Just like all of us, Jay Cutler is eagerly awaiting the 2024 Mr. Olympia contest next month. In his latest video published to YouTube on September 18, 2024, Cutler compared the back double biceps pose of Derek Lunsford and Nick Walker before discussing if Chris Bumstead will retire from the sport assuming he wins a sixth title.
The anticipation surrounding Nick Walker‘s comeback has reached an all-time high. Instead of holding out for a special invite to the Mr. Olympia, ‘The Mutant’ bet on himself, competing at the 2024 New York Pro. He narrowly defeated Martin Fitzwater to secure his second ring and qualification for the season’s biggest show on the calendar.
He’s also taken on Derek Lunsford in 2022, who made the switch from Men’s 212 Bodybuilding to the Open. In 2023, Lunsford captured the Mr. Olympia title while Walker sat out on the sidelines thanks to an untimely hamstring and calf tear. With the obstacle in his rearview, Walker is ready to return to the Mr. Olympia looking his best.
Jay Cutler Compares Back Double Biceps of Derek Lunsford vs Nick Walker, Discusses If Chris Bumstead Will Retire if He Wins Another Title
According to Cutler, ‘no one works’ like Nick Walker. However, given his structure, and if everyone comes in ‘on point,’ Cutler says it’s ‘almost impossible’ for Walker to win the 2024 Mr. Olympia.
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“No one works like this guy does [Nick Walker]. He’s a workhorse and he’s fully dedicated to being his best and I support what he does because it’s just, he’s just the guy that I feel puts it all in,” shares Cutler.
“With Nick, obviously structure, If everyone else is on point, Nick Walker, it’d be almost impossible to win this show but you know how bodybuilding contests are. Not all these top guys are going to show up.”
Outside of the reigning champion, Cutler argues that Nick Walker has the best back out of anyone in the Men’s Open class.
“He needs to be able to get more X-frame out of that body, and I think the lower body obviously some criticism has come there but look at those side shots.
The side chest, the back double is second to none. You want to talk about back doubles of Derek Lunsford’s, Nick might be the second one to him with the best back double up there. Look at the arm size, he’s got it all.”
He also touched on Hunter Labrada’s improvements following his latest victory in Milan, Italy at the Promuscle Italy Pro.
“He’s made a ton of improvements Ron, his physique, he’s definitely gathered more density especially these back poses, the back is improved. He’s got the side tricep. He’s hitting it now in the standard the side tricep but this kid’s got it all it just comes down to the condition and listen, his midsection, I just — I try to put it into these guys’ heads, the midsection is still half the body. Phil Heath lost the Olympia because of his midsection.”
“I know he’s been a little criticized with distention or he had some eating issues,” says Cutler. “He’s going to have a tough time punching himself in the top three unless he really improves on that conditioning factor.”
As for Chris Bumstead retiring after Olympia this year, Jay Cutler doesn’t think it’ll happen.
“Absolutely not [he will not retire after winning in 2024]. Chris goes for is it seven after this?” says Cutler. “Okay, so I predict he, why would he stop? He’s got all the tools. He’s still really setting the standard for this division and I think he uses a lot of that in his marketing.”
Cutler believes Bumstead has a physique that everyone is chasing and credits his popularity to his unique and genuine personality.
“He is the modern day, he is the ultimate, he is the what everyone strives to be. I mean he’s got everything you could possibly ask for physique-wise. He’s been a leader.
He represents generations. Everyone respects this guy. He just comes and works and he doesn’t really like to say a lot even though he’s a huge social media presence person. He’s just him that’s what makes him so unique,” he shared.
Bumstead has hinted at a potential retirement by the time he turns 30 next February. Fans will have to wait and see what decision he ultimately lands on following the return of the 2024 Mr. Olympia, which is set to celebrate its 60th anniversary in Las Vegas, Nevada from October 10-13. Don’t miss it or the nearing clash between Walker and Lunsford on the sport’s biggest stage!