| When I first posted the "Controversial Report Coming Soon" on my updates page, I really didnt expect such a large response!! I guess everyone is looking for reasons as to why the USA team didnt fair so well! The answer???....I dont know either!!! But, here is what the USA had to deal with as a team..... Firstly, our delegates Jim Manion and Sandy Ranalli were unable to attend. Jim injured his knee, requiring surgery (people do not realise how much of an impact he has at these shows) He was "The Man" at the '99 IFBB Worlds. He made sure we were respected and treated fairly. Without him, I feel we were a little lost. Sandy (who also knows how the system works overseas) wasn't able to attend due to a death in her family. (deepest sympathy to you) . With these two not there, our sole delegate was Ken Taylor an IFBB judge. Unfortunately, he didnt have the "pull" that Jim or Sandy does. Our American flag was not held up at the hall the show was located at. Why??? I dont know!! Ken was questioned about his vote made in the bantamweight class. They questioned an IFBB judge?? Why? Because he gave a 1st to Marvin Ward. He damn well deserved it too!!! 4th for Marv?? No way! And to boot, last years winner didnt even make top 6??? He looked just as good. How's this for hospitality?? We had to take a 2 hour bus ride from the airport to the Hotel.....NO air-conditioning!!! Over 90 degrees and humid as hell. Over 25 BBers on an unair-conditioned bus for that long?? Windows couldnt even be opened. Half of these guys were watching their water intake due to the weigh in taking place soon. What were these "hosts" thinking??? Tito Raymond (middleweight), suffered from this big time!! He managed to get slight heat stroke and needed to lay down for 6 hours to recover!! But before he could even do that, we had to wait another 2 hours before we could even get into our hotel rooms. My wife and I roomed with Tito and his girl, Amy. We felt so bad for him, seeing him in that condition, knowing that we were all about to step onstage for such an important show!! Luckily, he bounced back after a good rest. I have to say, the whole team kept a positive frame of mind throughout the trip. True champions! We all reflected about the show while we were eating around the buffet tables, both good and bad experiences of the entire 3 days, so some closure was felt. |
| As far as my outcome?......I found my placing to be 7th!! Now, I am honest about my condition to myself and have absolutely no idea how I wasnt even compared to the top 6!! But yet, guys who placed 10th were compared to the top 6???? Go figure!! What I do know is I looked the best I ever have!! My game plan was right on track, I did everything I wanted, had the confidence on stage that I wanted...But, in my own personal "opinion", they just did not give me a chance. I am proud of how I looked. Proud to represent the USA, enjoyed the time I sopent with the other USA team members (especially Tito and Amy) and managed to learn a lot from the whole experience. I must also say this...... Gina.....you have been my training partner, my confidence builder, helped me adjust my diet, and have been my best friend. You helped me to achieve my best "look" of all time.....and I thank you. And for all you wondering what is in store for the FREAK????...Well, I am not going anywhere!!!!.......I am coming back better!!! Yes, BETTER!!!......When will I compete? Who knows......USA's, Team Universe, Nationals?.....Hell, I might do them all!!!!! I am the FREAK, I am gonna "wipe my own ass" and kick it for 2001 ~!!! |
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| Derik with last year's winner and this year's 4th place Lightweight |
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| Marvin Ward and Skip LaCour |
| Derik after the first coat of ProTan |
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| Finally found Marv the missing link |