IFBB PRO - Garrett Downing

HOLLYWOOD CALLS AGAIN- Maybe it's my good looks (no, that's only something my mom and wife agree upon), maybe it's my charming on-camera personality (well, I leave that to the crtics). Okay, how about right place and right time to have the kind muscle and look that the Hollywood folk were seeking that day. Yup. I did it again. Got recruited and cast in another TV Game Show role! Don't miss my entertaining appearance as a contestant on The Hollywood Squares, Tuesday, November 11 (how appropriate it's Veteran's Day!). I was cast for a special "Blondes Have More Fun - Hunks Week" edition of the nationally televised game show.

The Blondes part meant all the celebrity "squares" were blondes, including the lovely Pamela Anderson as the Center Square and others such as Gillian Barbarie, Barbara Eden and the "Coors Twins." And, the Hunks part - well, the contestants were supposed to be hunky, brawny men to serve as eye candy for the blondes. I won't reveal how I did, but despite blanking out for a moment on tic-tac-toe strategy under the hot lights, I held up well with questions that ranged from silly to challenging. I also, at the request of the producers, hammed things up quite a bit. And, it looks as tho' I reveal a secret hobby on National TV that I'll doubtfully never live down in the bodybuilding community!! That's all I will tell you. You have for yourself to watch to see it. Check here for the TV listing in your area.

ON THE ROAD- The Olympia this year was great. I am constantly impressed, not just with my fellow competitors (congrats to all and especially to Troy Alves for his placing), but with the way the show and the Expo continue to grow. And, I have to compliment Weider Publications on a superb job - the new booth was fantastic and the events were great. I had a ball again this year judging "The Battle of the Biceps" as well as "Ms. Muscle Beach" with some of my favorite fellow muscle brethren and Weider Athletes, Tomm Voss and Nasser El Sonbaty. Judging is harder than one thinks! After the weekend's work at the Expo, Weider Athletes were treated like royalty with a beautifully catered sky box for the Olympia Finals at the Mandalay Bay Theatre where we could enjoy the show in comfort and style. Thank you, Lou Marino at Weider, for taking such good care of us.

I attended the Irish Nationals in Dublin, Ireland, November 9 and gave a seminar with fellow pros including Shawn Ray, Milos Sarcev, new guy Richard Jones. Many thanks to Sean & Brian Bullman for putting everything on. This month, I will also be in Mexico City giving a seminar November 22-23, put on by José García with ONLY FITNESS. Contact José for more information.

2004 SEASON UPDATE - I am training hard with my partners IFBB Pro Derik Farnsworth and Pete Ciccone! Everything looks to be on track for my competing in the Spring at the Night of Champions and the Toronto Pro. My leg is very strong now post injury, surgery and all my crazy complications. Glad to say it's behind me!!