Toney Freeman will look to start off the 2007 season by going two-for-two when he takes the stage at the Sacramento Pro Grand Prix this Saturday, February 24. Freeman is coming off a win at the Ironman Pro this past weekend, and has been one of the hottest bodybuilders on the circuit of late, with two wins (his first victory was at the 2006 Europa Super Show) along with a seventh-place finish at the 2006 Mr. Olympia.
ÂIÂm just finally glad that IÂm being looked at, Freeman said after the Ironman. ÂI always though I was in the mix and didnÂt understand why I wasnÂt placing well, but thatÂs all behind me now. It just gave me fuel, gave me fire and made me hungrier. Now IÂm happy and focused and IÂm dedicated.Â
One competitor who will be in Sacramento that understands FreemanÂs frustration is SpainÂs Silvio Samuel. The best conditioned athlete in last weekÂs Ironman, Samuel finished fourth but was arguably one of the most overlooked and unfairly judged competitors at the contest. ÂIÂm really, really excited and really happy with the way the crowd treated me, he said. ÂMy main aim at that competition was to try and do my best. My motivation is still very, very high, and I hope to do more in Sacramento.Â
As for turning the tables on Freeman this weekend, Samuel wasnÂt ready to make any predictions concerning the outcome. ÂThe question of beating Toney isnÂt really in my hands, Samuel said. ÂI will leave the judges to make that decision.Â
The Sacramento Pro Grand Prix will also kick things off for 2007 on the womenÂs bodybuilding side. Look below for a complete list of competitors for both the menÂs and womenÂs contests.
The event will be held at the Crest Theater in downtown Sacramento; prejudging starts at 11 a.m. Pacific time, with the finals at 6:30 p.m. For more information and to order tickets online, visit www.lindsayproduction.com. And for results and photos after the contest, visit https://www.muscleandfitness.com/flexonline/.
