The Mr. Olympia 2023, champions for two categories have already been declared, the Ms. Olympia and 212 division. Keone Pearson, the unexpected underdog, and a fan favorite, amazed everyone by securing the top spot in the 212 division this year, and with that, bodybuilding legend Flex Wheeler’s prediction came true. The prodigy gave tough competition to the former 212 Mr. Olympia Shaun Clarida, who won the title two times, but he has been unable to maintain his winning streak this year.
However, the ‘Prodigy’, with his consistency and years of hard work, achieved the dream of winning the coveted title. His journey from placing 14th to securing the top spot has been remarkable. Two years ago he placed 14th, later in 2022 he climbed to 6th place. With his sheer dedication and commitment, he took the stage by storm when the judges announced the winner of 212 Mr. Olympia, Keone Pearson.
Flex Wheeler’s prophecy came true
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Tears welled up in his eyes and rolled down his cheeks. The winning moment was deeply emotional for this Texas native, as his ultimate dream became a reality. However, it’s not only him who’s happy, the legendary bodybuilder Flex Wheeler, is also at peace, because, during every prediction event, he had predicted Pearson as the new champion.
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Earlier, Wheeler posted an Instagram story,“@Keone_prodigy legitimate threat for the 2023 212 Mr. Olympia title.” Now, after the judges declared a new champion, The ‘Sultan of Symmetry’ took to his Instagram and posted a picture of Keone with a conversation-style caption. He wrote, “Flex: •Looks like it might be an upset. •I think @shaunclarida is going to lose. SR: •By Who? Me: @keone_prodigy SR: •No me I think @shaunclarida wins again Congratulations @keone_prodigy champ you are the 2023 to 212 Mr. Olympia.”
As Wheeler’s prediction comes true, there is another bodybuilder that has enjoyed the fact that there is a new champion in the 212 division. The seven-time consecutive Mr. Olympia Phil Heath also talked about Pearson’s victory, taking to Instagram.
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With his Olympia title, Heath gives Pearson a new nickname
After a surprising win, Heath compared Pearson to the legendary Robby Robinson during his winning pose. “He looks like Robby Robinson… the new Black Prince,” Phil Heath said while commentating. Heath gave him a nickname while comparing him to the legendary bodybuilder from the Golden Era. The 7x Sandow trophy holder believes that Pearson has a classic look that reminds him of the 1970s era in the 212 division.
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Even though Keone Pearson is now in cloud nine because of his victory, the thrilling competition is not over yet. Out of the 11 divisions, nine are still left to unfold. Have you been following this exciting event? Because there is more coming. Who are you rooting for? Let us know in the comments below.
WATCH THIS STORY: Ahead Of Mr. Olympia, ‘Sultan Of Symmetry’ Flex Wheeler Explains How Skin Pigmentation Might Be A Deciding Factor