Goob highlights photos of 2nd place Olympia finisher Mike Sommerfeld – are they edited?
In the latest episode of The Goob Show, host John Dorsey, popularly known as Goob, delves into several pressing issues within the bodybuilding community. Joined by guests filmmaker Vlad Yudin and producer Edwin Mejia Jr., the trio discusses topics ranging from legal controversies involving prominent figures to ethical concerns in competitions. Most notably, Goob investigates Mike Sommerfeld’s images – are his photos edited?
Here’s a brief rundown of the topics explored in this episode:
- An inside look into bodybuilder Chul-soon’s domestic violence arrest and release.
- Number two Classic Physique pro bodybuilder Mike Sommerfeld’s photoshop controversy.
- Local bodybuilding competition strips winner of prize money… but why?
- Goob’s predictions for the 2025 Arnold Classic.
You can watch the latest episode of The Goob Show above and keep reading to checkout our in-depth breakdown. Let’s dive in!
Chul Soon’s Arrest for Domestic Violence
The episode opens with a discussion about South Korean bodybuilder Hwang Chul-soon, often referred to as the “Asian Arnold Schwarzenegger.” Chul-soon was arrested and sentenced to nine months in prison for assaulting a female acquaintance. This incident follows years of rumors and accusations about domestic violence against his wife.
Goob recalls creating a video over a year ago highlighting allegations of Chul-soon assualting his wife, an issue that, at the time, did not receive widespread international attention. He notes that the couple managed to suppress the news, preventing it from spreading beyond local circles.
Vlad and Ed reveal that they had been working on a documentary about Chul-soon since 2022. The recent arrest derailed their production, as the image they had been presented with was that of a happy, loving family, with no visible signs of discord or violence.
Vlad points out that Chul-soon is a consummate showman, always eager to be in front of the camera and projecting a particular persona. This made it challenging for the documentary team to uncover his true character, as he often maintained his on-screen facade during filming.
Goob jests that “the real Chul Soon” is the individual who committed the assault, emphasizing that a person’s true nature is revealed when the cameras are off. The conversation shifts to public figures who have faced similar accusations, such as UFC owner Dana White. Despite being accused of domestic violence, White continues to enjoy success and public support.
Goob cares little for what the larger public condones, stating, “That’s messed up too,” and emphasizes that normalizing such behavior is unacceptable. He shares a personal stance, asserting that he has never and would never hit a woman, and finds it absurd to suggest that such actions are commonplace or excusable.
Reflecting on his experiences covering relationship dramas, Goob recounts an incident where a woman approached him with evidence of abuse by her boyfriend. After he publicized the issue, the woman recanted her statements, admitting she fabricated the claims. This situation tarnished the reputations of everyone involved and led Goob to refrain from covering similar stories in the future.
Mike Sommerfeld’s Photo Editing Controversy
The discussion transitions to pro bodybuilder Mike Sommerfeld, who recently secured the runner-up position in the Classic Physique category at the 2024 Mr. Olympia competition. Goob recaps that he had posted a recent video exposing Sommerfeld for using photoshop to enhance his physique on social media.
Goob highlights the irony of a top-tier competitor resorting to photo editing, questioning the necessity of such actions given Sommerfeld’s legitimate success. He observes that certain divisions, particularly Classic Physique and Figure, have higher instances of athletes altering their images, whereas Men’s Open competitors rarely engage in this practice.
Ed speculates that the motivation behind such editing could be to enhance social media engagement, thereby increasing brand affinity and financial gain. Goob concurs, noting that in the digital age, personal branding and online presence significantly impact an athlete’s marketability and income.
Merchandise Dispute Involving Mike Sommerfeld
Further controversy surrounds Sommerfeld regarding a merchandise dispute. Goob exposes an incident where a digital artist designed a shirt for Sommerfeld’s merchandise line. Upon completion, Sommerfeld claimed he couldn’t afford the agreed-upon price and assured the artist he wouldn’t use the design.
However, he later produced and sold the shirts without compensating or crediting the artist. This unethical behavior sparked outrage within the creative community, highlighting the importance of respecting intellectual property and fair compensation.
SixPax Competition Judging Controversy
The hosts then address a contentious event at a recent bodybuilding competition hosted by SixPax Gym. The locall competition was not affiliated with the NPC/IFBB Pro leagues, and offered a surprising $3,000 top prize for the winner. Renowned bodybuilder Tom Platz was among the judges.
Initially, an athlete with minimal online following was awarded first place and the prize money. Days after the competition concluded, he received a call from SixPax Gym informing him of a judging error and that the title and prize were being reassigned to another competitor who originally placed third but had a significantly larger social media presence.
Goob scrutinizes this decision, suggesting that the organizers prioritized publicity over fairness. He references a social media video where Tom Platz admitted that post-show deliberations led to the decision to alter the placements, not due to a scoring error but a reassessment of the athletes’ marketability. Goob expresses skepticism, implying that the gym leveraged Platz’s reputation to legitimize their decision.
In response to the controversy, supplement company First Phorm reached out to Goob, expressing interest in sponsoring the displaced athlete. Goob facilitated the connection, resulting in the athlete receiving sponsorship and financial compensation equivalent to the lost prize money, providing a positive resolution to the ordeal.
Goob’s Picks For The Most Exciting Athletes To Watch At The 2025 Arnold Classic
Looking ahead, the conversation shifts to the upcoming Arnold Classic 2025. Goob expresses excitement about witnessing Derek Lunsford‘s performance, noting that after losing his Olympia title, Lunsford is likely driven to reclaim his standing. Goob predicts that this determination will propel Lunsford to surpass current champion Samson Dauda at the event.
Vlad raises the potential implications if Dauda were to lose, questioning how it might affect his public image and status as the reigning champion. Goob acknowledges the risks associated with competing post-Olympia victory, as a loss could tarnish a champion’s legacy. However, he points out that the substantial prize money at the Arnold Classic presents a tempting incentive, possibly outweighing the risks involved.
Wrap Up
In summary, this episode of The Goob Show offers an in-depth exploration of current controversies – with Goob continuing to dedicate himself towards complete honesty and transparency in the world of fitness. This episode allows for Goob to go more in-depth on his recent exposed controversies such as incidents with Chul-soon, Mike Sommerfeld, and SixPax.
You can watch the full podcast episode at the top of this article. And make sure to check back every other week for new episodes on the Generation Iron Fitness Network or wherever podcasts are downloaded.
