?This Is Not Easy?: Although Surprised, Derek Lunsford Understands Hadi Choopan?s Reaction of Storming Off Stage

Derek Lunsford won the Mr Olympia 2023 title in a fierce battle with Hadi Choopan on Saturday. The Mr. Olympia open division was pretty fierce this time, and all the contenders were top-notch. However, people expected the Persian Wolf to win, just like he won previously. But the pre-judging round and the final round scores were pretty clear and it showed that Derek Lunsford had won the competition this year.

During the posing and pictures, everyone was saying that Choopan stormed out of the stage. His emotions and frustration took the better of the?bodybuilding?icon and he could not stay on the stage anymore. Derek Lunsford was asked about this and his answer is profound.

Derek Lunsford understands his emotions

Physiquevisuals uploaded an Instagram reel of the press conference just after the announcement of Mr. Olympia, in 2023. Lunsford was in the panel and he was asked about the reaction of his contender as expected. His answer was very well thought out and it showed the emotions that any bodybuilder goes through when they compete.

Lunsford said, ?Well I mean I was surprised, I don?t think that would be the reaction.? However, he also understood where the Persian Wolf was coming from. He further stated, ?But look, this is not easy. We all pour our heart and soul into this.? The Mr Olympia winner reveals that bodybuilding was not easy for athletes, and each, and every day was a sacrifice made by the families and friends, and even them.?

He also expressed how he felt dejected and extremely tired on certain days when he wished he wouldn?t have taken this field. However, he also feels blessed, that he was chosen to be a bodybuilding champion. The Peoples Choice award winner and 212 Olympia winner said, ?And I think like all the sacrifices that I make not just me like my wife is making with me and all the loved ones.? He called when he was also dejected after not winning the title, and said, ?Yeah I?ve been there it stings that sucks?I can understand how he feels though.?

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The bodybuilding champion defended his opponent and fellow workout partner who had the same coach as him. He finally said that he understood what was going through Choopan?s mind and that those three seconds on stage before the winner is announced, are the longest three seconds of anyone?s life. Everyone applauded his answer and agreed that this was a very human reaction. The soon-to-be father also shared a heartwarming speech.

Derek Lunsford shares his excitement of winning

He?just became the 18th Olympian champion and shared his happiness on Instagram with his fans. The 212 champion got to special invite from Olympia LLC to complete previously in the open division. In 2022 he came second to Hadi Choopan. He became the first double champion in two different categories because he won the 212 division and also the men?s open division this year.?

After being crowned the new champ, Lunsford gave a short speech saying,??I?m just, listen I?m just a guy from Indiana, some kid from Indiana that didn?t know what he was gonna do with his life. He found the gym and fell in love with it. And here we are making history? two division Olympia Champion. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you so much.?

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He truly proved his mettle and also showed his sportsmanship while speaking about his contender Hadi Choopan, who is also an extremely capable bodybuilding icon. What do you think about this year?s men?s open division? Tell us in the comments below.