Rich Gaspari shares his thoughts on the Arnold classic

Rich Gaspari shares his thoughts on the Arnold classic

1989 Arnold Classic champion Rich Gaspari was among the past champions honored at the 2023 edition of the Arnold Classic. With the competition behind us, Gaspari joined Dennis James, Milos Sarcev and Chris Cormier to share his thoughts on the competition and its champion, Samson Dauda, ​​on a recent episode of The Menace podcast.

“Samson had these thick, hard muscles that you haven't seen in competitors in a long time, since Ronnie Coleman and when Phil Heath was at his best,” Gaspari said. "It's good to see that, and that's why when I saw it I said, 'Man, hands down Samson was better.'"

Gaspari also told the group that he spoke to runner-up Nick Walker at the Meet the Pros event in Columbus, Ohio. Walker told him that he lost ten pounds to look more shredded for the competition. Gaspari thinks the move may have backfired on the 2021 Arnold Classic winner.

"He lost ten pounds for this show. He may have lost intramuscular fat, but he had no muscle density when he stood next to Samson."

Gaspari also wanted to show respect to fifth place finisher, two-time Olympia 212 champion Shaun Clarida. Even though the New Jersey native was outsized, he saw the quality that Clarida brought to the stage.

"Maybe he was too small, even though he's not small. He's very big for a small guy. He had the toughest body on the stage. It's just when you're up against a lot of bigger guys that it's hard to win."

The focus then shifted to Dauda's chances at the 2023 Olympics in Orlando, FL this November. Although Gaspari saw his greatness, he feels there are still some improvements to be made.

"I think he needs to improve a few poses. The front lat spread needs to improve. He's also been able to improve his back."

Gaspari and the rest of the panel also talk about the rest of the field and other Arnold weekend topics. New episodes of TMP air every Sunday on the Muscle & Fitness YouTube channel.