kiwi boxer Shane Cameron no showed. Saved 10min.

* A dance troupe. Another 10min but felt like half an hour

* 25 min intermission. Much longer than necessary

So, as you can see, much of the night show was tedious and really didn't have any flow. The athletes were kept waiting while all these special activities were happening and the audience had to endure it. Sure by all means, do all the above but perhaps some better time management would help.

The saving grace of the whole evening was the amazing Terry Hills who was Master of Ceremonies. He was probably the saviour of the morning show too as I'm sure he got behind the scenes making sure everything was set up. Terry did a great job keeping things running smoothly under stressing circumstances.

Addition: we forgot to mention that in addition to Terry's hands on effort, recognition should also be given to the backstage helpers Mark Delew, Jody Dirx, Andrew Van Lent who got their hands dirty to make this show run smoothly behind the scenes at least.

Some people aren't going to agree or like my review but I am not alone in my thoughts, I'm just brave enough to express them. Granted its Moe's first show so it's expected that things aren't going to go smoothly first time so we'll excuse him.

These points are just guides for him for his future shows if he wants to keep the athletes and spectators happy, and that's what a show is all about.

Lisa, Go Figure

21 June 09

[Outlaw53]

Outlaw yeah I do get a little touchy when most of the posts I see of yours are saying how shit shows are and bagging them... when you have not attended them yourself.

Overall most of the spectators enjoyed the show. Androids post was a good rendition of how things went from a spectators perspective, yes there were a few little hiccups but overall it was a great show. The competitors seemed to enjoy the night and possitive feedback has been received from many.

Its all good mate.

I take nothing personally with any of the posts on this or any other forum.

My point is that just about every bodybuilding show these days is just a trophy presentation.

You can all get shitty and grumpy with me but thats exactly what this show was, another trophy presentation.

I love bodybuilding and if I thought running "trophy presentations" was going to help the sport then I would keep quiet and pull my head in.

But shows like this are not helping the sport one iota.

It simply bastardises all the hard earned titles that our previous champions won in times where you earned your trophy, not just got one for showing up.

Promoters and federations are to blame for this.

If they continue to run "trophy presentations" instead of "competitions" then the sport is doomed.

I'm prepared to cop as much abuse as you all want to give me, (hell, I cop it here in Aust too), if it means getting bodybuilding back to where it used to be.

I understand that you will get the odd class or two where no one shows up, I have no problems with that, but when you have 22 classes you can guarantee that it will be impossible to fill them all.

I fail to see how bodybuilding will improve with shows that have 22 classes but only 57 athletes competing in them?

I am simply asking why do we need so many classes?

If half of you lot were even alive 35yrs ago, let alone attending bodybuilding shows back then, then you would know that there were bigger crowds, more competitors, better venues and better run shows than there are these days.

Flame away.

[Darwinstef]

Wow, hard to believe so much shit slinging over a regional show! Better be careful or no one will want to run/or help out at one and I personally appreciate the effort people put into these shows. So what if its not perfect, its not like its a huge money making venture and most are run by volunteers. Lighten up team.

I have to agree with BG, Outlaw you say the same thing over and over again. We get it, let it go. If people get trophys then good on them, I'm not sure why its such a big deal (and please don't repeat all your arguements again, they have been taken onboard).

Yes, I was being a bit devlishly mean and would never say such hurtful things to any of the girls' faces.

Prehaps if you arn't prepeared to say it to their faces then you should keep it to yourself?? A good rule to work to if you can.

[Android]

I didn't enjoy waiting outside the venue for an hour with my pre-paid ticket in hand.

ahahaha, LMAO!! yea we all seen ur angry face standing at the top of the stairs :pfft:

I didn't know what you guys looked like but you know my mug shot LOL...suppose I walked straight past Optimass too at some point in the night too without recognizing him too. Few guys were eyeing me up but I get that all the time hahaha.....*puke*

Oh and BigGurl, your contest photo doesn't do u justice, you're way younger looking I was expecting a 30-something person to be BigGurl but u aren't

[weener lad]

Firstly congrads to all who competed and BIG MD we want to see this routine before you fly out. :nod:

BUT...............

Not bad for $600.00 to stand in front of everyone in a bikini... Good on you.

Please tell me this isn't true.

Did NATO receive $600 worth of prizes for his overall win????? Does any bodybuilder of any class get even close to a prize package worth this, I think not.

It's a bodybuilding comp how about the major rewards go to those who spend months (if not years) working on their physique and give the minor prizes to the bikini models who wouldn't have put in that sort of time. :evil:

[ngai2]

Seriously, what did you think about the standard of the girls in the bikini class. Did they deserve to be on the same stage as real athletes who have put in many years of genuine hard effort, dieted like crazy and put together great posing routines. Those girls turn up so out of shape they shouldn't be on stage and you think that's all cool? I know a lot of the aduience and some competitors thought it was a bit of an insult.

Hmmm ... the standards and criteria had been set down for the bikini class - yes? Oh well if the girls who entered think they measured up to the criteria so be it... they had been given the chance to compete and win some money.. and whether they looked the part or not they had enough guts to get up there and do it so good on them! However personally I thought it was a joke and would prefer not to see another bikini class at any other comp! What a waste of time!!!!

The figure girls on the other hand ..... some impressive figures in the open class..l Looks like NZFBB might be changing their criteria here as well as the winner seemed to look more like a physique competitor than a figure!!

Does it really matter if criteria has been set down for classes with regards to what a competitor should look like in a certain class... I think not ... as this was clearly obvious in both these classes! :naughty: