Tag: Kamal Elgargni
Lee Priest Critical of 2023 Masters Olympia Being Age 40 & Over: ‘To Me Masters is 50+’
Australian bodybuilder Lee Priest is celebrated for his longevity with over two decades of competitive experience. In a RxMuscle YouTube video, Priest called for changes to the eligibility criteria for the 2023 Masters Olympia by changing the age cap to 50 and over.
The Masters Olympia competition was started by former Olympia president Joe Weider in 1994. He created the event to provide a platform for older bodybuilders past their prime who still love to compete. Dexter ‘The Blade’ Jackson was the last man to win the Masters Olympia title when the show returned in 2012.
Jake Wood confirmed the contest would make a comeback this season after an 11-year break. The weekend of August 25 was announced as the official date for the three-day event scheduled to be hosted in Cluj Napoca, Romania. It is set to feature 10 divisions from the IFBB Pro League.
Some had mixed feelings about the event’s return. Renowned bodybuilding guru Milos Sarcev expressed his concerns about athletes’ risking their health by overusing steroids at an older age in preparation for the competition.
Bodybuilding veteran Lee Priest indicated his desire to compete at the show but ruled out his participation due to chest atrophy earlier this year. He speculated about the potential contenders and favored the chances of Victor Martinez to take the title if Dexter Jackson and four-time Mr. Ollympia Jay Cutler did not compete.
Two months ago, Martinez opened up about his ambitions to compete at the Masters Olympia. However, made it clear he wasn’t interested in the risks unless the prize money stood at $250,000. In the end, the organizers declared the overall prize money for the show at $229,000 days later.
Former 212 Olympia champ Kamal Elgargni was considering making his way to Romania for the event if the prize money was fit for his needs. And sure enough, the Masters Olympia roster was released and Kamal Elgargni will fight for the Open title in August.
Japanese bodybuilder Hidetada Yamagishi will come out of retirement to contend for the title at the age of 50 in the 212 division. Last week, he made headlines for a ripped physique update where he showed off his insane conditioning levels 18 weeks out.
Lee Priest calls for Masters Olympia to be over 50 & talks about top contenders
In a recent YouTube video, Lee Priest shared his thoughts on the upcoming 2023 Masters Olympia with Dave Palumbo. He called on the organizers to raise the age ceiling to 50.
“I’m still upset though it’s 40 and over,” said Priest. “To me, Masters should be 50 above and you haven’t competed for at least 2 or 3 years. Seeing that $229,000, $9,000 goes to the Masters.”
Priest and Palumbo gave their takes on the competitors and highlighted some missing names.
“A lot of these guys I don’t even know who they are,” said Palumbo. “I see Fred Biggie Smalls is on the list, he’s making a comeback. You’ll probably see some guy who we don’t even expect to do well probably win it. Someone who won the Masters Nationals at 40 years old, never competed their whole life, fresh-looking muscle.”
“Victor Martinez could do it and still do very well,” said Priest.
Palumbo responded, “I don’t know why he isn’t competing. He should. It’s actually a pretty weak lineup when you consider it’s only 40 and over. There are guys actively competing who are 40.
“I’d love to see Phil Heath do the show or Kai Greene.”
They believe Elgargni is the frontrunner to win the event.
“Kamal, who’s probably the highest rated guy in the lineup,” said Palumbo.
“I think Kamal is going to be very hard to beat just because he hasn’t been out of the sport. He’s been competing consistently. It’s going to be hard for guys that haven’t competed in a bunch of years to come back and look that great, especially at that age.”
On April 25, Cutler and IFBB head judge Steve Weinberger announced the full lineups for each division of the 2023 Masters Olympia with Elgargni, Maxx Charles, and Phillip Clahar entering as favorites in the Men’s Open division.
RELATED: 52-yo Johnnie Jackson Teases 2023 Masters Olympia Comeback: ‘I’m Leaning Towards Yes’
The show will offer fans an opportunity to see some of their favorite bodybuilders of the past take to the stage once again.
You can watch the full video below.
Published: 28 April, 2023 | 12:02 AM EDT
Kamal Elgargni Believes Competitors Should Earn Qualification To Olympia, Says Derek Lunsford “Needs More Time”
Kamal Elgargni recently discussed the 2022 Tampa Pro and Derek Lunsford’s potential move to Men’s Open.
Kamal Elgargni is preparing to make his debut in Men’s Open after being a champion in the 212 division. He will not be the last to do so as Derek Lunsford might be preparing to do the same thing in the coming years. This is a topic that Elgargni discussed during a recent interview.
Elgargni was crowned the 2019 Olympia 212 champion, finishing ahead of Lunsford. Now, he is making the move to Men’s Open while Lunsford is the reigning 212 champion. He returned in 2020 to defend his title but fell to Shaun Clarida. He has been training with some of the mass monsters, such as Nick Walker, in Men’s Open preparing to take the stage.
Elgargni shared his plans to compete in both the 2022 Tampa Pro and Texas Pro in the upcoming weeks. In a recent interview with Muscular Development Magazine, Elgargni discussed his prep, along with Lunsford’s potential move to Men’s Open.
Kamal Elgargni Believes Derek Lunsford Needs More Time
Kamal Elgargni knows a thing or two about the Olympia process and Derek Lunsford as a competitor. They have had some battles on stage in the past. Elgargni was honest about his opinion and believes that competitors should have to earn their way to the biggest stage in the sport.
“Well, to be honest, for him, if he gets the invite, I think everybody should earn their win and their qualification but there is some circumstances or there is sometimes you need some special invites if, if as we see, come on Ron. We’ve seen lately with heavyweights We haven’t seen much quality there.”
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Kamal Elgargni is qualified for life to compete in the 212 division because he is a former champion. Also, the top finishers from the previous show automatically qualify for next year’s show. Other than that, athletes have to win a show to qualify or earn enough points in the standings to gain access to the Olympia.
Elgargni continued to explain how Lunsford has the ability and look to compete in Men’s Open but might not be ready just yet. He believes that the 212 champion needs more time to polish his physique and make improvements.
“When Derek did Pittsburgh, that guest pose, he fits up really well as you see with social media going crazy and he deserves it. He will be, he’s got all the tools to be a Mr. Olympia. He’s good, but I think he needs more time. To give him an invitation, that’s, I look at that more business-wise.”
Kamal Elgargni is preparing to step on stage in two major shows this season. If he is able to win one, he will have a chance to battle some of the best competitors in the world. As for Lunsford, Elgargni views this as a business decision.
“What’s Derek going to make? What’s Derek going to do? I think it’s too early to give it to him because he’s won only one time in Mr. Olympia in the 212.”
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Former 212 Olympia Champion Kamal Elgargni To Enter 2022 Tampa Pro and 2022 Texas Pro In Open Bodybuilding
Kamal Elgargni will take a step up in divisions when he competes as an Open bodybuilder.
Kamal Elgargni is just three years removed from his Olympia 212 title back in 2019. Now, he has announced that he will take a step up in divisions and compete in Men’s Open. Elgargni will try his luck during the 2022 Tampa Pro and 2022 Texas Pro.
Elgargni made the official announcement on Tuesday during an interview on a live video on the BP Sports Instagram account.
“I feel really, really good and I’m excited with what I’m going to bring to the stage at both contests,” Elgargni said.
The Tampa Pro is scheduled to take place in Tampa on Aug. 6. The Texas Pro will take place one weeks later in Irving, TX on Aug. 12-13.
Can Kamal Elgargni Win In Men’s Open?
Kamal Elgargni shared that he currently weighs 224 pounds. There is not much time before the competitions begin and he did not reveal what weight he plans to enter. The full rosters for these events have not been released but they are usually shows with some elite competition.
This would not be the first time that a 212 competitor attempts to make the jump to Men’s Open. Of course, Shaun Clarida was able to make the switch and win the Legion Sports Fest back in October. He will now have a chance to compete at the Olympia as an Open bodybuilder. Clarida is also qualified in 212 but will not have the option to compete in both.
Derek Lunsford is looking like the next athlete that will officially make the jump. He is the reigning 212 Olympia champion but has put on tremendous size this offseason. It is unlikely he will make it back down to 212 and could be training for Men’s Open. Elgargni is another former 212 Olympia champion looking to find success at the next level.
Kamal Elgargni is qualified for the Olympia for the duration of his career since he is a past champion. It is unclear if he will attempt to make it back down to this eight before December — or if he plans to show up at the Olympia at all. Either way, he will have a chance to show what he can do at 50 years old.
Iain Valliere is the reigning champion at both the Texas Pro and Tampa Pro, having won both shows on back-to-back weekends. This is what Elgargni would be trying to accomplish with his return to the stage.
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Nick Walker Looks Massive, Thrashes Hamstrings with Kamal Elgargni
Nick Walker and Kamal Elgargni joined forces to thrash hamstrings.
Men’s Open contender Nick Walker recently teamed up with 2019 212 Olympia champion Kamal Elgargni for some intense hamstring training. Both Walker and Elgargni are looking in top form as they prepare for the 2022 Olympia.
Nick Walker teamed up with Kamal Elgargni for an intense hamstring training session. Both bodybuilders are looking to impress at the 2022 Olympia and the team up is only making their prospects stronger. Walker is looking absolutely at 290lbs but still has defined lines. Elgargni is looking equally impressive and is looking to stake a claim to once again be crowned 212 Olympia champion.
As for the training details Nick Walker and Kamal Elgargni both went through a series of exercises targeted the legs. Specifically the two thrashed their hamstrings. They utilized high reps throughout the workout.
“Nothing but high reps,” said Nick Walker. “20 reps was the magic number today. Overall, good workout. I enjoyed it. Worked hard, pushed each other and just getting better each and every workout.”
Full Hamstring Workout
Lying Hamstring Leg Curl Machine — 3 sets for 11 reps
Standing Leg Curl Machine — 4 sets for 15 -20 reps
Seated Leg Curl Machine — 3 sets for 10 reps
Stiff Leg Barbell Deadlift — 4 sets 5-7 reps
Machine Seated Hip Abduction — 4 sets for 12 reps, *supersetted with weighted sumo squats
Weighted Sumo Squat — 4 sets for 12 reps
Machine Seated Hip Adduction — 1 set for 10 reps
Standing Calf Raise — 3 sets for 12 reps
Seated Calf Raise on Machine — 2 sets for 10 reps
Perhaps the most remarkable development is the fact that Nick Walker is 290lbs. Despite that massive size he’s looking pretty shredded and well defined, showing lines during his bulk. Usually you’d expect that when he’s on his cut, but clearly all the hard work he’s been doing is showing dividends.
To see the full workout click here.
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News and Editorial Writer at Generation Iron, Jonathan Salmon is a writer, martial arts instructor, and geek culture enthusiast. Check out his YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Sound Cloud for in-depth MMA analysis.
Nick Walker, Kamal Elgargni, and Samson Dauda Team Up For Back Training
Nick Walker, Kamal Elgargni, and Samson Dauda team up.
Nick Walker, Kamal Elgargni, and Samson Dauda all joined forces for an intense back day training. The three standout bodybuilders look to motivate each other to become the best versions of themselves for the 2022 season.
Team Up
Everyone loves a good team up. It’s why so many go in droves to the movie theaters to watch The Avengers to see superheroes clash and collaborate in exciting adventures. The same kind of magic occurs when bodybuilders join forces. So when 212 Olympia champion Kamal Elgargni teamed up with Men’s Open bodybuilders Nick Walker and Samson Dauda, you know something special was about to happen.
Looking to once again conquer the Olympia stage Kamal Elgargni is looking to push himself. Nick Walker is also looking to improve as well and invited both Elgargni and Samson Dauda to Tampa, Florida to get in some epic back day training.
Back Training
Each man is looking to bring something special to their respective competitions. Having other motivated athletes going for the same goal helps push a competitor to their next level. The three man team of Walker, Elgargni, and Dauda all joined forces for some intense back training.
“3 sets of underhand grip,” said Nick Walker. “We are now going to do one-arm dumbbell row. We are going to use different weight. Perform three sets of it, we’re going to go 12-15 reps. This is more of a high-volume workout. I’m going to let Kamal run the show. Only the second exercise and I’m dead.”
Full Back Training
Reverse-Grip Machine Pulldown
One-Arm Dumbbell Row
Chest-Supported Machine Row
Seated Cable Row
Hyperextensions
Cable Low Row
To see the full training session click here.
What do you think of the team up between Nick Walker, Kamal Elgargni, and Samson Dauda?
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
News and Editorial Writer at Generation Iron, Jonathan Salmon is a writer, martial arts instructor, and geek culture enthusiast. Check out his YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Sound Cloud for in-depth MMA analysis.
Samir Bannout Answers: Is There A Middle East Movement Dominating Bodybuilding?
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Samir Bannout analyzes the rise of Middle Eastern bodybuilders and the future of bodybuilding champions.
Samir Bannout has the distinction of being the first Middle Eastern bodybuilder to win the Mr. Olympia. A lot has changed since then. The rise of the camel crew and an exceptional focus put on bodybuilders who train in Dubai has increased the dominance of Middle Eastern pro bodybuilders. Most recently, Big Ramy, hailing from Egypt, won the Mr. Olympia title. In our latest GI Exclusive interview, Samir Bannout analyzes whether or not this is a Middle East movement that will dominate bodybuilding for years to come.
Samir Bannout is proud to be the first Middle Eastern bodybuilder to win the Mr. Olympia. He also has stayed extremely passionate and focused on the sport of bodybuilding ever since his retirement. Event today, he dedicates himself to further helping improve and educate new generations of bodybuilders to support the sport. So what does he think of the rise of Dubai as a mecca for bodybuilding? And of Big Ramy’s win at the Mr. Olympia 2020? Does he see this as a true movement of Middle Eastern bodybuilding?
Samir Bannout admits that there has been a cultural shift in competitive bodybuilding. Dubai has become a hot spot for bodybuilders. While not all of them are actually from the Middle East, Dubai has become a new mecca that promises unreal transformations for competitors who train there. Brandon Curry is the most notable man to train in Dubai, transform his physique, and become a Mr. Olympia champion.
But of course, this new sort of mecca is also benefiting competitors from the Middle East. Big Ramy is now our current Mr. Olympia champion and we’ve seen the likes of Hadi Choopan and Kamal Elgargni show extreme dominance in the sport.
Samir Bannout is unsure if this is a true long term movement though. He points out that bodybuilding has always been a very diverse and international sport. He’s personally seen many rising bodybuilders across a variety of countries that have him excited for the future of the sport.
On top of that, the past year of pro bodybuilding was marred by COVID-19.Big Ramy certainly deserved the Mr. Olympia and showed his best physique. But there will always be a “what if” about 2019 and 2020. We have no idea how the virus affected the top pros personal lives and training. Samir Bannout believes that perhaps 2021 will be bigger indicator. Will Big Ramy and Hadi Choopan continue to thrive at this year’s Mr. Olympia?
During this interview clip, Samir Bannout also talks about his own success as being the first Middle Eastern Mr. Olympia – and reflects on whether not he retired too soon. As he had mentioned previously, he felt slighted by the sport after his 6th place finish in 1984. This got into his head and took the fun out of the sport. He often wonders if he could have stuck with it and eventually moved past the negativity.
You can watch Samir Bannout talk about the rise of Middle Eastern bodybuilding in our latest GI Exclusive interview segment above!