TheArnoldFans.com: News

2005 Arnold Classic Infiltration: Pt 1
Bir Back with Classic adventures!
Reported By: TheARNOLDFANS.com Staff
Friday, June 17, 2005

Arnold’s lead security officer from The Arnold Classic, Roger Bir, is back and ready to bring us all on his behind-the-scenes backstage adventures. This year, Roger has so many stories and celebrity contacts - that we need to break this adventure up into a three part bodybuilding trilogy. Read on for PART ONE. Roger apologizes for the low res photos but he promises only the best for his 2006 report!

Hi TAFs,
Better late than never and I really appreciate your patience in allowing me some leeway regarding this year’s Classic. Like most classics, I arrived in Columbus on a Thursday afternoon flight. Clearing the airport took about 45 minutes, but not after an interesting encounter. I’m hoping wrestling fans of old remember the Iron Sheik!

During the 60’s and 70’s, his name meant instant recognition. Interestingly enough, my ex-father-in-law was a physician who gave physicals to the wrestlers when they came to Ft. Wayne Indiana. I asked the Sheik if he remembered “Doctor Walt” and he quickly replied, “the good doctor who always wore a bow tie.” Small world, eh?

I headed to the site of this year’s classic and watched in amazement the transformation of a huge, empty venue into one of the country’s largest body building expo’s!

As I walked around, it was good to see many of the people who have supported the classic through the years. A special favorite is Arnold’s partner, Jim Lorimer and his family.

I’ve know Jim since he and Arnold first promoted the Mr. Olympia back in 1976 and each year it’s a pleasure to continue such a wonderful friendship. Jim’s sons, Jeff and Bob, do a lion’s share of behind the scenes work for the classic. I had to chuckle as Jeff and I went in to get our identification badges for this year. Due to some computer glitch, neither of us was on the access list. The error was quickly straightened out, but not after we both shared a good laugh.

By Thursday evening, our assignments were established as one of the main guests this year would be the actor Wesley Snipes. His participation in the martial arts portion of the Classic was a result of the efforts of Bob Wall. While the name may not ring a bell, I’m sure the movie, “Enter the Dragon” will. Bob Wall is world known in the field of martial arts. His role was Bruce Lee’s arch nemesis, O’Hara (he wore a beard and a scar on his face….the result of the fight in which Bruce Lee’s sister is murdered). Bob was one of the main supporters in the martial arts portion of the Classic and a wonderful person to work with. Bob is in back row, second from the left.

Another martial arts supporter was Bill Wallace. Bill’s claim to fame was serving as an adversary to Chuck Norris.

Also part of the martial arts booth was the actor who plays the Black Power Ranger on television. Unfortunately, I never got his name.

Friday’s opening ceremony was spent checking out the activities and planning our walk through with Wesley on Saturday. While walking around, we came across several friends from previous Olympia’s and Arnold Classics. It was good to see Sergio Olivia and please note, he is still in great shape. He introduced me to a good friend and upcoming bodybuilder, Noah Steere. Now, I’m not a small person and as you can tell in the picture with Sergio, height is definitely on my side.

Noah is probably one of the biggest bodybuilders I’ve ever seen and the picture with he, Sergio and myself takes away all doubt. A true gentlemen, Noah expressed his thanks to Sergio for the opportunity to participate at this year’s classic.

Other faces in the crowd is long-time Arnold photographer and good friend, Albert Busek

Also in Friday’s crowd was NFL quarterback Kordell Stewart and one of the tallest models I’ve ever met, Alexandre from Phoenix. She’s 6’4” and was wearing 8” platform shoes.

Another pleasant surprise was a reader and fan of “The Arnold Fan’s.” Dr. Tony Codoto of Rockford Illinois stopped me in the expo after having recognized me from last year’s TheArnoldFans.com interview. My apologies to Tony as at the time I didn’t have my camera with me to record the event, but I was quite pleased he had recognized me and took the time to chat.

Stay tuned for Roger’s Saturday events in our part 2 of 3 tribute to the 2005 Arnold Classic!

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TheARNOLDFANS.com Staff