My Thoughts on India

Written by Flex Wheeler

On September 23, 2011, exactly one week after the Mr. Olympia, IFBB bodybuilding/figure made its debut in India with the first annual Sheru Classic, held in the city of Mumbai. Many of the top Olympia contestants made their way to this incredible new IFBB event, making it even more special for bodybuilding fans all over India. Our own Flex Wheeler was on hand for all the action , and here is his exclusive report in his own words!

This was not my first trip to India. I had been to New Delhi in 1997. That first trip was completely different, though. Then, I was staying with the third most powerful family in India, and I was completely sheltered from some of the things going on. Mumbai was not the same. Security was everywhere, and you could tell it had changed immensely. We even had a special security team pulled in from South Africa to make sure we were protected. It was unnerving at times.

At the very least, I was made aware that times were different now and we should all be careful when traveling abroad. Traveling there and being a parent, it was hard to look out and see the little kids laying on the side of the road. Literally, they were sleeping in the sand on the road. No pillow. No blanket. Not even on a sidewalk. Just on the road. I’d say it was kids from the age of two to ten. It was very heart-wrenching – just surreal.

There were also make-shift houses made out of tarps and plastic blankets, tied off with rope... You could just look in them as you passed. It’s really humbling and difficult to conceive that people still look like that – that they have to. It seems you’re either super well off or you’re poor over there. I was fortunate enough to have a private dinner one night with the General Manager of our hotel. She said a lot of the families living in those shelters were working families. They are all employed. They all have jobs. That’s just how they have to live. There is no welfare there or Medicare.

Other than that, Sheru and his team put on remarkable show! It was a Mr. Olympia-quality production. Robin Chang had flown in the week before to help out on the production-end of things, and it showed. The Sheru Classic was a really well-run show.

Some of Bollywood’s biggest stars, and even the General Manager of the hotel attended the show. I was really impressed with Jay Cutler. He looked better than he did at the Olympia, which was a remarkable feat. I got to spend some private time with him talking about things on and off record. We ate. We worked out. He is hilarious! Jay is a true champion in every way – a remarkable man, and a true ambassador of the sport.

Victor Martinez exceeded his Olympia condition. He looked great at both the pre-judging and night show.

He and Jay both gained footage from pre-judging into finals and from the Olympia to this show. Phil Heath was about 97% of what he was at the Olympia, but regardless he still definitely deserved to win.

I found it interesting while I was there to watch the athletes who were traveling abroad for the first time. I enjoyed watching their reaction to things. I have a few people I would like to thank... First, congratulations to Sheru and his team for putting on such a great show!

Also, thanks to the security teams both at the venue and the hotel for making us feel safe and at ease. Bob Chicerillo and I were fortunate enough to have received the gift of a custom made suit while we were there. Ryaz Gangji designed and made them for us after taking our measurements. He made them in less than 48 hours, even coming to the hotel for a final fitting at 1:00 in the morning!

I would also like to thank the General Manager at the hotel. Aside from the private dinner, she also sent me off with gifts for both my daughters! I had a nice send off with hotel staff and was taken to the airport in a brand new Jag! Not bad! Last but not least, thanks to my business partner at All American EFX for holding the office down while I was gone and allowing me to take the time off to cover this extraordinary show for you guys! I am already looking forward to going back next year!