Despite being a heavy favorite, Nick Walker landed in sixth place at the 2025 Mr. Olympia. In a recent Instagram post shared on Oct. 14, he reflected on the performance and revealed that his peak did not go according to plan.
This year’s Olympia was extra special for Walker, who was forced out of this event for the last two years. In 2023, he sustained a hamstring tear just days before getting to compete. Then, a year later, his body struggled to handle the prep.
His fans never forgot about his freak factor and Walker made a successful comeback at the 2025 Pittsburgh Pro. He shocked the world, going toe-to-toe with Derek Lunsford, but ultimately took runner-up in an incredibly close battle. To get back to the Olympia, Walker dominated the New York Pro, securing his third title.
At the 2025 Mr. Olympia, Walker did not make the first callout, which was a shock to his fanbase who thought he had the tools to win. While “The Mutant” looked like his old self in the finals, it was too big of a hole to dig out of, leaving him in sixth place when the scores came out. Looking back on the weekend, the bodybuilding star broke down exactly what happened.
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Nick Walker Gives Statement After Taking 6th at 2025 Mr. Olympia
In the Instagram post, Walker reflected on the weekend and congratulated all the winners, including his rival and now reigning two-time Mr. Olympia Lunsford.
“OLYMPIA WEEKEND FEELINGS.
First and foremost I want to give a huge shout out to the Olympia for putting on another great event!!!!!!! Congratulate all the winners of this years Olympia as everyone looked incredible!!!!!!!!!!”
Like his coach Kyle Wilkes has explained, Walker emphasized that the peak did not go as planned.
“Now the fun part, Kyle has already basically explained everything if you guys haven’t seen it just yet!!!!! But to some it up the peak just didn’t go as planned.”
He admits emotions have been all over the place, from anger to disappointment.
“After the weekend and finally letting the emotions sink in, upset, angry, disappointed, and feeling all of the emotions. It sucks working incredibly hard all year, for the final few days to not go as planned, and it’s very emotional to say the least”
Walker revealed that Friday’s prejudging wasn’t the look they planned for, but corrected course heading into the finals. They already have a plan in place to come back improved for the future.
“This is Kyle’s first Olympia show as a coach, first two day show, first time peaking at night so a lot of new stuff.
Friday was deff not what we wanted but we came back and improved for Saturday. Notes have been taken, and we have a plan set in placed, so now we move on, move forward and continue to focus on getting better.”
Even though the outcome was a bitter pill to swallow, Walker expressed gratitude for having a chance to compete against the best bodybuilders in the world.
“BUT IT FOR DAMN SURE FELT AMAZING BEING BACK ON THE STAGE REGARDLESS
This will just motivate me to work harder. For the those that support me, and been following for years, I thank you all so much!!!!! All of your messages have been nothing short of amazing and motivating for me.
Now we get back to work!!!!!!!” Nick Walker shared.
Walker and Wilkes have already teased that a plan is in the works. Just like this season, he will be tasked with having to qualify for the Mr. Olympia once again next year. The first opportunity to do so will come at the 2026 Arnold Classic, where Arnold Schwarzenegger has confirmed that the winner will receive a staggering $750,000.
Walker is easily one of the sport’s biggest stars, and will aim for redemption at his next contest. He has faced tough times before and always found a way to rise again. Fans now hope to see him get his payback against the top names in the division.
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