"Mr. Mexice Revisited 2015" (The Tale Be Told.) "Close but not Close Enough!"

Since my arrival in Mexico in 2010 I have been honored by competing in three national contests the first was by accident as I was there to support a contestant who did not compete and so I had brought my posing trunks paid my registration and literally jumped out there unprepared and did my best, placing sixth in my category. 2012 I was fortunate enough to win the Yucatan Selection placing first and then third at the national level in my category. On to 2015, I came back after dealing with three years of absence due to immigration issues to win the Yucatan Selection again how did I do in the big city?

Yes another third place national title in Mexico, and I am truly grateful. First and foremost there are many to be thanked, which is necessary and due. If it was not for you and others I would not be as competitive as I am. So here are my shout outs for those who supported me in my endeavors financial as well as providing kind words of moral support. 

So many and where to start, first my morning fuertes Mario Ortega, Javier Aysa, 
David Alpuche, Enrique Fernandez, Raul Galan, Roberto Verdin, Ariel Ortega, David Ortega, Oswaldo Farah.  

Mario Ortega (Hermano-El Padrino)

Javier Aysa 

David Alpuche

Enrique Fernandez

Raul Galan

Roberto Verdin (Proud Papa)

Ariel Ortega (El Toro)

Joswaldo Farah

Second my early morning stragglers, Ivette Perez, and Ralf Hollmann.

Ivette Perez (Pipiripou)

Ralf Hollmann

The evening crew Paul Trotter, Jorge (Pekas) Farah, Mauricio Rivero. 

Paul Trotter (Fab Forties)

Jorge Farah (Pekas)

Mauricio (SC Ping Pong Champion)

More thanks out to my adopted youth as you help keep me young, Diana and Luis Gonzalez, Alberto Sauri, Roberto Serrano (Olympic Hopeful 2016) Wenz Marco, Sebastian Caceres, and Ivette Abdala.

Diana Gonzales

Luis Gonzales

Alberto Sauri (A future James Bond)

Roberto Serrano "2016 Olympic Hopeful"

Wenz Marco (AKA Michael Phelps of SC)

Sebastian Caceres ( Future Actor and Model)

Ivette Abdala (Pipiripou Jr.)

These fuertes are to be commended as they are my hard working trainees work on themselves to be the best they can be. Their hard work shows not only in what they look like but also in their daily lifestyle the truly help keep the bar up high as they drive themselves and others to higher goals. 

Special thanks to Salim Baquedano (Muscle Pharm), Julio Molina and Charlie (The Supplement Store), Marky Villegas and Ari (Villegas Performance Systems Store) Autos Del Norte (Offering the finest in used automobiles) Abel Novelo (Abel's Auto Repair and Service), Paul Trotter (Trotters, Pancho's, Bryans, La Tratto, Bryan's Burger Bar, LaTrotteria,  All The Finest Restaurants.)

My dear friends in the United States for their support from a far. Mike Terrigino, Amy Klein, Steve McDonald, Steve Wise, Rob Roper, Todd and Ned Clark, Wendy Capirci,

I would like to thank my family support team: My sisters, April Redmond Beck and Marney Redmond. Daughter, Dusty Redmond. Son, Ian Redmond. Grandbabies, Benjamin and Quinton Perez. Son in law, Mike Perez.

Extra Special Thanks to The Jorge Family and Sport Center as well as all the staff for their faithful support. Truly Sport Center is the finest for training as I am blessed to be a part of their family and the use of this amazing facility to keep at my top notch potential as I keep working on setting new goals achieving them and setting new higher goals. 

More Extra Special Thanks to Raul Cime and Evangelina Cime as they were my guardians making sure that I made it on time did not miss a plane or a taxi. Thanks for looking after me as in 2012 I missed the plane as I was checking aerosol cans into baggage late and the plane left without me in it. A extra special thank you for making me feel like one of the gang.

Raul and Evangelina 

Truly the heartfelt mushy thank you with all my love and affection to Paulina Jorge for her endearing encouraging support and treating me like I feel we should treat each other every day. She is truly one of a kind with the kindest of hearts.

Paulina Jorge

Alejandra Flores my trainer, nutritionist, dearest of friends and adopted daughter. Ale the trophies this year belong to you as much as me. You have stood by me and been my eyes as well as a training companion. You have helped me push and pull extra reps out of me to achieve a physique that few my age possess. You have spent countless hours sitting on the floor as I posed critiquing my every move and smile, helping choreograph each and every move. You helped me pose professionally like never before. You kind words and encouragement when exhausted pushed me to a level that few can achieve. 

Alejandra  Flores

Alejandra Flores

The Best Is Always Last. Deb Redmond my wife, love of my life and absolute true companion. You truly are the best and that’s why I am a better man. Your endearing love and affection even though sadistic at time, caused by me to promote my size and look like never before (Those close to me understand the sadistic adjective as it refers to intramuscular injections.) few in this world would do what you do for me. Deb you have invested more into me than anyone else, you have saved my life and inspire me to live each and every day to its fullest potential and to inspire others. You have the kindest of hearts and certainly all can see from your beautiful smile with only love for all. Thanks for being there by my side always.

"The Love of my life at my side as always Deb."

I never stopped training for events as I knew I would soon get the monkey off my back (immigration issues) November of 2014 I had gained twenty one kilograms of mass (50 lbs.) to my physique in a year and told all that I was planning to work at the shopping malls as a Santa Claus during the holidays. Little did they know the plan was to head back to Mr. Mexico Veteranos for my shot at the title only to fall short to Leo Flores (a bodybuilding legend here in Mexico.) coming up short of my goal of one hundred fourteen kilograms of body weight (250 lbs.) I started the fat loss portion of my training in December and by May 15^th I was at approx. six percent, ideally I was shooting for four percent. Training as heavy as possible cleaning up my diet and adding a lot of hours of cardio vascular exercise I worked at my goals seven days a week for over five months. I was surprised at my end results as it had been over a year that I had been in competitive shape. Six weeks out from show time it was time to start practicing posing; this is where my dearest of friends saves the day and becomes my eyes and coach (Alejandra Flores). Countless hours and patience she helped me choreograph and move pose to pose with grace (hard to believe, you say) hitting and holding all poses with a smile and the look of ease.

May 3^rd arrived quickly and it was time to get the game face on. I needed to win the Yucatan Title at the Vigor y Fuerza Event in order to have expenses accommodated to Mr. Mexico in Mexico City. After months of preparation I was ready for the challenge. Once again Alejandra Flores is my hero she took on the monumental task of being the complete trainer. We were fortunate enough to prepare in a dressing room with mirrors and chairs as it was a theater. Alejandra had the job preparing my body with the last coat of Pro Tan, a body paint to darken the skin as it helps your appearance under bright light. She was surrounded by nothing but men in the dressing room and she met the challenge like no other, unaffected by the aging hard bodies around her she applied her professionalism and made me look amazing. Minutes before stage time she ran me through my posing routine, applied the ""Hot Stuff  a vasodilator and instructed me on pump up before hitting the stage. I went out confident and ready and walked away with the first place trophy and a all expense paid ticket to my third Mr. Mexico.

 Upon hitting the stage I could hear Ale's voice reminding to, "Keep the abs tight and in and hit those legs!" 

Trophy Presentation Time.

Happy Shinning Faces!

Mr. México 2015

Placing first in Vigor Y Fuerza gave me my golden ticket to the big dance. I had two weeks to prepare. I truly felt very confident that this could be the "Big Win".  I didn't miss the plane this time, although surprise, little did I know that I would meet  up with "Leo Flores" (A Mexican Legend). He was shooting a documentary about his return as an IFBB Pro. I was in awe as I watched the film crew follow Leo's each and every move. I wasn't sure which category he would be competing, and certainly hoping it wasn't going to be mine. 

Sure enough "Game On!" Leo was in my category. 

Leo and the entourage of documentaros was quickly a humbling experience. It was now time to make friends and approach my competition. Knowing this would be another monumental task to undertake.Being publicly humiliated is not something anyone enjoys (even I, who puts himself in that place many times over). "So Game On! 

It was time to use my charm and charisma (psychological warfare) to diffuse my awkward feeling of immediate defeat. I knew I only had a chance at a second place finish unless he dehydrates to the point of serious crampage. It was now time to introduce myself as he had a break from his media attention and was preparing for his stage presentation. 

Upon approach, being prepared I addressed him properly by saying, "It is truly a honor meeting a bodybuilding legend such as you Leo."  Now for the big question, with my fingers crossed behind my back out of site. "What category are you participating in?"  Praying he would respond 40-49 and quickly smiling knowing this was my year it is my turn to win one of "The Big Dances!" He smiled and grinned then responded, "I was not planning on entering this event being an IFBB Pro but I need the practice and an easy win as I move into my fifties and continue to compete at the highest level of future international competitions." I returned the smile and thought to myself this will be a humbling experience, but not letting emotion take over my expression (Which said shit he is in my category.) I drew a calm smile and replied, I look forward to making you look good on stage." (Which really meant may you trip and fall upon entry mildly sprain an ankle and pose poorly,and may I pose my very best to make up for my inadequacies.) Thus winning the Big Dance.

Leo not only a bodybuilder but a model for his sponsors.

As I looked my best. Leo put me in my place. 

Leo Flores was and is truly a professional!

"War Paint and Warm Up!"

We soon heard our warning for prejudging and and lined up backstage. It was pump up time. I of course brought my elastic bands and began moving the blood for full occlusion. Feeling good about my look and watching Leo do towel pulls I prompted him that I would share so as one held the elastic band around their waist the other would pull. I warned him that he could accidently sustain injury and he may have to seek medical attention. This method of intimidation had absolutely no effect on him, although I mustered a smile and a chuckle out of him, also the band failed to break and injure him.

Pro Tan Time! (War Paint)

"Show Time!"

Prejudging (Saturday)

It was now up the stairs to the mainstage in order. Fortunately for me Leo followed me (Like that was going to make a difference). Out onto the stage I stroll chest up and posture straight and assuming my position. I hear a roar from the crowd and I felt an overwhelming joy and comfort until into my peripheral view I noticed it was Leo drawing the attention. Realizing that this is now a hold on for second place, as I felt very confident. Although being out classed by this specimen of a human being, he brought out the best in me. Posing having fun and not taking things to seriously I truly gave one of my best stage performances, maybe my best. 
Leo was a great sport as well as an inspiration with a true sense of humor. He made my quest more fun. It was now time to wait for top five results and if you qualified the "Show Goes On!".
The show went on.

Leo competed at 5'5" and  192 lbs.

A surprise visit by a superstar, Professional AAA Luchador "Angelico" (Wrestler) Adam Brindle came to watch my performance. I had not seen Adam for eight months it was a great gesture on his part and I certainly needed the support. After competing he found me backstage and checking to verify that I was a top five contestant. Now confident ready for finals and to take on the "Big Dog" Leo.We now had time to visit. He showed me his new home the same arena that I was competing in. The Triple A Meca and home of the 68 Olympic Basketball,Volleyball, Gymnastics and Swimming. As we walked and talked we were interupted by many of his fans.It was nice to have a Superstar Friend and the additional attention. It was much needed for the next day the Final. We parted as he is a ladies man as he had a date. Angelico thanks for the visit and moral support.

"Angelico" (Adam Brindle)

"Angelico showing his craft."

"High Flyer Angelico!"

Final (Sunday)

Sunday morning upon arrival at the arena. I just so happened upon my nemesis Leo first thing before entering the arena and going backstage. No he didn't get food poising from the room service I sent to his hotel. (Damn it!). Not really, all joking aside. We spoke for 15-20 minutes about past experiences. Truly an enjoyable start to a fun day. 

"Leo was and still is incredible."

No time to waste as it was now 10:00 am and we were scheduled for our final at 12:00 pm. Immediately it was time to paint up, pump up and spray vasodilator on. I want to thank Marcus Villegas for taking time out to make sure my cosmetic aesthetics were proper before I hit the stage, as I didn't have the assistance of Alejandra at the event.

Next was line up time backstage. Leo and his entourage followed. Knowing this is my moment and using my sense of humor as we warm up, pump up and practice posing. I said to Leo, "I don't want to hear you crying when they present trophies later this afternoon after I beat you with my first place finish.  What a nice guy as anyone else would have put me in my place he played along. Once again we shared equipment and light hearted comedic conversation as we kept ourselves in stage presentation mode.
   
"Boom Time", it was up the stairs we went and onto the stage taking our places Leo and I in the middle. I thought to myself what a great place to start. (in the middle means 1st, 2nd, or 3rd.) Hoping to stay in the middle throughout our routine posing until "Pose Libre!" (Pose Off Time). Meant a first, second or third place finish and then just maybe with enough charisma and no mistakes every pose perfect and looking my best and Leo falling over with cramps I win. 
Not... Leo brought out the best in me and more than likely my best performance ever. I was relaxed not intimidated prepared and knowing that it was an honor sharing the stage with him. Yes, Leo brought his best too. It made our category shine as we went through quarter turns and into compulsory poses. I felt great doing my very best even knowing I was being humbled with each pose offered up by Leo he had the attention of all and truly makes anyone he competes with look great and brings them up to his level instead of humiliating them. He showed us all and made us all feel like a professionals. I personally give him a Physical Ed thank you for making our field of competitors do their very best. Off the stage we went and now time to wait for four excruciating hours wondering our fate until places and trophies are presented.

Wasting time waiting and wondering how I finished the four hours could have passed slow but it didn't thanks to other competitors as we shared experiences and small talk. Convinced of a second place finish knowing I was competing a against a flawless performance from Leo and my best ever. Hearing nothing but praise and accomplishment from other competitors and those who watched as well as judged, I felt very confident. 

Trophy Time  (Sunday Evening)

Falling in to line, standing and waiting,anticipating my fate. Thinking to myself where did I finish did  I place 2nd, 3rd, 4th, etc. worst case scenario 5th as I was a top fiver. Listening as they called our names for stage entry by order of our place. 5th first thinking don't be me. 4th please don't be me, 3rd please, please don't be me! Left standing with only Leo backstage.He congratulated me and made me feel like I was competitive (like he had to worry). The MC called my name and out I went with an ear to ear smile knowing that I had done my very best and looked and posed at a level I had never thought possible. Truly a very happy moment as many thoughts were passing through my mind, I could hear the crowd erupt as Leo entered the stage smack dab in the middle and hailed as King of the Category. One by one we were presented trophies in order of our place and hugged and kissed on the cheek by each of the female presenters. I returned to my place on stage where I remained second place. I failed to notice although announced as a second place finish and possessing a second place trophy at my feet with a third place medal around my neck that I had not noticed. My trophy was be exchanged with the third place finisher unannounced to the audience and to all. Confusion took over my smile and I now am aware there is a problem. 

Whoops!

Could this be a 3rd place finish? Seeing a third place trophy now at my feet and looking down at my chest I noticed my medal was bronze not silver. Questions ran through my mind and not knowing why, left me in wonder. We exited the stage congratulated each other backstage. Confused looks on our faces, not necessarily Leo's, but me and the 2nd or third place competitor from Michoacan spoke briefly and professionally. We had previously competed against one another in 2012 when he had placed second and I third.  We awkwardly exchanged words but being a true competitor and human being, he made me feel good even though the outcome for me was not in my favor. 

Time for rest and recuperation, sitting and watching and waiting to see who was the absolute winner and knowing that no one could compete with Leo no matter what age. I sat and enjoyed watching him display professionalism at its highest level and walking away as the big winner. He truly was, is and continues to be a true professional as he brings others along to their best also. So thanks for taking me to school Leo it was a great experience and one I have learned from. 

Taco Time!

It was now time for our Yucateco (Yuca-Taco) group to leave the arena with our trophies in hand. Little did we know that our chaperones Raul and Evangelina would be taking us out for a much need celebratory treat. Tacos in the Centro, D.F. (Downtown Mexico City) We entered a beautiful cantina restaurant and bar with Mariachi's as we were in the Plaza De Mariachis'. Accompanied by a official of the IFBB and friend of Raul's whom picked up the tab for all. The tacos were absolutely amazing and chased down with a "chelada cerveza" made it all go down so smooth.  During our taco belly packing, the IFBB Representative and our own Yucatan  State Official Judge Evangelina Cime said  to me in conversation. "Do you know what happend?" I replied, "No and what are you talking about?" They explained to me that I had placed second and was moved to third due to a mark on my left deltoid (shoulder). Now having an understanding of what all the fuss was about on stage etc. I explained to them the mark on my deltoid from an injection in March of 2012 the mark was present when I competed that year, and even more pronounced, it seemed not to be a factor, so I never bothered to address it medically as it seemed to be less noticeable now in 2015. Apparently not, due to better lighting and stage aesthetics  it could be slightly seen. In other words they made a judgement call during the awards while on stage presenting my trophy and changed their decision during  this time. Which made my second now a third therefore the switch in trophies after the announcement of a second place finish and creating little or no chaos, as I didn't even bother notice, until off stage when I was told that I really was second by none other than my competitors. Their explanation was much appreciated as I had no understanding of what had happened. This made my tacos and finish easier to digest.

I would like to thank my roommate and friend Raul Cime for keeping me aware of event times transportation, and getting ready before hitting the stage. He always had a smile and a kind confident word for me.
A big thank you to Sport Center as they have a very supportive sponsor and believer in my quest.

Time to depart and return to Merida. It was now Monday morning and off to the airport as it was 3:30 am. Our flight left at 5:30 am without problems. Quickly arriving in Merida an hour and a half later we were greeted by my beautiful, wonderful wife with trophies in hand.

"Happy Happy Peoples!"

A  Special Thanks!

A extra Special Physical Ed shout out for 5 years of support from truly the finest facility! Thanks for making me a Better Me! Giving me the opportunity to outreach, network, educate and facilitate what I have been taught and share with others. Without your support the well runs dry. Thanks to your  continued support I've accomplished more than I thought possible. May our relationship continue.