TEAM 619 MUSCLE's desert showdown!

The 2009 USA's held in Las Vegas this weekend made history! With over 460 competitors, this even was the largest bodybuilding competition ever held! Congratulations to super-promoter, Jon Lindsay and his crew for organizing a smooth, streamlined, top-quality event that was a pleasure to participate in-whether athlete, attendee or sponsor, it appeared to be a high-quality experience for all; special thanks to Mr. Jon Lindsay, Mr. Manion and the NPC for giving these athletes a means express the competitive spirit and drive that surely inhabits the soul of each of these physique warriors.

Participation in an event of this magnitude can be humbling. The physiques were amazing, the sheer depth of quality muscle almost overwhelming. Trying to conceptualize the sum-total of all the work required to shape and build the bodies on display last night is nearly impossible. It's a true testament to the spirit and drive, the will and determination of our very species. Consider the amount of individual focus and persistence required to build and shape beauty, to strive for individual perfection, and multiply that by the sheer number of athletes that graced the stage last night in the desert...simply amazing.

I think that's the true beauty of bodybuilding and what it represents to me. It is a personal journey, a daily test of grit, to push oneself through previously unexplored limits. It's not the winning of a trophy that gives this journey meaning - rather, it's the completion of a long journey through which one has tested himself. To be able to say, "I have done everything possible to be my best. I have worked harder than ever before. This is the best I can be for me, right here, right now...my own personal physique perfection." - in truth, I believe this is the victory each athlete aspires to. The rest is just icing.







-Pete