The 2023 Mr. Olympia is in the history books. Derek Lunsford became the first two-division champion after being crowned the new Mr. Olympia while also having been the 212 champion in 2021. In a recent YouTube video, Bob Cicherillo and Terrick El Guindy break down the results and all the drama that followed the event.
Men’s Open is one of the most anticipated divisions to take the Olympia stage and it didn’t disappoint. Reigning champion Hadi Choopan was looking for blood when he hit the stage absolutely shredded. Having won the Olympia last year, Choopan was looking to defend the coveted title. Although “The Persian Wolf” was a force to be reckoned with, his competitors were nothing to scoff at.
The lineup for the Open was stacked with big names even following ‘The Mutant’s’ unfortunate withdrawal due to a hamstring tear. Many fans were sad that Walker wouldn’t be up on the Olympia stage though his rivals didn’t hesitate to seize the opportunity.
During prejudging, it was clear that Samson Dauda, Derek Lunsford, and Hadi Choopan were the favorites for the throne. After a grueling pose-off between these three men, it was Derek who reigned supreme and took the Mr. Olympia title from Choopan.
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Bob Cicherillo Looks At 2023 Mr. Olympia Aftermath
The now former champion Hadi Choopan didn’t seem to take the loss all that well when he stormed off the stage before multiple photos could be taken of the Men’s Open top-five. While many are reading into this, Bob Cicherillo, the commentator at the 2023 Mr. Olympia, shares his view of what happened on stage.
“First and foremost, everybody just take a deep breath. Listen, Hadi’s actions were not the best. He got caught up in the moment on stage of being emotional, probably made a move that he regretted, not staying out there and hitting a few more poses. I was trying to direct the guys. He wanted to get out of there.
Listen, let’s not make it more than it really was guys, we’ve seen worse on a Pro stage. Listen, he didn’t slam his medal on the ground and start pushing people around. The bottom line is this: he made a mistake. Let’s not get crazy coming down on Hadi Choopan, oh he needs to be suspended, no he doesn’t. Listen, it’s fine. It’s sports. It’s competition.”
After the recent events, Bob discusses the judges’ criteria for determining the winner and his perspective on both men’s physiques.
“It was very close. Again, Hadi from the front, Derek from the rear. Side poses, you could kind of toss up a coin. Hadi wins some, maybe Derek wins another.
Abdominal shot, both guys very good. Most muscular probably Hadi. How do these guys determine who is going to win? Well we go back to core values of bodybuilding on how to assess a physique, it’s really simple: shape, symmetry, and proportions” added Bob Cicherillo.
Terrick El Guindy Addresses The Iranian Fans Upset At The 2023 Mr. Olympia Results
Hadi Choopan’s loss resulted in fans taking fire at Derek Lunsford and his family who began receiving not only negative comments but even threats. Terrick El Guindy respectfully reminds followers of the sport to be considerate.
“He might just be the greatest representative we have internationally because now every bodybuilder from all over the world has a chance. I’ve judged many competitors. I was in India, and I judged a Classic Physique competitor from Iran and I was the head judges and he made it to the Mr. Olympia.”
“I was in Brazil and I judged a competitor from Iran, Ali, and he made it to the Olympia and I was the head judge. To all the Iranian fans: the Mr. Olympia loves all of you guys. We love your passion and we wouldn’t have it any other way. Derek Lusnford is the 2023 Mr. Olympia. I judged for him. Just like I judged for Hadi in 2022. I’m excited to see what will happen in 2024,” explained Terrick El Guindy.
El Guindy highlighted that the US celebrated Choopan’s victory, and with that, he belives the Iranian fans should honor Lunsford’s achievement.
“I kindly ask you that you take into consideration when Hadi won, every single person in the United States of America vibrated with the fact that he won. And now we should vibrate it with the fact that Derek won the Olympia. And in 2024, we don’t know what will happen but we should always vibrate. That’s the sport.”
“The spirit of the sport and that’s what brings us together. Hadi Choopan actually sent me a message and said, ‘Terrick, I’m going to reach out to Derek, he is my brother, and I’m going to congratulate him.’ That’s the spirt of the sport and I’m very happy both of them are brothers. We get a little emotional but it’s the part of the sport that we love is competition.”
The unfavorable attention that bodybuilders and the sport as a whole have received has been felt by many. Just recently, Samson Dauda spoke out on his Instagram about how much bodybuilding means to him and his desire to keep the sport on the up and up. If slander continues to plague the athletes and their physiques regardless of their performance, Dauda fears that more and more people will stop competing.
Even though the 2023 Mr. Olympia saw upsets with seven champions relinquishing their titles, the past weekend was filled with unparalleled talent who all displayed their hard work and dedication to bodybuilding. Fans look forward to the 2024 Mr. Olympia as it is set to take place in October in Las Vegas, Nevada.
To watch the full YouTube video, click the link below:
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