Derek Lunsford, the newly minted 2023 Mr. Olympia champion, recently touched base with the organization’s President Dan Solomon. During their meeting, Lunsford opened up on the responsibilities of being a champion and Solomon teased the 2024 Mr. Olympia competition scheduled for October 10-13.
Just over three months ago, Derek Lunsford emerged as the new Mr. Olympia, thanks to his superior shape and overwhelming back shots. It was an unforgettable night with highs and lows. Former 2022 Mr. Olympia Hadi Choopan walked off the stage abruptly in second place, in what many interpreted as a sign of unsportsmanlike behavior. However, Choopan and Lunsford held no animosity toward each other, having cleared the air publicly after fans debated the outcome.
The 2024 Mr. Olympia competition will return to Las, Vegas Nevada after its latest stop in Orlando, Florida. Setting his sights on his first title defense, Lunsford met with Olympia President Dan Solomon to discuss the future.
Derek Lunsford Discusses Champ Life, Dan Solomon Teases Major Developments for 2024 Mr. Olympia
Despite the controversial undertone surrounding his big victory, Lunsford admits he feels more positivity now than ever before.
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“I feel so much positivity since winning the Mr. Olympia. Everyone has come together and I just see so much positivity in the sport right now and we’re thriving.”
As the newest Mr. Olympia titleholder, Lunsford doesn’t take the honor for granted and hopes to inspire people using this platform.
“Now I’m living my dream man. Dude, it’s a massive blessing, I’m very very grateful to be in the position I am. To be inspiring so many more people to come up and want to be Mr. Olympia, be an IFBB Pro bodybuilder. It’s great. It’s great I’m able to inspire people to be a bodybuilder and also use this platform to share my faith and testimony as well,” said Derek Lunsford.
As for the 2024 Mr. Olympia contest, Dan Solomon revealed the 60th anniversary will be historic and possibly the greatest bodybuilding competition ‘ever held.’
“I can tell you that we’re already starting to do the groundwork for this year’s Olympia, 2024. This is the 60th Olympia. The 60th Olympia. This is historic.
This might be the greatest bodybuilding competition, the greatest fitness showcase event ever held in the history of the world. The 60th Olympia at a $4.5 billion resort, Resorts World, on the Vegas Strip, it’s going to be tremendous, and I know you’re going to be ready,” stated Dan Solomon.
Will There be a Golden Sandow Trophy Handed Out at 2024 Mr. Olympia
Lunsford hopes so.
“I’m just hoping you guys bring back the 50th edition Sandow trophy, the gold one!” says Lunsford.
Former seven-time champion Phil Heath took home a gold Sandow trophy for winning the 50th anniversary of Mr. Olympia, and while Solomon wouldn’t confirm or deny its return, he said the event will feature ‘things you’ve never seen before.’
“It’s funny you say that. No, there’s a lot of talks in the works. Let’s face it. Olympias are held every year and we’re grateful to have been able to do this for what will be 60 years. When you hit a milestone like 60 it is different, it is special. Phil will tell you, he won the 50th, so we know what that’s like.
“You can be sure if you’re attending the event or competing in the event, you’re going to see things that you’ve never seen before.”
Considering the stakes involved for Derek Lunsford, he remains intensely dedicated to his nutrition and training. In addition to welcoming a daughter into the world, Lunsford has kept fans updated on a typical day of eating in his off-season. He described his diet as ‘super clean’ but tends to eat higher for one or two days out of the week.
Making the most of his time away from the stage, Derek Lunsford will aim to defend the title successfully in the months to come, while fans shift their attention to the nearing 2024 Arnold Classic, taking place in Columbus, Ohio from March 1-3.
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