For the first time in four years, Silvio Samuel will be skipping the Arnold Classic.

Samuel, who has placed in the top six in three consecutive Arnolds (6th in 2007, 5th in 2008 and 2009) will target the Tampa Pro Bodybuilding Weekly Championships on July 16-17 as his first competition in 2010.

"I will take a break to put on the size I need to put on," Samuel said. "I wanted to do the Arnold Classic, but after more thought I do not believe that competing so soon after the Olympia is in my best interest. In order to make the impact I want to make, I want to make some improvements this year."

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Samuel said that his disappointing 13th-place finish at the 2009 Olympia played a part in his decision.

"The Olympia was not the result I would have liked," he said. "It's painful when you do not place where you hope. I do not blame anybody, but I was not happy with where I finished. I will take the time to improve and make sure I am better the next time I compete at the Olympia."

Source: FlexOnline.Com