IronMan, Vol 28, No 1, Page 34, November 1968

Schwarzenegger & Tinerino Win Mr. Universe Titles In London

by Achilles Kallos

I have no doubt in my mind that the 1968 NABBA Mr. Universe Contests held in London at the Victoria Palace Theatre on the 21st of September, 1968, were the greatest physique championships ever held.

Many organizations hold so-called Mr. Universe contests in Europe and America but they cannot compare with the NABBA's superbly run show held yearly in London. Competitors come from all over the world.

America, Argentina, Algeria, South Africa, Australia and nearly every European country send representatives. Other organizations cannot boast this amazing patronage. The standard this year, in my opinion, was the highest ever. In the Amateur Section over 70 competitors assembled and two Mr. America winners had to battle it out. Whilst in the Professional division three of the world's greatest physiques fought it out. A few unknowns gave some of the top boys tough competition. First of all, before describing my views on some of the competitors let me tell you something of the workings of the judging.

We were all booked in at the Royal Hotel where the pre-judging was held one day before the actual show. This took a full day and we were split into various height classes. The Amateur section was divided into three divisions: class I, those who were over 5'9"; class II between 5'6" and 5'9"; class III up to 5'6". This enabled the judges to adjudicate in a fairer manner. The Professional section had only two classes because of fewer competitors.

To begin, each height class was lined up and inspected in repose. Then each competitor came out to individually pose for the judges. There was no posing light, nor was any oil allowed. Only a fair decision could be arrived at in these circumstances. There were 15 judges, namely: Jean Stoos, France; Dr. G. Garbe, Germany; U. Devetak, Italy; L. Sell, Ian McQueen, Bill Stevens, Bert Loveday, H. Wrigley, Ken Latham, Bill Noms, Ted White, O. Heidenstam all of the United Kingdom.

The next day we went to the Victoria Palace Theatre which was the venue for a quick dress rehearsal, which is always necessary for a smoothly-run show -- shows for which NABBA is world famous. The actual show was entertainment at its best because there were also variety acts between the posing displays of each height class.

Now to tell you about some of the competitors.

AMATEURS -- Class I -

TALL MEN -- The current Mr. America, Jim Haislop, was closely beaten by a much improved Dennis Tinerino (1967 Mr. America). It must have been one of the toughest decisions for the judges to make. Haislop has a terrific taper, similar to Steve Reeves', and very good legs. Whilst Dennis was more rugged with bigger arms and pectorals. Frank Richard of England, who is only 22 years old, beat famous Vic Downs of Canada. Whilst the current Mr. Britain, big Brian Eastman, could only place fifth. That's how tough the competition was!

AMATEURS -- Class II -

MEDIUM HEIGHT -- This most probably proved the toughest to judge because the first three were very evenly matched. On the other hand, the standard in this division was not as high as the other two height classes. Roy Perrott of England has competed in several Universe competitions and always gives a good account of himself, and won this height division, with Arthur Fairhurst of England a very close second. Janko Rudman of Sweden placed third and had improved tremendously over last year.

AMATEURS -- Class III -

SHORT MAN -- Once again the short men proved difficult to judge. An unknown Italian, Franco Colombo, now living in Germany, gave Wilfred Sylvester the fight of his life. Wilfred emerged the winner. Franco subsequently won the most muscular title. The Austrian, Adolf Ziegner, placed third and won the best arms title. His arms measured 20 inches at a height of 5 ft. 5 inches.

PROFESSIONAL -- Clases I and II

With three Universe winners and a highly regarded American, this section was very exciting.

SHORT MEN -- We were fortunate in seeing the Puerto Rican-American, Freddy Ortiz compete in this division. Most probably he has the greatest pair of arms in the world. They must measure at least 20 inches, and when you consider his height 5'6", this is truly fantastic. Freddy's posing routine was something quite different -- he would go into a pose and slowly flex his muscles until fully expanded. This thrilled the audience; they thought they had seen his muscles fully flexed, but then Freddy would expand them even more. John Citrone of England beat out Ortiz in a very close battle. John looked to be in the best condition of his life. When I saw him pumping up in the dressing room I could not believe that a man could pack so much muscle into such a short frame. Former short man winner, Yves Permal of France, although in excellent condition, placed third.

TALL MEN -- This division had only 6 entrants, and Arnold Schwarzenegger had little difficulty in winning it. He went on to win the overall title, but make no mistake, he did not have it all his way. Citrone and Ortiz proved formidable opponents. I had not seen Arnold before, and was very impressed with his overall size and muscularity; however, some thought that he did not look as good as last year.

I have not mentioned much about the variety acts because full reports will be published by others. Besides, I was too busy backstage taking photographs and chatting to various competitors. I was impressed with the friendliness and sincerity of the boys. Many of us had traveled thousands of miles to attend this mammoth show. Some of us could not converse freely with the Germans, Italians, French and Swedes because of the language barrier, but we somehow understood each other.

I had long chats with Jim Haislop and Dennis Tinerino. Both were very friendly and sincere. Dennis contemplates returning next year to compete most probably in the Professional section, whilst Jim doubts if he will compete in another contest because he would like to settle down and get married soon.

The British competitors in particular were most helpful. Brian House, Arthur Fairhurst, Frank Richards and Roy Perrott were always willing to assist whenever called upon. I photographed these four fellows at Rusty Wodds gymnasium. I intend reporting on their training ideas shortly.

Gregory Arax of Paris, the world famous photographer, was once again at the judging and show, taking photographs. He is 72 years of age and has been coming over to each Universe contest since its inception some 20 years ago.

All in all, the 1968 Mr. Universe contest proved a thrilling event in my life, and I'm sure many of the other competitors felt the same.

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PHOTO CAPTIONS

- Arnold Schwarzenegger is the new professional Mr. Universe, beating out Citrone and Ortiz.

- John Citrone, greatly improved over last year, was the winner of the short mens class in the Professional contest.

- Dennis Tinerino, back again this year, was the Amateur Mr. Universe winner.

- The group above includes Franco Columbu, 2nd in amateur class three, Wilfred Sylvester, first in class three, Dennis Tinerino, first in amateur class one and Amateur Mr. Unvierse, Roy Perrott, first in amateur class 2, Arthur Fairhurst second in amateur class 2.

- Photo at left shows the perfection of the physique of Wilfred Sylvester, the Amateur Class Three winner. On the opposite page (below) we see the measurements and other data about the competitors that will be of interest, including the photographers' notes as to the winners.

AMATEUR Class 3 (up to and inlcuding 5 ft. 6 in.)
No	Name	Country	Age	Height	Weight	Neck	Waist	Thigh	Calf	Upper Arm	Chest Ex.
1	SYLVESTER, Wilfred	St. Lucia	22	5-3	165	16½	27	24½	16½	18¼	47
2	CHENIER, Jacques	France	25	5-3¾	175	16½	29½	25¼	16½	17	47
3	RADCLIFFE, Arthur	England	39	5-4	155	16½	29	24	15½	16½	45
4	BUTT, Mohammad Umar	Pakistan	33	5-4	150	16½	30	23½	15½	16½	44½
5	WILD, Alan	England	31	5-4	160	16½	29½	24	15¾	17	47
6	LE CREN, Jean Jacques	France	24	5-4½	168	17	27½	24½	15½	17¼	46½
7	ASHTON, Ken	Wales	28	5-5	164	16½	29	23½	15	16½	47½
8	COLOMBO, Franco	Italy	26	5-5	176	17	26½	25½	17½	18	50
9	ZIEGNER, Adolf	Austria	29	5-5	218	18	-	26	18	20	52
10	WYATT, Michael	England	34	5-5	140	15¾	28	22	15	15½	44
11	MASHINI, Shipo	S. Africa	-	5-5	175	-	-	-	-	-	-
12	BAKER, Michael	England	31	5-5½	178	16¾	30	25	16	18	49
13	HOUSE, Brian	England	29	5-5½	176	17	30½	24	17½	17	48
14	McFARLANE, Harry	Jamaica	29	5-5½	188	17½	28	25	17½	18½	48
15	VIOLA, Ferruccio	Italy-Argentine	24	5-51	181	-	-	-	-	-	-
16	BOZAN, Kamal Mhmad	Syria	28	5-6	180	17½	29	24½	-	17½	48
17	PILIOTIS, Michael	England	27	5-6	175	16	31	25	16	18	48
AMATEUR Class 2 (over 5 ft. 6 in. and up to and including 5 ft. 9 in.)
No	Name	Country	Age	Height	Weight	Neck	Waist	Thigh	Calf	Upper Arm	Chest Ex.
20	AHMED, Mushtaq	Pakistan	26	5-6¼	165	16½	30	24½	15½	16½	45½
21	BABEL, Alain	France	27	5-7	178	16½	29½	24	16	17	46
22	WILLETTS, Eric	England	20	5-7	175	16½	28	23½	16	16½	47½
23	FAIRHURST, Arthur	England	32	5-7½	186	17¼	30	25½	16½	18	50
24	DUFFIELD, Tony	Jersey, C.I.	29	5-7½	180	17	30	24½	17	17¼	46½
25	KALLOS, Achilles	S. Africa	37	5-8	195	17½	32	24½	17	17½	49
26	GOBETZ, Harald	Austria	23	5-8	222	18	29	25½	17½	18¾	53½
27	PERROTT, Roy	England	31	5-8	190	17½	32	25	16	17½	49½
28	RUDMAN, Janko	Sweden	28	5-8¼	196	18	31½	26	17½	19	53
29	LUNDE, Lars	Norway	21	5-8½	177	16	27	23¾	16¼	17	47
30	BLOKZEIL, Bob	Holland	32	5-8½	212	17	31	26	17¼	18	49½
31	EVERLET, Raymond	France	29	5-8½	193	17¼	28½	25½	17¼	17¾	47
32	RUDERHAM, Peter	Jersey, C.I.	33	5-8½	189	17	32½	25	16¼	17	50
33	LOIS, Baldo	Spain	24	5-8¾	199	17	31	26	17¾	18¼	50
34	TAMPELLINI, Ruegero	Italy	29	5-9	180	17	29	25	16¼	17¾	49
35	FOSSUM, Jarl	Norway	22	5-9	190	17	29½	25½	17	18	49
36	DE-COLA, John	USA	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
AMATEUR Class 1 (over 5 ft. 9 in.)
No	Name	Country	Age	Height	Weight	Neck	Waist	Thigh	Calf	Upper Arm	Chest Ex.
39	BOYA, Alphouse	Congo	26	5-9½	196	16½	31¾	24½	15¾	18	46¾
40	LAGOUAG, Mouloud	Algeria	25	5-9½	180	16½	-	24¼	15¾	17¼	45¾
41	MAZZOLI, Roberto	Italy	28	5-10	184	16½	29½	24	15¾	17	49¼
42	RIEDMEIER, Helmut	Germany	24	5-10	225	17¼	30½	25¼	17	18½	51
43	BULL, Douglas	England	20	5-10½	199	17	30	24½	16½	18	48½
44	RICHARD, Frank	England	22	5-101	218	17½	32	25½	17¾	18	51½
45	KEYSER, Chris	S. Africa	-	5-10½	195	-	-	-	-	-	-
46	GREAVES, Henry	Trinidad	36	5-11	205	17	30	26	16¾	19	49
47	DOWNS, Vic	Canada	39	5-11	225	17	32	26½	17	19	49
48	HAISLOP James	USA	26	5-11½	220	18	32	27¼	18	18¾	51½
49	KEINRATH, Karl	Austria	25	6-2	230	18½	31	-	18½	19½	53½
50	MLADENOVIC, Peter	Yugoslavia	26	6-1	210	18	-	-	-	18¾	52
51	ROUGH, Norman	Scotland	31	6-0	212	17¾	30	26½	17½	18¾	52
52	TINERINO, Dennis	USA	23	6-0½	-	18	33	-	18	20	-
53	BYRNE, Pady	S. Ireland	30	6-1	200	17	33	24½	16½	16¼	47½
54	EASTMAN, Brian	England	23	6-1	220	17½	30	27	17	18	50
PROFESSIONAL Class 2 (5 ft. 8 in. and under)
No	Name	Country	Age	Height	Weight	Neck	Waist	Thigh	Calf	Upper Arm	Chest Ex.
57	MEYSSAIN, Everard	Fr. Martinique	31	5-4	162	15¾	29¼	23½	15¾	16¾	42
58	DEIANA, Giuseppe	Italy	25	5-4½	164	17	29	24¼	15½	16	43
59	CITRONE, John	England	25	5-5	180	16½	31	25½	16½	18½	49
60	INGEBREGSTEN, Ludwig	Norway	24	5-5¾	180	17	31	23¾	16	17½	48¾
61	ORTIZ, Freddy	Puerto Rico	28	5-6	190	16½	27	24½	16½	19½	50
63	WEIMER, Friedrich	Germany	25	5-6½	178	16¾	30	25	16	16	49
64	JORDAN, Abe	S. Africa	28	5-6½	180	18	32	25	16½	18½	49
65	MUNOZ, Jose Donato	Spain	37	5-7	180	17	30	25	16¼	17½	48
66	JACOBS, Serge	Belgium	27	5-7	179	16¾	29	25	16	-	47
67	POLLARD, Theodore	England	25	5-7	178	16½	30	25	16	16¾	46½
PROFESSIONAL Class 1 (over 5 ft. 8 in.)
No	Name	Country	Age	Height	Weight	Neck	Waist	Thigh	Calf	Upper Arm	Chest Ex.
68	LOUVIERS, Jacques	F. Guadeloupe	27	5-8½	198	16½	30¾	25½	16½	17¾	47½
69	BUBB, John	England	33	5-8½	189	16½	31	25	16½	17¾	48
70	KLEBER, Nicolas	F. Guadeloupe	28	5-9¾	202	16½	32½	25¼	17¼	17¼	47¼
71	KEENE, Allen	USA	26	5-9	185	-	-	-	-	-	-
72	PLUTON, Emmanuel	F. Martinique	27	5-10½	225	17¼	29¾	26	16¼	17¼	49½
73	SCHWARZENEGGER, Arnold	Austria	21	6-2	254	18½	32	-	19	21½	58

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