Short shots

Flex, August, 2003

* Team WEIDER has added more impressive bodies to its roster. Signing with the company recently: TROY ALVES, MARKUS RUHL and TIMEA MAJOROVA. Ruhl is set to play Santa at the company Christmas party.

* According to IFBB insiders, PAUL DILLETT's recent controversial charges of racism leveled at IFBB judges will result in a hearing, where Freakenstein will have an opportunity to substantiate his accusations. If Dillett fails to provide evidence to support his serious indictments of judges, he will face a fine and suspension. Then angry torch-wielding peasants will chase him back into the Canadian wilderness.

* The GNC Show of Strength is back on schedule and will take place in Atlanta, Georgia, on November 7-9. MAT DuVALL will skip the USA Championships on July 25-26. He injured his left biceps in an auto accident in late April. DuVall is expected to make a full recovery and plans to compete at the 2003 NPC Nationals in Miami.

* Contrary to a report in Hard Times last month, CHRIS CORMIER did not permanently move back to Los Angeles, but only pitched a tent, so to speak, for a few weeks in the City of Angels. His full-time crib is still in Vegas.

* Rumors are hot that human tumbleweed and Fitness Olympia champ SUSIE CURRY is considering retiring from fitness to try her curves at figure competitions.

* After a brief stay in Texas, LEE PRIEST has moved back to Lancaster, California, with his wife, CATHY, who recently took the Ms. International lightweight title.

* Speaking of CATHY PRIEST, the beautiful bodybuilder has plans to work with uber-trainer CHARLES GLASS to prepare for the 2003 Ms. Olympia.

* It looks like the Toronto Pro Invitational will not be rescheduled this year, which makes the Hungarian Pro Invitational on June 7 the last Olympia-qualifying contest for IFBB male competitors before the Big O.

* A FLEX operative recently spotted 1995 USA heavyweight and overall champ PHIL HERNON working as a personal trainer in Phoenix.

* Although the Southwest Pro Invitational contests have been canceled, promoters ED and BETTY PARISO reminded us that they are still going ahead with their expo and Southwest USA/North Texas amateur competitions. All the fun takes place September 27 in Dallas, Texas.

* For those who missed the 2003 San Francisco Pro show--and you really shouldn't have--you can still enjoy the Battle by the Bay thanks to the miracle of videotape. To see JAY CUTLER and the impromptu interplay of RONNIE COLEMAN and GUNTER SCHLIERKAMP, send a check or money order for $39 (plus $4 for postage and handling) to GMV Productions, 9122 W. Viking Road, Las Vegas 89147-6879, or call (702) 796-4660. You can also order through their Web site at www.gmv.com.au.