Fitness Volt
  • News
    • Bodybuilding
    • Strongman
    • Powerlifting
    • Armwrestling
    • CrossFit
    • Results
    • Arnold Classic
    • Mr. Olympia
  • 2025 WSM
  • Workouts
    • Training
    • Workout Plans
    • Celebrity Workouts
    • Training Programs
    • Mastering The Deadlift
  • Exercise Guides
    • Muscle Groups
    • Arms
    • Back
    • Chest
    • Core
    • Legs and Glutes
    • Mobility & Stretching
    • Shoulders
    • Yoga
  • Nutrition
    • Diet
    • Fasting
    • Diet Plans
    • Nutrition Tips
    • Supplements
    • Reviews
    • Food Facts
  • Calculators
  • More
    • Forum
    • Strength Standards
    • DIY
    • Profiles
    • Motivation
    • Videos
    • MMA
No Result
View All Result
Fitness Volt
  • News
    • Bodybuilding
    • Strongman
    • Powerlifting
    • Armwrestling
    • CrossFit
    • Results
    • Arnold Classic
    • Mr. Olympia
  • 2025 WSM
  • Workouts
    • Training
    • Workout Plans
    • Celebrity Workouts
    • Training Programs
    • Mastering The Deadlift
  • Exercise Guides
    • Muscle Groups
    • Arms
    • Back
    • Chest
    • Core
    • Legs and Glutes
    • Mobility & Stretching
    • Shoulders
    • Yoga
  • Nutrition
    • Diet
    • Fasting
    • Diet Plans
    • Nutrition Tips
    • Supplements
    • Reviews
    • Food Facts
  • Calculators
  • More
    • Forum
    • Strength Standards
    • DIY
    • Profiles
    • Motivation
    • Videos
    • MMA
No Result
View All Result
Fitness Volt
No Result
View All Result
Home » Bodybuilding

Derek Lunsford on Hadi Choopan Drama & 2023 Mr. Olympia Win Backlash: ‘Threats to My Family Is Too Far’

"I just want to say that there is a point where it does cross the line and that's whenever my family gets involved," Derek Lunsford shared.

Written by Doug Murray

Published on6 November, 2023 | 1:26 PM EDT

Ask Question?
Derek Lunsford

Derek Lunsford (image credit - @moriauphoto Instagram)

Despite winning the sport’s greatest title, life for Lunsford has been anything but easy. In a recent Instagram reel published Monday, November 6, Lunsford opened up about the threats leveled against himself and his family since winning the 2023 Mr. Olympia title.

In addition, Lunsford revealed his Instagram was shut down twice in 24 hours just a day after the big win and he also talked about runner-up Hadi Choopan storming off the Mr. Olympia stage. 

“I have love for Hadi’s fans but I would appreciate it if we could be a bit more respectful and I ask that from everyone,” shared Lunsford. 

Athletes are still coming down after the 59th edition of Joe Weider’s Olympia & Fitness Performance Weekend. It was the year of upsets as seven new champions were crowned with only four titleholders retaining their respective thrones. Most notably, the headliner saw Iran’s Hadi Choopan come up short against his teammate Derek Lunsford in the finals. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Derek Lunsford (@dereklunsford_)

Get Fitter, Faster

Level Up Your Fitness: Join our 💪 strong community in Fitness Volt Newsletter. Get daily inspiration, expert-backed workouts, nutrition tips, the latest in strength sports, and the support you need to reach your goals. Subscribe for free!

Please wait...
You're In! Let's Crush Your Fitness Goals Together

Expect expert-backed workouts, nutrition advice, the latest in strength sports, and a whole lot of motivation heading your way.

Derek Lunsford‘s win was historic as he established himself as the world’s first-ever two-division Mr. Olympia champion. However, many fans online found the results controversial with some going as far as calling the event a robbery altogether. To unpack the noise surrounding the big title win is none other than Derek Lunsford himself.

Derek Lunsford Addesses 2023 Olympia Win Backlash, Instagram Blackout, and Family Threats

Lunsford explained that he would never abandon his social media channels because of fan hate or threats. He wouldn’t provide an exact reason for why his Instagram was taken down twice, but had the following to say about the matter: 

“There’s a couple of statements that I’d like to make and a couple of things I’d like to address. The first one is about my account on Instagram being suspended. There was speculation that I disabled it because of comments and concerns but that’s not true that’s not me.

I love putting out content on my social media, whether that’s my Instagram or that’s my YouTube. It’s not me to disable that for any reason. I want to let you guys know that not only was the account suspended once but it was suspended twice already in the last 24 hours so that addresses that.” 

While he can’t control what others say or the opinions of fans, Lunsford stressed that threats toward himself or his family go “way too far.”

“The second thing that I wanted to talk about has been a lot of the negative comments and I just want to say that there is a point where it does cross the line and that’s whenever my family gets involved. When there’s threats being made to my family or myself that’s way too far.”

Lunsford called for more respect among fans in the bodybuilding community regardless of nationality or country of origin. 

“So I wanted to let people know that I don’t feel that’s okay but I can’t control what others are going to do or what they are going to say. I just ask that we’re all respectful to each other because I do believe that there are many many people that support me and support all of the bodybuilders, and it doesn’t mater whether you’re from the U.S. from Iran, or if you’re from Brazil, or any part of the world, I believe that there’s good people everywhere. And I feel a tremendous amount of love and support from around the world and including the Iranian fans and the Brazilian fans and the U.S. fans,” Derek Lunsford said. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Derek Lunsford (@dereklunsford_)

Lunsford on Hadi Choopan Storming Off 2023 Mr. Olympia Stage: “I Was Surprised” 

Even though he was caught off guard by Choopan’s abrupt exit, Derek Lunsford could understand what he was going through given that he finished second to him on stage last year. 

“I was surprised [at Hadi Choopan storming off the stage] I didn’t think that would be the reaction but look this is not easy we all pour our hearts and souls into this. What am I thinking about when I’m out there posing, and we’re really battling on the line, you heard Steve say ‘Knock it off guys, back on the line,’ how many times? So we pour our hearts and souls into this, and someone asked me yesterday and said, ‘What goes through your mind when you’re out there battling it out with those guys.’

I said I think about all those times I didn’t want to get out of bed, I didn’t want to get up and go to the gym and train because I was dog tired I would tell my wife ‘God babe this is getting so tough, why me? I would literally be like, ‘God why me? God, why did you pick me to be a bodybuilder to do something so hard, why did you put the passion in me to do this?” asked Lunsford at the athletes meet. 

Lunsford also reflected on the struggles he endured en route to winning the prestigious title. 

“It tested me through all this hardship. God Why me, why me? And I think of all the sacrifices I make but not just me my wife is making them with me and you know and all my loved ones. That’s what I’m feeling. And I’ve been there, it stings, it sucks, ” said Lunsford. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Fitness Volt (@fitnessvoltnetwork)

With only the top three Men’s Open Mr. Olympia finishers granted automatic qualifications, fans hope to see more high-profile bodybuilders back on stage this year. Just days before getting the chance to compete against his rival Lunsford, Nick Walker was forced to withdraw due to a severe hamstring tear. As of now, he is not qualified to compete at 2024 Mr. Olympia unless he wins a Pro show or receives a special invitation. 

RELATED: Hadi Choopan Congratulates 2023 Olympia Winners After Storming Off The Stage, Derek Lunsford Responds In Kind

As for Derek Lunsford, he is the new reigning Mr. Olympia, a title he plans to defend in October of 2024, where he will likely face his teammate Choopan and contender Samson Dauda in a highly awaited rematch. 

Experience the thrill of the 2024 Mr. Olympia with our complete coverage! From prejudging highlights and event recaps to expert analysis and results, find it all at our Olympia hub: FitnessVolt.com/olympia. Follow our Live Blog for real-time event updates. Stay tuned for every moment of the action!


If you have any questions about this news, please feel free to contact Doug by leaving a comment below.

Stay on top of the latest fitness news and updates by adding Fitness Volt to your Google News feed: Follow us on Google News You can also follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube for even more content.
Facebook Twitter Reddit Flipboard LinkedIn Pinterest
Categories: Bodybuilding Mr. Olympia News
Previous Post

2024 Mr. Olympia Returns to Las Vegas, Nevada October 10-13 for 60th Anniversary

Next Post

Breaking Down The 2023 Mr. Olympia Prize Money of Over $1.5 Million

Doug Murray

Doug Murray

Doug Murray is a News Editor for Fitness Volt with a focus on strength sports, including bodybuilding and powerlifting. His experience covering diverse sports, including MMA, for publications like Sportskeeda and CagesidePress informs his in-depth reporting.

Related

Larry Wheels And Sam Sulek Hint At Doing 2026 Arnold Classic
Bodybuilding

Larry Wheels & Sam Sulek Hint at Possible 2026 Arnold Classic Appearance

Sam Sulek
Bodybuilding

Urs Kalecinski Trains Back with IFBB Pro Sam Sulek in Intense Pump and Posing Session

Nick Walker
Bodybuilding

Nick Walker Talks New York Pro Win & Plans for Olympia: ‘4-5 Pounds Heavier, Tighter Waist, Better Conditioning — I Think I’ll Win Hands Down’

Jeff Cavaliere
Bodybuilding

Jeff Cavaliere Shares 6 Push-Up Variations That Improve Joint Mobility and Flexibility in ‘Overlooked Areas of the Body’

Larry Wheels Wins Ifbb Pro Card
Bodybuilding

Larry Wheels Wins IFBB Pro Card in Classic Physique at 2025 Musclecontest Ireland

Dennis Wolf
Bodybuilding

Retired Bodybuilder Dennis Wolf Shares Ripped Upper Body Update at 46 in Latest Photo

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Latest

Larry Wheels & Sam Sulek Hint at Possible 2026 Arnold Classic Appearance

Unlocking Anabolic Sleep: 3 Simple Pre-Bed Habits to Maximize Muscle Repair Overnight

Urs Kalecinski Trains Back with IFBB Pro Sam Sulek in Intense Pump and Posing Session

Nick Walker Talks New York Pro Win & Plans for Olympia: ‘4-5 Pounds Heavier, Tighter Waist, Better Conditioning — I Think I’ll Win Hands Down’

Jeff Cavaliere Shares 6 Push-Up Variations That Improve Joint Mobility and Flexibility in ‘Overlooked Areas of the Body’

I Did 100 Burpees a Day for 30 Days — This Is What Happened

Fitness Volt

At Fitness Volt, our mission is to empower every individual on their fitness journey by providing expert advice, the latest research, and comprehensive resources. Whether you are a beginner or an elite athlete, we are here to support your goals with trustworthy and up-to-date information in strength, fitness, and nutrition. Read more.

For inquiries, please contact us at:
Email: [email protected]

About Us | Careers | Contact Form

Topics

  • Mr. Olympia
  • Bodybuilding
  • Strongman
  • WSM
  • Powerlifting
  • CrossFit
  • Workouts
  • Exercises
  • Training
  • Reviews
  • Nutrition
  • Discussion Forum

More

  • Calculators
  • Fasting
  • Mastering The Deadlift
  • Workout Plans
  • At-Home Workouts
  • Programs
  • Supplements
  • Newsletter
  • Review Process
  • Accessibility
  • Advertise
  • Syndication
  • Sitemap
  • DMCA
  • Copyrights
  • Terms
  • Privacy
  • Cookies
  • Disclaimer

© Copyright 2010 - 2024 Fitness Volt IBC. All Rights Reserved.

No Result
View All Result
  • News
    • Bodybuilding
    • Powerlifting
    • Strongman
    • Armwrestling
    • CrossFit
    • Results
    • Mr. Olympia
    • 2024 WSM
    • Arnold Classic
  • Forum
  • Workouts
    • Training
    • Workout Plans
    • Muscle Groups
    • Celebrity Workouts
    • Programs
    • Mastering The Deadlift
  • Exercise Guides
    • Arms
    • Back
    • Chest
    • Core
    • Legs and Glutes
    • Shoulders
    • Yoga
  • Nutrition
    • Diet
    • Fasting
    • Diet Plans
    • Supplements
    • Nutrition Tips
    • Reviews
    • Food Facts
  • Fitness Calculator
  • More
    • DIY
    • Strength Standards
    • Motivation
    • Videos

© Copyright 2010 - 2024 Fitness Volt IBC. All Rights Reserved.