Written by Peter McGough
28 September 2016

16levronescomeback

Kevin Levrone's Comeback

What He Taught Us

 

Kevin Levrone coming back to compete at the 2016 Olympia, after 13 years away was a storyline that captured most people’s imagination – with good and bad prognostications -- since he announced the decision last May. In fact it became the biggest talking point during the whole of the Olympia countdown.

 

Kevin’s 2016 journey taught us many lessons. Maybe paramount is the fact that even with Kevin's warrior mentality and his unique ability – as he has proved in the past -- to stack on muscle quickly, the aging process is no friend of a bodybuilder. Of course there’s always an exception to the rule: Ladies and gentlemen, I present Exhibit A, 46-year-old ageless Dexter Jackson.

 

Bodybuilding is one of those sports where physical decline is clearly evident. This is of course due to the reality of appearing donned only in trunks with your body being judged on physical attributes. In other sports veterans are not so exposed – no pun intended. For instance the likes of tennis legends John McEnroe and Bjorn Borg, now in their late 50s, can play a mean game of tennis and although not covering the court as they did in their prime they still can play a competitive and entertaining match without spectators saying, “Poor old buggers!” Bodybuilding is different in that skin tone starts to sag and legs are often the first major bodypart to fade away. When the Masters Olympia was launched in 1994 it seemed a great idea to have the legends return. But it was sad to see the likes of Casey Viator and Greg DeFerro exhibiting physiques that were a shadow of their hey day.

The same happened to Kevin, but the real wonder is that he actually made it on stage having torn a pec on May 17. Plus due to suffering from quad tendinitis he was rendered unable to squat for the last eight weeks of his prep. Thus he showed up with his much discussed leg development way down from what we used to see back in the day from the Maryland Muscle Machine. Given his injuries he had every right to maybe pull out. So kudos to him for delivering on a promise he made many months ago and appearing onstage.

 

Having said that he still provided golden memories. He constantly received the biggest cheers of the day and even though he finished out of the top 15 and was in the very last comparison he brought the house down and was rewarded with a standing ovation for his posing routine. Some are saying that Kevin has spoiled his legacy. In that spirit I think of Ronnie Coleman returning to action at the 2007 Olympia a year after losing his title to Jay Cutler. He finished fourth, and was maybe lucky to finish that high as major damage to his left lat and triceps was clearly evident. But today nobody remembers that 2007 outing as being part of his legacy. Instead we remember his eight Mr. Olympia titles. Same with Kevin, as the years go on he will be lauded for his 20 plus pro victories and his four Olympia runner-up places. He is a legend of iconic stature and no-one can take that away from him. So Kevin, my friend, thanks for the 2016 memory you delivered to add to the catalogue of unforgettable moments you’ve given us over the years. And you’re saying this is not your last hurrah. The adventure continues.

 

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