In the late 1970’s the IFBB introduced a Grand Prix tour that enabled the leading bodybuilders ample opportunities to compete multiple times throughout the year.
In 1981 Boyer Coe dominated these competitions winning 7 in total and placing in the other 3 events he entered. Boyer took the prize in Montreal. He was a clear winner. Albert Beckles was 2nd and Johnny Fuller was 3rd. It is highly probable that Boyer would have featured prominently in the 1981 Mr Olympia. It’s a shame he didn’t attend as he would have been hard to hold out. However, he as well as other prominent bodybuilders such as Frank Zane and Mike Mentzer boycotted the event in protest of the outcome and political turmoil associated with the 1980 Mr Olympia in Sydney Australia.
Shelley Gruwell won the women’s contest. She had a dominant year also. Winning 2 of the 3 contests she entered. She too would have been prominent in the Ms Olympia but did not compete. I love this quote from the article: ‘Shelley Gruwell reminds you of a prized pussycat. She’s tall, lean, leggy and pretty, and you think maybe she’s better equipped for Calvin Klein commercials than flexing for money. That is, until she starts to flex’. Now that’s female bodybuilding!
This article has some great shots of the competitors. Enjoy….
Source: Muscle & Fitness (Issue May 1982)
