The 2023 Mr. Olympia contest is in the history books, with Derek Lunsford emerging as the new titleholder. In a recent RxMuscle YouTube video, Chris Cormier joined Chris Aceto to explain how Lunsford came out on top against Hadi Choopan. In addition, they shared why they are in support of Nick Walker receiving a special invite for 2024 Mr. Olympia.
Lunsford, a former 212 Olympia champ, (2021) captured the sport’s most coveted title, leaving fans and the community in disarray following last weekend’s 2023 Olympia conclusion. Shortly after Lunsford instated himself as a two-division Mr. Olympia winner, his teammate and former champion, Hadi Choopan, stormed off the stage. Meanwhile, 2023 Arnold Classic king Samson Dauda finished third in his sophomore appearance.
There has been considerable fan backlash following Lunsford’s victory. Despite the negativity, Lunsford, Dauda, and Choopan have all spoken up to calm fans down upset by the Oylmpia results. To shed some light on the big night was bodybuilding veteran Chris Cormier, joined by decorated trainer Chris Aceto.
Chris Cormier Explains Why Derek Lunsford’s Back Double Biceps Pose Dethroned Hadi Choopan
According to Cormier, Choopan’s chest was more powerful than Lunsford’s. However, he thought the “fat-free” look and detail of Lunsford’s back was enough to win him the title.
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“I was voting for Derek the whole year… and you know, I didn’t know how the judges were going to judge this show. Because you know… I look at things maybe people don’t consider. I just felt like Hadi up in this area, was so hard [chest] and he got harder the next time he came out. Derek was a little bit behind there but nobody shocked me like Derek’s back double biceps area.”
“He just looked like fat-free, no one else made me feel like that when they hit their poses,” shared Cormier. “There hasn’t been anyone that fat-free in a long time, in a long time, like that, you know. Can he get better? Yes he can get better and I know he’s going to get better. But to get the title now, he has a chance to get better. Shit, he’s been getting better every year.”
“I Like Him Fuller” – Cormier on Samson Dauda’s Best Look
As for Samson Dauda, Cormier believes the dryer he gets, the more likely he is to win a Mr. Olympia title.
“He was bigger and little bit dryer here, but he was rounder at the Olympia,” said Cormier. “I like him fuller.”
“I don’t think he’s going to be that dry guy.”
“Some people when they try to play what’s not your strengths you end up showing your weaknesses,” said Aceto.
“This is the dryest he’s been basically. He was good at the Arnold but he didn’t have this going on at the Arnold. Then, he didn’t have this at the Olympia,” said Cormier.
Cormier In Support of Nick Walker Receiving a 2024 Mr. Olympia Special Invite: ‘Why Not?’
Considering Walker tore his hamstring in a freak accident, Cormier and Aceto agree Olympia brass should offer him a special invite later this year.
“Yeah, shit, why not [give him a special invite?]. I mean he was a great fan fav, and he’s you know – I mean who knows how he would have placed I hate to say it if everyone was 100% because hardly anyone is going to be 100% but you know, you got to think he would have contended somewhere in there,” said Chris Cormier.
Elaborating on Walker’s injury, Cormier is afraid the public pressure Walker was under to bring up his lower body attributed to “The Mutant’s” misfortune.
“Yeah I agree with Chris. You know, any time there’s something like that, like somebody who has won an Arnold already, qualified to the Olympia, got an injury, he could not make it to this show because of very serious unforeseen consequences. So I think it just makes sense that they say you know what you can come back and we’ll honor that qualification from last year that you couldn’t make for this year,” said Chris Aceto.
“I just feel like the internet wanted him to improve his legs, everyone was pointing out his legs, he was hellbent on changing his legs… it wasn’t a strong point for him. It wasn’t – a lot of different bodybuilders have a weak body part but they aren’t naturally able to improve that weak body part and to go ham on it and then end up hurting that body part,” said Cormier.
“I just feel like he was trying his damnest to bring that body part up and I think he probably just maybe overdid that damn thing.”
He compared Walker’s situation to when bodybuilding legend Dorian Yates suffered two arm injuries.
“You know how he does his whole body, that same thing that Dorian did when he tore up his hips and his biceps and triceps all in the same arm. He said that was the one thing he wishes he would have did is chill out sometimes,” said Cormier.
Since the heartbreaking hamstring tear, Walker has been open to his fans about his future. In a Muscular Development interview with Ron Harris, Walker revealed he wouldn’t need surgery. He also disclosed a that he suffered a grade 1 calf tear.
Walker made it clear he won’t compete at the 2024 Arnold Classic and said his only focus right now moving forward is acquiring Mr. Olympia titles. Most importantly, Walker mentioned that he was deserving of a 2024 Olympia special invite given his unique circumstances.
With names like Walker, Dauda, Choopan, and Lunsford in the mix, next year’s Olympia promises to be just as jaw-dropping as Orlando, Florida’s recent extravaganza. As for Aceto and Cormier, they would ultimately like to see Walker back on stage fighting against the best in October.
RELATED: Bob Cicherillo Calls Out Angry Fans, Talks Nick Walker Special Invite & Reflects on 2023 Olympia
Watch the full video from the Rx Muscle YouTube channel below:
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