On November 5, 2023, Derek Lunsford won a close contest with the 2022 Mr. Olympia Hadi Choopan. After dethroning the champion, the former 212 Olympia winner became the first two-division Mr. Olympia. However, Lunsford’s victory caused controversy when Hadi Choopan walked off the stage, and his fans have been adamant that Choopan should have retained the title.

Yet, the newly crowned two-division Mr. Olympia is thankful for his fans’ support. Besides being thankful for the motivation of his coach, family, fans, and provide, the 29-year-old also looks for inspiration in the Bible. Earlier, the 2023 Mr. Olympia winner made a special post with photographs from the Super Bowl of bodybuilding and quoted the holy book.

Derek Lunsford reveals a valuable teaching from the Bible

In his recent post, Lunsford posted pictures that capture the anticipation athletes feel before stepping on stage, posing and smiling for the crowd. The backstage images perfectly captured Lunsford under the relatively dim backstage lights. Lunsford also posted photos from the hotel room and lobby.

However, Lunsford’s focused and nearly expressionless face was common in all the images. “’Better to be patient than a warrior, and better to have self-control than to capture a city.’ Proverbs 16:32,” the champion wrote. The Bible quote encapsulated how the bodybuilder felt in the moments leading up to the Mr. Olympia contest. 

“An eager sense of urgency and perseverance is important. In the end, patience and self-control wins,” he penned further. The 29-year-old champion has celebrated his victory. However, with the recent post, Lunsford showed the lesser highlighted aspect of competition. This is also not the first time Lunsford has quoted the Bible.

A deeply religious champion

The former 212 Olympia winner is a deeply religious person. Unlike many athletes associated with the sport, the 2023 Mr. Olympia doesn’t hesitate to write or speak about his confidence in his faith. In fact, Lunsford cites faith as one of his primary motivators in life and sports.

Read More | “Don’t Be a Cbum”: Despite Both Winning Mr. Olympia Coach Hany Rambod Warns Derek Lunsford Not to Train Like Chris Bumstead

The bodybuilder explained his outlook on being outspoken about faith during Hany Rambod’s The Truth podcast. While speaking to his coach and the podcast host, Lunsford said he was apprehensive in the beginning. While the champion wasn’t afraid to share his views on faith, he expected some people might push back. However, Lunsford is glad no such thing happened. Derek Lunsford’s Instagram post is a testament to how focus, faith, and supportive fans have shaped him into a champion.

Watch this story | Strongest Bodybuilder Ronnie Coleman’s Reason for Lifting Weights in College Was Beyond Any Desire To Win 8 Mr. Olympia Titles