VICE Sports delves into the bizarre world of professional bodybuilding in Swole, a provocative docu-series divided into three concise episodes. As the series progresses, the themes of the films reveal moments of great triumph, sacrifice, determination and danger.
The first episode, titled Against the Clock, tells the story of Greg Doucette, a 40-year-old professional bodybuilder. Known as the strongest bodybuilder in the world, his accomplishments were enormous and record-breaking, but his sport of choice was no different from many others, as his career tended to be limited. It’s a young man’s game, and Greg worries he may be past his prime. This episode chronicles his journey as he competes in the IFBB Pro Bodybuilding Super Show in Toronto. This race is an all-or-nothing proposition for Greg. If he doesn’t make the top 10, he’s ready to quit the sport he’s loved and excelled at since he was 22 years old.
The Rising Phoenix event in Arizona is one of the few venues that allows female bodybuilders to compete. This is the setting for the second episode, “Iron Sisters.” The sport has largely sidelined female competitors, especially since the Miss Olympia program has discontinued its bodybuilding competition in recent years. In response, these courageous athletes have come together to support the sport and empower other women to follow their own unique callings.
The road to greatness can also have shortcuts. Despite increased testing and stricter guidelines, anabolic steroids and other man-made substances continue to attract many competitive bodybuilders. The third installment in the series, Juiced Up, introduces us to some athletes who swear by the substances. For them, testosterone and other steroids can provide an edge, but they still need to maintain a strong work ethic and strict lifestyle discipline to be a great athlete. We also heard from a medical expert who demonstrated the devastating long-term effects of steroid use, including tendon rupture, blood clots and an increased risk of prostate cancer.
From inspirational to scandalous, Swole takes an insightful and multifaceted look at a largely misunderstood sport.
Directed by: Shawney Cohen
