It has been a few years since the last time Flex Lewis stepped on a bodybuilding stage to compete. However he and his coach Neil Hill say that the wait is over and the former 212 Olympia champ will be making his Open debut in 2022.
Fans were absolutely pumped to hear that Flex Lewis was making the move from 212 to Open, after earning his 7th straight 212 Olympia title. Unfortunately, due to a variety of issues, between multiple injury struggles and the other things that he is involved in, he has not been able to compete since the 2018 Olympia.
That said, it appears that the time for his return to competition will be soon, according to a video posted to Flex’s YouTube channel. Here he explained that after months of struggling to get a visa, coach Neil Hill is back with him in the Dragon’s Lair, while “Yoda” promises that his pupil will compete next year and look better than ever.
“I’m very excited about the next journey that myself and Flex (Lewis) are going to be doing throughout the next number of days, and weeks, and months, because next year we will be f—king stepping on stage. So guys and girls, you are not going to be disappointed. I promise you are going to see something f—king special in 2022,” Hill said.
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The Focus Is On Longevity
As exciting as this announcement is from Flex Lewis and Neil Hill, there is an understandable amount of fatigue from the fanbase. After all, this is not the first time that he has said he will be returning, only to not do so.
However Neil says that this time things are different because Flex is ready to compete again. He says that Flex has been focused on longevity in the sport and on his other goals outside of the sport, but now he is ready to make a comeback.
“There’s been a lot of challenges over the last three years since Flex Lewis has been on stage. I know there’s a lot of excitement and anticipation, and people keep asking ‘When is Flex Lewis back on stage?’ … Like everything in life, you have to look at longevity and you also need to prioritize what’s more important. There’s been a lot of things taking place in Flex’s life… we are officially back in official off-season training. So our eyes are firmly on the prize,” Hill said.
Watch the full video
If Flex Lewis does make his Open bodybuilding debut in 2022, it will be interesting to see how he looks. Provided that he is not rusty when it comes to his peaking, he could be a real threat to anyone onstage.
Flex Lewis Contest History
- 2018 Mr. Olympia Weekend Bodybuilding: IFBB Pro 212 – 1st Place
- 2017 Mr. Olympia Weekend Bodybuilding:IFBB Pro 212 – 1st Place
- 2016 Mr. Olympia Weekend Bodybuilding: IFBB Pro 212 – 1st Place
- 2015 Mr. Olympia Weekend Bodybuilding: IFBB Pro 212 -1st Place
- 2015 IFBB Pro 212 – 1st Place
- 2014 IFBB San Marino Pro: IFBB Pro 212 – 1st Place
- 2014 EVL’s Prague Pro 212 Bodybuilding: IFBB Pro 212 – 1st Place
- 2014 IFBB Korea Grand Prix 212: IFBB Pro 212 – 1st Place
- 2014 Mr. Olympia Weekend Bodybuilding: IFBB Pro 212 – 1st Place
- 2014 IFBB Arnold sports Festival: IFBB Pro 212 – 1st Place
- 2013 EVL’s Prague Pro 212 Bodybuilding: IFBB Pro 212 – 1st Place
- 2013 Mr. Olympia Weekend Bodybuilding: IFBB Pro 212 – 1st Place
- 2012 EVL’s Prague Pro 212 Bodybuilding: IFBB Pro 212 – 1st Place
- 2012 British Grand Prix 212 Bodybuilding: IFBB Pro 212 – 1st Place
- 2012 Mr. Olympia Weekend Bodybuilding: IFBB Pro 212 – 1st Place
- 2011 Arnold Classic Europe Mens Bodybuilding: Pro Men – 5th Place
- 2011 Mr. Olympia Weekend Men 202: Open – 2nd Place
- 2011 New York Pro Championships Men’s 202: Men’s 202 Class – 2nd Place
- 2011 Mr. Europe Grand Prix Men’s Open: Men’s Open List – 3rd Place
- 2011 IFBB British Grand Prix Men’s 202: Men’s 202 List – 1st Place
- 2009 IFBB Atlantic City Pro 202 Division – 1st Place
- 2009 IFBB 202 Challenge (Mr. Olympia) 202 Division – 5th Place
- 2008 Europa Pro Overall Division – 7th Place
- 2008 Europa Pro 202 Division – 1st Place
- 2008 Tampa Pro Open Division – 7th Place
- 2007 British Nationals (Pro Card) Overall Division – 1st Place
- 2006 Mr. Wales U90, Overall U90 Division – 1st Place
- 2006 Mr. Britain U90 Division – 1st Place
- 2004 Nabba Mr. Universe – 1st Place
- 2004 EFBB Jr. Mr. Britain – 1st Place
- 2004 EFBB Jr. Mr. Wales – 1st Place
- 2004 Nabba Mr. Europe – 1st Place
- 2004 Nabba Jr. Mr. Britain – 1st Place
- 2004 Nabba Mr. Wales – 1st Place
- 2003 EFBB Jr. Mr. Britain – 1st Place
- 2003 EFBB Novice Mr. Wales – 1st Place
- 2003 EFBB Jr. Mr. Wales- 1st Place