Derek Lunsford is living his best life this year. He dethroned Hadi Choopan to lift the Sandow trophy, becoming the first bodybuilder to have two Mr. Olympia titles in different categories. On the personal front, he will soon welcome his daughter to the world with his partner. However, everything wasn’t rosy for the champion a couple of years ago. 

The 2023 Mr. Olympia sat down with coach Hany Rambod to unravel his life journey in a Q&A session for Evogen Nutrition’s YouTube channel. 

Derek Lunsford opens up about his mental health crisis

Wrestling and soccer were Lunsford’s favorite childhood sports before he ventured into the bodybuilding arena. The college he attended didn’t offer training in wrestling, so the reigning Mr. Olympia champion had to shift gears to bodybuilding. Lunsford debuted on the competitive scene in 2015 and clinched the Mr. Olympia title in the 212 category in 2021 and open division in 2023.

But Lunsford recounted how he hit rock bottom during the pandemic and that he didn’t want to exist on Earth. When Hany Rambod asked the soon-to-be-father, “How do you stand strong in your faith even on the most difficult days?” Derek Lunsford opened up about his tough times.

“I was so depressed like it was as bad as it could get. I mean, I really didn’t want to be here anymore. I mean, legitimately, I did not want to be walking the planet anymore. I was a God-fearing man, but I didn’t have the relationship with God that I have now,” the champion explained. However, he is out of the mental turmoil now as he relied on God for the path towards success. Following the revelation, Derek Lunsford also joked about something he would like to do with Chris Bumstead, who is also going to be a father.

Derek Lunsford wants to have a Dad Bod competition with CBum 

While the Open division was dominated by Derek Lunsford this year, the Classic Physique has Chris Bumstead continue his winning streak. Apart from Mr. Olympia trophies, the champions have another thing in common. They are going to be dads very soon, and Lunsford demands a new division for them. “I think that we should actually consider a new division next year and I think the Front Runners will be me and Chris Bumstead for best dad bod,” Lunsford declared in the chat show. 

READ MORE: “Things You Do to Be a Bodybuilder”: From Eating Red Meat to Giving Up on Eggs, Here Are the Dietary Adjustments Jay Cutler Made to Win Mr. Olympia

Derek Lunsford trained intensely to lift this year’s trophy. Now that he accomplished his goal, he will focus on polishing his knowledge to become the best dad. Do you have any suggestions for Derek Lunsford in this aspect? Comment your thoughts below.

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