femalemuscle.com by lori v. braun
Rob Wilkin's Articles - bodybuilding Go
Rob Wilkins - Mike O'Hearn - The Natural
bodybuiling guide

< page 1 Home

Furthermore, O'Hearn was honored to receive a letter from the "Godfather" of bodybuilding, Mr. Joe Weider, recognizing his positive contributions to the industry. Weider noted, "Your accomplishments as a natural bodybuilder also contribute to our continuing growth as an Olympic sport." O'Hearn also has received the IFBB Certificate of Merit for his various donations to US Armed Services and for volunteering his time with "at-risk" children.

O'Hearn's other priorities include volunteering his time to organizations such as the Big Brothers/Big Sisters and various dyslexia organizations (Mike is dyslexic). "I feel that it is important to give back to the community and try to make a positive contribution," said O'Hearn.

I asked O'Hearn to express his thoughts on important issues and influential people within the health and fitness industry. Arnold Schwarzennager - "The Main Man!"

"He is incredible and definitely my role model. He's proven that with hard work and determination, you can become successful in anything you chose to do. Recently, while having dinner at Arnold's restaurant, Schatzi, Arnold kindly asked me to join him at his table. He had seen my photo in an entertainment magazine and is proud of what I am doing as a natural athlete for the bodybuilding industry. He showed a true desire to rid bodybuilding of drugs". "Arnold asked my wife, Midajah and myself to appear with him on The Oprah Winfrey show to promote his latest book. To date, the highlight of my career is the fact that Arnold respects Midajah and I enough to do this. What an incredible honor."

Joe Weider - Even before I moved out to California in `91, Joe recommended I move out there. He has always been supportive of me. He has provided me with great advice and has an "open door policy" with me. I highly respect and admire what he has done for bodybuilding and truly value his opinion and more importantly, his friendship.

Skip LaCour - I'm pleased that he won the "98 NPC Team Universe title and I know the win makes him happy. I hope he realizes that it shouldn't take a win (an objective opinion of the judges), to be happy. Skip has made a number of positive contributions to natural bodybuilding and is a great role model.

Bill Davey - Bill is one of the true gentlemen in the industry. He has a classic, well-balanced physique. More importantly, Bill seems to be happy with himself regardless of his contest placing. I believe the industry can use more positive role models like him.

Steroids - "First off, they are illegal. In my opinion, I don't think that the general public is interested in seeing huge nonfunctional muscles. I believe it's up to the athletes and fans to change the current huge, freaky muscle trend in bodybuilding competitions. I'm sure more than 50% of the athletes on drugs wish they could stop using them, however think they are necessary to be competitive. I live and train in Venice; I see first hand what the people on drugs endure with their health. The bottom line is that drugs aren't worth it. I never did them, and never will!" Favorite Type of Music: Top 40, classical, alternative.

Hobbies Away from the Gym: basketball, skiing, judo, movies, anything outdoors, reading (true) motivational articles. Favorite Cheat Food: Without a doubt, the Tortilla Grill-best burritos you'll ever eat in your life. They're huge!! Too bad there's only two locations, both in Venice.

Mike offers this advice, "Whatever your dream is, go for it! Have total belief in yourself and never let anyone discourage you or tell you "it" can't be done. Stay focused and through dedication, hard work, and many prayers, you will succeed. If I can do it, so can you."

With photo shoots, developing one-on-one bodybuilding/powerlifting camps, guest appearances, and promoting the sport to increase mainstream awareness, the future continues to shine for O'Hearn. To contact Mike for photos, guest appearance, or training information, check him out on the web at: www.mikeohearn.com or write to him at PO Box 2764, Venice CA 90294. You can also e-mail him at appearances@mikeohearn.com.

________________________________________________________________________
Rob Wilkins is a Technical Sergeant in the US Air Force stationed at The Pentagon, Washington, DC. Wilkins is also a Special Assistant to the International Federation of Bodybuilders (IFBB) and a recipient of the IFBB Gold Medal. To contact Wilkins e-mail him at waaszup@yahoo.com.