After a successful run at the 2023 Saudi Classic Pro, Ahmad Ashkanani is determined to continue the dominance. And the upcoming Mr. Olympia championship is his next goal. The Kuwait-based bodybuilder began training at 16 and now aims to add to his trophy cabinet. While he hasn’t been able to bag gold at the Olympia yet, the bodybuilding champion feels this year could be it and showed off his progress with an impressive physique update.
Ashkanani has dominated the 212 category, having registered numerous impressive performances. And now, he plans to lock horns with the reigning champion Shaun Clarida who has enjoyed tons of momentum over the years thanks to a pair of 212 Olympia titles which he earned in 2020 and 2022.
Ahmad Ashkanani shows off jaw-dropping transformation
The IFBB Pro recently guest posed at the Dubai Pro show, where he received a tremendously positive response from the crowd. After securing the ticket to Mr. Olympia during his Saudi Classic win back in January, the 212 champion has been sharing various progress updates.
In his recent post, Ashkanani positioned himself in front of the camera while hitting the abs and thigh pose. The Open threat seems determined to be the titleholder when all is said and done next month.
However, in order to nab gold this year, Ashkanani will have to go head-to-head against reigning champion Shaun Clarida. The 5’2 bodybuilding icon packs a punch when it comes to battling it out on stage and has already charted a path to victory.
Ashkanani’s biggest obstacle to cross – Shaun Clarida
Hailed as the ‘Mini Ronnie Coleman‘ of the 212 category, Clarida currently enjoys the throne after earning back the title last year. Capitalizing on momentum, he participated in the Men’s Open category at the 2023 Arnold Classic, squeezing his way into the top five.
Now with Mr. Olympia fast approaching, Clarida is calm and collected with his eyes set on the prize. Aside from “The Giant Killer,” there are plenty of big names headed to the 212 showdown at Olympia, including Keone Pearson, who recently shined on stage at the prestigious 2023 Texas Pro.
RELATED: IFBB VP Tyler Manion Explains Judging Criteria in 212/Men’s Open, Recaps 2023 Texas Pro
This means Ashkanani will have a number of adversaries to face on the big stage. Given his muscle fullness and conditioning, fans refuse to count out Ashkanani this year as he aims to play spoiler to Clarida and the usual suspects in the top five.
Published: 18 October, 2023 | 4:15 PM EDT
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