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Since I came onto the scene of professional bodybuilding in 1988, I have seen the best of the best with regards to physiques, personalities, characters and friendships. All too often we, as athletes, get caught up in the process of being the best we can be which requires tremendous amounts of time and dedication. The observation I made in closing out the last 12 years of my professional career and heading into the new Millennium was the fact that many soldiers have fallen off the face of the earth. While we are in pursuit of physical perfection and discovery, the passing of our sports true grit soldiers and their untimely demise, gives me time to reflect on their impact in an industry that takes no prisoners. Bodybuilding, a sport where only the strong survive, is really survived by those who laid down their lives for others to appreciate how precious life really is. As I reflect, no matter how bad this sport can get, life is good and health comes first despite the pressure, politics and pain.
In 1987, I barn stormed through the NPC Nationals to take my title of the best amateur bodybuilder on the planet, consequently adding my name to an elite group of big names and accomplished athletes like; Lee Haney (82), Bob Paris (83), Mike Christian (84), Phil Williams (85), Gary Strydom (86). During the next 12 years, I would see people I trained with, broke bread with, had interviews with and took pictures with, fall by the way side as life went on….., People just like me trying to find their "Quan"(Balance in Life).
In the wake of the battle, we waged in the gyms day- in and day- out, there were soldier's who came, fought and conquered their individual goals while trying to be the best they could be! Consequently, there would be a few casualties of war in the struggle for supremacy in such a subjective sport of opinion and excellence! Most marched to the beat of their own drum with vastly different ideas of what perfection represented to them as individuals.
The friends I have lost had many fans and friends worldwide. In one way or another, they have all touched my life through personal contact and common interests. I would like to take the time to recognize their efforts and remember the soldiers who fought the good fight, but lost the war in terms of longevity in life. I will continue to carry the torch and finish the battle for all of our Fallen Soldiers:
Kay Baxter (Bodybuilder), Debbie Dobbins (Fitness Competitor), Bill Reynolds (Writer, Flex Editor), Laura Combs (Bodybuilder), Kristy Ramsey (Bodybuilder, Fitness Model), Ray Mc Neil (Pro Bodybuilder), Linda Sobeck (Model, Cheerleader), Don Ross (Writer, Bodybuilder), Esi Rainwater (Bodybuilder), Momo Benezziza (Pro Bodybuilder), Artie Zeller (Photographer), Andreas Munzer (Pro bodybuilder), Curtis Leftler (Bodybuilder, Powerlifter), Dan Duschaine (Writer, Journalist).
To those people who have influenced and touched my life, as well as the other soldiers searching for excellence in the field of physical fitness, I salute you in paving the way and fighting the good fight! Your impact on this industry has been felt throughout the land. We remember you, as we continue our own personal journeys to physical excellence! We hear the drums beating and guiding our journey to the promise land…. We will see you All again! In the meantime, your influence on the industry is always present in our hearts and minds, thanks for the memories! Peace
Shawn Ray
In 1987, I barn stormed through the NPC Nationals to take my title of the best amateur bodybuilder on the planet, consequently adding my name to an elite group of big names and accomplished athletes like; Lee Haney (82), Bob Paris (83), Mike Christian (84), Phil Williams (85), Gary Strydom (86). During the next 12 years, I would see people I trained with, broke bread with, had interviews with and took pictures with, fall by the way side as life went on….., People just like me trying to find their "Quan"(Balance in Life).
In the wake of the battle, we waged in the gyms day- in and day- out, there were soldier's who came, fought and conquered their individual goals while trying to be the best they could be! Consequently, there would be a few casualties of war in the struggle for supremacy in such a subjective sport of opinion and excellence! Most marched to the beat of their own drum with vastly different ideas of what perfection represented to them as individuals.
The friends I have lost had many fans and friends worldwide. In one way or another, they have all touched my life through personal contact and common interests. I would like to take the time to recognize their efforts and remember the soldiers who fought the good fight, but lost the war in terms of longevity in life. I will continue to carry the torch and finish the battle for all of our Fallen Soldiers:
Kay Baxter (Bodybuilder), Debbie Dobbins (Fitness Competitor), Bill Reynolds (Writer, Flex Editor), Laura Combs (Bodybuilder), Kristy Ramsey (Bodybuilder, Fitness Model), Ray Mc Neil (Pro Bodybuilder), Linda Sobeck (Model, Cheerleader), Don Ross (Writer, Bodybuilder), Esi Rainwater (Bodybuilder), Momo Benezziza (Pro Bodybuilder), Artie Zeller (Photographer), Andreas Munzer (Pro bodybuilder), Curtis Leftler (Bodybuilder, Powerlifter), Dan Duschaine (Writer, Journalist).
To those people who have influenced and touched my life, as well as the other soldiers searching for excellence in the field of physical fitness, I salute you in paving the way and fighting the good fight! Your impact on this industry has been felt throughout the land. We remember you, as we continue our own personal journeys to physical excellence! We hear the drums beating and guiding our journey to the promise land…. We will see you All again! In the meantime, your influence on the industry is always present in our hearts and minds, thanks for the memories! Peace
Shawn Ray
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