Despite having his eligibility to compete revoked, Shawn Rhoden still appeared to be training for the 2019 Mr. Olympia. Dennis James thinks he knows why this was happening.
Rhoden had his eligibility to compete in Mr. Olympia competitions revoked by the AMI, following allegations of sexual assault. Nevertheless, there has been a stream of pictures and videos suggesting he is still preparing for the competition. Subsequently, there has been discussion as to whether or not he knew something the rest of us didn’t, regarding his situation.
However, two weeks out from the 2019 Mr. Olympia, it seems unlikely that Rhoden will be taking part in the competition. Former IFBB Pro Dennis James spoke to Muscular Development about Rhoden’s situation, and what it would mean if he competed. James shared his feelings as to why Rhoden was still preparing, despite not being able to compete.
” Well, [Rhoden] didn’t do what he’s accused of, obviously. It’s just that he has to clear his name, and this is going to take some time.
He’s probably hoping that it will clear before the Olympia, which I don’t believe it will, because the justice system is not that fast in the United States.
I think this is what keeps his mind focused, because he’s got to get away from this s–t that he’s in. He’s got to have a couple hours a day, where you don’t think about your case. You’re being accused of something that you didn’t do. Go in the gym and do what you do.”
James brings up some good points.
James continued, explaining that he feels that if Rhoden is not in the gym, he is just focused on the negative things surrounding him. However, he does not see Shawn competing at any of the shows immediately after the Olympia either. Furthermore, James thinks that Rhoden is not training with the ability to win the Olympia, even if he could compete.
Following this, James compared Rhoden’s situation to his own. He said that he was prepping for the Arnold, even when he was not invited. On the other hand, he believes that Rhoden having weeks to focus on the stress of things outside the gym will be too much for Rhoden to win a competition.
“It’s a lot of stress, and stress and preparation don’t go together. But it’s good for him to stay occupied, keeping his mind on something else, other than what’s going to happen with this case.
But I highly doubt that he is prepping like he is going to be going to the Olympia, and like he is going to be defending his title.”
Does Shawn Rhoden make a surprise appearance at the 2019 Mr. Olympia?
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