The Men’s Physique lineup slated for the 2024 Mr. Olympia took another hit. In a recent post shared via Instagram on October 8, 2024, top contender Diogo Montenegro announced his withdrawal from the Men’s Physique Olympia just days before the competition kicks off from October 10-13 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
“I never thought I would need to write a message like this, but unfortunately my coach and I decided that it would be best for me not to compete in the Olympia this year.”
Diogo Montenegro was easily one of the biggest threats to Ryan Terry, who earned his first Men’s Physique Olympia title at the 2023 Olympia. Montenegro claimed the fifth-place position at last year’s Super Bowl of Bodybuilding, though that didn’t stop him from picking up major momentum throughout this competitive season.
Montenegro earned the biggest win of his career after besting the stacked lineup at the 2024 Arnold Classic. Given his consistency on stage, many fans agreed he had the potential to possibly dethrone Terry if he brought comparable back definition and a new level of conditioning.
Diogo Montenegro Withdraws from 2024 Men’s Physique Olympia, Says He Was ‘Pushing My Health Too Hard’
According to Montenegro, his wife and daughter faced health problems which eventually bled into his preparations, affecting his sleep and physical response.
“We understand that the athletes, the fans, and the Pro League all deserve to see a Diogo capable of putting on a show, showing happiness, vigor, and strength on stage.”
“During this prep I faced so many difficulties regarding the health of my wife and daughter, that the stress and sleepless nights directly influenced my physical response.”
After arriving in Las Vegas, Nevada for a check-in with his coach, he realized that he had been pushing his health too hard.
“I asked my coach not to interrupt the prep before because I was willing to go beyond my limits to step onto the Olympia stage with the best physique of my life.
But the live check we did when I arrived in Vegas was essential in making this decision, I was not at my best physically and mentally, but also because I had been pushing my health too hard these past few weeks.”
The Men’s Physique lineup has suffered as former three-time Men’s Physique Olympia, Brandon Hendrickson, also decided to bow out of the competition. He explained that his health was fine and wanted time to let his body rest. However, the same can’t be said for Montenegro, who admits he was at a breaking point both physically and mentally.
With two of the on-paper favorites to win the show out of the picture, the Men’s Physique Olympia has never been more unpredictable. Don’t miss the 2024 Mr. Olympia Weekend, which is set to light up Las Vegas, Nevada from October 10-13; Fitness Volt will have live coverage.
“I would like to apologize for disappointing everyone that was expecting to see me on stage, but I guarantee, as a hard-working man and a dreamer, I will use this situation to strengthen myself and pursue my goal of becoming the best Men’s Physique in the world,” he shared.
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