It’s almost peak week and the lineups for the biggest show of the year are changing by the minute. In a statement released via Instagram on September 22, 2024, top Fitness competitor Ariel Khadr announced her withdrawal from the 2024 Mr. Olympia due to disc extrusions in her neck.
Ariel Khadr has continued to find success in the growing IFBB division. She is the reigning Arnold Classic champion and has acquired three victories at the second-most prestigious show of the year (2022, 2023, 2024). Not only have her stamina and individual routines helped her grow as a competitor, but they have been potent weapons on stage.
According to Khadr, she sustained a severe neck injury in 2018, which led to surgeons informing her that she risked paralysis without surgery. Initially, she decided against the procedure, but now it appears the pain has reached a level where intervention is needed.
Fitness Star Ariel Khadr Withdraws from 2024 Mr. Olympia ‘Due To Pain From Disc Extrusions in My Neck’
Khadr is finally dealing with the injury from six years ago.
“🚨In 2018, I discovered a severe neck issue that left surgeons telling me I needed surgery or risk paralysis. I chose to forego surgery & took all of 2019 to focus on recovery. Against the odds, I competed again in 2020. Every year since, I have also qualified for the olympia 🥹🙏🏽🫶🏽”
“I’m most grateful for winning three consecutive Arnold titles, ‘22, ‘23, and ‘24. Becoming Ms. Fitness International will always be a dream come true.”
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After careful consideration and a medical evaluation, Ariel Khadr made the difficult decision to pull out of the 2024 Mr. Olympia contest, emphasizing that ‘health comes first.’
“Unfortunately, my neck has become an issue again. Recently, I’ve been unable to train or practice my routine due to pain from these disc extrusion’s in my neck.
After medical evaluation, I’ve made the difficult decision to withdraw from the 2024 Fitness Olympia to prioritize my health. This is one of the hardest realities to accept, but health comes first.
Thank you all for the love and support 🥹❤️🙏🏽 ” Ariel Khadr shared.
This has been far from the first competitor to pull out of the 2024 Mr. Olympia. In the Bikini category, reigning champion Jennifer Dorie made the choice not to defend her title by withdrawing from the show. While she wasn’t forthcoming with the exact reason for the decision, she highlighted that personal obligations outside of the sport were a factor.
Meanwhile, in the headlining Men’s Open category, Tonio Burton sidelined himself from the marquee event. He and his coach explained that time away from performance-enhancing drugs and prioritizing health swayed him to take time away from the stage.
In the Men’s 212 Bodybuilding division, Oleh Kryvyi sustained an injury while squatting weight. He pulled out of the contest and underwent two successful surgeries to repair the issue. Fans look forward to seeing him back in action sometime next year.
The lineups headed to Mr. Olympia have taken hits, but this show still promises to be historic. You won’t want to miss the 2024 Mr. Olympia and live coverage from our Fitness Volt team when the event takes over Las Vegas, Nevada from October 10-13!
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