Reigning Mr. Olympia Derek Lunsford not only dominates the stage but also makes it a point to connect with his fans through various platforms. In a recent YouTube video, Derek Lunsford sits down for an interview where he opens up about his physique goals for 2024 and if he’d ever compete at the Arnold Classic.
Derek Lunsford‘s entry into bodybuilding was like a thunderclap, reverberating through the sport with undeniable force. In a whirlwind, he seized the crown at the 2021 Men’s 212 Bodybuilding Olympia, outshining illustrious opponents such as Shaun Clarida and Kamal Elgargni.
The following year he received a special invitation to compete in the Men’s Open class at Mr. Olympia after stunning audiences with a jaw-dropping guest posing routine at the Pittsburgh Pro. When it was time to battle at Olympia, Lunsford brought impeccable form, clinching an impressive second-place finish, just behind his teammate Hadi Choopan.
His outstanding performance on stage at the 2022 Mr. Olympia was just a glimpse of the extraordinary victory he would secure in 2023. Derek Lunsford blazed a trail to greatness by capturing the Men’s Open title, securing his place in history as the first-ever two-division Olympia champion.
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Derek Lunsford Talks Mr. Olympia Prep And Whether He Will Consider Future Arnold Classic Shows
As for whether fans can look forward to seeing Derek Lunsford on the Arnold Classic stage as a competitor, the two-division champion acknowledged that he has considered it not only for the esteemed title but the big payday that comes along with it.
“Competing that is? You know, I’m not going to put anything out of the question. The Arnold Classic title, especially the Ohio competition, the Columbus, Ohio Arnold is very prestigious. I mean, not only is the title prestigious but there is a big purse that comes with it. A huge paycheck as well.”
Lunsford admits he’s been tempted by recent Arnold Classic shows.
“Believe me, every year I’ve considered it even these last couple of years. So, I’m definitely not going to put it out of sight out of mind. I’m definitely, I could potentially see myself doing an Arnold in the future for sure.”
With the 2024 Arnold Classic drawing near, Lunsford once again reiterated who he believes will be in the top three though he couldn’t say for sure where they’d land within the top three.
“Look there’s a lot of great competitors entering the 2024 Arnold Classic. I still say my belief is going to be Hadi, Samson, and Rafael as the top three guys. Now, when you’re in that top three mix, anything can happen. So, who knows?”
Now recognized as the 18th owner of the Mr. Olympia title, Lunsford offered fans a peek behind the curtain, sharing insights into how much size he gained since 2022.
“I probably gained somewhere between five and seven pounds of muscle tissue. Or let me just say of weight, muscle tissue, maybe gain more like 8-10 pounds.”
“But what you see is more seasoned more conditioned muscle and so bodybuilding is an illusion right, so even though you may have a guy who is 300 pounds versus a guy who might be in the 250s, 240s, even 230s maybe, bodybuilding is just that illusion of trying to fit as much muscle on your frame but yet you still look aesthetic and conditioned” Lunsford explained.
Lunsford doesn’t underestimate the power of balance and symmetry as a Men’s Open Pro.
“I believe it’s just putting in more time and doing the same thing. As we progress in our bodybuilding journey, we are adding muscle tissue in different areas, maybe we have areas that are growing faster than others but we are trying to find the best balance of overall symmetry and balance. That means from top to bottom side to side front to back you’re very proportional.”
Lunsford isn’t ruling out the possibility of a wild card coming in and proving everyone wrong at the upcoming Arnold Classic.
“The thing is, those three guys aren’t guaranteed the top three placings, there might be someone else that proves me wrong. You know, that’s what makes bodybuilding exciting is that there’s so many guys with great physiques that are hungry and they are set out to prove the people wrong.”
“I’m really excited to see this Arnold Classic. I’m going to be there live in person. I’m going to be flying back to the US and going to the Arnold next week” Lunsford said.
Derek Lunsford isn’t the only Olympia champion giving his Arnold Classic predictions. Five-time Classic Physique Chris Bumstead recently shared his thoughts on the Men’s Open division as well as Classic Physique. ‘Cbum’ placed Hadi Choopan in first as well as his rival Ramon Rocha Queiroz.
While Derek Lunsford will be front and center at the event taking place in Columbus, Ohio, fans can still immerse themselves in the excitement from afar. The 2024 Arnold Classic will be streaming live for free from February 29 through March 3, and Fitness Volt will be providing live updates, ensuring fans stay in the loop with all the thrilling developments.
RELATED: Derek Lunsford Talks Shorter Bodybuilders VS Taller And His Game Plan To Win 2024 Mr. Olympia
To watch Derek Lunsford’s full interview click the link below:
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