Like the song says, ‘Ain’t no rest for the wicked,’ Derek Lunsford doesn’t seem to have rested either. Derek Lunsford started his Olympia reign in 2023. However, it was also filled with a little controversy because many bodybuilding fans believed that in the 2022 Mr. Olympia, Hadi Choopan should have won the title. However, with the dust settled, the 2023 Mr. Olympia has continued to surprise fans with his on-season and off-season physique.
Recently, the 18th Mr.Olympia showcased his physique through a collaboration with Evogen Nutrition, posted striking pictures. Despite opting out of the upcoming Arnold Classic, the champion appears impressively jacked and shredded. In contrast to the common trend of bodybuilders losing conditioning during the off-season, Lunsford is steadfastly maintaining his physique, reaffirming the worthiness of the crown he currently wears.
Heavy is the head that wears the Mr. Olympia crown
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Lunsford is one of the very few bodybuilders who has won in two divisions in Mr Olympia. The 30-year-old succeeded in winning Mr Olympia in the Men’s Physique category in 2023 and before that, he had secured the top spot in the 212 Olympia.
Now of course, with being a champion, comes responsibility, and when you are the most coveted man in bodybuilding, appearances matter. In the newly uploaded pictures on Instagram, we can see Hany Rambod helping him pose in front of the mirror. Lunsford looks like if there were a Mr. Olympia tomorrow, he would still walk in, smile, and take the crown.
The post was captioned, “Let’s Turn Up The Heat With 2024’s First #FlexFriday 😤@dereklunsford @hanyrambod.”
View this post on Instagram
Derek’s Mr. Olympia win was a matter of great controversy after Hadi Choopan had walked off stage. While many predicted that Derek won the contest because of his rear look, Choopan did not appear satisfied with the results. Despite being under the same coach, Hadi took the loss negatively and stormed off the stage.
Watch This Story| Learning About Chris Bumstead’s Competitive Spirit, Mr. Olympia Derek Lunsford Says “He’s Always Trying To One Up Me”
So it was prudent that Lunsford took the victory with a pinch of salt and it appears, he’s done more than that. So much more, than fans are already predicting a a 2024 Mr. Olympia win.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Lunsford’s off-season conditioning makes fans predict 2024 Olympia win
One fan commented, “I see a new reign in the making, like Rami said, winter is coming! @dereklunsford_ the rainmaker!” Another follower compared him to Phil Heath and said, “Now he’s more “The gift” than Phil Heath… wtf this is the best genetic I’ve ever seen.” And if one is being honest, there is a lot of truth to this statement. Just look at the man!
As mentioned above, some fans are also predicting a 2024 Olympia win for the reigning defending champion. “Mr Olympia 2024✅.” One fan was floored by his physique and penned, “Absolutely peeled — insane — even in the “off-season” or non-competition times for sure… great work always… giving it all to God and following His lead because He in control and His timing is perfect always 🙌❤️🔥.” Another follower too, predicted the future saying, “Mr Olympia 2024 🔥🔥.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Of course, Mr. Olympia 2024 is some time away. But if this is what Lunsford looks like right now, winning the 2024 title won’t be a far cry.