Derek Lunsford‘s confidence is reaching new levels ahead of his title defense. In a recent YouTube video shared on September 12, 2024, Lunsford promised significant improvements on stage and discussed where his head is at as preparations intensify.
Lunsford’s trajectory as an Open bodybuilder has been swift and calculated. Under the tutelage of coach Hany Rambod, Lunsford successfully transitioned into the Open class. While there were doubts about his ability to stand against mass monsters of the Open, he put that notion to rest in 2022 while guest posing at the annual Pittsburgh Pro.
His guest posing performance led to him receiving a special invite to the 2022 Mr. Olympia. At the event, Lunsford finished runner-up behind Hadi Choopan. He used the experience to craft an even better physique, and stole the show at the 2023 Olympia, exacting his revenge against Choopan. Now, as the most hunted man in bodybuilding, Lunsford discussed his mental outlook as his title defense approaches.
Derek Lunsford Discusses Confidence Levels 4 Weeks from 2024 Mr. Olympia, Says He’ll Be ‘Significantly Improved’
Derek Lunsford has confidence that he’ll bring a ‘much better’ physique to the 2024 Mr. Olympia.
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“Knowing that no matter what, do I believe I’m coming back to win the Mr. Olympia? Yes. Do I know that I’m bringing a much better physique this year? Oh, you better believe it yes. Do I have confidence in that, yeah, but at the same time, whatever happens, I’m staying in my lane and I’m just running my race.”
He doesn’t underestimate the power of being Mr. Olympia or what it means to be a leader in the sport.
“Like I said earlier, being a leader, everyone wants to be a leader and people put leaders on a pedestal like they’re something special and they are. They are extraordinary beings. Like being Mr. Olympia is extraordinary, there’s only been 18 ever in the history of bodybuilding but at the same time, that’s a responsibility that’s greater than people can understand sometimes.”
While he isn’t ready to lay down his Sandow trophy just yet, Lunsford hopes to inspire the next Olympia winner on the horizon.
“I know there’s somebody else out there watching this that’s going to be the next Mr. Olympia, hopefully not for a handful more years but I hope that the next Mr. Olympia is watching this hearing this from me and learning to develop their perseverance, character, and equipping themselves to be ready for that leadership role.”
From diet and training to managing business endeavors, Lunsford stressed that he’s been working all year long to bring a revamped package to the Mr. Olympia stage.
“You better believe I’ve been working all year, crossing every t dotting every I, not just in the gym training, not just on the diet, but on the social media, on the traveling, on the business, on the gym, on the family, on the friends, everything that we’ve been doing all year is to come back once again significantly improved,” he shared.
Having made impressive improvements in previous seasons, Lunsford has every reason to believe that the 2024 Mr. Olympia will be no different.
“If you look at my track record since I got with Hany Rambod. We won the 212 Olympia in 2021 and that was like wow what improvements he made that year.
Went from 212 to Open the following year, placed second, wow shocked the world crazy. Then second to first last year, crazy improvements and I don’t see why I can’t do the same thing this year.”
Lunsford will face a daunting lineup of challengers on his quest to become a two-time Mr. Olympia. Most notably, Hadi Choopan, his teammate, is out for redemption after surrendering his title last year. In addition, contenders Samson Dauda, Nick Walker, and Andrew Jacked appear on track to bring career-best looks to the stage.
More confident than ever, Derek Lunsford has huge plans next month. Don’t miss the 2024 Mr. Olympia contest from October 10-13 in Las Vegas, Nevada!
Watch the full video from the NPCNewsOnline YouTube channel below:
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