Why I'm skipping the Olympia: I'll be there, just not onstage��here's why - Articula Shawn

I've competed in the Mr. Olympia contest 13 times, including the last 12 years in a row. I've been top five in the Mr. O in each of those 12 years, and that's an accomplishment I'm extremely proud of. And though I love getting onstage for the Mr. O, this year I won't be competing.

As many of my fans know, I'm skipping the 2002 Mr. Olympia, but only as a competitor. Instead, I'll be performing commentating duties for Physical.TV's production of the contest that will be shown on television at a future date. Even though I was in the Mr. O last year, I did commentary for Physical.TV after the fact. This year, I'll be doing the honors offstage during the contest.

That's the short answer to the question of why I'm not doing the 0. If Physical.TV had not hired me, I would be on the Mr. Olympia stage this year. My health is fine, and I'm pleased with my bodybuilding efforts, but I couldn't pass up this opportunity to work for Physical.TV. I also believe that by taking up a microphone and bringing my experience and knowledge to the broadcast, I'm actually doing more for the sport than I would be by competing.

Let's face it: We already know Mr. Olympia is going to win again. Every guy whose name isn't Ronnie Coleman is already relegated to second place or worse. Why should I stand in front of the same judges and get the same result? I can do more for bodybuilding by promoting it on television. Because I'm outspoken and give voice to the athletes and many of the sport's fans, I'll be saying things that need to be said in a public forum. That's important to me.

That doesn't mean I'm retiring from the sport. I can't honestly tell you right now what it's going to be like for me to be in a suit and tie while the Mr. Olympia plays out. It's an experience I haven't had for more than a decade, and I don't know what kind of impact it's going to have on me.

I want to go out on my own terms, so I'm taking a wait-and-see approach. I want to see where my abilities are best utilized. I realize that if I want to do the 2003 Mr. Olympia, I will need to requalify. I can tell you I won't be doing the Arnold Schwarzenegger Classic next year. If I'm going to make a comeback to qualify for the O, I'll do it at the Night Of Champions.

Right now, I have to seize the moment. But Shawn Ray's not going away, not by a long shot. I'm just taking a break from the stage to contribute to the sport in a different way. I'll see you on TV.

To contact Shawn Ray, visit www.shawnray.net.

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