by Christian Duque
2023 was a really fascinating yr for the game of bodybuilding. We noticed a brand new Olympia topped however we additionally noticed some difficulties with the second greatest bodybuilding present, the Arnold Basic. By no means within the historical past of the game has this world-class occasion come so near being canceled. If the pandemic didn’t do it nobody would have believed that it will have occurred due to an absence of able-bodied rivals taking the stage. However the actuality of the matter is that Arnold Schwarzenegger actually dropped the ball on the subject of who was overseeing his competitors. They didn’t make a mistake by way of the day-to-day operations however they actually didn’t see the writing on the wall by way of inviting rivals that might do the present and keep the course until the tip.
When a present that pays $200,000 sees dwindling competitor numbers that may be a actual drawback. It’s virtually like newbie hour on the highest ranges. The truth that they needed to increase the prize cash by $100,000 simply to save lots of face and be sure that rivals would in actual fact compete can be a unhappy state of affairs.
There was a cut-off date when males who gave their phrase would seem it doesn’t matter what. Possibly that’s as a result of occasions have modified and a person’s phrase now not issues as a lot. That, too, is a consideration to consider transferring ahead. It’s one factor for all times to occur and bonafide excuses to forestall somebody from residing as much as their phrase, but it surely’s fairly one other factor for somebody to renege on a deal or overlook that they ever confirmed their look. That’s not on the promoter’s shoulders as a lot as it’s on society as an entire. Nonetheless it’s necessary to articulate it on this article.
Normally once we speak about old style, we’re speaking about consuming habits or coaching strategies, however in actuality we’re additionally speaking a few time when a person’s phrase was his bond. These days individuals not solely break their phrase however they breach contracts left and proper. We’re at an age when cash talks and bullshit walks. And it’s not simply bullshit that’s strolling it’s additionally integrity as effectively.
Whenever you’re a professional, that shouldn’t simply imply you’ll be able to win prize cash, it ought to imply that you just maintain your self to a better commonplace. I, personally, wouldn’t have raised the prize cash and stored the present to 6 guys. Growing the purse did a disservice to the fellows who hung in there and rewarded those that threw their hat within the ring as a result of the cash was proper. For the fellows who competed and weren’t initially invited, then that’s simply good enterprise. However to the fellows who bailed on their phrase after which determined to return again as a result of the cash went up, that’s shameful.
I actually imagine that by growing the prize cash we’re selling this type of conduct sooner or later. Nevertheless, let’s cease speaking about The Arnold and let’s begin speaking in regards to the Mr Olympia. In spite of everything, the The Olympia is the Tremendous Bowl of Bodybuilding. The 2023 contest was alleged to be considered one of epic proportions and it lived as much as each little bit of it.
There was an incredible quantity of anticipation for a rematch between Hadi and Derek. The 2022 contest left a foul style in lots of Lunsford fan’s mouths. They believed that the competition may have gone both means they usually have been very upset that Derek, who had a lot extra to supply by way of rising the game runner-up. After two years of Large Ramy – who did actually did nothing for bodybuilding – they noticed Hadi’s crowning as a slap within the face.
For this reason for all of 2023, Hadi didn’t actually get to get pleasure from his reign. He was consistently being in comparison with Lunsford and this created a stage of animosity that we haven’t seen in years. The very fact Choopan and Lunsford have been sponsored by the identical firm and prepped by the identical coach furthered the rift. That stated, the animosity wasn’t between the athletes. In reality, what we witnessed was the champ lashing out on the media and the general public. He despatched what have been dubbed warning photographs on a couple of event. The aim was to remind the world that he was the #1 bodybuilder on this planet.
Simply penning this sounds weak so you’ll be able to solely think about the way it seemed to on a regular basis followers. Whenever you’re Mr. O you’re alleged to radiate self-confidence. It’s you – after which everybody else. In Hadi’s case, I felt that he consistently felt the necessity to inform everybody he was the highest man and that he was owed respect. Within the meantime, he wasn’t visitor posing, he wasn’t giving out trophies at exhibits, and he wasn’t doing the expo circuit. It was Large Ramy another time and the followers have been up in arms. As the massive contest neared, most non-Iranian bodybuilding followers have been hoping for a showdown of epic proportions.
When Derek emerged victorious, it was as if the followers gained as effectively. And within the final fifty days the brand new champ has been in every single place. I imply speak about hitting the bottom operating. It’s like Derek took a web page from Jay Cutler and Ronnie Coleman’s playbook. He’s doing press, signing autographs, and bridging the hole between himself and the followers. To this point he’s already performed a handful of visitor posing appearances and promoters are blowing up his cellphone with requests to see if he might be at their exhibits and work with them for productions all through the 2024 professional/am season. What fan isn’t going to wish to purchase a ticket to a present the place the #1 bodybuilder on this planet is current. And if Derek is in the home, chances are high he’ll be strolling across the venue, speaking to guys backstage, and possibly handing out {hardware}.
Think about being backstage oiling up and/or pumping up. You’ve acquired your airpods in and also you’re making an attempt to kill time earlier than you hit the stage. Possibly you are taking a number of bites off a bland rice cake otherwise you work some bands to get a pump. After which impulsively reigning Mr. Olympia Derek Lunsford comes by and offers you a number of pointers or just chit chats with you. Think about for those who had a Jay Cutler / Phil Heath second the place the champ COMPLIMENTS you!! How cool would that be?!?! Even for those who don’t go onto successful an Olympia someday, think about how cool it will make you are feeling as a competitor to get observed like this and/or to get a shot with the champ. Not solely may this situation occur, but it surely most likely already has. Simply within the three or 4 exhibits Derek’s visited since successful the Sandow he’s already performed extra for the game than Large Ramy or Hadi Choopan did within the years they have been on prime. That’s unhappy, but it surely’s additionally a breath of recent air for the game.
One other enormous bit of stories from 2023 is the emergence of Samson Dauda. Not solely did he take a commanding spot within the Olympia Prime 3, however he gained the Arnold Basic in commanding type. That win and his spectacular Olympia inserting has solidified his place as a prime contender for the Olympia. In lots of actual methods, Dauda’s reputation has far surpassed that of Nick Walker and different prime names within the combine to be #1.
What we’re seeing in 2023 and going into 2024 is one thing similar to what we noticed in 2004-2006. Throughout that window in time the highest guys have been Ronnie, Jay, and Gustavo. That grew to become the pecking order that was accepted by all. Now it appears it’s Derek, Hadi, and Samson. Not solely do up-and-coming rivals want to fret about beating Derek, however they actually have to interrupt into this ironclad Prime 3. The competitiveness between these three guys is totally fierce. It’s subsequent to not possible for a 4th man to emerge out of nowhere and simply smash in. It’s that suspense that’s creating great curiosity for 2024.
2023 was an enormous yr for the game and 2024 is seeking to be one other powerhouse of a yr. Hopefully the teachings of 2023 will make for a greater 2024, however solely time will inform.