OW MR. AMERICA WILL BE CHOSEN

By BOB HOFFMAN

THE MR. AMERICA CONTEST, as usual, will be held in

Tconjunction with the National AAU weight lifting

championships. This year's dual event will be staged in the city of Cleveland, June 4th and 5th. Joe Raymond, nationally-known strength athlete and gym operator is the local promoter. The 1955 Mr. America will be selected by a well qualified panel of seven judges. The basis of scoring will be 15 points, divided as follows:

Perfect symmetry in proportions

Physical and muscular development

General appearance

Posing

Face and skin

6 points

1 point

AAU rules, which have been adopted by the International Weight Lifting Federation and are now official throughout the world, will be followed. The judges are selected or appointed by the national AAU chairman of weight lifting and body building,

Clarence Johnson of Detroit. The selections are made from the weight lifting and body building leaders in the 46 AAU districts. Usually the chairman of the district committee is selected to serve as a judge. Seven judges will be selected and according to the rule the high and low score for each athlete will be discarded. This eliminates any possibility of a biased official scoring too high for one contestant, too low for another. Simple arithmetic indicates that a perfect score would be 75, and a winning score of 68, as amassed by Richard DuBois, the 1954 Mr. America, is meritorious.

A platform will have been arranged upon the stage and suitable lights installed. Usually a single overhead light serves best. The officials are seated, usually in front row center, where they can see all contestants to the best advantage. Each (Continued on page 57)

At left is a bright prospect for honors in the Mr. America contest. Earl Clark was featured in S&H several months ago, illustrating a John Grimek article on arm development, but has continued to improve under the tutelage of Leo Stern. (Photo of Clark by Stern). Top (center) is promising Jerry Ross, winner of the titles Mr. Apollo, Mr. Los Angeles and Mr. Southern Calif. Harry Schwartz (left) placed third and Ludwig Shusterich placed second. (Herb Dixon photo)

STRENGTH AND HEALTH JULY, 1955

At right is another photo of the sensational Jerry Ross (Dixon photo), while top is Jim Park, winner of the Mr. America, Mr. World and Mr. Universe contests in 1952, 53 and '54. Park, trimly muscular yet with massive development, is a rugged strongman who ranks with the best "Mr." winners. (Health and Strength photo)

STRENGTH AND HEALTH JULY, 1955