Nick Walker is one step closer to securing the coveted Mr. Olympia title after his win at the 2024 New York Pro. In a recent Olympia TV interview, Walker reflected on his triumph against Martin Fitzwater with Terrick El Guindy, Chris Cormier, and Bob Cicherillo.
As one of the biggest stars in the IFBB Pro League irrespective of divisions, Nick Walker has become a phenomenon, thanks to his freaky fullness and dry conditioning. His bounce-back at the 2024 New York Pro was all the more impressive considering he was forced to withdraw from the Mr. Olympia last year due to an untimely hamstring and calf tear.
In addition to healing from injury, Walker was tasked with accentuating his shape during the off-season. This measure was taken to increase his chances of success against titleholder Derek Lunsford and frontrunner Hadi Choopan at the 2024 Mr. Olympia.
At the 2024 New York Pro, Walker defeated Fitzwater by only one point in prejudging and the finals. Fresh off his second New York Pro victory, ‘The Mutant’ relived the experience, which was made even more special courtesy of fans in attendance.
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Nick Walker Discusses His 2024 New York Pro Win W/ Chris Cormier, Judge Terrick El Guindy, and Bob Cicherillo
Despite questions about his waist in Pittsburgh, Nick Walker achieved what he set out to accomplish at the 2024 New York Pro.
“Yeah. I mean, that’s what we do. When I say I’m going to do something, I’m going to do it. I’ve yet to fail and I don’t ever plan to fail on that. I love getting the crowd involved.
That’s what they are here for. You gotta give them a show, get them involved, they have fun, you have fun, and the more they get involved the more I want to get involved and it makes for a great show,” shares Nick Walker.
Although Chris Cormier says it was a close battle, he thought Walker’s most muscular pose was the difference-maker on the scorecards.
“It was a close battle. I got to tell you. Nick, he had more muscle per square inch on his body than anyone else in the show. We knew that going in but then, when he came back tonight, there was a lot of talk and chatter, it was a one-point difference. It was very close,” said Chris Cormier.
“I had Nick winning, that most muscular sealed the deal for me personally,” he adds. “Getting the crowd involved like that, that’s an art form. I was into it too. That was so awesome to see. He brought the crowd up and he was like ‘This is my house!’ That’s what it’s all about.”
Judge Terrick El Guindy also thought Walker won convincingly, and added that his side poses were on par with Derek Lunsford and Hadi Choopan.
“I thought at prejudging it was a convincing victory for me by Nick Walker. I thought the back double biceps was superior. I thought the back lat spread, the side shots, Nick Walker, side chest, and side triceps, he could beat Derek Lunsford and Hadi Choopan.”
I thought at prejudging he closed the door. At finals, a lot of people said well maybe Nick is holding a little bit of water but I still think Nick looked more impressive, back lat spread, back double biceps, and most muscular is very dominant. I wasn’t surprised at all that they called Nick Walker as the winner.”
Even though Cicherillo picked sixth-place finisher Quinton Eriya to win, he credited Nick Walker for his success and consistency post-show.
“This is why we play the game. We can make all the predictions we want, we can pick whoever we want to win, and we project sometimes it works, sometimes it don’t. One of Nick’s strengths that we always give him credit for is consistency. The guy does not come in off.”
“Fitzwater looked great and he came close. We had a one-point decision. It was a very close competition. We got give Martin credit where it’s due, the kid looked fantastic and pushed you as far as he could possibly push you but you still came out in the winner’s circle. Nick’s strengths are the side shots. Few people are beating Nick from the side,” Cicherillo shared.
Having earned his qualification for the 2024 Mr. Olympia, Walker will now face the cream of the crop from the Men’s Open. Head judge Steve Weinberger has spoken with Walker about his potential showdown with Derek Lunsford. He believes if Walker continues to perfect his shape and dial in his conditioning, he could end up as the next Mr. Olympia winner.
With momentum on his side, Walker’s sights are now set firmly on the Mr. Olympia. The marquee event returns to Las Vegas, Nevada from October 10-13 in celebration of its 60th anniversary.
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