Jay Cutler never misses an opportunity to break down the latest events happening in the bodybuilding world. In a recent video shared on December 5, 2024, he discussed Akim Williams’ dominant win at the 2024 Bigman Weekend Spain show and the misconception that natural bodybuilders can’t do well at contests.
At the final Men’s Open Bodybuilding show of the season, Akim Williams reigned supreme, earning first place against Marcello De Angelis to stamp his ticket to the 2025 Mr. Olympia contest. His performance sent shockwaves through the community with some, such as judge Terrick El Guindy, calling him ‘borderline Mr. Olympia’ from the side.
In addition to Akim Williams’ victory, talks surrounding natural bodybuilding continue to heat up, especially with the IFBB Pro League announcing its worldwide expansion. With the sport undergoing drastic changes throughout 2024, Cutler discussed the challenges of remaining competitive in an evolving industry.
Jay Cutler Discusses Misconception That Natural Bodybuilders Can’t Do Well, Breaks Down Akim Williams’ Big Win in Spain
Cutler was impressed with Williams’ performance in Spain considering he already peaked for multiple contests throughout the year.
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“Chris is his nutritionist. Akim has been great for a lot of years. He was top six at the Olympia one year. But he looked tremendous man, he competed in so many shows.
He did the Arnold and the Arnold UK at the beginning of the season. So for him to peak, and still be in the level he’s at… it’s absolutely amazing, especially since he’s been in the game so long. Great guy,” shared Cutler.
Cutler believes there’s a misconception that natural bodybuilders can’t excel at shows in the NPC, like his Cutler Classic. However, he has witnessed many athletes perform exceptionally well without them.
“I don’t want to disbar people from doing the other NPC contests like we know, I have the Cutler Classic and all these different states and I mean there’s a lot of natural people that compete in it and do extremely well.
I think people just have this misconception that you can’t compete — it’s really sad, you know that people feel they can’t compete natural, especially on that level.”
He admits that once you reach the Pro level, it’s much more challenging to get away with not using performance-enhancing drugs.
“Obviously when you get to Pros it’s a lot more difficult when you want to be in the top for the Olympia. Remember how one time, it was so unspoken about.
The magazines, you didn’t have the media on social, which you see, you had limited information, just like we talk about the contest results on the front desk at Gold’s because that’s the only way you knew about the Olympias,” Jay Cutler shared.
As for Akim Williams, he continues to find success in the IFBB Pro League and has hinted at his retirement. He believes in one or two years he’ll step away from the sport, but until then, he plans to keep making dramatic improvements to his physique.
Having once ruled over the Men’s Open class for four years, Cutler understands the challenges that come along with standing out in the sport. He continues to serve as one of the top ambassadors for bodybuilding in retirement.
RELATED: Jay Cutler Reveals the Secrets to Becoming Mr. Olympia and the Toughest Challenges Along the Way
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