By RYAN DIXON

I can still remember how nervous I was standing up on the stage at Bill’s Filling Station back in early June while I was competing for the title of “Mr. Stonewall.” I can only imagine what was going through Chris Filippelli’s head earlier this month in Cleveland, Ohio when three-time title winner, Mr. Olympia, Jay Culter tells you that you need to be competing in on stage in a body building competition — you have to listen.

Chris Filippelli did just that. After training for thirty two years and competing for only eight, Chris Filippelli is the 2010 International Federation of Body Builders’ North American Masters, 50+ overall champion.

“I was disappointed at Masters Nationals,” Filippelli told rxmuscle.com, “but you know what, I came out here to [the] North Americans and got it here so I’m very pleased.”

Courtesy Atlasmen.com

Chris’ closest competition in his category was said to have been better conditioned, but Chris outweighed him by ten pounds and had more muscle. I’m no fitness expert, but the one in his interview said more muscle wins and Chris’ win is a clear example in my opinion. What makes his win even more impressive is that Chris felt ill right before the competition started.

“I’ve been sick all week. I actually caught some sort of stomach virus. I was worried I wouldn’t make it to the stage.” But the resilient fifty-one-year old pulled it together and captured the title and the IFBB Pro Card that goes along with it.

When asked if he’ll be competing on the pro stage, Chris said he doesn’t expect to kill the competition but he’ll “jump up on stage to show them an old guy in great condition.” Want help on your physique or conditioning? Chris just bought a World Gym, 1440 N Federal Highway in Fort Lauderdale, so be sure to stop by to congratulate him and see if he’ll let you feel those biceps.