Don't You Know Who I Am? by Ox The 2010 Arnold Classic is over and it's good to be home. Whether you're a competitor, a fan or both, the Arnold is arguably the greatest event in the bodybuilding world. The expo is huge and everyone who's anyone in the industry is there. The competition on any given year is among the best in the world and on top of it all, Arnold himself is always in attendance. What can I say? It's a hell of a show. And for me to have the opportunity to meet hundreds of people who share my passion for this sport is the best part of it. But to be completely honest, even though having the chance to meet and shoot the shit with so many great people is cool, I could just as easily park my ass in Trumbull, CT for that long weekend and continue with business as usual. Don't get me wrong, for anyone to come up to me at the show and tell me that they came all the way there just to meet me is very humbling. I'm flattered that anyone would want a photo with me or ask my advice on anything. I'm just a regular guy. I make bodybuilding my lifestyle, just like thousands of other people. We all do the same shit, more or less. I, and any other pro bodybuilder, would be full of shit if they told you the reason they're a pro is because they know so much more than the next guy. Hard work, consistency, natural ability, knowledge and even luck all come into play. It's just like anything else, some people have success with it and some don't. If everyone were capable of being Mr. Olympia then it wouldn't mean shit. Look, like I said, I go to the Arnold to meet people and shoot the shit about something I love. I don't go there to feel important. Some guys need it for their head. They need to feel special. I don't need anyone to kiss my ass or tell me I look great or what they think I should do so I can one day be a great bodybuilder. They guys who go there for that should just stay the fuck home and train because going all the way to Ohio to get your ego stroked isn't helping anyone. To be honest, I think that hearing how big and how wonderful you are all the time only slows down your motivation. The money spent on a plane ticket and hotel would have been better spent on food. And to be honest, taking a long hard look in the mirror and tearing yourself apart would have been far more productive than the endless amounts of ass kissing flattery soaked up by these guys. When I was in my early twenties and just starting to get serious about bodybuilding a buddy of mine who liked to party a lot told me a story. He was out somewhere and he was waiting to get into some club. From what he told me, the line was out the door and down the block and he had been waiting for over an hour and had only moved a little bit. Out of nowhere comes this national level bodybuilder, who at the time was pretty well known. He goes up to the front of the line and demands that the doorman let 'em in. His exact words were, “Don't you know who I am?” My buddy laughed about it and joked about what an asshole the guy was. I don't know about you, but shit like that makes my blood boil. Shit like that isn't funny to me. You're a bodybuilder, not a fucking celebrity. And even if you were a “celebrity,” you're a douchebag if you act like that and think you deserve special treatment. As far as I'm concerned you can fuck off. I didn't begin bodybuilding in hopes that it would change my social status or so I could get extra attention or special treatment. If I'm away from home and need to train, I pay the day fee. I don't try to tell anyone I'm a pro bodybuilder in hopes that I won't have to pay and all that bullshit. Who gives a fuck? I'd expect people to think I'm a dickhead for mentioning it. Call me judgmental but I'd think someone were a dipshit if they walked into my gym and acted like I owed them something. Being at a show like the Arnold, I see a lot of shit like that. Too much in fact. I see guys who act bothered when fans want a photo. These guys walk through the crowd like they're the next greatest thing. I hear the way they talk and see the way they act. I think the majority of the people are great but there are a few who need a serious reality check. Like I said, I go there as a fan and as someone who loves the sport. I go there to talk shop and hear what people have to say. If signing shit and taking photos were all the Arnold had to offer I'd stay the fuck home and train. The guy who makes a calendar that features him as the model for each month of the year and goes around selling the fucking thing is not a badass. He is not your inspiration. At least he isn't mine. I dislike him for the same reason I dislike politicians-they're supposed to be men of the people but instead, they really want to be something above the people. They have no fucking ability to relate to the people because they think they're better. I don't go for that shit. I want to thank every single person I met this past weekend at The Cage. It was an honor. Thank you for coming by and reminding me what's good about this sport and this lifestyle, and what's truly important. Next year, you know where to find me. I won't have any crap for sale but I'll be there if you wanna bullshit. Until then.