There are only 15 days until the 2024 Mr. Olympia takes over the Las Vegas Convention Center, prompting some of the sport’s most respected names to preview the action on deck. In a special sit-down interview on September 24, 2024, Olympia President Dan Solomon joined Shawn Ray to break down the Derek Lunsford, Hadi Choopan rematch. In addition, they gave their two cents on whether or not Chris Bumstead will retire from the sport.
The pressure and stakes behind the Mr. Olympia contest couldn’t be higher. Olympia owner Jake Wood announced that the winner of this year’s prestigious show will be awarded with a Sandow trophy dipped in gold. During the 50th anniversary of the event, Phil Heath earned a golden Sandow trophy, so the next winner will become the second man to hold the honor.
Athletes are dialing in their physiques with last-minute tweaks, whether it’s centered around changes in their diet, training, or posing routines. Given the historic nature of this event, Dan Solomon gave insights into the marquee competition, which is stacked with talented threats such as Derek Lunsford, Hadi Choopan, Andrew Jacked, Samson Dauda, and Nick Walker.
Dan Solomon, Shawn Ray Preview Rematch Between Derek Lunsford and Hadi Choopan, Discuss If Chris Bumstead Will Retire at 2024 Mr. Olympia
Solomon believes the Men’s Open lineup is ‘deeper than it’s ever been’ this year.
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“This lineup is crazy. This rematch between Lunsford and Choopan and of course, with Andrew Jacked coming on and Samson, what he’s bringing, and of course, Nick Walker.
The lineup is at the top, it’s deeper than it’s ever been. Bob and I used to always talk about that we need to find a new guard, well the new guard is here and they’re kicking ass,” shares Dan Solomon.
Ray also pointed out that there is a legitimate chance that this is the last time fans will see Chris Bumstead compete. He has long teased his retirement from the sport, indicating in the past that he planned to step away at age 30.
“This can’t be glossed over. You were talking about Hadi and Derek, that’s one storyline. I mean, there’s so many others. This may be the last time we see Chris Bumstead on a stage. Let’s be honest. It could be.
Of course, Shaun Clarida is doing everything he can do to get that 212 title back. But Keone Pearson looks like freakin Mr. Olympia! So there’s these other divisions that have stuff going on and you have some athletes that are dropping out,” he shared.
Dan Solomon expects Bumstead to face ‘some real competition’ from the likes of Ramon Queiroz, Wesley Vissers, and Urs Kalecinski.
“The Bumstead thing is great. Of course, Ramon Dino a very popular Brazilian champion and he’s chomping at the bit as Bob would say. Vissers is ready to go. So, there’s some real competition and of course, Urs,” Solomon replied.
“Ryan Terry doesn’t have a strong grip on that title with the competition he’s up against either,” shares Ray.
Bodybuilding coach Chris Aceto recently argued that Ramon Queiroz has improved dramatically, and for that reason, he refuses to count out the Brazilian star. He believes Queiroz could catch Bumstead slipping at the 2024 Mr. Olympia and upset the long-standing champion.
The 2024 Mr. Olympia is almost here and fans expect a historic event full of surprises. Don’t miss the 2024 Mr. Olympia’s 60th anniversary from October 10-13 next month!
Watch the full video from the OlympiaTV YouTube channel below:
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