2021 Arnold Classic UK: Classic Physique Preview
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By Roger Lockridge
The 2021 Arnold Sports UK event is an event that will receive a lot of attention when it takes place on October 1st, 2nd, and 3rd. There are no representatives of Canada in this lineup, but the competitors that will grace that stage have a unique opportunity to make a big name for themselves. Winning an international event like the Arnold UK Classic Physique event and earning a position at the 2022 Olympia to stand against the likes of Canada’s own Chris Bumstead other top stars in the division can possibly change the life of one of these competitors. Here are a few men to keep an eye on when this contest takes place in Birmingham.
Urs Kalecinski
Kalecinski made himself a favorite for this contest after placing second at the 2021 Xtreme Bodybuilding and Fitness Pro in Mexico to winner Mike Sommerfeld. That show was actually his pro debut, but he will have more experience before this contest because he is also taking part in the Tampa Pro at the beginning of August. He has razor sharp legs that he presents very well when standing onstage. His confidence onstage can help him command the attention of the judges, which is the name of the game.
Brady Barnes
Barnes is the only American in this lineup, and he is working under the coaching of the great Neil Hill. He won the 2019 North American Championships in Classic Physique to earn his pro card. His only pro show to this point was the 2020 Omaha Pro where he placed sixth. As long as he doesn’t try to be the biggest guy onstage, his shape and presentation could help him be the last man standing.
Shane Cullen
Cullen competed twice in 2020. He was 11th at last year’s Europa Pro Championships, but he boosted his standing and confidence with a fourth place finish at the 2020 British Grand Prix. He had yet to compete this season. A lot of his poses her performs are similar to legends such as Shawn Ray and Dexter Jackson. He likes to go down to one knee in some of his individual routines. Undoubtedly he will bring a unique presentation to this contest.
Michael Daboul
Daboul is the 2019 NPC Worldwide Yamamoto Pro Qualifier winner. He placed third at the British Grand Prix last year, but he was also 10th at the Romania Muscle Fest Pro. He will need to bring a better version of what he brought to the British show last year if he wants to be the last man standing in this field. When he is in good condition, he displays mature muscle that draws fans’ eyes to him.
Arnold UK Classic Physique Confirmed Athletes (in alphabetical order)
- Brady Barnes
- Ryan Cartwright
- Jack Connor
- Vincent Craine
- Shane Cullen
- Michael Daboul
- Urs Kalecinski
- Joffrey Vassaux
- Rajash Yadav
*© Images courtesy of Instagram