Arnold Classic South America 2017: Schedule of Events, Top Contestants and More
The belles of the bodybuilding ball will descend upon Sao Paulo, Brazil, this weekend as the 2017 Arnold Classic returns for the latest leg of its annual world tour for the South American leg of its journey.
As well as hosting a raft of bodybuilding talents looking to make their mark on the circuit, the Arnold Classic South America will lay on a sport festival at the Transamerica Expo Center, comprising jiu-jitsu displays, weightlifting contests and more.
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Once named the Arnold Classic Brazil, this year's event has been rebranded to represent a more continental look, and Brazil has been chosen as the host of the inaugural showcase.
Although no professionals of Mr. Olympia-winning standard will be on the stage in Sao Paulo, American stars Johnnie O. Jackson, Derek Upshaw and Juan Morel are sure to light up the cast.
Read on for a preview of this year's bodybuilding blockbuster, complete with scheduling information for the Arnold Classic South America and a preview of who to watch out for in the pro show.
| Friday, April 21 | Conference | 8 a.m. local time/12 p.m. BST/7 a.m. ET | 7 p.m. local time/11 p.m. BST/6 p.m. ET |
| Friday, April 21 | Arnold Model Search | 5:30 p.m. local time/9:30 p.m. BST/4:30 p.m. ET | 8 p.m. local time/12 a.m. BST/7 p.m. ET |
| Saturday, April 22 | Competitions | 8 a.m. local time/12 p.m. BST/7 a.m. ET | 7 p.m. local time/11 p.m. BST/6 p.m. ET |
| Saturday, April 22 | Pro Show | 5 p.m. local time/9 p.m. BST/4 p.m. ET | 9 p.m. local time/1a a.m. BST/7 p.m. ET |
| Sunday, April 23 | Competitions | 8 a.m. local time/12 p.m. BST/7 a.m. ET | 7 p.m. local time/11 p.m. BST/6 p.m. ET |
Visit the official Arnold Classic South America website for more schedule information.
Johnnie O. Jackson
One doesn't receive the mantle of "Strongest Bodybuilder In the World" without developing a reputation for strength-building techniques that yield physique-perfecting properties to Johnnie O. Jackson.
Mutant TV released a training video led by Jackson less than a week before the 11-time Mr. Olympia competitor is set to compete in Brazil, and his physique looked to be in incredible shape:
The 46-year-old also posted footage to his Instagram, where he was performing seated cable rows with resistance, giving us another preview of the form he's bringing with him to the Arnold:
Having made his professional debut all the way back in 1998, it's staggering to think Jackson is reaching the end of his second decade competing at the sport's elite level.
The presence of his prestige and the fact Jackson managed an impressive fourth-place finish at his most recent Arnold appearance—the Arnold Classic in 2013—is sure to intimidate his opposition.
Juan "Diesel" Morel
In comparison to the aforementioned Jackson, Morel is a relative youngster on the professional scene, having made his pro debut 10 years later, not to mention being 11 years his opponent's junior.
The 5'11" hulk has also been active across his social media accounts in the buildup to Sunday's showdown, proving he's produced a physique capable of rivalling some of the best in the world when they clash at the Arnold:
Diesel is also a relative newcomer to the IFBB circuit, having only competed in three events for the promotion across a two-year window, per FLEX magazine, although he did triumph at the last of those, the 2012 Hartford Europa.
Morel may concur that his shoulders number among perhaps his most defining features, the size and cut of which could see him take an advantage over other contenders.
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