Tag: nEWS
George Peterson’s Coach Makes Emotional Statement On Peterson’s Passing
Justin Miller, George Peterson’s coach, shares statement and update on Peterson’s death.
The bodybuilding world is in mourning after hearing of the tragic passing of pro bodybuilder George Peterson. A beloved, talented, and passionate competitor – he was set to compete at the Mr. Olympia 2021 just days away. There has been very little information about his sudden death. In a recent social media post, George Peterson’s coach, Justin Miller, has issued a statement providing his reaction, tribute, and more information about his passing.
Coach Justin Miller was working closely and preparing George Peterson for the Men’s 212 Olympia – which is happening this weekend Oct. 8-10th. Peterson and Miller had already traveled to Orlando, Florida earlier this week in order to get settled and make final preparations for the show. It came as a complete shock to the bodybuilding world that Peterson is now no longer with us.
This shock seems to be shared with Justin Miller himself – who was not with George Peterson at the moment of his death but was the first to find him after he had passed away. Peterson was in his hotel room and not responding to calls or messages. After some time of radio silence, Miller became worried and was able to get security to open Peterson’s room. Upon entering his hotel room, Miller found Peterson face down on the ground and unresponsive. His body was cold – so Miller called 911.
There was some initial confusion and lack of information about George Peterson’s passing. But now Justin Miller has made an Instagram post sharing his emotional reaction to the news as well as giving a beat by beat breakdown of the passing in question. There is still much we do not know – such as the cause of death. But now more of the details have come to light in Miller’s very raw, emotional, and candid social media post.
Justin Miller, still in shock, took time to share with the bodybuilding community his experience – and what information we do know about George Peterson’s passing:
“I’m in shock. I’m scared. I’m sad. I’m in disbelief. Freaked out. I’m completely devasted [sic]. My hands are trembling as I type this. It feels like a nightmare…but at the same time I know its real.”
Miller then went on to give us a detailed break down of the facts – as he knows them so far. First, he expressed that there were no known health issues or warning signs as far as Miller was aware of:
“Here is what we know. George looked amazing! Felt amazing! He was so inspiring last night. Said things both on and off camera that gave Ricky and I chills. He was so on point mentally and physically. George was energetic, strong lifting the whole gym last night. Inspired. Passionate. Focused. The best version of George at any contest both mentally and physically I have ever seen.”
Justin Miller then details that he left George Peterson to go check out the Amateur pre-judging early. When he came back – something was off and Miller was unable to get a hold of Peterson:
“I arrived back at noon and couldn’t reach George. He wouldn’t answer his door. We got a security guard to open his room and we found him face down mostly cold. Called 911 and followed their instructions did chest compressions until more security came and took over CPR, followed minutes later by the EMT’s. They couldn’t save him….apparently it had been several hours he was gone.”
Miller then ended his message with a moment of love and tribute for the late George Peterson:
“I wish I knew what to say.Please keep his soul and his family in your prayers. ?I love you George! ❤I’ll live with you in my heart for the rest of my days on this Earth.”
This is truly an emotional time for not only Justin Miller – but the family, loved ones, and friends who were close to George Peterson. It cannot be overstated just how tragic this loss is. Peterson was a bodybuilder just hitting the prime of his career. More importantly than that – he was a kind, generous individual. At only 37 years old – he had much more life to live and left us too soon.
Generation Iron once again sends out condolences to friends and family during this trying time. As more information becomes available, Generation Iron will continue to report. Stay tuned.
Mohamed El Emam: Big Ramy Will Be Even Better At Olympia 2021
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Mohamed El Emam answers: Can Big Ramy win again at Olympia 2021?
With less than a week to go before the Olympia 2021, we will soon see if returning champion Big Ramy can retain his title. Ramy has been known for inconsistency in his conditioning from year to year (at least in his past showings over the past decade). Will he be able to remain consistent and show an even more improved physique on stage this weekend? Rising competitor Mohamed El Emam seems to think so. In our latest GI Exclusive, Mohamed El Emam explains why he thinks Big Ramy will appear even better at Olympia 2021.
Mohamed El Emam has been a rising athlete on the pro bodybuilding stage this past year. He battled it out in a number of competitions to earn Olympia qualification. Unfortunately, he fell short – but not for a lack of impressive physique. The competition was fierce and despite some top 5 placings, it wasn’t enough to earn a spot in this weekend’s Olympia.
That’s why during our recent conversation with Mohamed, we asked him as an observer, if he thought Big Ramy can win again. Mohamed El Emam does believe that Big Ramy can pull off a repeat win. The reason he thinks this – is that he believes Big Ramy will have an even better physique than the previous year.
It’s common knowledge among pro bodybuilding fans that judges have a laser focus on the returning champion for Mr. Olympia. It’s not enough for the champion to bring the same winning physique. The judges expect to see an improved physique. This is the challenge an Olympia champion must face. What if they’ve hit a plateau – no matter how perfect? An equal quality physique might get slightly overlooked compared to a hungry competitor that made some incredible progress.
Mohamed El Emam believes that Big Ramy has made that kind of progress. He’s strictly judging based off of physique update photos and video that Ramy has been posting in recent months. From what he can tell – Ramy has not only widened his back and increased his arm size – he’s also tapered in his waist. Of course, physique update photos can be misleading. What’s most important is that Ramy times his peak perfectly with the Olympia weekend.
This is where the excitement comes in. Even the most perfect athlete can run into problems if their timing is even slightly off. When fans watch the pre-judging on Friday night, they’re also aware the competitors have a full 24 hours to try and make adjustments before finals. That 24 hour period is crucial and makes the finals a truly electric event. Some have improved, some have faded. For example, Phil Heath was often known as “Mr. Saturday Night” due to surprising improvements he would make between pre-judging and finals.
Mohamed El Emam has a point though. It’s clear that Big Ramy was the superior physique in 2020. If no other competitor can close that gap and Ramy improves himself – the odds of him coming in off peak this weekend seems unlikely. Ramy’s sheer size gives him an incredible advantage.
You can watch Mohamed El Emam break down his Big Ramy predictions in more detail by watching our GI Exclusive interview segment above!
2021 Olympia: Classic Physique Preview & Predictions
Here is a breakdown and predictions in the Classic Physique division at the 2021 Olympia.
The 2021 Olympia will take place this weekend in Orlando. This is the biggest competition of the year and many of the top bodybuilders in the world will be on stage competing. This includes the Classic Physique division.
Chris Bumstead highlights the group as the winner of the previous two Olympia competitions. He has taken over the division from Breon Ansley, who will also be on stage this weekend. Terrence Ruffin is coming off a victory at the Arnold Classic and could be one of the top contenders to take down Bumstead.
Arnold Schwarzenegger has said that he believes Classic Physique is the future of bodybuilding. There is certainly enough star power and talent for it to take over. This will be a must-watch competition this weekend. Below, you can find a full list of competitors along with predictions for the top six.
2021 Classic Physique List of Competitors
Zeek Andrews (USA)
Breon Ansley (USA)
Jose Maria Mete Bueriberi (Spain)
Chris Bumstead (Canada)
Alex Cambronero (Costa Rica)
Tommy Clark (USA)
German Pastor Cueto (Spain)
Neil Currey (UK)
Sabur Favors (USA)
Bryan Jones (USA)
Urs Kalecinski (Germany)
George Kawalawu (USA)
Seonghwan Kim (South Korea)
Brady King (USA)
Laszlo Kiraly (Hungary)
Gabriel Zancanelli Machado (Brazil)
Fabian Mayr (Austria)
Peter Molnar (Hungary)
Courage Opara (USA)
Ramon Rocha Querioz (Brazil)
Terrence Ruffin (USA)
Abtin Shekarabi (IRAN)
Mike Sommerfeld (Germany)
Tony Taveras (USA)
Robert Timms (USA)
Darwin Andres Uribe (Colombia)
Wesley Vissers (Netherlands)
Divine Wilson (USA)
In Seong You (South Korea)
Dani Younan (USA)
Classic Physique Top 6
6. Bryan Jones
It was a fifth place finish at the Arnold Classic for Bryan Jones this year. This was the same place he finished at last year’s Olympia. Jones has an intriguing physique because of his size and height. He has a strong presence on stage and is one of the up-and-coming stars in the sport. He has a chance to be a first callout competitor and it would build some consistency in Classic Physique until he is able to take that next step toward victory.
5. Courage Opara
Courage Opara is one of the dark-horse athletes in this competition. He put on a strong showing at the Arnold Classic with a fourth-place finish and is looking to keep up the momentum heading into the biggest event of the year. He is not one of the tallest competitors but the judges seem to like his physique. This has made him a name to watch from this point on.
4. Breon Ansley
Breon Ansley was the name to beat for years in Classic Physique. He won back-to-back Olympia titles in 2017 and 2018. Since then, he has fallen one spot over the last two years. Ansley finished third in last year’s Olympia and might continue this trend in 2021. Ansley is 41 years old. He still shows an incredible physique but might be getting passed by some of the younger competitors. With that being said, Ansley can still put on a show and has a chance to potentially finish in the top three or four.
3. Alex Cambronero
Over the last five years, Alex Cambronero has been a model of consistency in this division. Cambronero finished second in this year’s Arnold Classic after winning it in 2020. He also finished fourth at the Olympia last year. Now, he could climb into the top three and continue to impress. Cambronero has been competing consistently since 2016 and has failed to make the top six just twice.
2. Terrence Ruffin
Terrence Ruffin had a year full of second-place finishes in 2020. He finished as the runner-up in both the Arnold Classic and Olympia. This time around, he is looking to change his fortune. Ruffin bested Cambronero in this year’s Arnold Classic and now has his eyes on the prize on the biggest stage. Ruffin showed up in incredible shape at the Arnold Classic and his posing routine was top notch. He is a true contender for the title at this year’s event.
1. Chris Bumstead
Chris Bumstead is the reigning two-time champion at the Olympia and is the favorite to make it three in a row. There is not much. to dislike about the Canadian bodybuilder — and he has been showing it in his physique updates. Bumstead is massive with great conditioning. He has been the name to beat over the last two years and that might not change in this year’s competition.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
George Peterson’s Honest Thoughts About His Olympia Men’s 212 Debut
George Peterson opens up about his first ever Men’s 212 showing.
George Peterson has been on quite the rollercoaster ride of a bodybuilding career. He started as a Men’s Open amateur bodybuilding, stepped away from the sport for five years, returned into the Classic Physique division – and then ultimately ended up moving to Men’s 212. 2020 was his Olympia Men’s 212 debut. In our latest GI Exclusive interview, George Peterson ranks his own performance in his first ever Olympia Men’s 212 show.
George Peterson is a dangerous competitor. His physique holds plenty of potential and the makings of a champion. While he has placed well throughout his career, he has yet to earn an Olympia title. This might be in part due to his frequent movement between divisions. Throughout his career – he has battled on stage in three different divisions.
But it seems now that the Men’s 212 division is where George Peterson is going to settle. In a sense, he has used the other divisions as an opportunity to understand his body and see where he fits best. He’s now confident that the Men’s 212 division is where he can perfect his body to his best strengths.
2020 was his Men’s 212 debut at the Olympia. Many fans were hyped to see how he would compare to other long running competitors in that division. Ultimately, George Peterson did not win the title. That honor went to Shaun Clarida in a shocking turn displaying the best physique of his career.
We asked George Peterson how he felt about his contest prep and about his performance at the Olympia 2020. Peterson knows that he still has some work to do in order to win the title – but he’s not discouraged. In fact, he sees his debut as a victory in and of itself.
“Since this was my debut in this division at the Olympia, and boom I’m top 3 in the world already, that there kinda feels like a win in itself.” George Peterson states in our interview. “And now we have something to build on. So now that I’m third in the world the goal for this year is to be number one in the world.”
George Peterson’s confidence and optimism immediately feels like that of a future champion. And rightfully so. Even though Peterson didn’t win the Olympia this year – he placed third. That’s a great achievement for a division Olympia debut. The competition is close and fierce. Peterson is ready for that fight.
We also asked him if he was worried about having to try and take down Shaun Clarida after his impressive win in 2020. Is Clarida beatable in his current state? George Peterson is also not worried about that. In fact, he welcomes the challenge. “No one is unbeatable” he states calmly but confidently. He’s simply going to focus on improving himself and bringing his best package.
You can watch George Peterson’s full comments on his Olympia Men’s 212 debut in our latest GI Exclusive interview segment above.
George Peterson Shares His Secrets For A Wide Back
George Peterson breaks down the key tactics that he uses to build his massive and wide back.
George Peterson is a massive bodybuilder and one of the best in the industry. But what he might be best known for is his extremely wide and massive back. Many have said that competitions are won from the back. While the entire aesthetic and physique of the body must be presentable – may fans (and some say judges) can be most swayed by a powerhouse back. In our latest GI Exclusive, George Peterson shares the specific tactics he’s developed to build a massive back.
Many of you have probably seen or felt a moment like this. The competitors are battling on stage and you’re not quite sure who has the upper hand. They all look fantastic. It’s going to be a close battle. Then suddenly, the mandatory back poses are performed. You’re floored. One bodybuilder stands out with a mammoth batwing back. It envelops all others. You now clearly have a favorite to win the night.
This situation is not uncommon. A well built back is one of the most eye catching muscle groups in a bodybuilding competition. Some even believe that the back is the linch pin to victory. You can be lacking in some small areas so long as your back is supreme.
Some judges, coaches, and gurus have warned against this. That a true champion is a master of their body from head to toe. While this is likely true as a whole – culturally it’s clear that bodybuilding fans love to see a massive and wide back.
That’s why during our conversation with George Peterson, we asked him to share his tips for how to take your back to the next level. Peterson is well known for having one of the most impressive backs in the sport. So what kind of unique insights can he provide to help others chase the glory he’s obtained?
George Peterson was more than happy to share his tactic. He, in fact, shared it with a grin. He explains the key tactics that he has always done whenever working out on back day. It sounds simple – but it’s a focus on muscle movement and mind-muscle connection. It’s that special extra awareness with every rep that can make or break your progress from good back to supreme back.
George Peterson explains that with every single rep of every single back workout you perform. It’s important to stretch wide your chest as full as possible. That’s what George Peterson does. He makes sure that he widens his chest at the peak of each exercises movement. He wants to feel every single back muscle working to achieve each rep.
It doesn’t sound like much – but what is important is to be vigilant throughout the entire workout. It’s easy to go into auto pilot after months of training. Or perhaps, towards the end of your workout you are so exhausted that your mind wanders. George Peterson ensures that he takes his time to stretch full with every rep. It can’t be ignored. It has to be included through to the very end for every workout. Period.
Also in this video, George Peterson details how he does seven back exercises in his workout. “The back is a big set of muscles,” Peterson states in our interview. It requires a lot of attention. He also breaks down his full routine when in competition prep mode. You can follow his full routine from morning to night.
You can watch George Peterson’s full breakdown of his competition prep routine and his secrets to build a wide back in our latest GI Exclusive interview segment above.
Pro Bodybuilder George Peterson Has Reportedly Died At 37
Early reports indicate that pro bodybuilder George Peterson has passed away.
Just days before being set to compete at the Mr. Olympia 2021, outlets and sources close to Generation Iron have reported that pro bodybuilder George Peterson has died. He was only 37 years old. Peterson was currently stationed in Orlando, Florida to compete in the Men’s 212 Olympia.
At the time of this writing, no official announcement or statement has been made. Nor has there been a confirmed cause of death. Many have begun posting on social media of the news as well as other sports outlets. Generation Iron has reached out to George Peterson’s coach Justin Miller – but have not yet received any official confirmation at this time.
George Peterson is a bodybuilder with an incredible physique and an equally incredible journey throughout his bodybuilding career. Peterson started bodybuilding over 10 years ago, took a 5 year break, and then returned in the newly made Classic Physique division. Ultimately, he changed things up yet again and bumped up to the Men’s 212 division. His debut was in 2020.
Beyond his physique, George Peterson was also known for his humble attitude and positive demeanor. He was not only a beloved bodybuilder – but a beloved man to friends, family, and those in the bodybuilding community lucky enough to have met him.
Generation Iron was lucky enough to connect and recently conduct a full length video interview with George Peterson. We covered his entire career in bodybuilding, his journey through multiple divisions, his thoughts on the current state of bodybuilding and more.
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George Peterson’s death comes after a string of other passings that have tragically hit the bodybuilding industry. While no cause of death has been confirmed, Peterson is the second bodybuilder to pass away just before being set to compete in a competition.
Generation Iron send condolences to the friends and family of George Peterson at this time. He was an uplifting, intelligent, and passionate individual – and an extremely talented bodybuilder. The bodybuilding world mourns his passing.
Generation Iron will continue to update this story as more information becomes available – such as official confirmation of Peterson’s passing. Stay tuned to Generation Iron for more updates.
Ryan Crowley On His Injury & Larry Wheels: “I’d Be Dead If He Wasn’t There”
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Ryan Crowley props up Larry Wheels’ actions immediately after the viral pec tear injury.
Ryan Crowley’s pec tear was the injury heard around the bodybuilding world. In an attempt to lift a bit higher than usual alongside Larry Wheels for a viral video – the worst happened. Crowley’s pec teared right off. He has since been in and out of the hospital slowly recovering. There are those who have commented that Larry Wheels pushed Crowley too far. But Crowley finds that to be furthers from the truth. In fact, he thinks Wheels being there prevented the injury from being worse. In our latest GI Exclusive interview, Ryan Crowley details how Larry Wheels’ actions helped prevent further injury.
Ryan Crowley’s pec tear injury was a major talking point of bodybuilding in 2021. Bodybuilding fans around the world sent well wishes, contributed to a GoFundMe to help pay hospital fees… and couldn’t stop watching the viral video of the moment the injury occurred. Despite the massive setback – Crowley is confident that he will be back in full form by next year and ready to start making a dent in competitive bodybuilding.
The injury itself was due to a social media video involving both Crowley and the massively popular Larry Wheels. Known for his heavy lifts – the video collab was meant to be a motivational video showcasing the two lifting together. Ultimately, things went south under the serious heavy weight. A pop and a snap later – and Ryan Crowley found himself in a world of pain.
There have been some comments online blaming Larry Wheels for the injury. That he pushed Ryan Crowley too far. During our conversation with Crowley – we asked if he had seen those comments and what his thoughts were. Crowley dismissed the comments – claiming they are simply individuals looking for attention (or perhaps bored looking to instigate arguments online).
In fact, Ryan Crowley believes that Larry Wheels was the sole reason he didn’t get injured further. During the lift, when his pec tore – Larry Wheels held the bar completely stable preventing it from falling onto Crowley. If he was not prepared or strong enough to hold up the bar – it would have hit Crowley with a thud – and possible led to more injury.
“I don’t blame him at all. You know, if anything he saved my life,” Ryan Crowley states in our interview. He goes on:
“I’d be dead if he wasn’t there. If Larry Wheels wasn’t there I would have died for sure… I slid under and he held that bar solid still… that bar doesn’t even move for two seconds. He’s got that 220 kilos in one hand. If I was spotting someone, I would be scared by grabbing that bar that I would tear something. I’m just so lucky he was there. Even if I didn’t die, I’d at least have cracked ribs or worse.”
Ryan Crowley goes on to say that Larry Wheels was also kind enough to also promote and share the GoFundMe campaign raising funds for hospital fees. They ended up reaching past their goal – all thanks to the further exposure made possible by Wheels and his massive following.
You can watch Ryan Crowley’s full comments about Larry Wheels in our latest GI Exclusive interview segment above!
Chris Bumstead Gives Physique Update 3 Days Out Of Olympia
Chris Bumstead provided a physique update just three days out of the 2021 Olympia competition.
There is no doubt that Chris Bumstead is the class of the Classic Physique division in bodybuilding. The reigning two-time Olympia champion, Bumstead will enter the 2021 competition looking to make it three in a row. The Canadian bodybuilder has not been shy about providing updates on social media.
Bumstead is active on both Instagram and YouTube. Just three days away from the biggest event of the year, Bumstead has provided a physique update on both platforms. He released a YouTube video showing progress. This is nothing new for the competitor as he has given some workout and meal-plan advice on his page before. On Instagram, Bumstead showed off a picture, alongside personal trainer Axel Lopez.
“Peak week for me, show day for @axcellent_fitness ?? We been killing ourselves for this now it’s time to show it off. Kill it today brother??P.S. New peak week YouTube video is live click the link in my bio or head to my channel?”
This will be Chris Bumstead’s fourth appearance in the Olympia. He began in 2017 and finished second twice before earning back-to-back victories in 2019 and 2020. Heading into this year’s event, Bumstead is once again the favorite in the Classic Physique division.
As of now, Bumstead seems content about remaining in the Classic Physique division. He has referenced his health in the past and the fact that this division allows him to remain healthy and within his limits. Health has been a main concern surrounding Men’s Open bodybuilding over the last year and this led to some comments by Arnold Schwarzenegger. He was quoted during the Arnold Classic saying that Classic Physique if the future of bodybuilding.
For now, Men’s Open remains in the family as Iain Valliere is the brother-in-law of Bumstead. It has been a successful year for Valliere, finishing with two victories and a second-place finish at the Arnold Classic, heading into the Olympia.
Chris Bumstead remains an elite competitor in Classic Physique and has a chance to win his third-straight Olympia. There are some elite competitors vying for that top spot but Bumstead has been showing that he is in a league of his own. Will that continue this year? If social media is any indication, it very well could continue for Bumstead.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Phil Heath Gives 2021 Olympia Predictions In Recent Podcast Interview
Phil Heath gives his predictions on who he believes will have great showings at the 2021 Olympia.
Seven-time Mr. Olympia champion Phil Heath has given his predictions on the 2021 Olympia. Who he thinks may topple Big Ramy may come as a bit of shock to, well, absolutely no one who’s in the know.
The 2021 Olympia is upon us and as such everyone is giving their insights as to who will claim victory at the big show. While many have been focused on Nick Walker after his impressive Arnold Classic victory, there are those giving other competitors more of a chance at victory.
Seven-time Mr. Olympia champion Phil Heath won’t be stepping on stage at the 2021 show. While he hasn’t confirmed his retirement it’s certainly possible that the 2020 Olympia was Heath’s final show. That said you can never be too sure as many didn’t expect him to come back at last year’s show.
But while he may not be competing at the Olympia, Phil Heath has quite a few things to say about the upcoming 2021 event.
With Big Ramy coming in as a favorite and Nick Walker growing in popularity, a great deal of the conversation has been focused on the two mass monsters. But Phil Heath apparently has it on good authority that Hadi Choopan is looking incredible heading into the show. In fact, Heath stated on Paul Bet-David’s recent podcast that he sees Choopan as the top threat to Big Ramy’s crown.
“I’ve been able to see some pics, he’s looking really dangerous right now,” said Phil Heath of Choopan.
When pressed further as to if he thinks Hadi Choopan would win the whole show Phil Heath answered carefully.
“I think it’s all about who peaks not just on Friday but who slams the door on Saturday.”
That is certainly a measured answer, but it’s true. There is quite the field of competitors at this year’s Olympia and all of them a threat to Big Ramy’s reign. With names like 2019 champion Brandon Curry, William Bonac, and now Nick Walker, Big Ramy has his work cut out for him.
But if Phil Heath is to be believed, it’ll all come down to Big Ramy and Hadi Choopan.
“My money would be a 1a/1b with Hadi and Ramy,” said Heath.
See the video segment from the podcast here. Who do you think wins at the 2021 Olympia?
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.
2021 Olympia: Men’s Open Preview & Predictions
Here is a breakdown and predictions in the Men’s Open division at the 2021 Olympia.
The 2021 Olympia will take place this weekend in Orlando. This is the biggest competition of the year and many of the top bodybuilders in the world will be on stage competing.
The list is impressive despite some big names being unable to compete in the event. Nathan De Asha is coming off a victory at the Arnold Classic UK but will be forced to miss the Olympia because of legal issues impacting his visa. Vlad Suhokuchro will also be absent because of travel issues. Other competitors such as Phil Heath and Dexter Jackson have also announced that they will not be competing.
This does not mean that the competition will be a bust — quite the opposite. The lineup is elite and you can find the entire list below, along with a breakdown and predictions for Men’s Open.
2021 Olympia List of Competitors
William Bonac (Netherlands)
Hadi Choopan (Iran)
Brandon Curry (USA)
Mamdouh Elssbiay (Egypt)
Regan Grimes (Canada)
James Hollingshead (UK)
Hunter Labrada (USA)
Patrick Moore (USA)
Hassan Mostafa (Egypt)
Andrea Presti (Italy)
Justin Rodriguez (USA)
Mohamed Shaaban (Egypt)
Iain Valliere (Canada)
Nicholas Walker (USA)
Akim Williams (USA)
Roelly Winklaar (Curacao)
Honorable Mentions
Justin Rodriguez
Justin Rodriguez has been improving each time he steps on stage and this includes a fourth-place finish at the Arnold Classic. Now, he will have a chance to see how he matches up with some other elite competitors. Rodriguez is a dark-horse heading into this competition and could crack the top six if all goes right.
Hunter Labrada
According to his father and legendary bodybuilding Lee Labrada, Hunter Labrada is destined to win an Olympia in his career. That will not be this year but he has a victory in the Chicago Pro this year. Labrada is just scratching the surface of his potential and this could be a stepping stone moving forward.
Men’s Open Top 6
6. Iain Valliere
Iain Valliere appeared at the 2020 Olympia and finished seventh. He has a chance to move up a spot and be a first callout competitor at this year’s event. It has been a strong year for Valliere. He took home titles in the Tampa Pro and Texas Pro on back-to-back weekends. He put on a show at the Arnold Classic and took home second place. Judges like Valliere and he could continue to strengthen his resume with a good performance this weekend.
5. Brandon Curry
It was a controversial victory for Brandon Curry at the 2019 Olympia. After being defeated last year, Curry knows the improvements that need to be made and he highlighted them during training. Curry can prove that his victory was not a fluke and that he still an elite competitor in the sport. He is continuing to improve and that can be shown on stage this year.
4. William Bonac
It is official. William Bonac will be present at the Olympia after missing the Arnold Classic. He was the reigning champion of the event and was unable to defend his title. Now, Bonac has been able to put all of his energy into the most-important competition of the year. Just being back on stage should be enough motivation for Bonac and he certainly looks the part. He is one of the best competitors in the world and will show it this weekend.
3. Nick Walker
Nick Walker has the New York Pro checked off his list and added the Arnold Classic this year. He has won the two biggest competitions outside of the Olympia and could make it three-for-three in Orlando. While Walker might not win the show, he is a first callout competitor that will put on a show. Walker has great size and has top notch conditioning. Walker is a relatively new name to bodybuilding and has already made a huge impact as a pro.
2. Hadi Choopan
It is all lined up for Hadi Choopan to finish near the top of the Olympia once again. He was able to arrive early this year and that means there was plenty of time to prepare. Choopan has been working with Hany Rambod and seems to be in incredible shape. Choopan has not competed since last year’s Olympia and qualified this year with a fourth place finish. In 2019, Choopan finished third so he has experience near the top. This year, he has a chance to set a new best placing and challenge for a title.
1. Mamdouh ‘Big Ramy’ Elssbiay
Olympia champions have went on streaks dating back to the days of Arnold Schwarzenegger. There has not been a repeat winner since 2017 when Phil Heath won his seventh-straight title. This is what Big Ramy can achieve this year and he has to be considered the favorite. If he comes in looking as shredded as last year, Big Ramy will be difficult to beat. There are some who believe that it is already in the bag. He has showed off his incredible physique leading up to the event and it looks like he is going to be in his best shape trying to win his second-straight Olympia.
Generation Iron will have full updates and coverage of the 2021 Olympia. For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.