Justin Compton’s Failed Experiment.
Have you ever had a master plan? A plan that you thought would be a game changer in your life? One that you thought would elevate you to the next level if your career? Sometimes the best laid plans are pulled off without a hitch. Other times the whole thing can blow up in your face and prove to be futile. When that latter occurs you’re left dumbfounded, wondering where you went wrong and how you can fix things. It’s likely what Justin Compton was feeling after his showings at the Arnold Classic in both Ohio and Australia.
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Before the 2016 Arnold Classic earlier this month, Compton hadn’t been seen in competition since the 2015 Arnold Classic Australia. He took third place behind Dexter Jackson and Branch Warren. It was a high placing, especially when you consider the fact that he was able to beat out Cedric McMillan who is having all kinds of success lately. After last year’s competition in Australia, Compton took it upon himself to start an experiment. Not only would he skip out on the Olympia, but he wouldn’t compete for the rest of the year. He chose instead to improve upon his physique so that he’d come back with superior musculature and definition.
But as many of us know, the best laid plans don’t always come to fruition.
Justin Compton was the name on everyone’s lips going into the Arnold Classic 2016. Many thought he was the only person who could even come close to defeating Kai. And so many of us anxiously awaited to see him step up on stage – especially in a comparison round next to Kai. But now only two weeks later, much of that excitement has completely dissipated.
photo courtesy of NPC News Online.
Yes, Compton came back to active competition, but his efforts would end up being futile. He had the bugger size, perhaps the most musculature of anyone on stage. But as the event continued it would begin to become obvious that the added size may have worked against him. Much like Big Ramy before him, Compton’s extra size may not be the answer to him becoming a superior bodybuilder.
In the current climate of bodybuilding, athletes would be smarter to work more on aesthetics than on musculature. Compton is young and still has a ton of time left in the sport. He can still take a different approach and focus on building a more classic physique that could see him challenging the best in the world. But when you see someone like Cody Montgomery giving such an amazing showing this year in Ohio (sure, he placed lower but at 21 years old he looked fantastic), it begs the question if Justin Compton needs to switch things up.
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Perhaps Cody will light a fire under Compton’s ass – with them both being on the younger end of the pro bodybuilding spectrum. But we here at Generation Iron really, really want to see Compton grow to do amazing things. We’re not saying that’s not possible – but we still haven’t seen him truly spark with an enlightening moment that can have us confidently say, “Justin Compton might be the next greatest top bodybuilder.”
With his break from competing over, we don’t have too long to wait to see Compton again. The Mr. Olympia will be another chance for Justin Compton to prove that 2016 is the start of his career as an icon… instead of another year where we say – hopefully next time.
What do you think Justin Compton needs to succeed? Let us know in the comments and follow Generation Iron on Facebook and Twitter. Also, be sure to share, like, and comment to show your support.
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