Bodybuilders Michal ‘Krizo’ Krizanek and Hunter Labrada are two of the hottest names in the Men’s Open division. In a pair of Instagram posts, Krizo and Labrada updated fans with shredded physique updates as they aim to earn their 2023 Mr. Olympia qualifications.
After switching from the IFBB Elite Pro League to the NPC, it didn’t take long for Krizo’s name to reach headlines. His spectacular upper body, massive arms, and narrow waist made him an instant threat. Veterans of the sport, such as Jay Cutler and Milos Sarcev took notice of his potential as well.
Krizo participated in a historically busy season last year. He earned his IFBB pro card at the 2022 Amateur Olympia Italy contest. Instead of taking time to map out his next move, he returned to the EVLS Prague Pro, where he again, took first place. This victory secured his invitation to Mr. Olympia, which he took full advantage of with a 12th-place debut.
Labrada on the other hand, is on a path to redemption. He turned in a seventh-place showing at the last Mr. Olympia show. He admits problems with the prep and peak prevented him from a higher finish. Despite the setback, Labrada has taken considerable action to revamp his physique. Most notably, he’s incorporated more whole foods and started practicing vacuum poses for better abdominal control.
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!
Additionally, Labrada showcases many of his training sessions and has brought back deadlifts into his contest prep. Labrada has taken various measures in the kitchen to bring a better physique like the green smoothie he drinks regularly for gut health.
UPDATE: 2023 Empro Classic Pro Results
Michal Krizo Shows Off Improved Back in Freaky Physique Update 2 Days from 2023 Empro Classic Pro
Aiming to earn his Olympia invite this weekend, Krizo shared some of his latest progress photos.
Hunter Labrada Under 270 Lbs in Latest Update Before 2023 Tampa Pro
Labrada said he is proud of the progress he’s made to his midsection and is aiming to be ready for his next contest early.
“Had enough people tell me to post it so here we are! This mornings fasted look, and the second morning I’ve been under 270 pounds out of bed💪🏻
–
Really proud of the work I was able to do with my midsection this offseason, and really leaning into everything I can this prep in an effort to be truly ready, early.
–
This is a big year for me, and I promise the best has yet to come” Labrada shared.
This is far from Labrada’s first update to fans. A little over a week ago, the high-profile Men’s Open pro showed off some of the major gains he’s made since his last competition. Fans were impressed by his improved midsection and Labrada said he plans to only improve further before competing in Florida, and then in Texas, where he will meet the defending champion, 2022 Texas Pro winner Andrew Jacked.
Conversely, fans are also excited to see Krizo back on the Mr. Olympia stage. He managed to perform exceptionally well last year and did so under the stress of a busy season. In 2022, he earned his Olympia qualification and competed at the biggest show of the year just over a month later. Should he claim the victory in Spain this weekend, Krizo will have the luxury of time for training and posing practice, which many believe will only help him excel further on stage.
In preparation for his 2023 debut contest, Krizo has also shared a number of training sessions with his followers. Whether it’s chest and shoulders or a leg day bulking session, Krizo is dedicated and it shows during each and every rep.
RELATED: Michal Krizo Shuts Down Photo-Editing Accusations After Guest Posing: ‘I Don’t Do Any Photoshops’
If Michal Krizo and Hunter Labrada are successful at their next contests, they will have the opportunity to face the reigning Mr. Olympia Hadi Choopan at the 2023 Mr. Olympia show, scheduled for Nov. 2-5 in Orlando, Florida.