Morris Mendez - Fun In China
Morris Mendez (Musclemania Professional) took a flight from Hartford, Connecticut to meet up with Lou Zwick (Musclemania President) and after a long flight from San Francisco landed in China, they met the Musclemania China promoter at the Beijing Airport who traveled 8 hours by train to great them. Then, they went to a very exclusive dinner house with the biggest weight equipment manufacturer in the country. Afterwards, they took a train from Beijing to Zhenzhou where the show was being held. It was an 8 hour ride with four of them sleeping in a single, cramped with 4 beds. The room was tight but clean. Morris and Lou learned how important it is to be a good aim - the train cars have holes in the floor - no toilets but lots of toilet paper! That was an experience for them both.
Morris has been a big hit with the Chinese bodybuilding crowds.
The Chinese promoter held a large, outside promotion in the middle of the city. There was a big stage and entertainment and sort of pep rally for the competitors. Then, they went to one of the promoter's fitness centers (he owns 8 in this city) for a sit-down press conference. The media was interested in the difference between
Musclemania and IFBB, who have been the only organization in China for 30 years, so, apparently, it is big news that Musclemania is breaking the monopoly the IFBB has enjoyed for decades. The show and was expecting and a sell-out with about 2,000 seats in the auditorium.
Interestingly, this is an invitational event, so only 20 competitors will compete but all are either past or current IFBB China champions, this was big crowds.
With a sold-out audience and 8 past or current IFBB China Champions among the competitors, the event was reported to be the best bodybuilding show ever seen in the country.
Congratulations to promoter Gao Yan and his organized staff for promoting such a great production. And, kudos to MM Pro Morris Mendez who represented the MM brand with professionalism and lots of pizzazz! The crowd went crazy for him.
Morris said he had a great time in China and the number one question other Musclemania athletes had for him was, "What was it like hanging out with Lou Zwick for a few days?"
Mo said he got to see Lou in a different light because most people see him as a hardcore businessman but Mo got to see the other side of Lou with a great personality that's human with flaws, warmth, and all around respectful that's part of what makes up Musclemania and what separates us from the God want-to-be officials in many other sanctions - in a sense that no one is as good as them. There was the other side of the businessman that we have gotten to know just like the colorful shirts he wears, that is a reflection of the sometimes hidden side of his personality…a gentleman with wisdom, relaxed and sociable, a great sense of humor and comedian.
Mo is looking forward to more traveling to other countries and speaking about natural bodybuilding.
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