My Friend, Chris
By Rod Labbe
I’ve had the pleasure of
knowing Chris Jalali since
2004, when we first put our
heads together on an
interview for Iron Man
magazine. He struck me then
as low-key, even humble--
certainly not the kind of
personality one might
associate with a competitive
Bodybuilder. Frankly, I kept
waiting for his placid persona
to crack, but in the years
since, Chris has continued to
be laidback, mellow, and self-
effacing. He is, simply put, a
hellava nice guy.
When Chris asked me to write
this mini-biography, I was
flattered. Wait, let me clarify
that--I was more than merely
flattered, it’s a distinct honor. I’
ve been a Bodybuilding
journalist for over two
decades, interviewing
everyone from Frank Zane to
Kevin Levrone to Jay Cutler.
No one--and I mean no one--
has impressed me as much as
Chris. We hit it off
immediately. And, best of all,
our friendship has continued
to thrive, growing with each
telephone call and e-mail.
Ok, the Chris Jalali story. He
first tackled the iron at a
youthful 13, inspired by
Pumping Iron and Arnold’s
Encyclopedia of Bodybuilding.
In 2000, Chris entered the
Ronnie Coleman Classic,
snagging a surprising 3rd
place. None too shabby, for a
newcomer! The next year, he
celebrated his 18th birthday by
taking the Teen novice and
Overall at the Coleman
Classic. 2004 proved another
stellar year: Chris competed in
the Excalibur, rocking into 4th
place, and then followed with
an outstanding 3rd place finish
at the Junior Nationals.
By far, 2007 has been his best
year to date. He won the 1st
and Overall at the Orange
County Classic, displaying a
maturing physique that just
about knocked everybody out
of the bleachers. Chris topped
off an even better summer by
marrying his sweetheart,
Teresa, and together, they’re
navigating a journey that will
take them down many an
interesting path. I’ve no doubt
he’ll make a hands-on dad and
a loving and trustworthy
husband.
What motivates him? The
desire to improve, for one.
Each day brings new changes,
new improvements. He trains
consistently, with steely-eyed
focus. Determination
underscores everything Chris
does. Besides carving out a
career as a champion
Bodybuilder, he’s an
accomplished artist of
considerable talent. Being well-
rounded is important to him.
As Chris has frequently told
me, “I want to be the very
best.” That makes me
smile…because in my book,
he’s already top-notch.
.
By Rod Labbe
I’ve had the pleasure of
knowing Chris Jalali since
2004, when we first put our
heads together on an
interview for Iron Man
magazine. He struck me then
as low-key, even humble--
certainly not the kind of
personality one might
associate with a competitive
Bodybuilder. Frankly, I kept
waiting for his placid persona
to crack, but in the years
since, Chris has continued to
be laidback, mellow, and self-
effacing. He is, simply put, a
hellava nice guy.
When Chris asked me to write
this mini-biography, I was
flattered. Wait, let me clarify
that--I was more than merely
flattered, it’s a distinct honor. I’
ve been a Bodybuilding
journalist for over two
decades, interviewing
everyone from Frank Zane to
Kevin Levrone to Jay Cutler.
No one--and I mean no one--
has impressed me as much as
Chris. We hit it off
immediately. And, best of all,
our friendship has continued
to thrive, growing with each
telephone call and e-mail.
Ok, the Chris Jalali story. He
first tackled the iron at a
youthful 13, inspired by
Pumping Iron and Arnold’s
Encyclopedia of Bodybuilding.
In 2000, Chris entered the
Ronnie Coleman Classic,
snagging a surprising 3rd
place. None too shabby, for a
newcomer! The next year, he
celebrated his 18th birthday by
taking the Teen novice and
Overall at the Coleman
Classic. 2004 proved another
stellar year: Chris competed in
the Excalibur, rocking into 4th
place, and then followed with
an outstanding 3rd place finish
at the Junior Nationals.
By far, 2007 has been his best
year to date. He won the 1st
and Overall at the Orange
County Classic, displaying a
maturing physique that just
about knocked everybody out
of the bleachers. Chris topped
off an even better summer by
marrying his sweetheart,
Teresa, and together, they’re
navigating a journey that will
take them down many an
interesting path. I’ve no doubt
he’ll make a hands-on dad and
a loving and trustworthy
husband.
What motivates him? The
desire to improve, for one.
Each day brings new changes,
new improvements. He trains
consistently, with steely-eyed
focus. Determination
underscores everything Chris
does. Besides carving out a
career as a champion
Bodybuilder, he’s an
accomplished artist of
considerable talent. Being well-
rounded is important to him.
As Chris has frequently told
me, “I want to be the very
best.” That makes me
smile…because in my book,
he’s already top-notch.
.
| I have been featured in many magazines including Muscle and Fitness, Ironman, Reps, Prosource,and Muscular Development. Look for me in the March issue of Muscle Mag Magazine and April issue of M&F. |
| www.chrisjalali.com |
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