The Masters Olympia is set to make a comeback, which is scheduled for Aug. 25-27 in Cluj Napoca, Romania. In a recent post made on Instagram, the organizers announced the overall prize money for the returning division.
All athletes encounter the challenges that come with aging, however, it does not signify that they cannot exert themselves in the gym and make meaningful strides in their progress. For those devoted to bodybuilding as a profession, the Masters Olympia presented a platform to persistently exert themselves in refining their physiques and a chance to showcase their seasoned and well-cultivated forms to a wider audience.
Bodybuilding is considered to be a young man’s sport as Father Time catches up with the athletes. Former Olympia president Joe Weider first introduced Masters to the annual Mr. Olympia competition in 1994 to provide a platform for the competitors of yesteryears. While they may not have the massive build they once did, it still gives fans a chance to see the veterans perform again.
Legendary bodybuilder Robby Robinson made history by winning the inaugural edition of the event. Five-time champion Vince Taylor stands as the winningest Masters athlete in the history of the Olympia competition.
The division continued being hosted until 2003 when things appeared to slow down. Then, it took place again in 2012 for a single edition with bodybuilding icon Dexter Jackson emerging as the last victor. After an eleven-year hiatus, the organizers declared the comeback of Masters Olympia for this year two months ago. Olympia president Jake Wood expressed his thrill at the Masters event coming back.
Last month, Johnnie Jackson contemplated potentially participating in the show. He boasted impressive upper-body muscle development during his days of competing in his younger years. The 52-year-old does not mind retired life but admitted a return seemed lucrative.
On the other hand, renowned bodybuilding coach Milos Sarcev voiced his disapproval of the contest and made it clear there was no chance he’d be in the lineup. He took issue with the risk of overusing steroids by the contenders at an old age.
Seasoned professional Lee Priest expressed his interest in competing at the event last week. However, he would not be able to due to the atrophy in his chest and the possibility of nerve damage. He backed Victor Martinez to take home the top prize in August.
2023 Olympia announces Masters overall prize money
In a recent Instagram post, the organizers of the 2023 Olympia revealed the overall prize money for the Masters’ division at $229,000.
Victor Martinez gave his take on the returning Masters event. He argued against rushing to participate in the contest before ensuring fair financial compensation. He left the door open for competing at the show if the prize money got bumped up to $250,000.
The prize money will surely attract more talent to compete at the show and battle it out on stage later this year.
Published: 25 February, 2023 | 7:35 PM EDT
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