1992 Mr. Olympia

**Puma** · 08-22-2016, 04:28 PM

Originally Posted by Leigh Carmichael

Boom!!!

Agreed, Sonny Schmidt had an amazing physique. No one impressed me more at the 1990 NOC but as an unknown from overseas he got placed 6-8 in his first 4 pro shows (guess he "payed his dues" with those shows and got 2nd in the 4 pro shows that followed.

Haney was never known for his limbs so Yates might have had a slight advantage there in 1991 (which would have turned into an even bigger advantage for Yates in the years that followed). Haney did have a prettier physique though with more roundness and better taper. Seems like weight plus conditioning would dominate much of the judging in the years that followed (undoubtedly ushered in by Yates).

**MusclePoppins** · 08-22-2016, 06:48 PM

I had Levrone 4th in '92.

**Curt James** · 08-22-2016, 06:55 PM

Originally Posted by Puma

Agreed, Sonny Schmidt had an amazing physique. No one impressed me more at the 1990 NOC but as an unknown from overseas he got placed 6-8 in his first 4 pro shows (guess he "payed his dues" with those shows and got 2nd in the 4 pro shows that followed.

Haney was never known for his limbs so Yates might have had a slight advantage there in 1991 (which would have turned into an even bigger advantage for Yates in the years that followed). Haney did have a prettier physique though with more roundness and better taper. Seems like weight plus conditioning would dominate much of the judging in the years that followed (undoubtedly ushered in by Yates).

I shook Sonny's hand at the Arnold. I attended 1989-1992. He placed third in 92, the first year he competed in that show.

I would have been 29 or 30.

Remembering Sonny: Masters Olympia champ Sonny Schmidt dies of cancer at age 50

by Jim Schmaltz

Sonny Schmidt, the Samoan bodybuilder known for his quiet intensity and balanced physique, died of cancer in Melbourne, Australia, on January 25. The winner of the 1995 Masters Olympia, Schmidt was diagnosed with the disease in December 2003 and was told by doctors that he did not have long to live. Schmidt died at his Melbourne home surrounded by family and friends. He was 50 years old.

Born Edmond Alten Schmidt in New Zealand on September 19, 1953, Schmidt grew up on the small South Pacific island of Western Samoa. Eventually, he found his way to Australia, where he earned his pro card in 1989. He quickly distinguished himself on the IFBB circuit with his thick powerfully built musculature. The 5'10" 240-pound bodybuilder would compete in nearly 50 pro contests, his final appearance being the 1999 Masters Olympia, where he finished third. The highlight of his career was winning the '95 Masters O.

Tony Doherty, a Melbourne gym owner and promoter of the Australian Grand Prix, knew Schmidt since 1988. Their friendship was such that Doherty asked Sonny to be the best man at his wedding in 1998.

"He was a fun-loving guy who always had time for people," said Doherty, speaking a few days after Schmidt's death. "He never thought he was better than anybody else. He wouldn't leave until he shook the hand of every fan who wanted to meet him. It meant so much to him."

Close friend Milos Sarcev lived with Schmidt in San Diego, California, from 1991-93. He remembers Sonny as a hardworking man of few words, who displayed exceptional generosity to friends and strangers alike.

"I know people use the term a lot, but Sonny really was the epitome of a gentle giant," says Sarcev. "His biggest muscle was his heart. He would help everyone. He was a giver, not a taker."

More @ http://www.ironmagazineforums.com/th...Sonny-Schmidt?

**Puma** · 08-22-2016, 07:24 PM

Originally Posted by Curt James

I shook Sonny's hand at the Arnold. I attended 1989-1992. He placed third in 92, the first year he competed in that show.

I would have been 29 or 30.

I thought you looked familiar, Curt. I was at that 89 Arnold as well, lol. 22 years old at the time. Drove from Long Island to see that inaugural show.

**Captainheman** · 08-22-2016, 08:03 PM

I had Shawn Ray winning the show. He looked polished and crispy

**Curt James** · 08-22-2016, 10:22 PM

Originally Posted by Puma

I thought you looked familiar, Curt. I was at that 89 Arnold as well, lol. 22 years old at the time. Drove from Long Island to see that inaugural show.

I had frequent flier miles from being in the Navy. Believe I could have flown anywhere. Columbus it is!

We might have walked past each other back then, Puma. 1989 seems like yesterday.

Originally Posted by Captainheman

I had Shawn Ray winning the show. He looked polished and crispy

Shawn Ray had a tremendous physique. If he was only a tiny bit more likeable. But, hey, it's a physique competition not personality? :-/

**bigmikecox** · 08-23-2016, 11:20 AM

Originally Posted by MusclePoppins

I had Levrone 4th in '92.

Agreed

**Curt James** · 08-23-2016, 04:15 PM

Originally Posted by MusclePoppins

I had Levrone 4th in '92.

Originally Posted by bigmikecox

Agreed

Who did you have winning? Did you push Labrada and Ray up a slot or did you move them around?

Originally Posted by Captainheman

I had Shawn Ray winning the show. He looked polished and crispy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sYAEmjiR7pA

1992 Olympia - IFBB

1 Dorian Yates
2 Kevin Levrone
3 Lee Labrada
4 Shawn Ray
5 Mohammed Benaziza
6 Vince Taylor
7 Sonny Schmidt
8 Porter Cottrell
9 Ron Love
10 Thierry Pastel

**Captainheman** · 08-23-2016, 06:54 PM

Originally Posted by Curt James

Who did you have winning? Did you push Labrada and Ray up a slot or did you move them around?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sYAEmjiR7pA

1992 Olympia - IFBB

1 Dorian Yates
2 Kevin Levrone
3 Lee Labrada
4 Shawn Ray
5 Mohammed Benaziza
6 Vince Taylor
7 Sonny Schmidt
8 Porter Cottrell
9 Ron Love
10 Thierry Pastel

1. Shawn Ray
2.Lee labrada
3. Kevin Levrone
4. Thierry Pastel
5. Dorian Yates
6. Vince Taylor
7. Porter Cottrell
8. Momo Benaziza
9. Sonny Schmidt
10. Ron love

**Curt James** · 08-23-2016, 07:37 PM

Originally Posted by Captainheman

1. Shawn Ray
2.Lee labrada
3. Kevin Levrone
4. Thierry Pastel
5. Dorian Yates
6. Vince Taylor
7. Porter Cottrell
8. Momo Benaziza
9. Sonny Schmidt
10. Ron love