Boasting over a decade of bodybuilding experience, Akim Williams has grown up before the eyes of fans. In a recent YouTube video, ‘The Beast’ discussed his mentality heading into the 2024 Arnold Classic, retirement, and overall longevity.
Commanding the stage with a massive chest and huge biceps, it didn’t take long for Akim Williams to shake up the Men’s Open division. He has appeared at prestigious events like the Arnold Classic and Mr. Olympia throughout his career, having constantly tested himself against some of the best Pros on the planet.
While Williams placed 16th at the 2022 Mr. Olympia competition, he quickly bounced back last year at the 2023 Arnold Classic. With a mouth-watering $300,000 cash prize on the line, Williams brought his best to Columbus, Ohio, where he finished sixth. This event saw Samson Dauda emerge victorious against fellow champ Nick Walker.
Akim Williams Talks 2024 Arnold Classic, Hints At Retirement in 2-3 Years
Rebounding from a troublesome shoulder surgery, Akim Williams has long made it clear that he intends to return to the 2024 Arnold Classic. With just over four weeks until the Arnold Classic takes over Ohio, Williams took part in a candid interview about his future.
“Well, I mean last year I had an injury, I had to do a shoulder surgery and stuff like that so I wasn’t able to compete and go to the Olympia. Now, coming back I’m just happy to be able to be back on stage, especially at a big stage like the Arnold, and trying to bring my best.”
“It’s definitely a good lineup. A lot of guys from the Olympia are coming over. Last year at the Arnold I came in sixth place so I’m really hoping to move up the ladder,” adds Akim Williams.
Not only is Akim Williams hitting the stage at the Arnold Classic in Ohio, he is also heading across the pond to compete at the Arnold Classic UK.
“Well I signed up for the Ohio Arnold Classic and I’m also going to go to England. The Arnold UK and after that I’m going to decide if I should jump into New York or not.”
“This is my first time being in the UK, I’m very excited about that,” Williams said.
Akim Williams Opens Up About His Longevity and Shares His Secret To Building A Bodybuilding Career
Switching gears, Akim Williams addressed how he maintained his longevity.
“For me, in the beginning when I first started training I started lifting heavy and stuff like that but towards the end of my career, I doubled down on just doing more reps and stuff like that, making sure I cut a lot of stuff out of my diet like bread. Just to keep my diet as clean as possible, especially in the off-season.”
Lastly, Williams shared his tips for finding success on the path to becoming a bodybuilder.
“You got to find the things for you that works best. For me, in the beginning, it was lifting heavy and stuff like that and people loved that. Now, towards the end of my career, I’m focusing on bringing more details into my physique and just staying healthy–that’s the key–longevity.”
“I want to say I want to do this for maybe another two or three years. Yeah, I think, within those three years if I could win an Arnold Classic or possibly win an Olympia that would be a beautiful career for me.
Akim Williams’ potential has been evident for years, thanks to his bubbly muscle volume and hardness. Even bodybuilding great Chris Cormier has discussed his potential as of late. According to Cormier, Williams is an extremely dangerous ‘hybrid’ competitor who can show off not only aesthetics but sheer mass.
Given the heavy-hitting 2024 Arnold Classic lineup, which features Samson Dauda and former Mr. Olympia Hadi Choopan, Akim Williams will have his hands full when he returns to the stage following last year’s shoulder surgery.
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To watch Akim Williams’ full interview, click the link below:
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