Victor Martinez and Kai Greene both out of 2008 Olympia

Victor Martinez

Two of the top contenders for the 2008 Mr. Olympia men's bodybuilding title will be sitting out the show.

July 16, 2008 

Two major men's bodybuilding superstars who were expected to make waves at the 2008 Mr. Olympia competition in Las Vegas will be sitting out the competition - but for different reasons.

On January 18, 2008, Victor Martinez underwent surgery to repair his left patellar tendon which was reportedly torn while warming up with lunges.  He had been scheduled to defend his Arnold Classic title in March 2008, but had to dropout due to his injury.  He now plans to return to the stage for the 2009 Arnold Classic.  At the time of his injury, many industry experts felt that it would be extremely difficult for him to be ready for the Olympia - but he says it could have been done.  "I could do it if I really wanted to, but the results would be no different from last year.  I want to show up with a better package than last year and kick some [butt]." 

Martinez, also known as the "Dominican Dominator," was runner-up in last year's contest and his upward trajectory has been consistent to this point.  His first Mr. Olympia came in 2004, where he placed 9th, but he advanced to 5th place in 2005, 3rd place in 2006, and then 2nd place last year.  In 2005, Ronnie Coleman predicted that Victor would be his successor as champion, but that position is currently held by Nevadan Jay Cutler.

Kai Greene, the 2008 New York Pro bodybuilding champion, will be staying away from the Olympia stage for the second year in a row.  Nicknamed "The Predator," Kai indicated that the timing for his Olympia debut is still not right.  He is planning to give his body a rest so he can come back better and stronger in 2009.  Kai finished third a the 2008 Arnold Classic, behind Dexter Jackson and Phil Heath. 

Kai's girlfriend, IFBB pro bodybuilder Dayana Cadeau, is still expected to compete for the Ms. Olympia title.

The early favorites for the title of Mr. Olympia 2008 are Cutler, Dennis Wolf, Heath and Jackson.

Sources:  FigureRX Magazine, Wikipedia, Muscular Development