Andrew Jacked intends to make history at the upcoming 2023 Arnold Classic after earning his pro card last year. In an Olympia TV interview with Chris Cormier, Chinedu Andrew ‘Jacked’ Obiekea and Chris ‘Psycho’ Lewis discussed their expectations a few weeks before the show.
Last year, Andrew Jacked emerged as one of the most talked about IFBB Pro League stars in the Men’s Open division. He captured his pro card at the 2022 Arnold Classic Amateur last March. At the time, Jacked was being coached by guru George Farah and received posing instructions from four-time Arnold Classic winner Flex Wheeler.
Andrew stole the spotlight and turned in an impressive first place finish at his pro show debut (2022 Texas Pro). While the victory secured his invitation to 2022 Olympia, Andrew decided to test his resolve at the Arnold Classic UK contest last September. After facing a tougher lineup than in Texas, Jacked walked away victorious, defeating Martin Fitzwater (again) as well as James Hollingshead and runner-up Patrick Johnson.
Capping off the busy season, Andrew debuted on the Olympia stage the same year he turned pro. Despite grappling with a nasty fever, Jacked managed to finish eighth. And even though many fans thought he’d take a much-needed break, Andrew made a surprise entry into the 2023 Arnold Classic after the organizers increased the prize money to $300,000. In addition, he made significant changes to his coaching staff by enlisting the help of Chris ‘Psycho’ Lewis and bodybuilding coach Chris Aceto.
Chris ‘Psycho’ Lewis Focused on Bringing Up Andrew Jacked’s Back and ‘Glute-Hamstring Tie In’
Lewis made it clear that his primary concern was improving Andrew’s back, which some believe prevented him from placing higher than eighth at Olympia.
“Well, we’re going to do the secret stuff now that the public is not ready for. So, the main thing is with Andrew, the criticism was his backside, of course, we take heat to that. We put a lot of emphasis on the glute-hamstring tie-in in this workout and others and his back. So, can’t tell you all the secrets but a lot of stuff I know you saw little hints of Cormier in there, things that I taught I learned from this man over the years. I put it in my arsenal and kept it going.
Andrew dictated the workout, meaning which direction he was going. He’s not a complainer, he doesn’t whine, he just keeps going. I predict from the pictures today; it will be the best Andrew Jacked that you have ever seen — by far,” Chris ‘Psycho’ Lewis shared.
Lewis went as far to say, ‘the whole entire backside’ of Andrew’s body will be “jaw dropping” on stage in less than three weeks.
“The whole entire backside of his body will be jaw dropping. I promise you that,” added Lewis.
According to Jacked, he wants to make history by capturing the Arnold Classic title after winning the Arnold Classic Amateur in 2022.
“Anything can happen, of course. It’s never been done before when an amateur came back and won [the Arnold Classic], we’ll see that happens. Anything can happen. Anything can happen. Yeah. I respect everyone who has been on stage before me. This Arnold Weekend will mark my 65th day in the industry, so I’m still a virgin, I’m still fresh in the system. I’m not here to compete against anyone, I’m here to compete against myself.”
Jacked Explains Switch to IFBB Pro League, says ‘Body Is Responding to the Shock’ of Training with Chris ‘Psycho’ Lewis
Andrew mentioned that he was encouraged to switch leagues after training with a variety of people from different sporting disciplines, like strongman, powerlifting, and CrossFit.
“From the positive feedback I was getting from so many people. I’ve trained with a whole lot of people. I’ve trained with strongman, I’ve trained with powerlifter, bodybuilders, influencers, fitness guys, I’ve trained with CrossFit, I’ve trained with kickboxing, I’ve done all kinds of sports. But the feedback I got positively and trying out bodybuilding.”
Jacked shared that he’s never trained seven days straight with anyone until teaming up with Chris Lewis and Chris Aceto.
“This is the first time I’ve ever been trained by someone consecutively for more than one week, for like seven days in a row. I’ve been here for about three weeks. It’s the first time I’ve ever been trained by someone for seven days in a row. That tells us a lot. I think my body is responding to that shock. I like it. It’s exactly what I needed. Not want, needed. That’s why I’m here,” says Jacked.
“I think every show I’m getting better and better, every show I’m improving,” says Jacked. “I’ve been taking corrections from judges, from people in the game, and I practice on my own and I see the changes. Yeah, even now, Chris said now isn’t the time for us to focus on the posing, we need to focus on fixing the parts that need to be fixed. Then, we nail the posing.”
The last time fans heard from Jacked, he reflected on his major coaching change. He’s thrilled with the improvements thus far and stressed that his relationship with Lewis and Aceto has been ‘all business.’ Aceto also discussed Jacked’s momentum leading into the 2023 Arnold. Given the recent changes, Aceto believes Andrew will be ‘at his best by a mile’ next month.
RELATED: Jay Cutler: Andrew Jacked At ‘His Best’ Blasts Everyone Off Stage at 2023 Arnold Classic
Andrew will be tasked with a tough lineup at the contest in March. To hoist gold above his head, Jacked must defeat Nick Walker, who finished third at 2022 Mr. Olympia. In addition, sixth-place O finisher Samson Dauda, two-time 212 Olympia Shaun Clarida, and former two-time Mr. Olympia Mamdouh ‘Big Ramy’ Elssbiay are all considered favorites as well.
Watch the full video below:
Catch full coverage of the 2023 Arnold Classic, including pre-judging, event recaps, analysis, and final and full results at our Arnold Classic coverage hub: FitnessVolt.com/arnold-classic
Published: 13 February, 2023 | 11:37 AM EDT
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