Legacy bodybuilder Sergio Oliva Jr. is slowly inching his way back into competition after taking a brief hiatus. In a Bodybuilding University YouTube video, Oliva Jr. opened up on his comeback plans, criticized fans labeling him an ‘Instagram bodybuilder,’ and shared his thoughts on the future of Mamdouh ‘Big Ramy’ Elssbiay’s career.
Being the son of legendary bodybuilder Sergio Oliva, Oliva Jr’s entry into the IFBB Pro League generated a lot of hype. He exhibited impressive muscle mass, conditioning, and striated delts as a Men’s Open competitor en route to earning his Pro card at the 2015 NPC Nationals. He turned in a strong performance in his debut at the 2016 Pittsburgh Pro before scoring gold at the 2017 New York Pro. Besides his physique, Oliva Jr. made a name for himself with his refined posing abilities.
Oliva Jr. took back-to-back silvers at the Chicago Pro and Tampa Pro in 2018. He earned an invite to the Mr. Olympia competition, where he finished 16th. His latest appearance saw him place sixth at the 2021 Arnold Classic.
In Sep. 2021, Oliva Jr. found himself at odds with rising mass monster Michal Krizo. Oliva Jr. fired shots at the Slovakian bodybuilder after his fourth win at the Arnold Classic Europe Elite. He issued a challenge to compete on stage in the IFBB Pro League. Then, Oliva Jr. highlighted a need for Open competitors to focus on their posing as it could make the difference in razor-thin contests.
The Open class has received criticism from bodybuilding veterans such as Robby Robinson and former Mr. Olympia Samir Bannout. Oliva Jr. pushed back on their stances and defended the evolution of the division over the years.
Oliva Jr. went over his father’s decorated career two months ago. He recapped his father’s three Mr. Olympia wins against the likes of icon Arnold Schwarzenegger. He also touched on the feud with the show’s organizers that resulted in Oliva’s suspension. The 38-year-old was involved in a traffic collision that killed a man in Dubai, UAE as of late. He spent a few days behind bars and was ultimately released without any criminal charges.
He made headlines for a ripped physique update a few weeks ago. Based on the update, fans speculated about the possibility of his return at the 2023 Arnold Classic South America. In the end, Oliva Jr. shut down the rumors by ruling out his participation in the contest. He hinted at his plans to compete at a future event.
Sergio Oliva Jr. wants to do New York & Cali Pro, hits back at ‘Instagram bodybuilder’ label
Sergio Oliva Jr. shared his plans to compete at the upcoming New York and California Pro shows given his travel restrictions allow for it.
“Yeah, if I can travel I’ll do it,” said Oliva Jr. “I’d like to do both you know, f**k it. Just come back with a bang.”
He hit back at the critics who labeled him an ‘Instagram bodybuilder.’
“It’s weird. Now I’m an Instagram bodybuilder apparently so if you compete almost every year, gain like 100+ pounds in your career but then if you take a year off you’re an Instagram bodybuilder because you don’t really compete and people’s memories. That’s really the thing I realized, people’s memory is ridiculous. It’s actually kind of very sad. You take a year off and people are like, ‘I haven’t seen you in 10 years. Where have you been?’ Also too the only people who are saying this are the people who don’t compete. Those who competed know how the hell do you get better.
“If I did a show every year like some guys who never get any better, then it’s like you need to figure something out because it’s not working. Then god forbid, you take a year off go to a different country, train, and focus on yourself, now I’m Blessing.”
Oliva Jr. gave his take on what former two-time Mr. Olympia Mamdouh ‘Big Ramy’ Elssbiay should do after his last two shows. He suggested Ramy sit out the upcoming 2023 edition of the Olympia event.
“I don’t think that he should but I think he’s going to. Between now and November is a long time and I think sometimes you just get that itch. I know Chad, they might just be like you know what you’re looking sick let’s do it.”
Bannout believes Sergio Oliva Jr. has the right tools to potentially win the coveted Sandow trophy. He called on Oliva Jr. to adjust his mindset and come in shredded to the bone. Oliva Jr. mirrored his father by recreating some poses online earlier this week. He boasted his insane arms and overall vascularity, prompting support from many in the community.
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