July 4th, 2008 was a hot and sunny day at Muscle Beach. The crowd was excited and the bodybuilding and figure competitors were in fine form.

The event started with the induction of ‘Zabo’ Koszewski into the Muscle Beach Venice Bodybuilding Hall of Fame. Recognized as the best “Abs” in the business Zabo was welcome with huge applause as he walked on stage. The award was presented by John Balik, publisher of Iron Man Magazine and sponsor of the Hall of Fame Award.

The teen class was outstanding this event with six young competitors. The young athletes, the future of bodybuilding, presented some of the best posing routines of the day.

The Overall Women’s Bodybuilder was Dawn Michael Thomas.
Overall Men’s Bodybuilder, Mike Manibog and Overall Figure
Winner, Laura Bailey.

The Novice Overall Award went to Luca Pennazzato, a first time Muscle Beach competitor from Italy. The Overall Novice Figure Award went to Kim Farley also a first time competitor. With encouragement from Joe Wheatley, these two first timers exemplified the hard work and dedication that can be a great reward to athletes.

Rado Pagac won the StarTrac best posing award.

The event’s host sponsor, HeadBlade, in conjunction with Bodybuilding.com, Gaspari Nutrition, The Burn Machine, Mind Over Matter, Smart Water, Rock Hard Fitness and several other vendors provided product, education and giveaways to the visitors on the Boardwalk.

Joe Wheatley Productions would like to thank the judges and support staff that made this one of the great events at Muscle Beach.

Photo of Pilot Tim Harris & crew of the C-17 (from Riverside, California) that flew over Muscle Beach during the Memorial Day Weekend events. Thank you, guys!

Presented by Joe Wheatley Productions & Bodybuilding.com. hosted by Head Blade, Muscle Beach International is just around the corner!

DATE & TIME:
Sunday, May 25 - Monday, May 26, 2008
This event is in conjunction with the Armed Forces Battle of the Branches Bodybuilding Championship
- early arrival suggested…. our events are always packed!

LOCATION:
Venice Beach Rec Ctr, 1800 Ocean Front Walk, Venice, CA 90291

DIRECTIONS:
10 Fwy West to 4th/5th Street exit
then left on 4thSt over the Freeway
Take a right on Pico Blvd and left on Neilsen Way which turns into Pacific Ave when you reach Venice.
Take a right on Venice Blvd and park in public lot.
Check www.mapquest.com for specific directions from your location.

DATE & TIME:
Sunday, May 25 - Monday, May 26, 2008
This event is in conjunction with the Muscle Beach Int’l Classic
- early arrival suggested…. our events are always packed!

LOCATION:
Venice Beach Rec Ctr, 1800 Ocean Front Walk, Venice, CA 90291

DIRECTIONS:
10 Fwy West to 4th/5th Street exit
then left on 4thSt over the Freeway
Take a right on Pico Blvd and left on Neilsen Way which turns into Pacific Ave when you reach Venice.
Take a right on Venice Blvd and park in public lot.
Check www.mapquest.com for specific directions from your location.

MORE INFO

Join us at Muscle Beach on May 25 from 1 - 6 pm for 20 bouts of amateur boxing. Starting with the young people from the Boys & Girls Club, moving to the boxers from Venice High School and then watch the Marines & Army, UCLA vs. USC, and for a great finale The Los Angeles Fire Department takes on the LA County Sheriffs.

On hand that day cheering on his boxer will be Maurice Benard, star of General Hospital. In addition a variety of legendary boxers including Alex Ramos and Bobby Chacon will be introduced to the audience.