HMMM, Well I would love to see the judging steer towards the more symmetrical, conditioned, and esthetically pleasing physiques, which used to be the criteria that determined who had the best physique. Now the rule seems to be “the freakier the better”. I agree that it is impressive to see a near 300lb man on stage who is solid muscle, but does that mean he is the best looking guy on stage? I don’t think so. It is not even possible for the majority of the bodybuilders today to ever even get close to the 300lb mark shredded to the bone. I know that I will not ever be a 300lb man and will never be able to compete with several of the monsters out there for this reason. I would really like to see the IFBB implement the over and under 200lb class at least. I think there are a lot of incredible physiques on the pro stage today that are being over looked just because they are not 250+lbs. I think this is a shame. It says your being judged on your conditioning and your balance and your symmetry as you look over the judging criteria. If this is the case, I think that many of the athletes on the pro stage deserve to be looked at a little bit closer. They are presenting the package that they were told they were going to be judged on but are being overlooked because of their weight and not their lack of conditioning or symmetry.
[Q] I absolutely agree with your assessment Patrick. For instance, look at Darrem Charles in this past Olympia. Ninth place?! I felt that such a physique deserved at least a 5th place. Moving on, what are your immediate and long-term goals?
As we speak, I am in the process of trying to get my own supplement store open. I have been a manager of a local supplement store for the past year and a half and love what I do. I have always wanted to own my own business and have always enjoyed helping people to reach their personal goals in the gym. Long term, I would love to own a chain of supplement stores and hopefully a gym to do personal training in. Also, currently I have my own website www.patrickrichardson.net and I offer the following services:
- Weight Loss Management Nutritional Counseling
- Body Sculpting and Toning Counseling
- Supplementation Advise
- Personalized Training Packages
- Sport Specific Training Packages
- Competition Preparation Consulting
- Posing Instruction
- Motivation
- Guest Posing Services
[Q] When will you compete for the first time as a pro?
I am looking to do my first Pro show at the end of next year if things go right. I have been trying to get over an injury now for the past 8 months and am still hurt but am working through it. It set me back quite a bit as I had to sit out for a good 20 weeks and not lift at all. I hope to add about 10 lbs of lean muscle by the end of next year before stepping on the pro stage for the first time. I have made some good gains since the Nationals despite my injury and am looking to add quite a bit more before next year. I’m currently looking at the Europa Pro show or the Charlotte Pro.
[Q] I wish you the best of luck with that. Looking at your present condition, it is hard to believe that you did not touch a weight in 20 weeks! Anything else that you would like to add Patrick?
I would just like to thank all of my fans and supporters. I love this sport and the way it brings us all together with one common interest. I will be updating my web site soon with new pics and also with a link to my new supplement store once I get it open. I will be doing internet orders and would love to earn my fans’ business. Thanks again for your support and encouragement and God Bless you all and best of wishes.
[Q] How can people contact you?
I can be contacted via my web site www.patrickrichardson.net.
Thank you for such a great interview Patrick and I wish you the very best in your professional debut!
About The Author
Hugo Rivera, About.com's Bodybuilding Guide and ISSA Certified Fitness Trainer, is a nationally-known best-selling author of over 8 books on bodybuilding, weight loss and fitness, including "The Body Sculpting Bible for Men", "The Body Sculpting Bible for Women", "The Hardgainer's Bodybuilding Handbook", and his successful, self published e-book, "Body Re-Engineering". Hugo is also a national level NPC natural bodybuilding champion. Learn more about Hugo Rivera.
