Winning the title of Mr. Olympia undoubtedly provides the highest degree of reputation for any bodybuilder. However, the paycheck they get alongside the trophy has often been a matter of great debate. Although Mr. Olympia‘s Open division has the prize money for the winner as high as $400,000, given the bodybuilders’ expenditure, many have argued that it is not enough. However, compared to the Open division, the other divisions of the contest give as low as $50,000 as the winning prize.

Derek Lunsford became the first bodybuilder to win the Mr. Olympia title from two different divisions. The 2X Mr. Olympia hence has given proof of his excellence. And he deserves his flowers. He could use his platform, as CBum has to explore other financial opportunities. However, that’s not the case with every bodybuilder. For most, bodybuilding is the only profession.

Derek Lunsford gives his insights about Mr. Olympia Prize money

In the latest YouTube video uploaded by Ronnie Coleman, Derek Lunsford is featured in a training session with the 8-times Mr. Olympia winner. At the very beginning of the video, Lunsford made it clear how the only pressure he received before Olympia was solely Coleman’s expectations of him. He also emphasized repeatedly how he wanted to visit Coleman only with the title of Mr. Olympia. As the conversation went ahead, Lunsford talked about the Prize money offered by Mr. Olympia.

Derek Lunsford confessed how after winning the show, he was presented with a check for the prize money. But he recalled that he could not instantly have the money in hand. Thus he stated, “What’s crazy, the $400,000 check didn’t even set in until like 24 hours later. Like oh yeah, man that’s a nice check.” Then Mr. Olympia went ahead to make the statement, “When you give about the damn check… don’t tell to Mr. Olympia that because then they’ll never raise the prize.”

READ MORE: What Is Conditioning in Bodybuilding and Why Did Hadi Choopan Lose Despite Being Immaculately Conditioned in 2023 Mr. Olympia?

Ronnie Coleman has not only been a prominent bodybuilding icon on stage. Throughout his career, he has inspired several bodybuilders to be their best versions. He’s also provided many bodybuilders with a platform to express their opinions.?

Derek Lunsford confessed feeling pressure from Ronnie Coleman

In the video, right as Lunsford met with Coleman he could not stop himself from blurting out how much winning the Mr. Olympia was necessary for him. He also pointed out the necessity of having that title in order to meet Coleman. Lunsford stated, ?I was like for one, I can?t let him down. He believes in me and we?re supposed to work out and hang out afterward and I don?t want to I have to be, Mr. Olympia I have to be champ.” In addition, he also stated, “When I go hang out with him I can?t be number two?if there was any pressure it came from you.?

Bodybuilders of all eras have often discussed how the sport never provides a satisfactory paycheck for the bodybuilders. From Frank Zane to Derek Lunsford’s latest comment, the bodybuilding community’s expenditure and its prize money often do not go hand in hand. What could be the reason for this? Do you think the popularity of bodybuilding as a sport has anything to do with it? Let us know in the comments below.

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