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14TH ANNUAL OHF HALL OF FAME AWARDS |
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Tom and Cha charm them all, as the 14th Annual OHF Awards in London England on one of the sunniest March days yet recorded with temperatures equaling those of California, thus helping to make them feel at home. Tom Platz, of the giant quads, capable of squatting ten minutes without pausing with 225 1bs., 50 reps, followed after a brief rest by another 50 using 315lbs and 24 reps with 525 1bs. Now looked slimmer and fitter and healthier influenced positively no doubt by his petite and beautiful wife of five years, Doc Cha.
Known worldwide as the "Golden Eagle" as nicknamed by his father who first introduced the young Tom to the wonderful world of weights. Tom competed in over 20 major contests from the AAU Mr. Iron Man, through State powerlifting championships, and included seven entries to the Mr. Olympia Contests. Some results are still argued in Tom’s favour. He is currently a Professor and Director of Bodybuilding Sciences at ISSA. His charismatic and dynamic wife Cha is a doctor of natural health and complimentary medicine, the combination of their knowledge and skills make a great team, leading to a happy and busy life-style devoted to teaching and helping others. Tom former cover man on more than 75 magazines, looked lighter of both body and mind, and was friendly, approachable and a delight to meet. Giving a competent speech well received by the knowledgeable audience. Tom of course received the top accolade of HALL OF FAME AWARD.
From sunny Italy, no doubt enjoying also the British warmer than usual temperatures, was the family of Professor Biagio Filizola, a former doctor, teacher, genuine professor and most of all a life time bodybuilder, wrestler, weightlifter, terrific artist, sculpture and the Winner of many titles. Biagio also stages the annual Mr. and Miss Italy. Founder of the Associazone Italiana Culturismo and IBFA which stages the Europe contests and the initiator of the annual John Grimek trophy. Former recipients including Bob Kennedy, David Webster, Mr. everything John Citrone and yours truly David Gentle. Uniquely and beautifully Italian, was the support given to Biagio by his gorgeous family. His daughters alone must have inspired the term "Eye candy" Congratulations Biagio, who we must add insisted on giving his acceptance speech in English, proving his professor title is no fake diploma bought on the internet. Biagio took the Ambassador Award.
The Outstanding Services to Physical
Culture Award went to Ken Heatbcote famous Health studio
owner and fitness industry giant. A guy who always practiced what he
taught. At just 10 stone (1401bs ) Ken squatted with 435lbs. CONTINUED |
He trained and competed as an Olympic lifter and bodybuilder. Was appointed NABBA national and Universe judge, being a great friend of Bill Pearl. His first health studies were groundbreaking introducing saunas, jacuzzis and squash courts along with the usual weights and mixed apparatus. He authored ten training manuals, wrote the first Gym Business book and founded the Fitness Industry Association or FIA now the second largest in the world. When 40 yrs old he did 400 situps, and lifted 40,000 1bs. in just 40 minutes Later aged 45 he ran the marathon in just 2 hrs 31 minutes. Friendly and amusing, a well deserved tribute. Special Recognition Award went to Roy Adams, writer, raconteur and skilled artist. Roy's life, so interesting, is covered in a book entitled Hard Times, being a club owner, most well known venue he owned being the Cavern former venue of the world famous Beatles pop group. From club bouncer to circus performer and bodybuilder, Roy has met them all and remains to this day a firm and close friend of the legendary Reg Park, who visited Roy just a week before the awards. Roy provides those huge backdrop photos of the stars behind the top table at the awards.
The Dr. Tom Temperley award went to Alan Snasball, once strong and fit bodybuilder, struck down with debilitating illness, and now almost blind, but still doing his bit for bodybuilding. Alan attends all the shows and has a wealth of knowledge and memories he is always willing to share.
The OHF Awards always include gymnastics,
believing in ability as well as sheer muscle size or appearance. This
years honoree was Gold medal winner Craig Heap, who has represented GB
over 100 times, including in 5 European and 3 World championships .He also
appears frequently on As always the audience included a who's who of the world of muscle, former Mr. Universes, Bill Richardson, John Citrone, Paul Wynter, lifters, muscle control experts, film stars like Darth Vadar, Dave Prowse, writers, fans and friends all happy to have the annual chin wag, or if you prefer "get together". Leo Rosa from the Bronx NY complained as ever, that someone had nicked the grand piano. The usual raffle for prizes, as usual didn't award me anything. Collectors fought it out tactically to win precious items in the silent auction. (My tactic is to place a bid, then hide the item, so no one else can bid on it, but don't tell will you.) The wife said "Do you really need MORE magazines?" I said, like that other sport which shall remain nameless, "You can never have enough". Rick Perkins from the USA nearly beat me. As did David Webster , but I still ended up going home with a case that the wife had a job to lift, bless her. Take care, and see you next year we hope. David Gentle.
All Photos are from David Gentle's Classic Photo
Collection. These photographs may not be used in any manner
without exclusive written permission. |
