IronMan, Vol 26, No 2, Page 14, January 1967
NABBA's eighteenth Professional and Amateur Universe contests were held in London the week-end of September 23-24, and it could be said in all honesty that this was probably the greatest international gathering of bodybuilders ever assembled for such a contest. Thirty-one countries were represented, which is a record, even for this great annual event in the PC calendar. There were seventy-one competitors in the final lineup, twelve in the Professional contest, divided into two height classes, and fifty-nine in the Amateur contest, divided into three height classes.
They were judged, as always, the day before the Universe show commencing at 10 a.m. and finishing around 5 p.m., with only an hour's break for a quick lunch.
The international panel of judges comprised eighteen with three secretaries to work out all the results. The seven overseas judges, all coming from similar associations in their own countries and all were former physique champions. The Italian judge, for instance, Umberto Devetak, being a former Mr. Italy and now owner of the only independent PC magazine in Italy. The German judge was a former Mr. Germany and Universe competitor and is now a doctor. The international panel was headed by our old friend, John Grimek, our first-ever Universe winner, returning to us after a spell of eighteen years, and looking as young as ever. A great honor for us. The British judges were all men of vast physical culture experience and included two former Universe winners and four Mr. Britain winners.
Our judging is done by comparison and no points system. Bach judge picks the best six in each height class, in his estimation, after comparing them front view, side view and back view, then letting them do individual posing and then pulling out two or three at a time to make closer comparisons in identical poses. When this is done the judges pass their papers to the judges' secretaries who work out the overall majority for the best six chosen. They enter these on the judges' papers and pass them back to be placed in order of merit after a great deal more comparison.
Six in each height class from an original entry of eight in each height class. Notable absentees at the last minute were Sergio Oliva, whom we have been looking forward to having for two years, but he elected to go to another contest, Earl Maynard, a former Universe winner, and the German Reinhard Smolana, who has been third twice in his height class.
In Class 2 the struggle was between the beautifully symmetrical and well nigh faultless Paul Wynter of Antigua, a winner in 1960, and Rick Wayne, another West Indian from St. Lucia, who has been causing quite a stir as a muscular sensation. Take into account an equal measure of muscularity, proportions and symmetry, Paul came out the clear winner in this height class, with fourteen votes to three (I refrained from judging). Rick Wayne being second, and a really great South African, Abe Jordan third. Fourth place went to a very muscular Evrard Meyssain of Guadeloupe.
In Class 1, the battle was obviously going to be between the amazing George Paine, making his second visit, and Vern Weaver making his third, both of U.S.A. George was in superb condition and when one thinks of his age, this most likeable star is an example to all. Vern Weaver, with so much potential, still seemed to lack that winning determination. Whereas George Paine gave all he had in his posing, Vern seemed casual, as he has in the past. It was a clear win for George, with Vern second, and a very fine Tony Boulos from the United Arab Republic third. Tony, a former Mr. World, and now a doctor, was making his fourth appearance. Fourth was the handsome Olav Hansen of Norway, making his second bid. Fifth was Roger Francais from France.
The judges now had to decide between the two height class winners, Paul Wynter and George Payne for the Professional Universe title for 1966.
It was Paul Wynter, for the second time in six years, with eleven firsts to George Paine's six. One judge found it impossible to separate them and did not vote.
Two very fine people, both as men and as physique stars.
This contest really presented us with some headaches, and was packed with top material. There were several new countries competing and the European entry was the best ever, notably from Germany and Austria.
Class 3- The short class we call this, up to and including 5 ft. 6 in. Over twenty competitors from fifteen countries, and always a very tough one to start the ball rolling.
Britain had some very formidable entries in this class including our shortest ever Britain winner, John Citrone, 5 ft. 5 in. and third in this class last year, and former Mr. Britain, Terry Parkinson, an inch taller and second in this class last year. There was a great deal of opposition though, including Louis Lifman of South Africa, winner of Reg Park's Mr. Republic of South Africa contest, and a place winner last year. Kamal Bozan, a former Mr. Syria, and a very high place winner in the FIHC contests. Wilfred Sylvester, a former Jr. Britain finalist from St. Lucia, with something of the Paul Wynter about him; an excellent Moroccan, Said Abderrhmane, two Germans and many others.
John Citrone, our current Mr. Britain had it all the way and received sixteen out of a possible eighteen first places. Two judges preferred Wilfred Sylvester, who finished second and Louis Lifman who finished fifth. 3rd place went to Terry Parkinson after a close fight with Wilfred Sylvester; fourth place went to the very pleasing Syrian, Kamat Bozan; sixth place went to Brian House of England, who impressed John Grimek a great deal because of his terrific legs.
Class 2- This was probably the most open class of the amateurs and, taking into consideration it is for those up to 5 ft. 9 in. and over 5 ft. 6 in., it takes the "average" height man.
I would have liked to see an American in this height class to balance things up. Chief contenders were Roy Perrott of England, who was second in this class last year, William Betsalel of Israel, who took fourth place two years ago, Francois Van Den Berg, a South African, second in the Mr. South Africa contest, Clovis Nidaud of France, second in the Mr. Europe contest, Janko Rudman, the best Swede we have ever had at our Universe, Albert Beckles of Barbados, who has been featured in Iron Man.
William Betsalel of Israel had improved enormously since his last appearance, and took first place, followed very closely by Roy Perrott, who has a wonderful upper body, but is stilt a bit light in the legs; third was Janko Rudman of Sweden, a very rugged competitor indeed. Fourth was Clovis Nidaud of France, fifth, Francois Van Den Berg of South Africa, sixth, Albert Beckles, Barbados.
Class 1-This is the tall men's class and really was "the battle of the giants;" twenty-three in all, and the best overall we have ever had in this class.
We had hoped for an entry from York, Pennsylvania in this class, but Vern Weaver went into the professionals to replace Sergio Oliva. However, we had two very formidable and unexpected last minute entries: Chester Yorton, USA, fresh from winning a Mr. America title (IFBB), and Vic Downes, fresh from winning the Mr. Canada title. This was not all; there was an incredible 19 year old Austrian, Arnold Schwarzenegger, who all but stole the show. When I received his entry I wondered if it could be accurate because at 19 he was 6 ft. 1 in. tall, weighed 230 lbs, and had a 19½ in. upper arm. There was certainly no doubt about these measurements; the lad has the potential to be one of the greatest of all time. Our own Paul Nash, who won this height class last year and has since added a Mr. Europe title to his many wins, certainly had some formidable opposition. He was tipped to win the overall title. It did not end at this because this class had the muscular might of many other countries including Les Spendlove, current Mr. Australia, Bruce Wills, runner-up Mr. New Zealand, Gordon Van Sertima of Guyana, a place winner for two years, the current Mr. Luxembourg, Pierre Thielen, a former Mr. Germany, Helmut Reidmier, two former Mr. Europes and many more.
It was a close battle between the mature and superb Chester Yorton in the hardest possible shape and Schwarzenegger. As a friend of mine said when he posed after the extraordinary and very formidable Austrian, Schwarzenegger, Chester "wrung the last drop out of himself." The Austrian, a bit more mature, and better legs, will be unbeatable. He seemed unaware of has potential and just how good he was, and indeed a modest giant. We were very impressed with Chester and his posing was superb. When one considers the serious accident he had, it speaks highly for his tenacity and of PC. He was indeed a fine winner, with the Austrian second, Vic Downes, Canada third and Most Muscular winner. Vic is a former Londoner and commenced training at 30 and is now 37. Paul Nash, England, had to be content with a fourth, Gordon Van Sertima fifth and Les Spendlove of Australia who is only twenty years old, sixth, Nicolas Klebber, Guadeloupe, seventh.
All that was left was to select the overall Universe winner. But of course, as the Universe show was not until the day after, we had to assemble all the amateur competitors, though we were only looking at the three height class winners.
It was between John Citrone, England, William Betsalel, Israel and Chester Yorton, USA.
It was Chester all the way for 100 per cent first place, so our Amateur Universe title went to the USA for the tenth time.
- Paul Wynter is one of the most popular physique men, and this year he won the Professional Mr. Universe title. His physique has grace, symmetry and massive size.
- Here is the lineup of the tall men's class (over 5'9") in the amateur section. In the center you can see the winner, Chet Yorton, and beside him is the sensational Arnold Schwarzenegger of Austria, only 19, but one of the very greatest.
- Chet Yorton made sensational improvement to gain the Amateur Mr. Universe this year after his victory in the IFBB contest. His story appears next issue.
- George Paine won the tall men's class in the Professional section and is greatly improved. George keeps right on trying.
- Vic Downs of Canada won the "Most Muscular" title at the Mr. Universe contest. His physique creates a lot of comment wherever he appears.
- Two other famous people appeared at the Mr. Universe contest; John Grimek , who won the title many years ago, and Clint Walker, who presented the trophies to the winners. Grimke took Vern Weaver over.
- William Betsalel of Israel was the Amateur winner in Class 2.
- Vern Weaver was again a competitor and though massive and shapely, still does not have enough definition, and came in second to Paine in the Class 1 of the professional event.
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