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Hadi Choopan is one of the most loved and admired legendary figures in the realm of bodybuilding. The former Mr. Olympia climbed the ladder of his unparalleled success when he clinched the sough-after Olympia title in 2022, showcasing his muscular body full of captivating mass and muscles. Post his Olympia victory last year, he became a fan-favorite and earned immense popularity. However, things did not turn out the same way for him in Olympia 2023. 

This year, the legend could not register a victory and walked off the stage, a disappointing result as he had given many months of his life in intense training and workouts just to win the Olympia a second time. Until the Olympia 2023 kicked off, he used to update his fans with daily workout posts on his social media and worked really hard. The fascinating part of his story is that even after losing to his opponent in Olympia, fans’ love and respect for him has still not dwindled. After all, nothing can be bigger than fans’ appreciation and support during hardships, isn’t it?

Hadi Choopan worked in construction for his livelihood

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The bodybuilding star was born on 26 September 1987 in Fars Beyza Province of Iran. His family consisted of 3 brothers and one sister. As Choopan was not born with a silver spoon in his mouth, he had to face poverty. Life was tough and the Choopan family was struggling. When he was 10, Hadi Choopan decided to help his brothers at a construction site to earn their livelihood. 

According to nvshq, Choopan worked as a plasterer and helped his brothers in constructing many houses and buildings. At that time, he didn’t have the physique he does now. However, Choopan was never one to be put down by adversities. Of course, his family helped greatly. Despite the scarcity of good and comfortable living, his family supported him to help him achieve his endeavors.

Did you know that before venturing into bodybuilding, Choopan was really into boxing? The bodybuilder says that the sport taught him a lot even though he didn’t get to the pinnacle of it. He later had a change of mind and became focused wholly and solely on bodybuilding.

The Olympia winner seems to have no girlfriend as he has not disclosed anything about the same in the public domain. According to reports, Hadi is a father to two kids named Mohammad-Hafez Choopan and Nadiya Choopan. Apart from this, there is no information with regard to his current wife and girlfriend available in the public domain, signaling that he prefers to keep such details private.  However, he often talks about his family’s support in social media posts, showcasing how they have supported him in his journey.

Of course, coming from an underprivileged background, life was tough for them as well. But they supported his dreams and ambitions throughout his life, even when it seemed like there was very little payback. But the dedication paid off when he won his first Olympia trophy.

The Rise of the Persian Wolf 

Even though it took him many years to be one of the prominent faces of bodybuilding, Hadi Choopan’s career kicked off at the age of thirteen. When he was a 13-year-old teenager, who was filled with fresh enthusiasm and energy, he joined a local gym where he used to work hard with passion and dedication. Four years later, the bodybuilding legend stepped into his first competition where he showed the world his miraculous talent and physique. 

After that first appearance, Choopan participated in and won many local bodybuilding competitions. Following years of consistent training, in 2005, he conquered victory in a national bodybuilding competition. This historic win was a life-changer for Choopan. The former Olympia winner’s wheel of success started turning forward, getting matchless fame and popularity. He has been the gold medalist in many international championships under the guidance of his coaches, Jamshid and Ali Ne’Matti. 

Both of these ingenious coaches helped Hadi Choopan to make his name in bodybuilding. Once he started making greater strides in the realm of bodybuilding, Choopan started being trained under IFBB pro coach, Hany Rambod.

Choopan’s pursuit of greatness

Winning the Olympia title is not an easy to accomplish task. Despite months of intense training and hardcore exercises, Choopan could not win Mr. Olympia 2023. He walked off stage in what is now a much-debated moment in the bodybuilding circuit.

However, with a dedicated fan following across the globe, Hadi Choopan is among those iconic bodybuilders who never fall out of the support and favor of his fans. Despite his defeat on the prestigious stage, his fans have supported him incredibly. While many people consider Derek Lunsford  the true winner of Olympia, fans of the Persian Wolf have accused the judges of being partial and continuing  the favoritism legacy.

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via Imago

The fans called out the federation as biased and racist. On the other hand, IFBB Pro Marc Lobliner criticized Hadi Choopan’s fans for their toxic behavior. He later explained how the federation was not biased and Lunsford’s victory was the outcome of hard work and conditioning. Lobliner said, “ “Hadi Chopan Fans Have Lost Their Minds.” He added,“Hadi actually won the Olympia, he was the reigning champ. You can’t argue that it’s racist. You can’t. It’s stupid.” 

It shook the bodybuilding world when Hadi Choopan walked off the stage after Derek Lunsford was announced the winner. As Derek was announced the champion, Choopan seemed frustrated by this and left the stage abruptly. Last year, Choopan proudly lifted the SANDOW trophy with a broad smile on his face. However, former 212 champion Derek Lunsford clinched the title this year. Lunsford has dominated the fitness world with his unmatched physique and has a marvelous victory behind in two different categories. 

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However, knowing Choopan’s story, this tale is far from over!

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