CHARLES CLAIRMONTE
PRO PREPPED
BY DARREN NICHOLHURST PHOTO: CHARLES CLAIRMONTE
For those of you who are too young to know who Charles Clairmonte is, let me give you an insight into what this legend of bodybuilding gave the stage. Clairmonte, a former elite unit member of the military, turned his hand to bodybuilding in the late 80’ s.
Clairmonte’ s first show was the Mr England, at which he had no idea of what to do or how to do it. What you have to remember is, back then, there were no posing camps and no easy access to information on how to prepare for shows or how to diet. This was an era in which there was no internet, so knowledge had to be earned and learned from first-hand experience from other athletes. These athletes were few and far between.
As a result, Clairmonte’ s first show was comical to say the least. He turned up unshaved with no tan, to then be told these were essentials for appearing on stage … I’ m sure you can imagine the sheer panic and rush that ensued!
ONWARDS AND UPWARDS Clairmonte’ s first pro show was the NABBA Universe in 1988 where he placed 1st. He then went on to win the Pro Universe, and then the worlds.
In the early 90’ s, Clairmonte was asked to compete in the English Grand Prix, and did so but with only 6 weeks to prepare and then competed in the following Grand Prix Tour. So, do you see now, the raw ability this guy had? It’ s almost unheard of, that any pro bodybuilder would progress from being completely normal to stage ready in such a short space of time. Quite evidently, Clairmonte has some of the best genetics that bodybuilding has ever seen.
Clairmonte went on to compete in the Night of the Champions in New York, placing 4th and then qualifying for the Mr Olympia and placing 7th. Following this was the Grand Prix tour, where he won 4 consecutive titles against Kevin Levrone and Flex Wheeler.
SO WHY RETIRE What the public wanted from the Mr Olympia top ten was unfortunately changing for Clairmonte, he at the time was the guy who brought symmetry and lines with a tiny waist to the stage. But this was a time when Dorian Yates was bringing the grainy mass to the Olympia. This was a look that Clairmonte didn’ t feel he wanted to achieve. In addition to this, he wanted to avoid any consequences it would have taken to reach this completely different style of bodybuilding appearance.
Also, with the continual hardcore training and really strict dieting, injury started to creep in and his body was showing signs that he needed to retire. It was time to allow his muscles and mind some time to recover.
THE RETURN OF SYMMETRY We all know the whole bodybuilding scene has changed massively, especially with the newer categories such as the men’ s physique breaking through. However, the one thing that is making a comeback, probably because of these categories, is a public desire for more achievable aesthetics- like Ryan Terry with great lines and symmetry that many of these guys have.
So, this is where Clairmonte fits in perfectly- he was the original man for this look.
Clairmonte never lost his passion for bodybuilding. He has always been active with personal training, and continues to work with athletes such as Sergi Constance, who has grown bigger and developed even deeper lines and perfect symmetry just like Clairmonte in his competitive days.
Now, Clairmonte has teamed up with long term friend Abs Bichri( Owner of BodyLimit Gym St Albans) and fellow retired competitive bodybuilder Jamo Nezzar.
Together, this trio of knowledge with be travelling from country to country giving seminars on how to train each body part, plus posing, nutrition and giving out recognised qualifications to other personal trainers attending the courses.
So, it looks as if we might see some classic cut physiques on stage pretty soon, especially now that there is access to this wealth of knowledge. I for one look forward to seeing the athletes these 3 guys are going to produce.
I asked Clairmonte what he believes has given him such a long and very healthy career in bodybuilding, and what advice he would give any new athletes looking to compete.
His reply was something we should all listen to:
“ Think long term, be mindful on training, and any aids you use, there is life after bodybuilding”.
FEBRUARY 2018 | FLEX 25