Reigning two-time Mr. Olympia Mamdouh ‘Big Ramy’ Elssbiay appears motivated to start his 2022 season of bodybuilding. In a phone call revealed by Olympia President Dan Solomon, Elssbiay assured him that he ‘will win number three’ when he takes to the stage this winter.
Elssbiay emerged as a serious threat in the Men’s Open division in 2020. The mass monster entered the 2020 Arnold Classic to kick off the season, earning third place behind second-place finisher Dexter Jackson, and champion, William Bonac. Following the third-place showing, ‘Big Ramy’ took his time building muscle mass and conditioning, before bringing his physique to the biggest show of the year. It didn’t take long for fans to realize that this version of Elssbiay was different. With one of the most developed lower bodies in the sport, he stormed the 2020 Olympia stage and claimed his first Sandow trophy.
After earning the most prestigious title in the sport, ‘Big Ramy’ didn’t stop there. Despite his quiet nature, he let his physique do the talking at 2021 Mr. Olympia and once again, demolished his competition, taking first place while defending his gold.
Last month, the Egyptian native was expected to guest pose at Jim Manion’s annual Pittsburgh Pro show. However, ‘Big Ramy’ was unable to fulfill his obligations but couldn’t provide reasons why he was absent. The show goes on, and 212 Olympia champion Derek Lunsford took his place, who guest posed alongside a crop of top finishers from 2021 Olympia, like Brandon Curry, Hunter Labrada, and Nick Walker. The reigning champion apologized for skipping the event and expressed that he was having trouble at the airport when trying to fly out of his home country.
Dan Solomon Confirms Mamdouh ‘Big Ramy’ Elssbiay’s Commitment to Bodybuilding
In a phone call with Olympia President Dan Solomon, the 37-year-old bodybuilder laid out his plans for Olympia and made it clear to Solomon that he was on the hunt for his third straight Sandow trophy.
“I had a phone call today with our reigning Mr. Olympia. I’ve seen some of the recent videos, the rumors, the various news reports, so I didn’t know what to expect from the conversation. — We spoke about life and family, and of course we talked about this year’s Olympia.
I was impressed by his intensity…his hunger…and his focus. — Before we ended our call, the #1 bodybuilder on the planet paused and said, “Dan, I will be ready. And I will win number three. I will show the world in December.”
It was nice talking to you, Champ.
But you better be ready, there’s a lot of hungry champions who want your title!!!” Dan Solomon posted on Instagram.
This could be Elssbiay’s second to last Mr. Olympia contest. In a recent interview, the reigning champion explained that his time as a Men’s Open bodybuilder is coming to an end.
According to a discussion he had with his children, he promised them that he would step away from the sport at 38 years old and he’s currently 37. In fact, he added that this was a decision he made a ‘long time ago.’
RELATED: Mamdouh ‘Big Ramy’ Elssbiay Gives Physique Update: “Now Let’s Go For No 3”
Despite questions about his commitment to the sport, ‘Big Ramy’ is keen on reminding everyone in December why he is a two-time reigning Olympia champion. Judging by the conversation he had with Solomon, it’s safe to assume fans can expect an all-out war on stage at 2022 Mr. Olympia.
Find complete coverage of the 2022 Mr. Olympia, including pre-judging, event recaps, analysis, and final results at our Olympia coverage hub: FitnessVolt.com/olympia
Published: 3 June, 2022 | 4:37 PM EDT
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