Men’s Open standout Sergio Oliva Jr. looks diced ahead of his possible bodybuilding return. In a recent Instagram post, Oliva Jr. showed off his current physique and hinted at competing, possibly at the April 14-16 2023 Arnold Classic South America show.
Oliva Jr. is the son of bodybuilding legend and three-time Mr. Olympia Sergio Oliva, who at one point shared an intense rivalry with Arnold Schwarzenegger. Expectations of Sergio have remained high given his late father’s status as an all-time great. En route to making his mark in the IFBB Pro League, Oliva Jr. faced obstacles and health problems, including a nerve issue with his arm in 2020.
Sergio Oliva Jr.’s last bodybuilding contest came at the 2021 Legion Sports Fest Pro, where he finished third behind Canada’s Regan Grimes and reigning two-time 212 Olympia Shaun Clarida. He’s been on the sidelines since and recently joined former 212 kingpin Flex Lewis for an honest conversation about his potential as a bodybuilder. Oliva Jr. hasn’t given up on earning a Sandow and believes with the proper preparation, he could lay claim to an Olympia title before calling it a career.
Talks of his comeback circulated online but were quickly dashed when the bodybuilder revealed he was involved in a Dubai car accident that resulted in a man’s unintended death. Fortunately, Oliva Jr. wasn’t at fault, but he was forced into a jail cell and recalled it as one of the worst moments of his life. At the time, he was unsure about a bodybuilding contest but appears interested once again.
Level Up Your Fitness: Join our 💪 strong community in Fitness Volt Newsletter. Get daily inspiration, expert-backed workouts, nutrition tips, the latest in strength sports, and the support you need to reach your goals. Subscribe for free!
Sergio Oliva Jr. Hints at Contest with Shredded Physique Update & Striated Shoulders
In a physique update published on Instagram on Tuesday, Sergio Oliva Jr. gave fans a sneak peek of his current package.
“If it’s meant to be, it’ll be. Either way Ima be ready” Sergio Oliva Jr. wrote.
In response to his progress photo, former Mr. Olympia Samir Bannout extended his support for a comeback.
In the past, Sergio Oliva Jr. has taken shots at Bannout and Robby Robinson following their critique of Open Bodybuilding. Sergio shared that it’s okay to disagree with a contested outcome. However, he took issue with bodybuilding veterans saying the Open class no longer displays any of the old-school qualities it once had.
RELATED: Shots Fired! Victor Martinez And Sergio Oliva Jr. Clash on Instagram
With a balance of mass and conditioning, many fans expect Sergio Oliva Jr. to do some damage at his next bodybuilding competition. Should he confirm his participation at the 2023 Arnold Classic South America event, he’ll be one step closer to making his dream come true on the Olympia stage.