Arnold Classic 2024: Rajesh John Emerges as First Indian to Win Pro Wheelchair 2024

Rajesh John has become the first Indian to win the Arnold Classic Pro Wheelchair title. The differently abled bodybuilder and fitness trainer hails from Kerala, India. What’s even more impressive is that the bodybuilder defeated six-time Arnold Classic pro wheelchair champion Harold Kelly to make history. John followed in the footsteps of the first Indian pro wheelchair competitor, Anand Arnold.

While Anand Arnold competed in Last year’s Arnold Classic Pro Wheelchair division, he didn’t win the title. This year, John has done what his predecessor couldn’t do. The 2016 differently abled WFF Mr. World title winner didn’t have it easy. Defending champion Harold Kelly, who had reclaimed his title last year was looking to become a seven-time Arnold Classic Wheelchair pro champ.

How Rajesh John created history at the Arnold Classic

The Indian bodybuilder achieved many ‘firsts’ at this year’s Classic. The Pro Wheelchair competitor didn’t just become the first Indian to win the Arnold Classic in his division, but also the first Indian to win in Ohio. Previously, no Indian has won the prestigious title in any bodybuilding division. John is also only the second man to beat Harold Kelly in Ohio.

Kelly has dominated the contest since the division started in 2016. Although Kelly lost to Gabriele Andriulli in 2022, he regained the Arnold Classic Pro Wheelchair title in 2023. 

While introducing John, the announcer narrated how a freak accident left the bodybuilder wheelchair-bound. The fitness trainer from Kerala fell ill as a child, and the doctors had to give him an injection to control the symptoms. However, the injection caused complications and left John paralyzed from the waist down.

Red More | Fallen Mr. Olympia Hadi Choopan Claims Maiden Arnold Classic Title as He Dethrones Samson Dauda

However, the Arnold Classic Pro Wheelchair champion didn’t let his disability dent his spirit. Rajesh John started competing in 2009, gradually moving up the ladder to finally win the prestigious title.

What does the future hold for Rajesh John?

The future looks bright for Rajesh John after his monumental achievement in Ohio. The 2024 Pro Wheelchair champion has already booked his ticket to the 2024 Olympia thanks to his victory at the Arnold Classic. Hence, the newly crowned champion has the opportunity to make history yet again later this year.

However, winning the Wheelchair Olympia title will be a bigger challenge as Kelly has also qualified for the contest. The five-time Wheeler Olympia will look to avenge his Armold Classic loss. Meanwhile, Rajeh John also needs to defeat Karol Milewski, the defending Olympia champion who dethroned Kelly last year.

Read More | BREAKING: Samson Dauda Receives Best Poser Award at Arnold Classic 2024

Only time will tell what the future has in store for Rajesh John. What do you feel about the 2024 Pro Wheelchair Champion? Tell us in the comments.