“Skipped Leg Day All Year Long”: Lifting Community Rips Apart Mr. Olympia 2022 Champion for Having ‘Chicken Legs’

The bodybuilding scene witnessed an unexpected twist in 2023 when Ryan Terry snatched the Mr. Olympia Men’s Physique crown from Erin Banks, the person who many had predicted would win the title. The buzz about the happening at the event didn’t end there. Now, a video from the event started circulating on the internet, causing a stir with comments about Banks’ seemingly skinny legs.

The official Mr. Olympia Instagram page shared a snippet of Banks’ stage performance, where he flaunted his sculpted physique, showcasing various popular poses.

Erin Banks receives praise from Olympia’s official page

Mr. Olympia’s official page recently posted a snazzy clip featuring Banks flaunting his shredded physique. With a beaming smile, he effortlessly rocked a side chest pose, showcasing his muscular prowess. Swiftly transitioning, he treated viewers to a mesmerizing display of back poses. It’s a brief but captivating glimpse into Banks’ impressive athleticism and charisma. Despite winning the Olympia title in 2022, Banks couldn’t retrieve his victory and could only secure third place in 2023.

Before the Olympia, Banks faced defeat at The Legion Sports Fest Pro against Kyron Holden. Despite the loss, the 35-year-old bodybuilder stayed positive, saying, “In life, we don’t just win; we also learn.” Showing resilience, he turned the setback into a chance for growth. Banks later highlighted the lessons learned, stating, “Every setback teaches me about resilience and strength,” reinforcing his dedication to overcoming challenges.

However, the recent video sparked mixed reactions among fans. While many have applauded Banks for his spirit, some couldn’t overlook the observations about his legs. It’s a reminder that even champions face scrutiny and opinions from the ever-watchful eyes of sports enthusiasts.

Fans unimpressed by Banks’s legs

The online commentary on Erin Banks’ physique unfolded with a range of colorful reactions. One enthusiast commented, “Skipping leg day all year long.” Notably, fans acknowledged the evolution of the Men’s physique category, with a subtle nod to the changing standards and expectations within the sport. One such comment read, “Thank god the category has evolved.” and “I call this the floaty arms division.”

One playfully pointed out how many in the division had a similar state and penned, “I love the ‘we don’t train legs’ class.” Others humorously drew attention to the contrast in attire, “Every other category wears speedos I feel like they should too.” However, one user showcased frustration due to repetitive poses, saying, “Same f*cking pose over and over. No legs. I really don’t understand the point of this division. I’m sure he’s an amazing athlete and works very hard (obviously) but this division is absolutely pointless.”

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Despite the critique, there were voices advocating for a more holistic perspective. One commentator pointed out,

“Look at all the people who don’t even bodybuild talking about people’s legs.” Another acknowledged Banks’ overall great physique while humorously stating, “Calves be showing error 404 but the rest looked great.”

What do you think of his physique and posing routine? Let us know in the comments below.

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