I suppose that one can say that “the Gift” is the gift that keeps on giving. With two Mr. Olympia titles and counting, Phil Heath has decided that the time is right to promote his own bodybuilding contest. The NPC Phil Heath Classic is all set for March 16 at the Bayou Music Center in Houston, TX, and the national qualifier will draw a litany of competitors in bodybuilding, physique, figure, and bikini. “I wanted to give back to the NPC by providing an opportunity for athletes to compete,” Heath said. “As a former NPC athlete myself, I know what they want, and I feel that I’m in the position to provide them with an awesome platform to shine.” Now that he is going to be on the “other side” of a contest, Heath knows that his work is cut out for him, especially since he is a self-proclaimed “perfectionist.” But he welcomes the challenge. “I feel that the stress will be different, but along with our amazing staff, we will be working extremely hard to give these athletes and fans a great experience.” Heath is already in planning mode for shows to follow before the curtain is closed on the inaugural one. “I’m expecting it to be an event that will grow each year, expanding to reach the masses,” the champ said. —j.p.
