My tryst with MLB was accidental, but what followed was nothing short of a pursuit of excellence. Having penned over 1,000 articles, I've written about the key figures EssentiallySports regularly features, including Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, Barry Bonds, and Mike Trout, but Shohei Ohtani is a personal favorite. From New York to Los Angeles, I've covered articles spanning all 50 states that have been recognized as Editor's Picks on multiple occasions. With an exceptional attention to detail and insightful coverage, I'm now an MLB editor. Other than baseball, I also occasionally pick up a bow and arrow and engage in friendly archery games. When not covering news of the diamond or hitting the bull's eye with my arrows, I love to indulge in my love for literature. I agree with what Jane Austen said, “The person, be it gentleman or lady, who has not pleasure in a good novel, must be intolerably stupid.” I also enjoy reading about morally gray characters and talking about them on my bookstagram!

Being an athlete is not easy and bodybuilding [https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/bodybuilding/] is one of the most difficult sports to get involved in. This is because it takes extreme dedication and hard work to create the perfect and flawless body with all muscle striations in the perfect proportion. Mr. Olympia winner Derek Lunsford knows it only too well. He struggled to pursue his beloved sport but because of it, Lunsford also is proud of it. In a recent video, he narrated his journey of bodybuilding, and how he went from having nothing to getting everything. DEREK LUNSFORD CHRONICLES HIS BODYBUILDING JOURNEY Derek Lunsford started his story by saying that sometimes he had no money to afford the diet that was needed to have the perfect body. The bodybuilder also declared that he sometimes took help from his mother to buy groceries for his protein diet. The champion bodybuilder then declared that he saw bodybuilding as an investment and practiced while also going to school. Lunsford hustled until he achieved his dream, and finally became Mr. Olympia. He captioned the post saying, “It takes a lot of sweat equity and patience, but it was all worth it. The sacrifices made and having to live with very little for several years wasn’t easy and there were times I questioned myself.” Community as Veteran Bodybuilders’ Heated Debate From Mr. Olympia Resurfaces [https://www.essentiallysports.com/bodybuilding-news-hadi-choopan-robbed-outcry-re-instigates-in-the-bodybuilding-community-as-veteran-bodybuilders-milos-sarcev-and-samir-bannout-heated-debate-from-mr-olymp/] He never quit on his dreams so the question of “what if” was never on his mind. This is the reason that today Lunsford is at the pinnacle of success. Just like he spoke about his past experiences he previously has also talked about his plans for the future. DEREK LUNSFORD IS READY FOR THE FUTURE After @mrolympiallc posted a picture of Lansford during [https://www.essentiallysports.com/bodybuilding-news-that-thing-is-heavy-reigning-champion-derek-lunsford-makes-an-exciting-revelation-about-the-mr-olympia-title-as-he-talks-about-his-plans-for-next-year/] the meaningful moment, the bodybuilder commented on the picture. He stated, “The Mr. Olympia title carries as much weight as the Sandow trophy (that thing is HEAVY!!)To be Mr. Olympia, making history in 2 divisions and being the People’s Champion… I’m beyond grateful.” Lunsford also showed his excitement for the future and talked about 2024. He is gearing up for the next Mr. Olympia and his goal is clear – win the title again. He remained humble, even when there was a controversy between Hadi Choopan and his rivalry on stage. Watch This Story: “How Bad Do You Want It?”: Unstoppable Mark Wahlberg Delivers Yet Another Eye-Opening Reality Check During His 4 Am Fitness Grind [https://www.essentiallysports.com/bodybuilding-news-how-bad-do-you-want-it-unstoppable-mark-wahlberg-delivers-yet-another-eye-opening-reality-check-during-his-am-fitness-grind/?utm_source=website%2F&utm_medium=dive_deeper&utm_campaign=internal_links] What do you think about his mindset? Do you think he can win Mr. Olympia again? 

Derek Lunsford narrated how he struggled and fought for his bodybuilding dream, which ultimately led him to Mr. Olympia

Tanushree Bhowmick is a senior UFC Writer at EssentiallySports. With a Master's
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Knocking Out MMA Stories

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“But It Was All Worth It”: Derek Lunsford Sheds Light on His Bodybuilding
Journey Leading Up to His Olympia Title

?Steroids Did a Number on His Face?: Zac Efron Faces Fierce Scrutiny From
Fitness World Over His Insanely Jacked Wrestler Avatar

Despite Retirement Decades Ago, Bodybuilding Rivals Arnold Schwarzenegger and
Lou Ferrigno Locks Horn Again: “He’s a Fantastic Player”

While People Assume Bodybuilding Left Him in a Wheelchair, the ‘King’ Ronnie
Coleman Makes a Surprising Confession About His Back Injury: “I Actually Hurt It
Playing Football”

Who Is Angie Feliciano? The Woman Jay Cutler Has Been Engaged to for 7 Years

“People Shrink With Age”: Despite Being 6’2, Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Height Next
to 7X Mr. Olympia Becomes the Talk of the Bodybuilding World

Out of all the competitions in the world, bodybuilding stays apart as a unique one. Athletes train for years to perfect their bodies and develop muscular mass. Likewise, athletes who train for competitions are understood as bodybuilders. In professional competitions like the Mr. Olympia event, bodybuilders stand on the stage, posing for various parts of their bodies. Judges rank them based on their symmetry, muscularity, size, conditioning, posing, and stage presentation. There are various competitions in bodybuilding but the Mr. Olympia contest stands apart from the rest.

[caption id="attachment_1155128" align="aligncenter" width="1920"]<img class="wp-image-1155128 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/GettyImages-3238896.jpg" alt="Arnold Schwarzenegger" width="1920" height="1278" /> circa 1966: Austrian-born bodybuilder Arnold Schwarzenegger points one hand out as he flexes his torso on Muscle Beach, Santa Monica, California. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)[/caption]
<h2>History of bodybuilding</h2>
Old Greeks became the inspiration for people to start bodybuilding. After that, modern competitions came up from various theatrical acts and other circus acts. They held the first <a href="https://www.britannica.com/sports/bodybuilding" target="_blank" rel="noopener">contest</a> in 1903 in New York. The winner of the competition was Al Treloar and dubbed "The Most Perfectly Developed Man in the World." Significantly, organizers saw potential in that and the start of the Mr. America contest showcased some of the best talents. The rise of various bodybuilders across the globe saw the Mr. Universe event come into place and it became the main event for over 25 years. But, the late 1970s saw Joe Weider come up with a grand plan and create the Mr. Olympia contest.

<img class="aligncenter wp-image-1081968 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/lou-ferrigno-arnold-schwarzenegger.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" />
<h2>Mr. Olympia contest</h2>
The contest that captured the minds of fans was the Mr. Olympia contest under the International Federation of Bodybuilding &amp; Fitness. Weider helps these bodybuilders to earn money by competing in events. They held the first competition on September 18, 1965, at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, New York City. Larry Scott won the first two titles. Moreover, the bodybuilders with the highest number of titles are Lee Haney and Ronnie Coleman. In the meantime, to make their entry into the market, the famous documentary, Pumping Iron, saw the buildup to the 1975 Mr. Olympia contest. It helped athletes like Arnold Schwarzenegger, Lou Ferrigno, and Franco Columbu.
<h2>Famous bodybuilders</h2>
There are several bodybuilders to grace the grand stage. But some bodybuilders achieved greatness with their astonishing bodies.
<ul>
 	<li><strong>Arnold Schwarzenegger:?</strong></li>
</ul>
The Austrian bodybuilder is one of the greatest bodybuilders of all time. The Austrian Oak is a seven-time bodybuilding champion and became an influential personality in the business. He then transitioned himself to various acting roles, became an investor, and was elected as the Governor of California. Some of his movies like Terminator 2, Commando, Twins, and Conan the Barbarian are some of his classics.
<ul>
 	<li><strong>Ronnie Coleman:</strong></li>
</ul>
Dubbed to be the greatest bodybuilder of all time, Ronnie Coleman put his life and soul into the sport. He is an eight-time Mr. Olympia winner and became the most dominant bodybuilder in the business. Netflix released a documentary featuring his life in the bodybuilding industry. His size and conditioning stood apart from everyone else. A true champion who wore his heart on his sleeve.

<img class="aligncenter wp-image-1036377 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/ronnie-coleman.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" />
<ul>
 	<li><strong>Lee Haney:</strong></li>
</ul>
Like Coleman, Lee Haney became an eight-time Mr. Olympia champion. He dedicated his body to the sport and was one of the most exciting bodybuilders on stage. Haney had a humongous waist size of 32.5 inches. Therefore, Haney deserves a special mention for his performances.

&nbsp;

Bodybuilding

Out of all the competitions in the world, bodybuilding stays apart as a unique one. Athletes train for years to perfect their bodies and develop muscular mass. Likewise, athletes who train for competitions are understood as bodybuilders. In professional competitions like the Mr. Olympia event, bodybuilders stand on the stage, posing for various parts of their bodies. Judges rank them based on their symmetry, muscularity, size, conditioning, posing, and stage presentation. There are various competitions in bodybuilding but the Mr. Olympia contest stands apart from the rest. circa 1966: Austrian-born bodybuilder Arnold Schwarzenegger points one hand out as he flexes his torso on Muscle Beach, Santa Monica, California. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images) History of bodybuilding Old Greeks became the inspiration for people to start bodybuilding. After that, modern competitions came up from various theatrical acts and other circus acts. They held the first contest in 1903 in New York. The winner of the competition was Al Treloar and dubbed &#8220;The Most Perfectly Developed Man in the World.&#8221; Significantly, organizers saw potential in that and the start of the Mr. America contest showcased some of the best talents. The rise of various bodybuilders across the globe saw the Mr. Universe event come into place and it became the main event for over 25 years. But, the late 1970s saw Joe Weider come up with a grand plan and create the Mr. Olympia contest. Mr. Olympia contest The contest that captured the minds of fans was the Mr. Olympia contest under the International Federation of Bodybuilding &amp; Fitness. Weider helps these bodybuilders to earn money by competing in events. They held the first competition on September 18, 1965, at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, New York City. Larry Scott won the first two titles. Moreover, the bodybuilders with the highest number of titles are Lee Haney and Ronnie Coleman. In the meantime, to make their entry into the market, the famous documentary, Pumping Iron, saw the buildup to the 1975 Mr. Olympia contest. It helped athletes like Arnold Schwarzenegger, Lou Ferrigno, and Franco Columbu. Famous bodybuilders There are several bodybuilders to grace the grand stage. But some bodybuilders achieved greatness with their astonishing bodies. Arnold Schwarzenegger:? The Austrian bodybuilder is one of the greatest bodybuilders of all time. The Austrian Oak is a seven-time bodybuilding champion and became an influential personality in the business. He then transitioned himself to various acting roles, became an investor, and was elected as the Governor of California. Some of his movies like Terminator 2, Commando, Twins, and Conan the Barbarian are some of his classics. Ronnie Coleman: Dubbed to be the greatest bodybuilder of all time, Ronnie Coleman put his life and soul into the sport. He is an eight-time Mr. Olympia winner and became the most dominant bodybuilder in the business. Netflix released a documentary featuring his life in the bodybuilding industry. His size and conditioning stood apart from everyone else. A true champion who wore his heart on his sleeve.  Lee Haney: Like Coleman, Lee Haney became an eight-time Mr. Olympia champion. He dedicated his body to the sport and was one of the most exciting bodybuilders on stage. Haney had a humongous waist size of 32.5 inches. Therefore, Haney deserves a special mention for his performances. &nbsp;

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“But It Was All Worth It”: Derek Lunsford Sheds Light on His Bodybuilding Journey Leading Up to His Olympia Title

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<h2 class="jsx-cb26a7af5694ead9" style="text-align: center"><strong>Derek Lunsford: 2024 Net Worth, Stats, Salary, Wife and more</strong></h2>
Derek Lunsford is the only person in the history of bodybuilding to have won the Mr. Olympia title in two divisions. While he won the Mr Olympia 212 division title in 2021, Lunsford wrote his name in the history books when he defeated Hadi Choopan to lift the Sandow trophy at the 2023 Mr. Olympia. Being a part of major history in the bodybuilding world, Derek Lunsford continues to create waves in the community, not just for his shredded physique, but also for the dedication that he has showcased throughout his career.
<h2 style="text-align: center"><b>Derek Lunsford’s Early Life</b></h2>
<p style="text-align: left">Derek Lunsford was born in St. Petersburg, Indiana, on May 14, 1993. There is little to no information available on the names of the bodybuilding champion's parents. Even at school, Lunsford had an inclination towards sports, being a regular participant in wrestling and soccer games. However, it was after he started college that he ventured into lifting weights. There was a reason behind this as well. As the school that he attended did not have a wrestling program, Lunsford was forced to lift weights, paving the way for his interest in bodybuilding.</p>

<h2 style="text-align: center">Derek Lunsford's Wife and Children</h2>
Lunsford got married to long-time girlfriend Jhelsin Mabaga in 2022. A fitness instructor by profession, Mabaga is often seen spearheading online fitness programs and is seen by Lunsford's side during many major bodybuilding events. As part of her profession, Mabaga is extremely active on social media and can often be seen sharing before-and-after transformation stories of her clients. The couple also recently became parents of a baby girl, who was born in January 2024.
<h2 style="text-align: center">Derek Lunsford's Net Worth</h2>
Multiple reports suggest that Derek Lunsford has a net worth of around 2 million dollars. The major part of Lunsford's income has come from competing in pro bodybuilding shows. While he earned $400,000 after lifting the Sandow trophy at the 2023 Mr. Olympia, his 2022 runner-up placing made him richer by $150,000. Lunsford also has other avenues that bring him revenue, including endorsements from supplement brands and his active engagement on social media.
<h2 style="text-align: center">Derek Lunsford's Career Timeline</h2>
The bodybuilding icon made his amateur debut, winning the 2015 NPC Indianapolis Championships' Men's Open Welterweight division. Lunsford was just 22 when he graced the stage for his first show. Lunsford further participated in the 2015 NPC Junior Nationals, winning the title there as well, followed by an encore in 2016. At the NPC USA Nationals in the same year, Lunsford came in at second place. It was during the 2017 NPC USA Championships that he earned his Pro Card, after grabbing the runner-up spot.

<img class="aligncenter wp-image-2599852 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/Snapinsta.app_399641557_18390522064014983_3624636058241346638_n_1080.jpg" alt="" width="1080" height="1219" />

Just like in his amateur debut, Lunsford's first rodeo as a Pro also ended up with him lifting the trophy. The bodybuilder won the 212 division at the 2017 IFBB Tampa Pro. At the 2018 Mr. Olympia, Lunsford came in second, only behind Flex Lewis, marking his name as a major force in the division. He repeated the same in 2019, while 2020 came as a major blow with a fourth-place finish. 2021 proved to be historical for the bodybuilder as he defeated Shaun Clarida to take the 212 Mr. Olympia title home.

That being said, it was 2022 that brought about Derek Lunsford's shift to the Open division. After receiving a special invitation from the IFBB, Lunsford claimed a second-place finish defeating Nick Walker and Samson Dauda. In 2023, Lunsford defeated reigning champion Hadi Choopan, to become the only bodybuilder in history to win Mr. Olympia titles in two different divisions.
<h2 style="text-align: center">Major Achievements in Derek Lunsford's Career</h2>
<p style="text-align: left">Despite being relatively new to bodybuilding, Derek Lunsford has made huge strides in the sport. While Let us have a look at Lunsford's achievements during this short span.</p>

<ul>
 	<li style="text-align: left">2023 Mr. Olympia: 1st Place</li>
 	<li>2022 Mr. Olympia: 2nd place</li>
 	<li style="text-align: left">2021 Mr. Olympia Men’s 212: 1st place</li>
 	<li style="text-align: left">2020 Mr. Olympia Men’s 212: 4th</li>
 	<li style="text-align: left">2019 Mr. Olympia Men’s 212: 2nd</li>
 	<li style="text-align: left">2018 Mr. Olympia Men’s 212: 2nd</li>
 	<li style="text-align: left">2017 Mr. Olympia Men’s 212: 5th</li>
 	<li style="text-align: left">2017 Tampa Pro Men’s 212: 1st</li>
 	<li style="text-align: left">2017 NPC USA Championships- Men’s Light Heavyweight- 1st</li>
 	<li style="text-align: left">2016 NPC USA Championships- Men’s Middleweight- 2nd</li>
 	<li style="text-align: left">2016 NPC Junior Nationals- Men’s Middleweight- 1st</li>
 	<li style="text-align: left">2015 NPC Junior Nationals- Men’s Welterweight: 1st</li>
 	<li style="text-align: left">2015 NPC Indianapolis Championship- Men’s Open Welterweight: 1st</li>
</ul>
<h2 style="text-align: center">Derek Lunsford's Diet and Workout Routine</h2>
As part of his diet for bodybuilding competitions, Lunsford eats every 2-3 hours. He often tries to include macronutrients in his meals, to ensure that this helps him in recovering fully while he rests. Chicken, fish, eggs, and other lean meats, mixed vegetables, rice, and assorted nuts and avocados are the foods that Lunsford incorporates into his diet as part of his meal plan. For supplementation, Lunsford banks on multivitamins, amino acids, and whey protein.

<img class="aligncenter wp-image-2269994 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/Derek-Lunsford-3.jpg" alt="" width="991" height="991" />

Like most other bodybuilders, Derek Lunsford has a regular training schedule where he works out for six days a week. Lunsford engages with both cable machines and free weights for his workout regime. While compound and isolation movements are incorporated into Lunsford's regime, he also uses drop sets and supersets to work on his muscles once they are fatigued. Let us see what Derek Lunsford's weekly training split looks like.
<ul>
 	<li><strong>Monday</strong> – Chest, Abs</li>
 	<li><b>Tuesday </b>– Back</li>
 	<li><strong>Wednesday</strong> – Quads, Calves</li>
 	<li><strong>Thursday</strong> – Shoulders, Abs</li>
 	<li><b>Friday</b> – Biceps, Triceps</li>
 	<li><strong>Saturday</strong> – Hamstrings, Glutes, Calves</li>
 	<li><strong>Sunday</strong> – Off</li>
</ul>
<strong>Lunsford's shoulder workout</strong>
<ul>
 	<li>Dumbbell Lateral Raise – (4 sets/20-30, 15-20, 10-15, 10-15 reps)</li>
 	<li>Seated Dumbbell Shoulder Press – (4 sets/15, 15, 10-12, 10-12 reps)</li>
 	<li>Cable Upright Row – (3 sets/15, 10–12, 10–12 reps)</li>
 	<li>Dumbbell Front Raise (3 sets/15 reps)</li>
 	<li>Face-Pull – (3 sets/15 reps)</li>
</ul>
<h4><strong>Derek Lunsford’s arm workout</strong></h4>
<ul>
 	<li>Triceps Pulldowns</li>
 	<li>Close-Grip Bench Press</li>
 	<li>Lateral Cable Pulls</li>
 	<li>Triceps Pushdown Machine</li>
 	<li>Machine Cable Curls</li>
 	<li>EZ Bar Curls</li>
 	<li>Alternating Dumbbell Curls</li>
 	<li style="text-align: left">Cable Preacher Curls</li>
 	<li style="text-align: left">Reverse EZ Bar Raises</li>
</ul>
<h2 style="text-align: center">Derek Lunsford’s Social Media Accounts</h2>
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Instagram</span></td>
<td><a href="https://www.instagram.com/dereklunsford_/?hl=en"><span style="font-weight: 400">@dereklunsford_</span></a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">YouTube</span></td>
<td><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjwOzMemaGoKI3L745Asd8Q"><span style="font-weight: 400">@dereklunsford_</span></a></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><b>Personal Information:</b></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Full Name</span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Derek Lunsford</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Date Of Birth</span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">May 14, 1993</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Birth Place</span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Petersburg, Indiana, United States</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Age</span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">30</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Height</span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">5 feet 6 inches (167.5 cm)</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Weight</span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">225-240 lbs</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Parents</span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">No details available</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Siblings</span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">No details available</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Nationality</span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">American</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Ethnicity</span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Mixed</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Net Worth</span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Around $2 million</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Spouse</span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Jhelsin Mabaga</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Relationship/Marital Status</span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Married</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Children</span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">One daughter (Name not revealed)</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Profession</span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Bodybuilder</span></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

Derek Lunsford

Delve into the early life, net worth and career of the only person to garner Mr. Olympia victories in two different categories, Derek Lunsford.

Derek Lunsford chronicles his bodybuilding journey

Derek Lunsford is ready for the future