Every now and then, a bodybuilder might have an unexpected rise in their division. After taking well to posing on competitive stages over time, it becomes apparent their efforts could be parlayed into a bright future. With a new training update about his current mass, that sentiment could soon apply to Neil Currey in the Classic Physique division this December.
On Oct. 3, 2022, Currey shared a glimpse at his latest physique with this year’s Mr. Olympia less than three months away. Per a later clarification from Currey’s coach, Ben Chow, the 5’10” bodybuilder weighs 235 pounds at the time of the picture and still plans to lose about 20 pounds to make reach the 215-pound limit for the Classic Physique competition at the Olympia.
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According to NPC News Online, the 2022 Mr. Olympia will be Currey’s debut at the prestigious bodybuilding competition. Though, that doesn’t mean he hasn’t amassed an impressive resume thus far.
Currey has been an International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness (IFBB) Pro League member since a seventh-place Classic Physique debut at the 2019 Yamamoto Pro. He’s seemingly only improved ever since that initial top 10 flourish. In 2021, Currey would notch what was the top Pro League result of his career when he finished in second place in the Classic Physique category at the 2021 Tampa Pro.
In 2022, he bested himself when he took home third place at the 2022 Pittsburgh Pro and scored his first career Pro victory at the 2022 New York Pro. In accordance with the IFBB qualification standards for the Olympia, the latter win gave Currey automatic qualification to the 2022 edition of the contest.
Here’s a rundown of Currey’s IFBB Pro League results to this point:
Neil Currey | IFBB Pro League Career Results
- 2019 Yamamoto Pro (Classic Physique) — Seventh place
- 2020 Europa Pro Championships (Classic Physique) — Ninth place
- 2021 Puerto Rico Pro (Classic Physique) — Third place
- 2021 Xtreme Bodybuilding and Fitness Pro (Classic Physique) — Seventh place
- 2021 Tampa Pro (Classic Physique) — Second place
- 2021 Texas Pro (Classic Physique) — Did not place
- 2022 Pittsburgh Pro (Classic Physique) — Third place
- 2022 New York Pro (Classic Physique) — First place
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Setting a bar of expectations might be difficult for Currey in his Olympia debut. The highest standard, though, would be toppling three-time reigning Classic Physique Olympia champion (2019-2021) Chris Bumstead. There’s also former two-time winner Breon Ansley (2017-2018) and perennial high-level contender Terrence Ruffin to compete with.
For Currey, a finish somewhere around the top would likely be a great way to burst onto the Olympia scene. He very well could surprise and achieve even more.
The 2022 Mr. Olympia will take place on Dec. 16-18, 2022, in Las Vegas, NV.
Featured image: @neil_currey on Instagram
