Breon Ansley got a second wind in the Classic Physique division with revised weight limit and has decided to compete there at the 2023 Olympia.
Former two-time Classic Physique Olympia champion Breon Ansley is one of the most accomplished bodybuilders in the division’s history. He won the prestigious title at the 2017 and 2018 Olympia. However, the champ could not fend off the formidable challenge presented by the Canadian bodybuilder Chris Bumstead and lost the title at the 2019 Olympia. Ansley remained a top contender of the division four years after losing the title and finished in the top five in each one of his Olympia appearances.
He was placed fourth at the 2022 Olympia and decided to pass on the torch to Chris Bumstead and start a fresh new journey in the 212 division.
Breon Ansley’s past struggles in Classic Physique division
The Classic Physique weight restrictions have been the biggest hurdle in Breon Ansley’s path to bring the best physique on the Olympia stage. When Ansley turned pro in 2013, 176.5 lbs was the weight limit for his height. The weight limit was revised to 180 lbs in 2019 but the 3.5 lbs was not enough to make a meaningful difference in Ansley’s Physique.
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Ansley had to restrict his weight to no more than 208 lbs for the past nine years to be able to consistently cut down to Classic Physique limit for Olympia. The narrow margin meant that cutting weight without losing muscle mass was a constant struggle throughout the 43-year-old’s professional bodybuilding career. This prompted him to make an eventual move to the 212 division.
Breon Ansley decides to stay at Classic Physique
The new Classic Physique weight limit for his height – 187 lbs – has given Breon Ansley a hope to reach his true potential. He has been hinting at staying in the division since the announcement.
As a result, he has made the decision to stay at Classic Physique and make an attempt to win his third title in the division.
“There’s a few reasons behind (the decision to stay at Classic Physique) but the main reason – given the seven pounds for the shorter guys, I feel like that can be an entirely different look for me and that would be ultimately what I need to get the win. Because this is what’s been holding me back,” Ansley said.
The former 2-time Classic Physique Olympia champion feels that the additional 7lbs will help him retain the muscle mass, a fuller, detailed and three dimensional look.
“I think I am one of the most muscular guys… the most or one of the most muscle bound physiques up there. So I really think I can capitalize on the amount of muscle that I have with this extra 7lbs… Capitalize on how detailed I come in, the density, the conditioning and my muscle maturity without a doubt.”
Cutting down to Classic Physique is a still big challenge for Breon Ansley
While the extra 7 lbs can make a difference, cutting down to 187 lbs is still a daunting task. The former champion is walking around at 203 lbs at the moment and has to shed 16 lbs in the next seven weeks before 2023 Olympia.
“I really want to do it in five and a half weeks. I really want to be there a week before weigh-ins. So I’m giving myself five and a half weeks to lose 16 lbs. And I’m going to do it… This is for the win!”
Breon Ansley will weigh 195 to 197 lbs on the night of the performance, which is 7 to 10 lbs heavier than the weigh-ins. The former champion is confident that he will be satisfied with the look at this year’s Olympia and he is embracing this competition prep as the toughest task of his career. It will be interesting to see how the revised weight limit affects Breon Ansley and the rest of the division.
Watch the full video below, courtesy of Breon Ansley’s personal YouTube channel:
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