Muscle Universe Weekend in Miami (June 22-24) is the biggest natural bodybuilding and fitness modeling expo and competition in the United States. Whether you come for the Fitness Universe Pageant, Model Universe Championships, Ms. Bikini Universe, Figure Universe or Muscle Mania this event is unmatched in the industry when it comes to competition and exposure.
Muscle Mania:
I have been to bodybuilding shows all over the country and competed in many. I can tell you that there are not many shows where such great competition and talent all end up underneath one roof. Just about every competitor that was on stage definitely looked like they belonged there. The competition was stiff and the posing routines during the finals were intense bringing a great atmosphere to the final evening. From splits to back flips to heading offstage into the audience for some flexes, and even pushups on the edge of the stage to rap artist Eminem’s “Till I Collapse” there was enough energy in the room to make the Energizer Bunny look like Eeyore the Donkey.
Congrats to the first place finishers: Alvin Viernes (Junior Short), Jiri Borkovec (Junior Tall), Tuan Tran (Novice Lightweight), Lazo Freeman (Novice Heavyweight), Jeffrey Backham (Professional), Ronald Miranda (Lightweight), Cleveland Thomas (Middleweight), David Lovelace (Light Heavyweight), and Kevin Bribbin (Heavyweight).
New on AAG, an exclusive featuring European powerhouse bodybuilder, JiriModel Universe:
Blue Steal? Magnum? Le Tigre? Derek Zoolander’s versatility would have been no match for the versatility seen by the male model contestants at Model Universe. Each contestant brought different looks to the runway as they modeled in the Sportswear, Clubwear, and Swimwear. The male modeling division of this weekend ran smooth, albeit a little long. The late night, however, did not seem to phase the models who kept fun, relaxed, and pleasant looks on their faces even as some of their carb depleted bodies inwardly cried out for sustenance. The sheer joy of competition seemed to be nourishment enough.
The Top 5 Place Finishers in the Miami Men’s Model Universe and their overall score were:
Tommy Bryant 69.00
Jeremy Williamson 67.33
Thomas Clavier 66.33
Tim Taylor 65.33
Damian Mlakar 64.33
New on AAG: TomFriendship Universe:
As I walked around the event interviewing athletes before and after they went on stage one thing in particular lingered in the air. There was a comforting and powerful sense of companionship and camaraderie amongst the competitors and contestants. Competitors joked with each other and told stories before they went out to compete against one another while others helped with advice or just a friendly smile. In all, the atmosphere was pleasant and the show was run smoothly. Many friendships were formed, business contacts made, and dreams fulfilled. To all of those who participated in the competitions that weekend, I wish you continued success and non-stop pursuit of your dreams. To those who did not participate or feel they are not competition worthy, a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Let’s see you there next year!
