In a video posted on his YouTube page on Nov. 13, 2023, Hooper tried the seven-time Mr. Olympia winner’s iconic back and biceps workout. Needless to say, the high-volume style of training gave the Canadian strongman an even deeper appreciation for Schwarzenegger’s accomplishments.

Always up for a challenge, Hooper tested his upper-body strength and stamina via a series of back and biceps exercises that left his muscles thoroughly taxed. Paying homage to arguably the most popular bodybuilder ever to live, it didn’t take long for the talented strongman to understand the differences between how athletes from each sport benefit from their specific training modalities.

Hooper kicked off the session with four back exercises before finishing up with several curl variations. The workout begins about 40 seconds into the video.

Wide-Grip Pull-Up

Tipping the scales at about 6-foot-3, 320 pounds, Hooper recruited his lats to lift his sizable frame to the top of the assisted pull-up machine. Going with a wide grip led to enhanced lat engagement and allowed the Ontario native to better utilize his rhomboids and trapezius muscles.

After completing his second set, Hooper took a look at some of Schwarzenegger’s best lifts, which included a 498-pound (226-kilogram) bench press and a 709.9-pound (322-kilogram) deadlift. Despite not being overly impressed by those numbers, Hooper acknowledged that bodybuilders have a distinct advantage in one key area.

“Upper body strength is disproportionally good in bodybuilders because their muscle mass is so high up there,” he explained. “I don’t know what that is. Maybe strongmen should do a lot more upper body accessory work than we do because bodybuilders are so strong comparatively.

Following that brief rest period, Hooper wrapped up the first portion of the workout by completing three more sets of wide-grip pull-ups.

T-Bar Row

Next, Hooper went with a variation of one of Schwarzenegger’s favorite exercises: the T-bar row. Starting with three 45-pound (20.4-kilogram) plates, the big man explosively pulled and squeezed each rep, noting that his upper-body strength isn’t on the same level as his lower body.

“Like 80 percent of everything we do is quad, hamstring, glute,” Hooper said about strongmen. “Leg drive, if you’ve got that, you’re going to do very well.”

Subsequent sets of T-bar rows included heavier loads, which forced the Canadian athlete to use his core and legs to maintain stability throughout the movement.

Single-Arm Dumbbell Row

Hooper then went over to the dumbbell section to perform single-arm rows. A classic back exercise that’s great for building thickness, he made quick work of 130-pound (59-kilogram) dumbbells for his first two sets. However, just because it looked easy doesn’t mean Hooper enjoyed this part of the workout.

“I think this might be my least favorite exercise,” he explained. “The difficulty is a lot in your core, not a lot in the actual pulling. So it’s like a core workout with an arbitrary dumbbell movement.”

Still, Hooper pushed (or in this case, pulled) on to finish two more sets with the same weight, making sure to maintain a neutral spine as he completed the heavy dumbbell rows.

Close-Grip Lat Pulldown

The final back exercise of the workout put Hooper’s lats to the ultimate test. Having already accepted the reality that he would be “sore as hell” the next day, he mustered up the energy to complete four sets of close-grip lat pulldowns. Hooper leaned back slightly during the movement, pulling the handle down to just above chest level.

Once he finished on the cable machine, he moved on to the second half of his session.

[Related: The Best Arm Workouts for Beginners, With Dumbbells, and More]

Biceps Circuit

With about 20 minutes left to train, Hooper wrapped his biceps in blood restriction cuffs, which have been shown to help increase hypertrophy. (1) Although he performed fewer working sets than Schwarzenegger’s protocol, Hooper still achieved an excellent muscle-building stimulus.

Aiming to hit his biceps from multiple angles, the reigning WSM completed four rounds of a four-part circuit that included the following exercises:

• Standing Barbell Curl — Used a 70-pound (31.8-kilogram) curl bar
• Barbell Preacher Curl — Used the same 70-pound (31.8-kilogram) curl bar
• Alternating Dumbbell Curl — Used 50-pound (22.7-kilogram) dumbbells
• Concentration Curl — Used 45-pound (20.4-kilogram) dumbbells

By the time he cranked out his final rep, an exasperated and vascular version of Hooper seemed happy with the pump he achieved during the expedited biceps session.

Schwarzenegger-Style Back and Biceps Workout

Here’s a complete breakdown of the Arnold Schwarzenegger-inspired back and biceps workout Hooper performed.

• Wide-Grip Pull-Up — 5 x 8-12
• T-Bar Row — 5 x 8-12
• Single-Arm Dumbbell Row — 4 x 8-12
• Close-Grip Lat Pulldown — 4 x 8-12
• Standing Barbell Curl — 4 x 8-12
• Barbell Preacher Curl — 4 x 8-12
• Alternating Dumbbell Curl — 4 x 8-12
• Concentration Curl — 4 x 8-12

While you shouldn’t expect to see Mitchell Hooper enter a bodybuilding show anytime soon, the fact he’s willing to try different styles of training and share his honest feedback shows why he’s one of the more well-respected and popular strength athletes today. Already a world-class strongman, anything he does to improve in other areas will only make him a more fierce competitor moving forward.

Featured Image: Mitchell Hooper / YouTube

References

1. Wortman RJ, Brown SM, Savage-Elliott I, Finley ZJ, Mulcahey MK. Blood Flow Restriction Training for Athletes: A Systematic Review. Am J Sports Med. 2021 Jun;49(7):1938-1944. doi: 10.1177/0363546520964454. Epub 2020 Nov 16. PMID: 33196300.

The post Mitchell Hooper Tackles Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Brutal Back and Biceps Workout appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

Coming off a first-place finish at the 2023 Romania Muscle Fest Pro, the Nigerian Lion looked fantastic in yet another dominant performance from across the pond. After capturing top honors in the Men’s Open division in Romania on Nov. 12, 2023, Dauda stood atop the podium again at the 2023 EVLS Prague Pro, securing an IFBB Pro League show victory and a $10,000 check for the second straight weekend.

2023 EVLS Prague Pro Division-by-Division Results

The 2023 EVLS Prague Pro featured athletes from six divisions competing for a coveted championship, first-place prize money, and automatic qualification for the 2024 Olympia. Here are the final results based on the official scorecards made available by the IFBB Pro League.

• Men’s Open
• Men’s 212
• Classic Physique
• Men’s Physique
• Figure
• Bikini

Men’s Open

Between placing third at the 2023 Olympia and beating out defending Romania Muscle Fest Pro champion Behrooz Tabanai Abarghani for the 2023 title, Samson Dauda had all the momentum heading into the EVLS Prague Pro. However, he faced some stiff competition in the form of Michal “Krizo” Krizanek, who took home top honors at the 2022 show.

Ultimately, though, Dauda’s muscular frame and tighter look helped him fend off an impressive field that also included Rubiel Mosquera and Nathan De Asha, who finished third and fourth, respectively, behind the Columbian native.

1. Samson Dauda (United Kingdom)
2. Michal Krizanek (Slovakia)
3. Rubiel Mosquera (Columbia)
4. Nathan De Asha (United Kingdom)
5. Jan Turek (Czech Republic)
6. Liang Yan (China)
7. Roman Fritz (Germany)
8. Rob Cannon (United Kingdom)
9. Hameed Juma (Bahrain)
10. Pavel Beran (Czech Republic)

212 Bodybuilding

Just like Dauda, Ahmad Ali Ashkanani followed up a solid showing at the Olympia with a win in Romania. And just like the Nigerian Lion, the Kuwait native finished first in his division for the second consecutive weekend.

Once again, Ashkanani earned the nod over Italy’s Giuseppe Zagarella, who also settled for second at the 2023 Romania Muscle Fest Pro.

1. Ahmad Ali Ashkanani (Kuwait)
2. Giuseppe Zagarella (Italy)
3. Lucas Goncalez (Brazil)
4. Dawid Cnota (Poland)
5. Giorgi Adikashvili (Georgia)
6. Daniel Vasilica (Romania)
7. Damian Kryszpin (Poland)
8. Vincent Alliot (France)

[Related: Iain Valliere Believes the 212 Division Should No Longer Exist in Bodybuilding]

Classic Physique

The clash for the Classic Physique division title in Prague came down to two competitors who performed well at the 2023 Olympia. Urs Kalecinski, who finished third at the Olympia before winning the 2023 Texas State Pro on Nov. 11, 2023, went toe-to-toe with Michael Daboul, who placed sixth at the Olympia.

Despite a strong showing from Daboul, “The Miracle Bear” emerged victorious, further cementing his status as one of the best Classic Physique competitors in the world.

1. Urs Kalecinski (Germany)
2. Michael Daboul (United Kingdom)
3. Alexander Westermeier (Germany)
4. Sebastien Theurel (France)
5. Karol Rogaczewski (Poland)
6. Jordi Romero Marsal (Spain)
7. Ruben Lopez Reyes (Spain)
8. German Pastor (Spain)
9. George Acheampong (Denmark)
10. Matthias Hollweck (Germany)
11. Manuel Moisel (Germany)
12. Karar Aljalabi (Belgium)
13. Tunde Chris Taylor (Germany)
14. Sebastian Guncik (Czech Republic)
15. Ali Khan (Afghanistan)
16. Alberto Milani (Italy)
17. Fernando Gornals Margol (Spain)

[Related: Chris Bumstead Claims Fifth Consecutive Classic Physique Championship at 2023 Mr. Olympia]

Men’s Physique

In another example of why momentum matters, Miroslav Juricek joined Samson Dauda and Ahmad Ali Ashkanani in winning the Romania Muscle Fest Pro and the EVLS Prague Pro. Both he and fellow Czech Republic native Ondrej Kmostake represented their country well by claiming the top two spots in the Men’s Physique Division.

1. Miroslav Juricek (Czech Republic)
2. Ondrej Kmostak (Czech Republic)
3. Furkan Er (Turkey)
4. Adeyemi Awoyani (United Kingdom)
5. Andrea Amato (Italy)
6. Dawid Wachelka (Poland)
7. Dylan Crane (France)
8. Jeffrey Darko (United Kingdom)
9. Viachaslau Tarasevich (Belarus)
10. Mohammad Almutawah (Kuwait)
11. Alessandro Cavagnola (Italy)
12. Panek Alexandru (Romania)
13. Ramzi Boubaker (Germany)
14. Oskar Tchorzewski (Poland)
15. Aryan Ali (Germany)

[Related: The Ultimate Chest and Back Workout for Upper Body Muscle]

Figure

It was another rinse-and-repeat situation with the Figure division, as Romania Muscle Fest Pro winner Tereza Linhartova locked up her second title in as many weeks. While Spain’s Rejoice Godwin claimed third in her second straight show, Romania’s Stefana Sandu went from finishing in second to falling to fourth, as USA’s Maria Luisa Diaz earned the No. 2 spot in Prague.

1. Tereza Linhartova (Czech Republic)
2. Maria Luisa Diaz (USA)
3. Rejoice Godwin (Spain)
4. Stefana Sandu (Romania)
5. Behnaz Nasrollahi Azar (Germany)
6. Zulfya Bitiyeva (Kazakhstan)
7. Kamara Graham (United Kingdom)
8. Karine Hajjar (Qatar)
9. Tamires Silva (Brazil)
10. Sonja Ivanov (Germany)
11. Anna Kohckar (Ukraine)
12. Natalia Sharapova (Russia)
13. Gabriela Linhartova (Czech Republic)
14. Vanessa Happle (Germany)
15. Gabriela Hejna (Czech Republic)
16. Alina Yaman (UKR)

[Related: Superset-Style Upper Body Resistance Band Workout for Muscle Gains]

Bikini

The battle for the Bikini division title turned out differently in Prague than it did in Romania. After earning the title the weekend prior, Italy’s Alice Marchisio fell to third, as Romania Muscle Fest Pro runner-up Valerya Fedorenko stormed ahead to claim the win and a $10,000 prize.

Fellow Ukrainian Violeta Palamarchuk also enjoyed a successful showing, vaulting up from eighth at the Romania Muscle Fest Pro to second at the EVLS Prague Pro.

1. Valerya Fedorenko (Ukraine)
2. Violeta Palamarchuk (Ukraine)
3. Alice Marchisio (Italy)
4. Dorottya Zoe Toth (Hungary)
5. Renata Nowak (Poland)
6. Sara Punzetti (Italy)
7. Lisa Reith (Germany)
8. Sara Lujza Rogacsi (Hungary)
9. Olivia Pohankova Kovac (Slovakia)
10. Petra Voldanova (United Kingdom)
11. Andrina Scharli (Switzerland)
12. Mara Carro
13. Ka’Tai Luca (Hungary)
14. Johanna Durr (Germany)
15. Irene Iravedra Cunarro (Spain)

[Related: Everything You Need to Know About How to Burn Fat]

Overall, Samson Dauda deserves major credit for continuing to compete after putting everything on the line at the 2023 Mr. Olympia. While he could have easily rested on his laurels and been satisfied with a third-place finish at the biggest bodybuilding show of the year, he’s done the exact opposite.

So, even though the Nigerian Lion didn’t leave Orlando, FL, with a $400,000 prize and the most coveted title in the sport, he’s certainly made the most of his trip to Europe by taking home titles in back-to-back contests.

Featured Image: Samson Dauda / Instagram

The post 2023 EVLS Prague Pro Results: Samson Dauda Dominates Second Straight European Show  appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

In a video posted on his YouTube page on Nov. 16, 2023, Hooper took on the improbable challenge of performing a Coleman-inspired back workout that included three basic exercises using loads that gave him a newfound appreciation for the living legend’s accomplishments in the gym.

Besides boasting an incredibly muscular and symmetrical physique, The King earned plenty of praise for his ability to train with the strength of a powerlifter (which Coleman was at one point). Known for working with extremely heavy weights and pushing himself to the point of failure, Coleman set personal records in some staple lifts that still seem unfathomable years later, including military pressing 315 pounds (143 kilograms) for 12 reps and squatting and deadlifting 800 pounds for two reps. Combining that powerbuilding approach with a high-protein diet and an ultra-disciplined lifestyle helped the Louisiana native collect 26 IFBB pro show wins, including eight consecutive Mr. Olympia titles from 1998-2005.

However, even for Hooper, who became the fourth person to win WSM and the Arnold Strongman Classic in the same year back in April 2023, Coleman’s training style seemed well beyond his capabilities. Still, the Canadian strongman showed he’s no slouch by making easy work of the first back exercise.

The three-part workout begins around the 1:05 mark of the video.

Conventional Deadlift — 800 pounds (362.9 kilograms) for two reps

Coleman famously completed two reps of an 800-pound conventional deadlift in the 2000 documentary Ronnie Coleman: The Unbelievable. For most people, replicating that feat would be downright impossible. Yet for Hooper, who has pulled 1,000 pounds, matching Coleman’s best deadlift didn’t present much of a challenge.

The 28-year-old started with a warm-up set of 575 pounds (260.8 kilograms), showcasing picture-perfect form by driving his hips forward during the lockout phase. Before performing his next set, Hooper pointed to the peanut tattoo on the inside of his left ankle and noted that he got it to pay homage to Coleman’s “Ain’t nothing but a peanut” signature catchphrase.

After a final warm-up set of 685 pounds (310.7 kilograms), the accomplished strongman raised the stakes and attempted to hit 800 pounds (362.9 kilograms) twice just as Coleman did more than two decades ago. Unsurprisingly, Hooper had no trouble matching The King’s best deadlift, completing two clean reps.

[Related: 7 Tips to Perfect Your Deadlift Form]

Bent-Over Row — 515 pounds (233.6 kilograms) for 10 reps

Six years after setting his deadlift PR, Coleman smashed 10 reps of barbell bent-over rows with a total of 515 pounds (233.6 kilograms) in the 2006 documentary Ronnie Coleman: Relentless. A taxing exercise that targets your lats, spinal erectors, glutes, hamstrings, and scapular stabilizers, this row variation requires excellent core strength to execute safely.

Despite his strongman background, Hooper didn’t have nearly the same level of confidence about being able to match Coleman’s bent-over row record as he did during the deadlift. Starting with a warm-up set of 405 pounds (183.7 kilograms) that already looked challenging, Hooper added another 50 pounds (22.7 kilograms) to the barbell.

“It’s funny how this is a really light deadlift, but when you pick it up and you’re now in the context of “you have to row it” the feeling is completely different,” he explained during his rest period.

Ultimately, Hooper didn’t even attempt to match the weight Coleman used in his prime. Instead, he topped out at eight reps of 455 pounds (206.4 kilograms) before moving on to the final exercise.

[Related: Legendary Ronnie Coleman Explains the Four Bodybuilding Poses That Built His Career]

T-Bar Row — 505 pounds (229 kilograms) for 12 reps

The session concluded with Hooper trying to go toe-to-toe with Coleman’s T-bar row record of 12 reps of 505 pounds (229 kilograms) set in 2006. He began with an easy warm-up set of 315 pounds (142.9 kilograms), which set the stage for a short discussion about the impact of lifting heavy.

“It’s a reality that every strength athlete has to face — that if you push yourself to the limit over and over and over it can result in long-term damage,” Hooper explained. “All you’re doing is shifting risk profiles. It’s important to recognize that pushing yourself to the limit does increase the risk of certain musculoskeletal issues down the track but it also completely diminishes the risk of others.

After sharing his insight about the dangers of training to the extreme, Hooper shifted his focus back to the corner of the gym for what turned out to be his final set of T-bar rows. As was the case with the bent-over rows, Hooper didn’t come close to matching one of his icons.

The winner of the 2023 World’s Strongest Man competition maxed out at 10 reps of 405 pounds (183.7 kilograms), proving that The King truly was (and still is) on another level.

Featured Image: Mitchell Hooper / YouTube

The post Mitchell Hooper Attempts 3 of Ronnie Coleman’s Heaviest Lifts Ever appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

Located in Syosset, NY, the 30,000-square-foot facility opened in 1987 and has served as a training ground for household names like four-time Mr. Olympia Jay Cutler and the legendary Ronnie Coleman. In a video posted on his YouTube page on Nov. 16, 2023, Lunsford shared highlights from his intense back workout at the iconic gym better known as the “East Coast Mecca.”

Before he dove into his training session, Lunsford spent time with Bev Francis Powerhouse Gym owner and IFBB Pro League head judge Steve Weinberger. The 2021 212 Olympia winner signed a few autographs and discussed his mindset with Weinberger, who’s witnessed how former champions handle the post-victory phase differently.

“Your competition holds you accountable,” Lunsford explained. “These guys are hungry, so literally from the time I stepped off stage this past week, I’ve already been back at the gym training, talking to Hany [Rambod], making sure we’re versing out of this appropriately.”

After reminiscing about his first trip to Bev Francis Powerhouse Gym in 2020 and reflecting upon how much his life has changed, Lunsford shifted his attention to training his lats and other back muscles. The workout begins at the 10:40 mark of the video.

Close-Grip Cable Lat Pulldown

Lunsford’s back session began with close-grip cable lat pulldowns. Leaning back slightly throughout the movement, he allowed the weight to completely stretch his lats on the way up before pulling down and squeezing at the bottom.

Rather than performing a high number of sets like he normally would, Lunsford took a different approach during his day at the East Coast Mecca. Between the impact of traveling and having so many machines at his disposal, he opted to do more exercises, capping the number of sets of close-grip lat pulldowns at four.

Wide-Grip Lat Pulldown Machine

Next, Lunsford attacked his lats from a wider angle on a plate-loaded pulldown machine. Grasping the handles with a pronated (palms-down) grip, he started with a warm-up set using a 45-pound (20.4-kilogram) plate per side. After completing 15 slow-and-controlled reps, he doubled the weight for his second set.

Inspired by the variety of gym equipment available in training facilities he’s used recently, Lunsford shared some insight about one of his personal goals.

“I went to Ronnie’s gym the other day and saw his gym and it just fires me up for me to have my own gym in Clearwater,” the Florida resident said. “Just have it right there 15 to 20 minutes from the house, and get to pick out all the best pieces of equipment that’s going to help me be my best. I just really can’t wait.”

Lunsford wrapped up this portion of the workout with a third set of wide-grip lat pulldowns using 115 pounds (52.1 kilograms) worth of plates on each side.

Neutral-Grip Lat Pulldown Machine

Sticking with the same machine, Lunsford simply switched his grip to get a different stimulus. After performing close- and wide-grip versions of lat pulldowns, he utilized a neutral grip to “light up” his lats without placing too much stress on his wrists.

Just as he did with the first two variations, Lunsford executed three sets of this exercise. Having achieved a noticeable pump that brought out the striations in his biceps, shoulders, and chest, the recently crowned champion moved on to the row-based portion of his back session.

[Related: Best Bodybuilding Supplements for Muscle Mass, Fat Loss, and More]

Chest-Supported Incline Row Machine

Lunsford chose a chest-supported incline row machine as his first method of attacking the upper part of his posterior chain. With his chest firmly against the pad, his feet anchored on the platform, and his body leaned slightly forward, Lunsford took hold of the handles and engaged his rhomboids, lats, and rear deltoids to perform the pull-based movement.

Before he hit his fourth set, the king of the Men’s Open division detailed how and why he changed his grip during this exercise.

“The first one I went a little bit wider and I tried to tuck my hands a little bit underneath,” Lunsford explained. “It wasn’t a complete reverse-grip row, but that was what I was trying to mimic. The last two sets we’re going to do a little bit closer with a neutral grip so they just hit a little bit different angles of the back.”

T-Bar Row

To get his core more involved, Lunsford left the chest-supported row machine behind for a back-day classic: the T-bar row. Starting with a pair of 45-pound plates, he maintained a slight bend in his knees and a neutral spine as he drove his elbows back and squeezed at the top of the movement.

Lunsford completed sets of 15 reps, noting the difference in intensity due to him being roughly two weeks removed from competing.

“Now is the time after a show that you don’t go too heavy and you really focus on the squeeze, the stretch, and the contraction,” he explained. “Just getting that good mind-muscle connection in all of your reps, all of your sets, all of your exercises.”

Lunsford said he plans to train in this manner in the short term to build up strength and keep his muscles healthy. However, he will ramp up the weight and go heavier in about two to three months.

Chest-Supported Seated Row Machine

After performing an angled chest-supported row earlier, Lunsford went with a vertical version. Seated with his chest against the pad, he worked with a 45-pound plate on each side to get a huge pump in his lats. This set the stage for another seated row variation.

Cable Seated Row

Lunsford’s penultimate exercise was a traditional cable seated row. He trained unilaterally by using independent handles, making sure to squeeze his shoulder blades together for the ultimate contraction. Looking every bit the part of a Mr. Olympia winner, Lunsford ramped up the weight for his final sets before he moved on to his final exercise.

Low Row Machine

A low-row machine allowed Lunsford to target his lats and rhomboids, as well as his middle and lower trapezius. He wrapped up his workout with several sets of this strength- and muscle-building movement, ensuring to maintain complete control of the weight to maximize time under tension.

Mr. Olympia-Level Back Workout

Although the 2023 Mr. Olympia winner didn’t go heavy on any of his exercises, he certainly put in some serious work at one of the most iconic training grounds. Between three lat pulldown variations and five rowing movements, Lunsford’s back workout will surely leave you feeling like you’re ready to walk across the stage.

• Close-Grip Cable Lat Pulldown
• Wide-Grip Lat Pulldown Machine
• Neutral-Grip Lat Pulldown Machine
• Chest-Supported Incline Row Machine
• T-Bar Row
• Chest-Supported Seated Row Machine
• Cable Seated Row
• Low Row Machine

Derek Lunsford clearly has an appreciation for how far he’s come during his journey as a pro bodybuilder. Humble yet still ultra-competitive, the first two-division champion in Olympia history has the physique and mindset needed to remain at the top of the Men’s Open division for the foreseeable future.

Featured Image: Derek Lunsford / YouTube

The post New Mr. Olympia Derek Lunsford Trains Back at Legendary Bev Francis Powerhouse Gym appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

Then the nightmare began.

Truscott’s dream of becoming a three-time champion dissipated during the performance round due to a devastating set of injuries that left her in a tremendous amount of pain and unable to complete her routine. On Nov. 11, 2023, the decorated Fitness competitor discussed the extent of the damage in a video posted on her YouTube page, revealing she suffered not only a torn ACL but also meniscus tears on both sides of her left knee.

In the aftermath of her heartbreaking experience in Orlando, FL, Truscott admitted to dealing with “excruciating” pain in her left quadriceps and left knee. Worried that she may have also torn her quad on stage, she was able to breathe a small sigh of relief after receiving her MRI results.

Although Truscott’s surgeon informed her that she tore her left anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and meniscus on both the outside and inside of the same knee, the two-time Fitness Olympia winner avoided the worst-case scenario.

“The quad is intact, so I’m extremely happy about that,” Truscott explained. “I feel like there is light at the end of the tunnel here. My surgeon is very confident that I will make a full recovery. It’s just going to take some time.”

With her prehab and post-op rehab already scheduled, Truscott will have surgery “in the near future” to fix her damaged knee ligaments. Facing a tough road to recovery that should take several months, she expressed gratitude for all the support she’s received in the wake of her significant setback.

[Related: 5 Exercises to Help Athletes (Possibly) Prevent Injury]

Although she seemed optimistic about the future, Truscott didn’t have quite the same cheery attitude about a controversial move made by one of her peers.

During her fitness routine, 2021 Fitness Olympia champion Whitney Jones threw a shark prop off a pole — an act Truscott deemed “petty” and “beneath a champion.” Considering Truscott’s Team Apex Training logo includes a great white shark, it certainly seems Jones made a conscious decision to incorporate the reigning champion’s signature animal in a degrading manner.

“You wouldn’t see Chris Bumstead bring a dinosaur to the press conference, or Derek Lunsford bring a wolf to the press conference,” Truscott said. “I think she tried to take a shot at me and totally missed.”

Ultimately, though, the well-respected former champion took a bigger-picture approach when speaking about the future of the sport.

“I’ve made a career out of bodybuilding and I’m so excited to see that the IFBB Fitness division is growing,” Truscott said. “We have a lot of talented women coming into the sport and I’m super excited to see this year how much it’s going to grow.”

Vowing to return better than ever, Truscott does not have to worry about qualifying for the 2024 Olympia thanks to her former champion status. However, it will be interesting to see if the apparent rivalry between her and Jones continues whenever the two Fitness competitors share the stage again.

Featured Image: Missy Truscott / YouTube

The post Missy Truscott Suffered Dual Meniscus Tears and a Ruptured ACL During the 2023 Fitness Olympia appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

Coming off another successful showing at the biggest bodybuilding competition of the year, the king of the Classic Physique division can officially call himself a father-in-waiting. On Monday, Nov. 13, 2023, Bumstead and fiancée Courtney King revealed that they’re expecting their first child.

The power couple posted a four-part photo carousel with the simple caption “Baby Bum Coming 2024” to let the world know about their pregnancy. The third photo showed Bumstead and King holding a six-slide sonogram of their child.

While Bumstead brings big-name recognition and an impressive build that’s helped him reach the top of the Classic Physique mountain five years in a row, his partner also boasts impressive accomplishments and great genetics. A decorated athlete herself, King earned her IFBB Pro League Card in 2012, setting the stage for a highly successful run as a bikini competitor. The Chicago native didn’t reach quite the same level as her renowned future husband, but she did secure top-three finishes in 11 out of the 14 competitions she entered between 2013-16.

Notably, King capped off her career in epic fashion by capturing the 2016 Bikini Olympia championship over a crowded field that included three-time winner Ashley Kaltwasser. Two years later, she began dating Bumstead, who soon after started his run of dominance in the Classic Physique division. And just before he earned his fourth Olympia title, the Canadian native got down on one knee and proposed to King in October 2022.

[Related: Tia-Clair Toomey Works On Her Snatches For The First Time Post-Pregnancy]

As one of the most respected figures in the sport, Bumstead received plenty of support from his peers following the public announcement of his fiancee’s pregnancy.

“So so excited to meet Baby Bum! Kameron said he will babysit,” legendary coach Hany Rambod commented.

Seven-time Mr. Olympia Phil Heath also expressed his excitement about Bumstead’s announcement.

“Congratulations! Shurie and I are so overjoyed for you both!” wrote the 43-year-old retired bodybuilder.

Ironically, Bumstead isn’t the only multiple-time champion who will soon become a first-time father. Derek Lunsford, who became the first two-division winner in Olympia history by earning the Men’s Open title two years after taking home the 212 Olympia crown, announced the expectation of his first child back in July 2023.

In a touching moment that only added to the magic of making his Mr. Olympia dream come true, Lunsford kissed his wife’s stomach as he celebrated earning the Sandow trophy and a $400,000 prize that should go a long way in helping the couple set their baby up for success.

Featured Image: cbum / Instagram

The post 5-Time Classic Physique Champion Chris Bumstead and Fiancée Courtney King Share Pregnancy Announcement   appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

Just one week after sharing the podium with newly crowned champion Derek Lunsford and 2022 winner Hadi Choopan, Dauda delivered a decisive win at the 2023 Romania Muscle Fest Pro. Held over the weekend of Nov. 10-12, 2023, competitors from nine of the 11 IFBB Pro League divisions put their physiques on display in Bucharest, Romania, with Dauda taking home top honors in the Men’s Open category.

2023 Romania Muscle Fest Pro Division-by-Division Results

The 2023 Romania Muscle Fest Pro featured nine division battles — only one of which ended with a Romanian native emerging victorious. Here are the full results from the contest:

• Men’s Open
• 212 Bodybuilding
• Classic Physique
• Men’s Physique
• Women’s Bodybuilding
• Women’s Physique
• Figure
• Bikini
• Wellness

Men’s Open

Heading into the contest, most expected Samson Dauda to dominate the Men’s Open division — and the massive bodybuilder didn’t disappoint. The 2023 Arnold Classic winner secured his second victory of the year (and a $10,000 prize) by besting 2022 Romania Muscle Fest Pro champion Behrooz Tabani Abarghani, who could not compete in this year’s Olympia due to visa issues. Surprisingly, Nathan de Asha, who also missed the biggest bodybuilding show of the year after being denied entry into the United States, finished fourth.

1. Samson Dauda (United Kingdom)
2. Behrooz Tabani Abarghani (Iran)
3. Marcello de Angelis Rezende (Brazil)
4. Nathan De Asha (United Kingdom)
5. Mohamed Foda (Egypt)
6. Andrea Presti (Italy)
7. Alfred Chiriac (Romania)
8. Volodymyr Byruk (Ukraine)
9. Jan Turek (Czech Republic)
10. Kevin Brucher (Germany)
11. Gianluca Di Lorenzo (Italy)
12. Roberto Buonomo (Italy)
13. Pavel Cervinka (Czech Republic)
14. Hameed Juma (Bahrain)
15. Anton Bippus (Denmark)
16. Pavel Beran (Czech Republic)

212 Bodybuilding

Like Dauda, Ahmad Ali Ashkanani enjoyed a more successful outing in Romania than he did in Florida. Coming off a fifth-place finish in the Olympia 212 division, the Kuwait native secured his spot in the 2024 Olympia by finishing ahead of Giuseppe Zagarella and Radoslav Angelov, who took second and third, respectively.

1. Ahmad Ali Ashkanani (Kuwait)
2. Giuseppe Zagarella (Italy)
3. Radoslav Angelov (Bulgaria)
4. Alexandru Vasile Uta (Romania)
5. Lucas Garcia (Brazil)
6. Dawid Cnota (Poland)
7. Daniel Vasilica (Romania)
8. Vincent Alliot (France)
9. Junior Pagula (Brazil)
10. Morad Zahir (Morocco)
11. Victor Eric Lopez Garcia (Mexico)
12. Vincente Santamaria (Spain)

[Related: Chris Bumstead Claims Fifth Consecutive Classic Physique Championship at 2023 Mr. Olympia]

Classic Physique

Having already won the 2023 Europa Pro back in September, Wesley Vissers earned his second pro show win of the year. The Classic Physique competitor finished seventh at the 2023 Olympia and will look to improve upon that mark in Las Vegas, NV, on Oct. 10-13, 2024.

1. Wesley Vissers (Netherlands)
2. Ruben Lopez Reyes (Spain)
3. Alexander Westermeier (Germany)
4. Sebastien Theurel (France)
5. Ali Shams Ghamar (Iran)
6. George Achampong (Denmark)
7. Nicolas Alberto Concepcion (Philippines)
8. Mehmed Mehmedov (Bulgaria)
9. Chris Pistolas (Greece)
10. Pekka Kotipohja (Finland)
11. Milos Stojanovic (Serbia)
12. Francesco Della Vedova (Italy)
13. Karol Rogaczewski (Poland)
14. Luc Andre Steinker (Germany)
15. Fernando Gornals Margol (Spain)
16. Alberto Milani (Italy)

Men’s Physique

Stepping on stage for the first time since the 2022 Warsaw Pro, Miroslav Juricek made the most of his return with a clean sweep of first-place votes. As a result, the Czech Republic native will get to make his Olympia debut next year.

1. Miroslav Juricek (Czech Republic)
2. Caike DeOliveira (USA)
3. Furker Er (Turkey)
4. Mohammad Ali (Austria)
5. Jeffrey Darko (United Kingdom)
6. Alessandro Cavagnola (Italy)
7. Mauro Fialho (Spain)
8. Alexandru Panek (Romania)
9. Alessandro Colacchi (Italy)
10. Andrea Amato (Italy)
11. Andrea Antonelli (Italy)
12. Giuseppe Riserbato (Italy)
13. Jaime Maso Lopez (Spain)
14. Hamad Al-doseri (Bahrain)
15. Oskar Tchorzewski (Poland)
16. Mishal Alhassan (Saudi Arabia) — Tied for 16th
17. Aryan Ali (Germany) — Tied for 16th
18. Nasreddine Bouakouk (Algeria) — Tied for 16th
19. Nikolay Rashkov (Bulgaria) — Tied for 16th
20. Jose Luis Rivas (Spain) — Tied for 16th

Women’s Bodybuilding

Leyvina Rodrigues Barros cemented her case as one of the top female bodybuilders in the world by parlaying her well-balanced physique into a well-earned victory in the Women’s Bodybuilding division. After finishing well outside the top 10 in her Olympia debut in 2022, she will look to vault up the standings in the 2024 contest.

1. Leyvina Rodrigues Barros (Brazil)
2. Anastasia Korableva (Romania)
3. Tiana Flex (South Africa)
4. MayLa Ash (USA)
5. Barbara de Freitas Moojen (Brazil)
6. Hagit Seindlis (Israel)
7. Jacqueline Fuchs (Switzerland)
8. Viktoria Knysh (UAE)
9. Gemma Lancaster (United Kingdom)
10. Ivana Dvorakova (Czech Republic)
11. Simone Ellis (England)

[Related: Try This Beginner Bodybuilding Routine If You’re Looking To Build Mass]

Women’s Physique

Raluca Raducu represented Romania well by narrowly beating out runner-up Caroline Alves Dos Santos for the Women’s Physique division title. A one-point advantage allowed the IFBB Pro to stamp her ticket to the 2024 Olympia.

1. Raluca Raducu (Romania)
2. Caroline Alves Dos Santos (Brazil)
3. Sahar Rahmani (Iran)
4. Natalia Bystrova (Russia)
5. Silvia Cuartero Martinez (Spain)
6. Julia Glazycheva (Russia)
7. Jo Kelly (United Kingdom)
8. Modesta Halby (Denmark)
9. Marina Kassinopoullou (Cyprus)
10. Emilija Martic (Canada)
11. Tanya Chartrand (Canada)
12. Petra Osterwald (Switzerland)
13. Dany Jacot-Descombes (Switzerland)
14. Christina Kremser (Austria)
15. Sarah Crail (Australia)
16. Emilia Balkova (Bulgaria) — Tied for 16th
17. Tatiana Bulut (Turkey) — Tied for 16th
18. Cristina Chatti (Spain) — Tied for 16th
19. Diana Hristova (Bulgaria) — Tied for 16th
20. Lisa Kurzamann (Austria) — Tied for 16th
21. Laura Pyszora (United Kingdom) — Tied for 16th
22. Natalia Spierings (United Kingdom) — Tied for 16th

Figure

Two years removed from earning runner-up status at the Romania Muscle Fest Pro, Tereza Linhartova took home the title in the Figure division. Her ultra-sculpted physique and posing skills gave her the decisive edge over Romanian Stefana Sandu.

1. Tereza Linhartova (Czech Republic)
2. Stefana Sandu (Romania)
3. Rejoice Godwin (Spain)
4. Jennifer Reece (Canada)
5. Jennifer Zienert (Germany)
6. Sonja Ivanov (Germany)
7. Daiane Aparecida Freitas (Brazil)
8. Maria Ignacia Mas Delgado (Spain)
9. Veronica Gallego Garcia (Spain)
10. Anna Kohckar (Ukraine)
11. Behnaz Nasrollahi Azar (Germany)
12. Charlotte Goubet (France)
13. Helen Zavitsanou Pistolas (Greece)
14. Yadviga Zakurina (Russia)
15. Maria Ignacia Mas Delgado (Brazil)
16. Reem Albareeq (Bahrain) — Tied for 16th
17. Vanessa Happle (Germany) — Tied for 16th
18. Cristina Araujo Silva (Spain) — Tied for 16th
19. Lubomira Steftcheva (Bulgaria) — Tied for 16th

Bikini

After settling for second place at the 2023 Italian Olympus Pro back in October, Alice Marchisio achieved her goal of earning a gold medal. Her first pro win gives her a chance to compete in the Olympia.

1. Alice Marchisio (Italy)
2. Valerya Fedorenko (Ukraine)
3. Giuditta Taccani (Italy)
4. Dorottya Zoe Toth (Hungary)
5. Kerry Sexton (United Kingdom)
6. Rania Stamatiadou (Greece)
7. Irene Iravedra Cunarro (Spain)
8. Violeta Palamarchuk (Ukraine)
9. Lorena Blanco (Spain)
10. Andrina Scharli (Switzerland)
11. Luca Katai (Hungary)
12. Sara Lujza Rogacsi (Hungary)
13. Mara Carro (Germany)
14. Natalia Koursari (Greece)
15. Aleksandra Duba (Poland)
16. Johanna Durr (Germany) — Tied for 16th
17. Noemi Lavacca (Italy) — Tied for 16th
18. Anna Thaarup (Denmark) — Tied for 16th

[Related: Major Change to Mr. Olympia Qualification System Will Have Immediate Impact on 2023 Contest]

Wellness

Despite being one of the last competitors to enter the show, Gisele Machado proved she’s still a force to be reckoned with in the Wellness division. The Brazilian bodybuilder claimed her fourth pro show victory of 2023 in lopsided fashion, earning unanimous first-place votes. Although she did not compete in the 2023 Olympia, Machado should take the stage in Las Vegas in 2024.

1. Gisele Machado (Brazil)
2. Paula Dominguez (Spain)
3. Sandra Colorado Acal (Spain)
4. Klaudia Vanessza Csuri (Ukraine)
5. Dainora Dvarionaite (Lithuania)
6. Lexy Oliver (Italy)
7. Valentina Mabrouk (Italy)
8. Houda Hmini (Morocco)
9. Rosa Benadero Munoz (Spain)
10. Laleska Bruschi (Brazil)
11. Lisa Beck (Germany)
12. Carlotta Tonelli (Italy)
13. Marjelle De Cock (Belgium)
14. Lenia Fernandes (Portugal)
15. Laurene Gaudelier (France)
16. Celandine Holenweg (Switzerland) — Tied for 16th
17. Lidia Melero (Spain) — Tied for 16th

Featured Image: Samson Dauda / Instagram

The post Samson Dauda Wins 2023 Romania Muscle Fest Pro One Week After Finishing Third in Mr. Olympia  appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

Coming off an impressive performance at the 2023 NPC Ultimate Warriors in which he won his Classic Physique debut, the uber-popular powerlifter-turned-bodybuilder still had to trim a few inches off his sizable frame. Unfortunately for Wheels, his peak week efforts to go from 240 to 232 pounds didn’t result in a first-place finish in Orlando, FL, as Ejike Enwereuzor Jr. captured the Amateur Olympia Classic Physique championship on Nov. 2, 2023.

Less than a week later, however, Wheels’ body appeared vastly different than it did when he stood on stage at the Orange County Convention Center. On Nov. 5, 2023, a noticeably larger version of the versatile strength athlete shared a video on his YouTube video detailing how he gained 53 pounds in five days after competing in the Amateur Olympia. Not only did Wheels discuss his use of diuretics, but he also delivered a complete breakdown of the cheat meals he consumed that contributed to such a substantial jump.

Having last stepped on stage at around 265 pounds, Wheels went on a serious cut to get contest-ready for the Classic Physique category. Besides severely reducing his calories and essentially eliminating carbohydrates from his diet for several weeks, his weight-loss process also involved the use of diuretics, which bodybuilders often use during peak week to reduce muscle water retention, increase urine output, and excrete sodium to present a more aesthetic physique. (1)

“This was my first time getting fully depleted for a show,” Wheels explained. “I did use diuretics to make weight and to have that dry, hard look on stage.”

Despite falling short of his goal of earning his IFBB Pro League card, the record-setting powerlifter-turned-bodybuilder certainly proved how powerful combining diuretics with a calorie-restrictive diet can be for quickly transforming your physique. Yet after tipping the scales at 231.4 pounds during weigh-ins on Oct. 30, 2023, and competing in the Amateur Olympia at 238 pounds two days later, Wheels surprised himself by ballooning up to 284 pounds by Nov. 4, 2023.

“I don’t think I’ve consumed enough fluid and solid food to add up to 40 pounds,” he said. “I don’t understand where all the weight came from.”

[Related: Walking for Weight Loss: A Guide to Drop the Pounds]

While Wheels’ massive weight gain may seem shocking, it shouldn’t be based on both his diuretic use and his post-contest diet. After utilizing diuretics twice within three days to make weight for both shows, it would only be natural for his body to begin retaining fluids instead of shedding them. Plus, when you stop taking diuretics and start binge eating like Wheels did, you’re bound to see the number on the scale go up as you replenish your muscle glycogen stores.

In a classic example of the effects of a post-contest cheat meal spree, here’s what the social media star ate that left him 53 pounds heavier.

Larry Wheels’ Full Cheat Meal Lineup

After abstaining from any type of comfort food for quite some time, Wheels went all-in over two days with nine calorie-dense cheat meals:

Day One

• Cheat Meal One: Two bacon double cheeseburgers and one large fry (Five Guys)
• Cheat Meal Two: 16-pounce ribeye steak and sweet potato mash (Ruth’s Chris Steak House)
• Cheat Meal Three: One bag of Pop-Tarts
• Cheat Meal Four: Two cups of noodles

Day Two

• Cheat Meal Five: Cinnamon roll pancakes, hash browns, and sunny-side-up eggs
• Cheat Meal Six: Cinnamon roll bagel with cream cheese, orange juice, and a bowl of cereal
• Cheat Meal Seven: Bacon double cheeseburger with French fries and lemon cookies
• Cheat Meal Eight: Fried chicken sandwich, six bone-in wings, three chicken tenders, and French fries — plus chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream for dessert (Buffalo Wild Wings)
• Cheat Meal Nine: 14-inch margherita pizza, garlic knots, and a salad

Ultimately, Wheels estimated that he consumed about 20,000 calories within the first 24 hours after stepping on the Amateur Olympia stage. But after taking a no-holds-barred approach to eating and seeing the number on the scale shoot up by more than 50 pounds in such a short amount of time, he sounded ready to get back to a more disciplined lifestyle.

“It’s time to screw my head back on straight and eat clean,” he said.

Featured Image: Larry Wheels / YouTube

References

1. Escalante, G., Stevenson, S.W., Barakat, C. et al. Peak week recommendations for bodybuilders: an evidence-based approach. BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil 13, 68 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13102-021-00296-y

The post Larry Wheels Gained 53 Pounds in 5 Days After Finishing Second at 2023 Amateur Olympia appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

Forced to withdraw from the biggest competition of the season because of a torn hamstring, Walker recently revealed he suffered even more damage than initially thought. In a video posted on his Instagram page on Nov. 6, 2023, “The Mutant” delivered an update about his injury status and his mindset as he embarks on the road to recovery.

After congratulating Derek Lunsford for becoming the 18th Mr. Olympia and the first two-division champion, Walker divulged more details about his health status. Not only did Walker suffer a serious hamstring injury in the leadup to the Olympia, but he also hurt his calf.

“I think it was Friday, we went and got the MRI done and it came back that I do have a partial hamstring tear and a grade 1 strain, little tear in my calf as well,” Walker said. “Nothing crazy, nothing too significant that would require surgery, so that’s great news. I’m very happy, literally very happy about that.”

Luckily for Walker, a grade 1 strain includes mild damage to individual muscle fibers that typically causes a small loss of strength and motion. On the other hand, a grade 3 strain involves a complete rupture of a muscle or tendon and usually requires surgery to reattach the damaged structure. So, even though Walker’s Olympia dream turned into a bit of a nightmare, he avoided the worst-case scenario.

The 2021 Arnold Classic winner noted that his doctors were “very impressed” with how quickly his body started the healing process. Despite dealing with a major setback at the most inopportune time, Walker displayed maturity and humility when discussing his injury.

“I am a firm believer that things happen for a reason, and I can’t seem to find what reason this,” Walker explained. “This was supposed to be a really special moment. I’m just holding on to that saying, things happen for a reason, for greater things to happen, so that’s what we are going to do.”

[Related: 2023 Amateur Olympia Results]

Although Walker can’t crush a leg workout anytime soon, he won’t let that stop him from preparing to compete again in 2024. Focused on training his upper body and testing his limits as he recovers, he vowed to return stronger for next year’s Olympia.

However, whether Walker will have an opportunity to participate in the sport’s tentpole contest is far less certain than his conviction about making a comeback. Due to changes to the Olympia Qualifying System, only the top three finishers from the Mr. Olympia contest automatically qualify for next year’s event.

With Walker already ruling himself out of the 2024 Arnold Classic, he will have to win an IFBB Pro League show to secure a spot in the Men’s Open lineup for the 2024 Olympia. Then again, perhaps promoters will grant “The Mutant” his request to receive a special invite to share the stage with the newly crowned champion and the rest of the Olympia hopefuls.

Featured Image: nick_walker39 / Instagram

The post Nick Walker Reveals He Suffered More Than Just a Torn Hamstring Before Bowing Out of 2023 Mr. Olympia  appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

Two years removed from capturing the 212 Olympia title in Orlando, FL, Lunsford made history by becoming the first two-division champion in the history of the Mr. Olympia contest. The USA native emerged victorious from a crop of elite competitors headlined by defending champion Hadi Choopan and 2023 Arnold Classic winner Samson Dauda.

[Related: 2023 Mr. Olympia Results: Complete Coverage and Live Updates]

The battle for the prestigious Sandow Trophy started Friday during the prejudging round of the 59th edition of the prestigious contest. Unsurprisingly, Lunsford and Choopan — who both train with legendary coach Hany Rambod — quickly separated themselves from the rest of the pack with their elite conditioning and sheer amount of muscle mass.

Dauda’s sizable frame and imposing physique also stood out during the prejudging phase. And despite speculation about potentially bowing out due to health issues, 2019 Mr. Olympia Brandon Curry showed well during his latest attempt to climb back to the top of the Men’s Open mountain.

Callout One

• Samson Dauda
• Andrew Jacked
• Hadi Choopan
• Derek Lunsford
• Brandon Curry
• Hunter Labrada

Callout Two

• Hassan Mostafa
• Regan Grimes
• Michal Krizanek
• Tonio Burton
• Charles Griffen
• Andrea Presti

Callout Three

• Phil Clahar
• Theo Leguerrier
• Roman Friz
• Justin Shier

Callout Four

• Andrew Jacked
• Brandon Curry
• Michal Krizanek
• Hunter Labrada

Callout Five

• Hadi Choopan
• Derek Lunsford
• Samson Dauda

The final callout featured a dramatic three-person pose-off between Choopan, Lunsford, and Dauda. All three competitors put on terrific showings, though Dauda appeared to tire a bit toward the end. There was still plenty of anticipation about whether Lunsford could unseat Choopan, who displayed plenty of energy while interacting with the crowd during his routine.

Lunsford appeared to have some luck on his side when he earned the nod from the fans by winning the 2023 People’s Champion title and belt. Not long after taking home the fan-voted award, the 2022 Mr. Olympia runner-up etched his place in bodybuilding history books by officially earning the 2023 Mr. Olympia title and $400,000.

2023 Mr. Olympia Results

Here’s how the top five shook out for the 2023 Mr. Olympia contest, along with the prize purse by position.

1. Derek Lunsford — $400,000
2. Hadi Choopan — $175,000
3. Samson Dauda — $100,000
4. Brandon Curry — $40,000
5. Andrew Jacked — $35,000

[Related: Chris Bumstead Claims Fifth Consecutive Classic Physique Championship at 2023 Mr. Olympia]

Proving he’s capable of doing whatever’s necessary to get his body into championship shape, Derek Lunsford deserves tremendous credit for becoming the 18th Mr. Olympia. It took a tremendous amount of dedication, diligent dieting, and intense training to construct a physique that convinced the judges to put Choopan in the No. 2 spot in 2023.

Plus, the fact Lunsford accomplished that feat just two years after he asserted his dominance in an entirely different division speaks volumes about his genetic gifts, work ethic, and mindset.

Featured Image: mrolympiallc / Instagram

The post Derek Lunsford Becomes the First Two-Division Champion at the 2023 Mr. Olympia appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

The Canadian native put on a dominant showing in front of the judges and fans inside the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL, cementing his case as one of the greatest bodybuilders of his generation.

[Related: 2023 Amateur Olympia Results]

Bumstead’s well-proportioned physique and impressive posing routines helped him edge out an impressive field of Classic Physique competitors that featured strong performances from Terrence Ruffin and two-time Classic Physique Olympia champion (2017-2018) Breon Ansley. Once all the athletes showcased their sculpted shoulders, defined abdominals, and shredded backs, the judges made their first decision:

Callout One

• Jae Hun Park
• Wesley Vissers
• Michael Daboul
• Terrence Ruffin
• Mike Sommerfeld
• Vahid Badpei

Callout Two

• Breon Ansley
• Urs Kalecinski
• Roman Rocha Quieroz
• Chris Bumstead

To no one’s surprise, the final callout saw a familiar face square off in an epic posing battle against Bumstead: Ramon Rocha Quieroz. Coming off a huge victory at the 2023 Arnold Classic, he looked fantastic on the Olympia stage, boasting a balanced physique with no apparent weaknesses. Ultimately, though, the 2022 Olympia runner-up fell short for the second straight year in his quest to unseat Bumstead from his throne.

2023 Classic Physique Olympia Results

Here’s how the top five shook out in the 2023 Classic Physique Olympia division:

1. Chris Bumstead – $50,000
2. Ramon Rocha Querioz — $20,000
3. Urs Kelecinski — $12,000
4. Breon Ansley — $7,000
5. Terrence Ruffin — $6,000

[Related: Major Change to Mr. Olympia Qualification System Will Have Immediate Impact on 2023 Contest]

Speaking with Bob Circherillo on stage after his latest Olympia victory, Bumstead revealed that he tore his lat 10 weeks out from the biggest show of the year. Although he initially had doubts about whether he could overcome the setback, he credited the support of his fiancee, as well as legendary trainer Hany Rambod, for helping him maintain a strong mindset throughout his journey to the Olympia.

Four weeks after suffering his lat injury, Bumstead returned to the gym for his first back workout. Just like he did after getting hurt, he wept.

However, the decorated champion said he shed tears for a much different reason.

“I realized I would not have felt that much joy and gratitude if I had quit,” Bumstead said.

Featured Image: mrolympiallc / Instagram

The post Chris Bumstead Claims Fifth Consecutive Classic Physique Championship at 2023 Mr. Olympia appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

2023 Olympia Winners

Listed below are the 2023 Olympia winners by division, along with their respective prize purse. This section will be updated throughout the competition.

• Women’s Amateur: Sharon Ramos
• Men’s Amateur: Luiz Esteves
• 212 Olympia: Keone Pearson — $50,000
• Women’s Figure: Cydney Gillon — $50,000
• Women’s Physique: Sarah Villegas — $50,000
• Fitness: Oksana Grishina — $50,000
• Ms. Olympia: Andrea Shaw — $50,000
• Wellness: Francielle Mattos — $50,000
• Wheelchair: Karol Milewski — $50,000
• Men’s Physique: Ryan Terry — $50,000
• Classic Physique: Chris Bumstead — $50,000
• Bikini: Jennifer Dorie — $50,000
• Mr. Olympia: Derek Lunsford — $400,000

How to Watch the Olympia

If you want to catch the action live, you can still purchase tickets to the event at mrolympia.com. However, tickets have sold out for a highly anticipated Saturday night showdown that will see Mr. Olympia, Men’s Physique Olympia, Bikini Olympia, and Classic Physique Olympia champions crowned.

Luckily, you can still see who reigns supreme by streaming the action via pay-per-view. Available on olympiaproductions.com for $74.99, the pay-per-view provides access to the Pre-judging and Finals rounds for all divisions, the Olympia press conferences, and the Olympia EXPO. 

2023 Olympia Schedule

Based on the most current information available on the official Olympia website, here’s a day-by-day breakdown of what’s taking place at the Orange County Convention Center during Joe Weider’s 2023 Olympia Fitness & Performance Weekend:

Tuesday, Oct. 31

• Amateur Olympia Women’s Judging and Finals: 8 a.m. EST

Wednesday, Nov. 1

• Amateur Olympia Men’s Judging and Finals: 8 a.m. EST

Thursday, Nov. 2

• Olympia Press Conference: Noon EST
• Meet the Olympians: 7 p.m. EST (VIP & Insider Club Entry); 8 p.m. EST (General Public and Media Entry)

Friday, Nov. 3

• Olympia World Fitness EXPO: 9 a.m. EST (early entry for VIPs, Club Members, and EXPO Early Entry Weekend Pass Holders); 10 a.m. EST (General Public Entry)
• Olympia Pre-Judging (Fitness, 212, Figure, Women’s Physique, Ms. Olympia, and Wellness): 9:30 a.m.
• Mr. Olympia Pre-Judging: 6 p.m. EST
• Olympia Friday Finals (212 Olympia, Fitness, Figure, Women’s Physique, Ms. Olympia, and Wellness): 6 p.m. EST

Saturday, Nov. 4

• Olympia World Fitness EXPO: 9 a.m. (early entry for VIPs, Club Members, and EXPO Early Entry Weekend Pass Holders); 10 a.m. EST(General Public Entry)
• Olympia Pre-Judging (Classic Physique, Men’s Physique, Bikini): 9:30 a.m. (VIP and Insider Club Member entry at 9 a.m.) EST
• Olympia Saturday Finals (Mr. Olympia, Men’s Physique, Bikini, and Classic Physique): 7 p.m. EST

2023 Olympia Division Rosters

Plenty of familiar faces will walk across the stage over the weekend. For a complete list of the 2023 Olympia competitors, utilize the division-by-division breakdown below.

• Men’s Open (Mr. Olympia)
• 212 Olympia
• Classic Physique
• Men’s Physique
• Wheelchair
• Ms. Olympia
• Women’s Physique
• Wellness
• Fitness
• Figure
• Bikini

Men’s Open (Mr. Olympia)

• Hadi Choopan (Iran) — Reigning Champion
• Derek Lunsford (USA)
• Brandon Curry (USA)
• Samson Dauda (United Kingdom)
• Behrooz Tabani (Iran)
• Tonio Burton (USA)
• Ross Flanigan (USA)
• Michal Krizanek (Slovakia)
• Phil Clahar (USA)
• Andrea Presti (Italy)
• Hassan Mostafa (Egypt)
• Justin Shier (USA)
• Roman Fritz (Germany)
• Hunter Labrada (USA) 
• Chinedu Andrew Obiekea (Andrew Jacked) (UAE)
• Nathan De Asha (United Kingdom)
• Regan Grimes (Canada)
• Theo Leguerrier (France)
• Charles Griffen (USA)
• Nick Walker (USA) — Withdrew before the contest due to an injury
• Brett Wilkin (USA) — Withdrew before the contest due to a health issue

212 Olympia

• Shaun Clarida (USA) — Reigning Champion
• Felipe Fierro (Chile)
• Angel Calderon Frias (Spain)
• Ahmad Ashkanani (Kuwait)
• Felipe Moraes (Brazil)
• Kerrith Bajjo (USA)
• Piotr Borecki (Poland)
• Andrei Melnikov (Russia)
• Roman Iushchenko (Ukraine)
• John Jewett (USA)
• Chris Jones (USA)
• Fabrizio de Souza Moreira (Brazil)
• Naser Mohamed (Kuwait)
• Keone Pearson (USA)
• Hidetada Yamagishi (Japan)
• Oleh Kryvyi (Ukraine) 
• Hossein Kalateh (Canada) 
• Radoslav Angelov (Bulgaria)

Classic Physique

• Chris Bumstead (Canada) — Reigning Champion
• Ramon Rocha Queiroz (Brazil)
• Urs Kalecinski (Germany)
• Mike Sommerfeld (Germany)
• Woilid Baatout (France)
• Eric Brown (USA)
• Daniil Famponte (USA)
• Andrei Kozhokar (Russia)
• Michael Daboul (United Kingdom)
• German Pastor (Spain)
• Eric Wildberger Lisboa (Brazil)
• Samuel Paquin (Canada)
• Damien Patrick (USA)
• Damian Kuffel (Poland)
• Vahid Badpei (Iran)
• Laszlo Kiraly (Hungary)
• Antoine Loth (Spain)
• Carlos Dommar (USA)
• Fabio Junio Ramos Vale (Brazil)
• John Le (Canada)
• Marcus Perry (USA)
• Diego Alejandro Galindo (Brazil)
• Matthew Greggo (USA)
• Stephane Matala (France)
• Jared Thompson (USA)
• Jae Hun Park (South Korea)
• Alejandro Cambronero (Costa Rica)
• Eduardo Oliveira (Brazil)
• Shicheng Jin (China)
• Shi Tian Wang (China)
• Wesley Vissers (Netherlands)
• Christopher Ziller (Germany) 
• Gabriel Zancanelli (Brazil)
• Courage Opara (USA)
• Terrence Ruffin (ISA)
• Maxime Yedess (France) 
• Breon Ansley (USA) — Two-time former champion
• Hasan Alibrahim (Netherlands)
• Junior Javorski (Brazil)

Men’s Physique

• Erin Banks (USA) — Reigning Champion
• Mehdi Kabbadj (Morocco)
• Ming Chieh Tsai (District of Taiwan)
• Kahlia Ramzi (Algeria)
• Corey Morris (USA)
• Brandon Hendrickson (USA)
• Diogo Montenegro (Brazil)
• Mahmood Al-Maghrabi (Bahrain)
• Emanuel Hunter (USA)
• Mauro Fialho Garcia, Jr. (Spain)
• Carlos DeOliveira (Brazil)
• Benquil Marigny (USA)
• Riccardo Croci (Italy)
• Derrick Stevenson (USA)
• Ryan Terry (United Kingdom)
• Emmanuel Costa (Brazil)
• Daniel Ammons (USA)
• Andre Ferguson (USA)
• Vinicius Mateus Veiro Lima (Brazil)
• Vitor Chaves (Brazil)
• Joseph Lee (USA)
• Victor Manuel Ramirez Chavez (Costa Rica)
• Bhuwan Chauhan (India)
• Sidy Pouye (Spain)
• Yoon Sung Lee (South Korea)
• Jason Huynh (USA)
• Anderson Arruda (Brazil)
• Jeremy Potvin (USA)
• Drew Cullen (USA)
• Ismael Dominquez (Mexico)
• Arya Saffaie (USA)
• Rodrigue Chesnier (France)
• Febo Gambacorta (Italy)
• Rafael Oliveira (Brazil)
• Jonas Jamena (No Country Listed) 
• Jeremiah Maxey (USA)
• Joven Sagabain (Philippines)
• Edvan Palmeira (Brazil)
• Ali Bilal (Belgium)
• Ayoub Sulayman (Libya)
• Charjo Grant (USA)
• Reuben Glass (USA)
• Adeyemi Awoyemi (United Kingdom) 
• Kyron Holden (USA)
• Emile Walker (United Kingdom)
• Jeremy Buendia (USA)
• JunHo Lee (South Korea)

Wheelchair

• Harold Kelley (USA) — Reigning Champion
• Gabriele Andriulli (Italy)
• Antoni Khadraoui (Algeria)
• Josue Golrila Albino (Brazil)
• Mohammadreza Tabrizi Nouri (Canada)
• Tyler Brey (USA) 
• Karol Milewski (Poland)
• Woody Belfort (Canada)
• Tory Jones (Canada)
• Bradley Betts (USA)
• Tim Caldwell (USA)
• Jason Metcalf (USA)

Ms. Olympia

• Andrea Shaw (USA) — Reigning Champion
• Angela Yeo (USA)
• Sherry Priami (USA)
• Natalia Kovaleva (USA)
• Julia Whitesel (USA)
• Alcione Barreto (Brazil)
• MayLa Ash (USA) 
• Kristina Mendoza (USA)
• Michaela Aycock (USA)
• Reshanna Boswell (USA)
• Chelsea Dion (USA)

Women’s Physique

• Natalia Abraham Coelho (USA) — Reigning Champion
• Sarah Villegas (USA)
• Brooke Walker (USA)
• Anne-Lorraine Mohn (France)
• Pamela Canfield (USA)
• Elena Aviles Romero (Spain)
• Emily Schubert (USA)
• Emilija Martic (Canada)
• Romana Skotzen (United Kingdom)
• Zana Benta (Brazil)
• Caroline Alves Dos Santos (Brazil)
• Amy McKown (USA)
• Danielle LaMartina (USA)
• Jeannie Feldman (USA)
• Ivie Rhein (USA)
• Karina Goncalves (Spain)
• Alex Hall (USA)
• Marie-Soulange Essoh (USA)
• Julia Monroe (USA)

Wellness

• Francielle Mattos (Brazil) — Reigning Champion
• Isabelle Nunes (Brazil)
• Angela Borges (Brazil)
• Kassandra Gillis (Canada)
• Alexis Adams (USA)
• Renata Guaraciaba (Brazil)
• Amanda Burnett (USA)
• Gisele Machado (Brazil)
• Tefani Sam Razhi (USA)
• Sandra Colorado Acal (Spain)
• Lili Dong (China)
• Leonida Ciobu (Moldova)
• Frida Paulsen Stern (USA)
• Lisa Meiswinkel (Germany)
• Johanna Calcano (USA) 
• Danai Theodoropoulou (Australia)
• Elisa Alcantara (Dominican Republic)
• Rayane Fogal (Brazil)
• Wynter Addams (United Kingdom)
• Marissa Andrews (USA) 
• Nerilde Garcia Strey (Brazil)
• Daniele Mendonca (Brazil)
• Jacqueline Huescas Rios (Mexico)
• Ismara dos Santos (Brazil) 
• Andrea Hrenko (USA)
• Victoria Reyes Villa (Mexico)

Fitness

• Missy Truscott (USA) — Reigning Champion
• Jaclyn Baker (USA)
• Ariel Khadr (USA)
• Darrian Tissenbaum (USA)
• Oksana Grishina (Russia)
• Tiffany Chandler (USA)
• Amber Steffen (USA)
• Sara Kovach (USA)
• Jodi Boam (Canada)
• Allison Kramer (USA) 
• Minna Pajulahti (Finland) 
• Whitney Jones (USA)
• Michaela Pavleova (Slovakia)
• Stephanie Jones (USA) 
• Taylor Learmont (Canada)

Figure

• Cydney Gillon (USA) — Reigning Champion
• Jessica Reyes Padilla (Puerto Rico)
• Lola Montez (Canada)
• Bojana Vasiljevic (USA)
• Donya Jackson (USA)
• Gabriela Consolmagno (USA)
• Madison Dinges (USA)
• Cherish Richardson (USA)
• Maria Luisa Baeza Diaz Pereira (USA)
• Natalia Soltero (Mexico)
• Jennifer Zienert (Germany)
• Kristen McGregor (Jamaica)
• Adela Ondrejovicova (Slovakia)
• Gina Palma (USA) 
• Autumn Cleveland (USA)
• Ericka Morales Morgan (Guatemala)
• Jossie Nathali Alarcon Becerra (Mexico)
• Queren Pacheco (Mexico)
• Oyku Basar (Turkey)
• Tereza Linhartova (Czech Republic) 
• Wendy Fortino (USA)
• Gabriela Linhartova (Czech Republic) 
• Nicole Zenobia Graham (USA)
• Rhea Gayle (United Kingdom) 
• Lena Ramsteiner (Germany)

Bikini

• Maureen Blanquisco (Norway) — Reigning Champion
• Jibin Park (South Korea)
• Ivanna Escandar (Spain)
• Amanda Marques (Brazil)
• Phoebe Hagan (United Kingdom)
• Jennifer Dorie (Canada)
• Ashley Kaltwasser (USA)
• Nittaya Kongthun (Thailand)
• Alessia Facchin (Italy)
• Lauralie Chapados (Canada)
• Brenda Farias (Brazil)
• Aimee Leann Delgado (USA)
• Eszter Ozcella (Hungary)
• Hyo Jung Kim (South Korea)
• Vania Auguste (USA)
• Romina Basualdo (USA)
• Savannah Watchman (USA)
• Zsofia Reka Molnar (Hungary)
• Elisa Pecini (Brazil)
• Sierra Swann (USA)
• Reijuana Harley (USA)
• Cristobalina Pajares (Spain)
• Eli Fernandez (Mexico)
• Jessica Wilson (USA)
• Jordan Fisher (USA)
• Jil Meret Schmitz (Thailand)
• Areum Song (South Korea)
• Lexus Redmond (USA)
• Tatiana Lanovenko (Russia)
• Dahya Jeon (South Korea)
• Ariel Barley (USA)
• Tara Grier (USA) 
• Savannah Dolezal (USA)
• Gessica Brun (Brazil)
• Halanna Jully (Brazil)
• Ashlyn Little (USA)
• Jordan Brannon (USA)
• Ottavia Mazza (Italy)
• Ariana Brothers (USA) 
• Maria Alexsandra Santos Rocha (Brazil)
• Yurika Shigemoto (USA)
• Tamekia Carter (USA)
• Lisa Reith (Germany)
• Daraja Hill (USA)
• Valerya Fedorenko (Ukraine) 
• Reyna Perez Mecalco (Mexico)
• Jourdanne Lee (USA)
• Iulia Baba (Romania)
• Ndeye Ndour (USA)
• Kristina Brunauer (Austria)
• Jessica Nicole Dolias (USA)
• Roxana Marquez (USA)

About the Mr. Olympia Competition

First held on Sept. 18, 1965, the Mr. Olympia competition has gone from being hosted at the Brooklyn Academy of Music to taking place in one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States. Much of its growth can be attributed to the legendary Arnold Schwarzenegger, whose sheer size and muscular build helped him secure six straight Mr. Olympia titles from 1970-75. And before he turned his attention to acting, The Austrian Oak took home the Olympia crown a seventh time in 1980 for good measure.

Over the ensuing decades, several other stars emerged in a sport that saw competitors continuously get bigger as better equipment, supplements, and science became available. South Carolina native Lee Haney set the gold standard by holding the Mr. Olympia title for eight years (1984-91). Not long after, Ronnie Coleman introduced himself to the bodybuilding world by starting his eight-year championship run with a victory at the 1998 Olympia.

In between those nearly decade-long streaks, Dorian “The Shadow” Yates dominated the stage with six consecutive Olympia titles of his own. Most recently, Phil Heath enjoyed a brilliant run at the top of the podium, ripping off seven wins between 2011-17.

With interest in fitness and bodybuilding growing over the years, the competition has seen several changes. Rather than anointing just one champion, the contest has become the crowned jewel of Joe Weider’s Olympia Fitness & Performance Weekend, where athletes compete in multiple divisions with specific judging criteria that lead to vastly different body types being featured on stage. Still, the Mr. Olympia finals remain the most anticipated event on the schedule.

Featured Image: Chris Bernacchi

The post 2023 Mr. Olympia Results: Complete Coverage and Live Updates appeared first on Breaking Muscle.