From The Archives: 1999 Mr. Olympia – Photos by Gary Phillips.
Evolutionofbodybuilding.net takes every opportunity to promote the history of bodybuilding. Bodybuilding has such a rich history, it’s still exciting talking about the past battles of some of the best bodybuilders to every walk this earth.
Evolutionofbodybuilding.net contacted world-renowned photographer, Gary Phillips, inquiring about the fantastic photos that he has taken throughout his career.
Being part of the industry for over 20 years, Gary has witnessed some of the greatest contest in the history of the sport.
Gary was the Photographer and Editor of Flex / Muscle & Fitness Australia for 13 years. Gary’s images have been published in many international publications including Flex US, Muscular Development US, Ironman Aus, Muscle Evolution South Africa, Musclemag International UK, The Beef UK and Muscle Report Germany.
The 1999 Mr. Olympia
This feature will focus on some of fantastic photos Gary captured at the 1999 Mr. Olympia.
Ronnie Coleman was prepared for battle as Flex Wheeler was still devastated after losing his change to win the Mr. Olympia title in 1998.
In 1998, 6X Mr. Olympia, Dorian Yates could not defend his title due to the injuries he suffered during the off-season. The title was vacant and one man was the favorite to win the title, and that would be Flex Wheeler.
In the 90’s, Flex Wheeler was literally the best bodybuilder in the world. Wheeler’s incredible genetics combined with his perfect aesthetics made him the favorite to win the 1998 Mr. Olympia. Having already won 15 pro shows, Flex was predicted to be the next in line for the title.
Flex was not prepared for what would happen in 1998, when the winner would eventually be Ronnie Coleman. Nobody was expecting Coleman to win, after he placed seventh the previous year.
In the build-up to the 1999 Mr. Olympia, Flex was still regarded as the man who could dethrone Ronnie Coleman, but Flex would have to settle for second place again.
The top five at the 1999 Mr. Olympia, would consist of the greatest bodybuilders ever to grace the stage: Ronnie Coleman, Flex Wheeler, Chris Cormier, Kevin Levrone and Shawn Ray.
Ronnie Coleman would defend his Sandow trophy for eight consecutive years.
1999 Mr. Olympia
1. Ronnie Coleman
2. Ken Wheeler
3. Chris Cormier
4. Kevin Levrone
5. Shawn Ray
6. Nasser El Sonbaty
7. Paul Dillett
8. Lee Priest
9. Dexter Jackson
10. Milos Sarcev
11. Mike Matarazzo
12. Markus Rühl
13. Ernie Taylor
14. Pavol Jablonicky
15. Jay Cutler
16. Jean Pierre Fux
Gary Phillips can be contacted through his website www.garyphillipsphotography.com
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