Will Derek Lunsford Remain the Only Bodybuilder Ever to Win Mr. Olympia in Two Categories i.e. 212 and Open Division?

In the realm of bodybuilding, many athletes have proved their ability to clinch the title several times. But Derek Lunsford is the only bodybuilder who etched his name in the industry by winning the two Mr. Olympia titles. In 2021, he won the 212 Olympia title, and in 2023, he defeated Hadi Choopan and won his first Open Division title. What’s truly impressive is the remarkable physique and the conditioning he gained in just over two years of time.

Lunsford’s journey in the bodybuilding industry was remarkable, as he first wanted to become a professional wrestler, but in a surprising turn of events he turned to bodybuilding and became a prominent figure in the community with two Olympia titles in different categories. He has over one million followers on Instagram.

Derek Lunsford’s self-belief led him to win the Olympia title

Soon-to-be Dad received an invitation to be part of the Men’s Open division after winning the 212 title in 2021. In addition,  many experts expressed their concern about his switch in categories. However, in his debut in the Open category, he stunned judges and fans with his incredible physique. In his debut, he clinched second place which was astonishing for every sports enthusiast.

During his second appearance at the 2023 Olympia, he defeated the reigning Champion the Persian Wolf, and won his first Olympia title in the Open Division. However, his win received mixed reactions from fans, some supported him and others called it a robbery!

READ MORE: “I Believed That I Could Win”: Weeks After His 1st Olympia Title, Derek Lunsford Confesses How Confident He Was of His Victory

Nonetheless, with his positive attributes he already eyed the next Sandow trophy and began training accordingly. Moreover, After winning the coveted title, the champion was vocal about his mindset before the game. He mentioned in one of his interactions with his coach Hany Rambod, that he knew he would win.

After the initial struggle, Lunsford amazed everyone with his back

But at first, he struggled and was behind the 2023 Arnold Classic Samson Dauda and veteran champion Hadi Choopan. These formidable contenders were on the top during the first day judging round. However, on the final day, Lunsford showcased his well-defined monstrous back, and the crowd went crazy. Afterward, he created history in the world of sports by becoming the 18th Olympia winner in the open division. Apart from the $400,000 prize, and gold medal, he also won the People’s Choice Award at the Olympia, 2023.

After his win, one question arises: what encouraged him to become the strongest athlete ever to win the two titles in different categories? Despite his dedication, emerging as the winner in bodybuilding was not easy for him. The Petersburg native has an a sports enthusiast since childhood.

He actively took part in wrestling during high school. However, his dream of becoming a wrestler shattered when he joined college because his college didn’t have a wrestling program. Then he shifted his focus to weight training. With time, his body adapted to the routine and showed some significant transformation.

Lunsford’s bodybuilding wins

Further, he first participated in a bodybuilding contest in the 2015 NPC Indianapolis Championship, interestingly, he took part in the Men’s Open division and won. In just two years of time, he won his Pro Card at the NPC USA Championships in 2017. Later in the same year, he debuted as a Pro in the 2017 IFBB Tampa Pro and earned his direct invitation to the Olympia.

On the prestigious stage, he faced ups and downs but his sheer determination and commitment led him to win two titles. After his impressive achievements so far, people wondering if there’s any other bodybuilder who can defeat his record and become the champ in two different categories. It’s not certain if there’s any bodybuilder who would like to change their categories and potentially break the record of the reigning champion.

The bodybuilders who tried their hands in different divisions

Besides Lunsford, the athletes who switched from 212 categories to the Open Division, include the former Olympia winner Hadi Choopan and the two-time 212, winner Shaun Clarida, who couldn’t defend his title for the third time and placed second this year. the giant killer, however, took part in the Open category at the Arnold Classic and finished in fifth place. His debut in the Olympia Open category is uncertain.

Besides, the American bodybuilder, Choopan also switched from the 212 division to the Open, but he didn’t succeed as the current Olympia Champion. We don’t know what the future holds, but one thing is for sure: Lunsford’s records are not going to be broken anytime soon. What he did was commendable.

The mantra he’s been following to remain a champ. Lunsford candidly expressed that with every passing year, he will improve his physique with sheer determination. During his interaction with the Pro Creator, he mentioned that he was looking to “keep refining his physique” and just wanted to improve on what he had currently.  Making any assumptions for the next year would be foolish, but it is going to be an extraordinary competition. Do you agree? Share your opinions.

WATCH THIS STORY: Grew Up On A Farm, Bodybuilder Jay Cutler Misses Spending Time With His Family This Thanksgiving