Once again the ABA-INBA took athletes half way around the globe to compete internationally. This time it was in the beautiful country of Greece. Denny Kakos, INBA President and Lorenzo Gaspar, USA Advisory Coach played host to six athletes representing the United States. Actually, there were five athletes from the United States and one very fine athlete from Canada. The five athletes from the United States included Sue Farmer, Ken Boatright, B. J. Quinn, Alan Palmer in the Bodybuiding Division and Patrea Johnson in the Ms. Fitness Division. The group departed for Greece just a short five days after the ABA Natural USA competition October 25, in Corona, California. In New York they met up with Jack McCann from Minton, Canada.

Once arrived in Greece, they were eager to see the ancient city of Corinth because that was the site for the competition that would be held on Saturday. They were also welcomed there by Spiros, the promoter of the competition and was very hospitable. Spiros went to great lengths to make sure that Team USA stay was enjoyable. He even went as far as to bringing the team chicken, baked potatoes and brown rice. He also allowed the team to work out at his local gym, as he owned the finest gym in Corinth. It looks as though Spiros has lifted a lot of weight in his day and continues to be active in the sport in many avenues. In conversation with Spiros, he mentioned that there may be some problems with competing against the Greek athletes. He suggested that Team USA athlete's be better guest posers at the IFBB Greek Nationals. This did not sit well at all with TEAM USA athletes who had traveled so far to get a chance to compete internationally with the Greek Champions. Fortunately, Spiros was very understanding and accommodating and agreed to do his best to talk to the IFBB officials, and the organizing committee to allow Team USA athletes to compete against the Greek champions immediately after their IFBB Greek Nationals.

The personalities on Team USA really gelled. Everybody shared training and diet secrets, precompetition notes and got along tremendously well. Team USA watched the Greek competition with great interest as they knew they would be competing against winners. It became obvious that many of the IFBB Greek competitors were using anabolic steroids. A couple of tell-tale signs were obvious.

While watching the competitors on stage an interesting observation developed. Namely, that it was obvious that the athletes were not gifted with genetic potential or symmetry and were not helped at all by the use of the anabolic steroids. Some of them seem to have body parts that simply were under developed with the rest of their bodyparts. For instance, they may have had very large arms but very small calves, a very large back, but a very small chest.
The heavy weight champion however, was very massive and quite symmetrical. He appeared to be about 6'3" and approximately 245 lbs. This competition was, for him, in preparation for the upcoming IFBB World Championships the following week in Ahman, Jordan.

Outstanding exhibitions were given by Jack McCaan in the physically challenged division that has not yet been established in Greece, and Patrea Johnson demonstrating the Ms. Fitness competition that is just beginning to become popular. Fortunately for Sue Farmer, who is an outstanding world champion bodybuilder, she was a little to intimidating for the women's competition and was not allowed to compete. She did, however, bring the house down in an awesome posing demonstration. The final posedown of the evening pitted the three USA men Ken Boatright, Alan Palmer and B.J. Quinn against the four class winners of the Greek National Championships.

The action was fast and furious as all the competitors jockeyed for position in front of the five IFBB judges. In fact, B.J. Quinn was hit twice by the massive Greek heavyweight winner. In the end, it was B.J. Quinn who had the last laugh as he garnished three of the five judges first place votes, the other twofirst place votes went to Alan Palmer. B.J. Quinn instantly became known as the Giant Killer. His fantastic muscularity and definition earned him first place. Ken Boatright also showed very well as his mass and symmetry were exceptional.

So after a night of fested celebration, the following day Team USA left the historical city of Corinth and traveled the island of Zakynthos. A beautiful island off the west coast of Greece. The island is a main tourist attraction in the summer months but near the end of October it was nearly deserted except for the local residents. This was actually quite nice because that allowed Team USA to have the run of the whole beach. On Zackynthos everyone enjoyed traditional Greek cooking, sight seeing around the beautiful country side, total relaxation and of course sharing training information as true athletes do.

Zakynthos is also where Denny Kakos was born and lived his early childhood. It is still a place where his father calls home today, even though he is a US citizen. The team was graciously hosted by Mr. Kakos at his beautiful home amidst the family's vineyards. The team spent three days on Zakynthos and then traveled back to the mainland to visit ancient Olympia, the site of the original Olympic games. There they visited the museum at ancient Olympia where relics such as statues, weapons, helmets and other artifacts have been preserved. The fact that it was not tourist season was actually a bonus from the standpoint of the ability of the team to visit archeological sites and ruins and nearly have the whole site to themselves. They even lined up at the original starting location where foot races were held hundreds of years ago and the Team USA ran down on a straight away track.

From the city of Olympia the team drove back to Athens and spent the last three days there. In Athens they visited the Acropolis probably the most famous landmark in Greece. The Parthenon at the Acropolis was built between 447 and 432 BC It is a majestic sight that sits on top of a plateau in the middle of downtown Athens with sheer rock walls. At the Acropolis the team took the opportunity to take photographs in front of the Parthenon (you may have seen this year's Christmas Card). Within minutes of starting to take the photos a few people showed up and wanted to take pictures. Soon, dozens of people arrived on the scene wanting to take pictures and be in the pictures with the US Team, (like sharks in a feeding frenzy). It created such a stir that the officials at the Acropolis actually asked Team USA to leave for flexing and posing in posing attire.

The trip was a fantastic experience. The country of Greece is a beautiful and diversified as you have heard. The ruins, and archaeological sites alone, are well worth the visit. The people are warm and hospitable. As for Team USA, and our chaperones Denny, and Lorenzo there was great chemistry. There were a lot of memories and laughs (thanks Patrea) who was the life of the party. All the members of the team would like to thank Denny Kakos for his hospitality and since he is from Greece serving as our official personal tour guide (and putting up with their shenanigans). The trip was one we will all remember for the rest of their lives.

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