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2008-08-22
Dear Fans.
On the
15th August I made my debut as a pro bodybuilder in the Europa Super
Show 2008 in Dallas, Texas.
I competed
in the "202" category, which was the lower weight class. In
the
upper weight class, fierce giants including Darrem Charles and some
impresive new comers fought for a spot in Mr Olympia. It was a spectacultar
event, and impressively organised with the greatest audience and camera
crews you can imagine. Of course, back in Europe I am used to being
well
recognised and one of the favourites in most competitions, here I was
completely unknow to more than 99% of people present. It was a challenge
not
to feel a little bit of stage fright, especially since this was the
most
competitive and impressive line-up in my class since the "202"
category was
created. Altogether we were 24 contestants many of whom were packed
with
muscles and weighed in at around 200 pounds (about 90kg).
I weighed
in at 180 pounds (about 80kg) was taller than most and therefore
lacked mass to compare with the top 10. In spite of this, I was called
out
for the second pre-judging and was hoping to clinch a spot in the top
10.
But reality was that I was not yet meant to make it into the top 10
and I
was humbeled by receiving a 13th place.
I had
plenty of positive feedback at the event, and I now need to go back
to
the drawing board (that is the gym) and start putting on another 7-8
kg of
mass to put up a good fight in my future competitions. As you all know,
hard
work pays off, so now is my time to work harder than ever before so
that I
can get ready to compete again in one years time. And I hope that you
will
join me on this long but hopefully rewarding journey...
As always
thanks to you all for your support and for staying up all night to
watch me compete online.
Special
thanks to Milos Sarcev for his generosity and advice during my
visit to the US.
Best
wishes,
Ahmad
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2008-07-31
Dear All,
I have
just returned home from my trip to the US which went above all my
dreams and expectations. I was greeted by my close friend Binais at
the
airport who looked after me from the minute I stepped of the plane.
The
weather was fantastic, as you would expect in sunny California, and
soon
after my arrival Binais introduced me to the legend Milos Sarcev who
welcomed me as a member of the family and shared some of his enormous
experience in his famous Koloseum gym. I cannot thank him enough for
his
kindness, support and hospitality, now I can see why so many famous
bodybuilders have passed through his gym.
I competed
in one of the most competitive amateur bodybuilding competitions
in the US: the Los Angeles Championships, and I weighed in stone-hard
at
82kg (the lightest in my weight group!). Maybe it was the unfamiliar
face,
or maybe my unique shape, either way I had the fortune of being asked
forward for the first evaluation and I felt that my chances were good.
The
line-up was impressive, but the referees had me as their favorite and
so
I won my weight-class and my first competition in the US! This meant
that I
was automatically qualified to compete in the overall category against
the
heavier guys.
Now
I had nothing to lose. Standing on stage against my fellow massive
contenders was an impressive experience. As I saw it, the referees would
either vote in favor of symmetry and shape, which would give me a good
chance, or in favor of mass, which would have been to my disadvantage.
I held
my head high with pride from winning my class and flexed every single
muscle to make myself look as huge as possible against my fellow contenders
and it must have made a difference. When I was called out as the winner
of
the overall, I felt as if it all had to be a dream. Fair decision? Well
I'll
let you decide for yourself:
http://www.musculardevelopment.com/browse/index.php?mode=contest&eventcode=1271
The days following my win I had four days of photo-shots with several
well-known photographers including Per Bernal (and it is indeed true
that he
has you working hard to get the best possible shots, only heavy-duty
weights
during his shooting!)
Following
recommendations from Milos to apply to get a pro-card I contacted
the Swedish bodybuilding chairman Ulf Björnfot who was very pleased
with the
news and who contacted the IFBB PRO supporting my application. And within
two days, I had a card, a card that now states that I am a professional
bodybuilder. A fact that I had hardly even envisioned in my wildest
dream
stepping onto that plane to visit the US for the first time.
So,
what next? Well now I am getting into shape to return to visit Milos
for
some advice and preparation for my professional debut in the Europa
Super
Show 2008 on 15th-16th August in Dallas, Texas.
Wish
me luck!
Many
thanks to all my fans for the support and emails, and importantly to
my
friend Bino and Milos who made my trip possible. Finaly, thanks to my
sponsor Eiselt for their support and encouragements.
I hope
you are well.
Best
wishes,
Ahmad
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2008-03-17
Dear
fans,
It's
been a while since I wrote last. Last time I competed was when I won
the -80kg and Overall titles in the Swedish Nationals 2006.
Since
then there has been a lot of work, running my Pizzeria as well as my
Supplement shop GYMVARUHUSET BUTIKEN which I have moved to Nobelvägen
95 in
Malmö.
Although
my days are long, waking up early and going to bed late, I have
still to keep up training with four workouts a week and have made steady
progress. My patience and persistence has rewarded me with my best
off-season weight so far, a respectable 93kg!
My next
competition, god willing, will be the 2008 World Championships in
Bahrain in November where I am aiming to weigh in at below 85kg. But
first I
need to end my off-season training and start get into shape, so in July
I am
planning to make a trip to the US to compete and have some pictures
taken.
There I will be hosted by my good friend Binais Begovic who has done
well in
his bodybuilding and modeling career. You'll find more about Binais
on his
website www.binaisbegovic.com. Once I return, I will, all going well,
start
preparing for the Championships in November.
I hope
you're well and working out, summer is approaching fast...
Until
next time!
Best
wishes,
Ahmad
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2007-03-01
Dear
Fans,
Now
it's finally happened!
At the
end of January I got married to my wonderful wife Rawaa Mirzza, who
is now Mrs. Rawaa Ahmad. Me and my wife met some years ago and she has
been
a close and supportive friend during my intensive and somewhat selfish
life
running my restaurant and pursuing my bodybuilding carrier. And as with
life
in general, all good comes to those who wait and are patient, and our
marriage day was by far the greatest day of my life.
We held
a traditional marriage that could not have been any more perfect.
Over 250 friends and family members attended the celebrations and it
was a
very memorable day with lots of food and festivities.
So now
it's only a bodybuilding world championship missing before taking a
break and building a family.
Thanks
to all my fans, friends and family for your continued support.
Best
wishes,
Ahmad
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2006-10-12
And finally I get my retribution...
The
adventure began on the 6th October when I left Malmo to try my chances
in the Swedish Championships 2006 in Vasteras with my three younger
brothers
and my close friends Ayssar and family Nehmet with Istvan who gave me
all
the support a worn out hungry bodybuilder could ask for.
It was
a long and tiring journey especially since I was aiming to keep my
weight and gain access to the -80kg category, although I had originally
signed up for the -85kg. The weight was an acceptable 80.2kg following
our
journey and after a quick visit to the men's room I officially weighed
in
at 79.3kg. Once my category had been settled I returned excited and
motivated to the hotel room to load up on carbs.
Had
all my hard work and preparation finally paid off? Well, I felt better
than ever before during the prejudging session on Saturday where I got
my
ticket for the final. Fortunately, for what was to come, this did not
take
too long and I had plenty of opportunity to recover for the final.
The
final was a dream finally come true. As in past championships it felt
perfect even before entering the stage and the response from the audience
confirmed this. However, unlike in the past this time I was rewarded
for my
efforts and many years of hard work. All referees had me as their first
choice and it was a great honor to stand next to my good friend and
inspiration Ali Fahrruk.
As winner
of the -80kg category I finally went on to fight it out against
some of Sweden's greatest for the Overall title. Next to me were no
other
than the notorious Micke Andersson (-75kg), Christoffer Nober (-85kg),
impressive Pierre Chamuon (-90kg), Henrik Jansson (-100kg) and the great
rising star Csaba Kocsis (+100kg).
Needless
to mention the audience were in for a treat, and the referees had
us posing over and over to ensure that they would come to a fair and
unanimous decision. After finishing off with a wonderfully dynamic posedown
the referees finally reached a decision.
And
as it went..."the winner is"..."from Malmo"
"Ahmad
Ahmad"! with a unanimous decision from the referees.
Overall
Results
1. Ahmad
Ahmad, Form & Fitness, Malmö - 5
2. Henrik Jansson, Team dXB Nutrition, Alingsås - 16
3. Csaba Kocsis, Team Gymgrossisten, Trollhättan - 17
4. Pierre Chamoun, Delta Gym, Stockholm - 17
5. Micke Andersson, Sol & Motion, Norrköping - 20
6. Christoffer Nober, Team Olimp, Partille - 30
Wow,
what a feeling it was indeed! As with so many previous competitions
I
had felt that I was in my best condition possible and again had an
incredible support from the audience. Altogether this made the Overall
title
one of the happiest and proudest moments so far in my career, and I
thank
you all especially my fans for your continued support and encouragements.
It
was therefore not hard to motivate myself to get back onto stage the
following day in the Couples' Event together with admirable Anna Lubek
where
we took a second place.
As if
this was not enough I was further flattered and honoured with the
Annual Competitor Award handed out by Pro Gym; an award that have been
passed onto me from great legends such as Ingvar Larsson, Johan Oldemar
and
Johan/Lisbeth Grape and that recognises a bodybuilders achievements
and
positive image of the sport. And I truly hope to live up the expectations...
So my
final thanks must go to the organisers, my family and supporting
friends who never doubted me for all these years; It was a weekend that
I
will value and rememember for many years to come.
pictures and some movie clips comming up after the weekend.
With
all my best wishes,
Ahmad
Ahmad
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2006-05-26
Dear Fans,
Returning
back from my adventure in the European Championships I was curious
to find out how I would compare on an international level while being
in my
best shape ever. And what better way to find out than to participate
in the
Nutrition Outlet Grand Prix which is an open contest held nearly on
my
doorstep in Vasteras, Sweden.
According
to some Sweden had not hosted such an impressive list of
contestants since Lee Haney won Mr Olympia 1987 in Gothenburg, and the
final
three included European heavyweight and overall champion Darius Karpinski
from Polen, a massively impressive Serb Igor Milanovic and the stable
Finn
Jerry Ossi who I defeated in the Loaded Cup in Copenhagen earlier this
month.
As anticipated,
I did well in my weight class (-80kg) placing first and had
it as my aim to get among the top three in the overall class. Although
for
the first time in my career I failed with grabbing a medal and had to
satisfy myself with reaching a fourth position. Was this the stroke
of 'bad
luck' that remembered from the past? Well, probably not, it was a seriously
impressive line up and the most experienced in the field that I have
faced
so far, so if anything this was a lesson and inspiration to do even
better
in the future.
Otherwise,
the weekend was fantastic and I had the pleasure of viewing and
meeting a wide range of very successful athletes. On a final note, I
have
to acknowledge and thank Luke Ray and Kludia Larson from JanTana
Scandinavia for providing me with the perfect coating color for the
contest. Thanks to all supporters and friends to support me.
Best wishes,
Ahmad
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2006-05-08
It was a day that I had been dreaming of as a teenager, to one day be
on
stage in my first international competition, representing Sweden, and
being
the young unexpected contender challenging past European and World
Champions. It feels not so long ago that I was still just one in the
audience admiring last year's European Champion in the championships
in
Brasov, Romania.
However
this time it was my time to try my fate in the European
Championships that were held in Bratislava in a beautiful Slovakia.
Reality
struck when I was greeted by our very own federation captain Ulf Björnfot
in
a very nice and welcoming manner during the weigh-in at the hotel where
we
were staying. With my 78.2kg I admired my 13 contenders, three of which
were
previous World Championship medal holders. Unnoticed and covered up
in my
track suit I started my preparations for the pre-finals the next day.
And
indeed a few eyebrows where raised when I eventually undressed and
managed to get the pump and body color just right on the day of the
pre-finals. Although my mental preparations went as planned and I was
in a
calm and relaxed state, it was incredibly difficult to speculate about
how I
compared to the rest before going on stage. The only thing I knew for
certain was that it would be a long and exhausting judging day. And
this was
indeed the case since I was called up already for the first line-up
comparison and after being called up an additional four times I realised
that I stood good chances of at least making it to the final which was
my
goal of the championships. So it was a great relief when I found out
the
subsequent day that I had actually made it to the final five for the
final.
On the day the incredible arena filled up with fanatic supporters and
the
atmosphere was just incredible not at least because of that two native
Slovaks had made the final.
By diligently
following my routine and past contest preparation, I managed
to arrive even fuller and tighter for the final and I really enjoyed
the
response from the audience after carrying out my free posing routine.
Next
followed the two compulsory posing rounds for the referees and finally
the
pose-down. But then there I was, again caught up by reality and awaiting
the
final decision by the referees. Not hearing my name called up for the
fifth,
fourth or the third place made me wonder: Could this really be true?
There I
stood next to last year's World Champion and might it just take me all
the
way? Well not this time! I was honored with a second place and this
felt
more than fair considering that the champion was in incredible shape
and
well deserved to be first. But the first thought that followed was indeed:
"One day.one day.".
So to
wrap, it was the moment of my career so far and there is only the most
important part left in this lengthy letter and that is the acknowledgment
and thanks to all my fans, and the friends who supported me before and
during the trip and to my sponsor Eiselt who have supported me throughout
my
preparations for this big event.
With
all my best wishes,
Ahmad
Ahmad.
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2006-04-29
Dear fans,
On
the 29th April I was finally back on the stage after more than a year
of
working hard gaining some mass and trying to improve my physique. And
indeed
I turned up in my best shape so far and weighed in on 79kg sharp which
allowed me to enter the -80kg weight class in the Loaded Cup in Denmark.
The
contest was an open contest for anyone placing top three in their nationals
and there were therefore many very impressive contestants. The event
was
very well arranged and the top three in each of the weight class were
awarded respectable amount of prize money and the winner of each weight
class fought it out in an overall title championship towards the end
of the
contest.
As I
mentioned, I managed to get the shape just right for the contest and
it
was an incredible feeling when all three referees had me as a clear
first in
my weight class. It was definitely much tougher in contest for the overall
title with among others the very impressive world champion in the -90kg
Stefan Havlik who with his fantastic symmetry and nicely carved physique
took home the overall title. The other contestants included the great
Finnish bodybuilder Jerry Ossi who has an impressive track record of
beating
top names in his class, and of course the gigantic 120kg Sune Larssen
who
has established himself as the top man in Denmark during the past couple
of
years. I can therefore not express the happiness I felt when I was awarded
a
second place among these great athletes and experienced bodybuilders
and I
have to mention that this was a day that I will remember for a long
time to
come. I have to express my gratitude to all my friends, fans and the
audience who gave me the support and cheered me on during the contest
and of
course to all the rest of you who have been loyal supporters during
the
looong year of not competing.
Next
I'll be off to the European Championships where I will be hoping to
do
well, it will be an exciting adventure and I will keep you all updated
as
soon as I return.
With
all my best wishes,
Ahmad
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2006-04-22
My dear fans,
I am
now in the final stages of my preparations for the upcoming European
Championships and I have had the pleasure of holding seminars at several
local gyms in Skane. My seminars include a description of my training
routine, diet and occasionally some guestposing. The seminars have been
very
well received and appreciated and I would like to warmly invite gyms
or
schools to contact me if anyone would like to have similar seminars
arranged.
Here
are some recent pictures from my visit to Burlöv Styrka on 22nd
April.
(Klick here to view the pictures)
Best
wishes,
Ahmad
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2006-04-08
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