“Craziest Thing Ever Right. It’s Like a Catch-22”: Jay Cutler and Milos Sarcev Explain How Bodybuilding Beast Dominated the Olympia World Without the Best Physique in the 90s

Bodybuilding as an institution has evolved, and so have its champions. In the classical era, qualities like symmetry, proportion, and leanness were in demand. Be it Frank Zane’s stomach vacuum or Arnold Schwarzenegger’s tapered-shaped physique, aesthetics were the cornerstone of the 1970s and 1980s. But in the 1990s, a mass monster era took birth. The strength athletes hoping to lift the Sandow Trophy trained to acquire massive proportions. 

It was also the era when many talented bodybuilders fought for the top, like Flex Wheeler, Kevin Levrone, Lee Priest, and many more. But only one champion reached the pinnacle of success, leaving the best behind. Earlier, Jay Cutler, Milos Sarcev, and Manager Matt delved into many interesting topics about the sport. Their discussion also veered towards the 1990s and the six-time undefeated champion.

Jay Cutler and Milos Sarcev discuss the 1993 Olympia.

In the 89th episode of the Cutler Cast Podcast, the dynamic bodybuilders of yesteryear discussed the golden era hailed by Sarcev as the best time for bodybuilding. He also opined that Flex Wheeler and Kevin Levrone had better physiques than Dorian Yates. However, when it came to deconstructing the poses, Sarcev had other views. 

He said, “Did he deserve to win? You know what? he did. So here comes the bodybuilding judging. okay. I’m a fan of these physiques, yes, but then when I analyse pose by pose, damn!” The four times Mr. Olympia agrees with Sarcev, he adds, “It’s the craziest thing ever, right? It’s like a catch-22.”

Read More: “Not in Proportion”: Bodybuilding World Rages Over Kings of the Mass Monster Era Under 6x Mr. Olympia Beast’s Throwback Picture

Sarcev then reminisced about the 1993 Mr. Olympia competition and how he was upset with the outcome but, in hindsight, saw that the judges had their reasons. “93 Flex Wheeler, I thought. Yeah, that was the worst thing for the bodybuilding they’re giving them, Dorian. You know, it should be Flex, right? But then, when you look at the actual comparisons, you know, This pose, this pose, this pose, you know he smokes.” However, Yates had his perspective, considering 1993 his most decisive win.

The year Dorian Yates shocked everyone

The Beast from Britain had started a winning streak in 1992, although he was just a rookie. But in 1993, he unveiled a new physique on stage that looked humongous. Earlier, the Shadow shared a throwback picture, spotlighting his journey. He wrote against the black-and-white posing picture, “Game changed. I do believe that my win at the 1993 Mr. Olympia was the most dominant in Olympia history. Only one call out was needed for the judges to make up their minds, I believe.”

Furthermore, Mr. Olympia (1992–1997) revealed his strategy behind the titles. He combined dry conditioning, size, and leanness to achieve a “balance” in his physique, which stood out despite standing among the best. Thus, there was no holding back the mass monster. Views may vary because the interpretation is very subjective, but, arguably, fans are thankful to witness such great bodybuilders grace the stage. Have you checked out the podcast? Let us know in the comments. 

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