Jeremy Buendia made his official comeback to the Olympia stage this year after a long hiatus and while he displayed an impressive combination of conditioning and structure, he didn’t secure the Men’s Physique title. Now that the 2023 Mr. Olympia has concluded, Jeremy Buendia shared in a recent YouTube video how he felt about this year’s competition and his plans for 2024.
Following his loss to Brandon Hendrickson in 2018, Buendia took some time off from the sport. As a former four-time Men’s Physique champion, fans were excited when Jeremy Buendia announced he would be coming back to the Olympia stage late last year.
This year, Buendia had to face not only Hendrickson again, but also the Olympia champion (at the time) Erin Banks. After sharing his physique updates as well as his full day of eating, it seemed Buendia had a chance to snag the throne or place within the top five.
During the 2023 Mr. Olympia, all athletes were impressive but it was Ryan Terry and Brandon Hendrickson who caught the judges’ eyes most. Ultimately, it would be Terry who won the 2023 Men’s Physique title. Jeremy Buendia snagged a spot in the top ten at eighth place but he was disappointed with his results.
Jeremy Buendia Is Preparing To Come Back Better Than Before At 2024 Mr. Olympia
Unhappy with the results of his 2023 Mr. Olympia performance, Buendia shared in a recent YouTube video his thoughts on what happened and how he plans to adjust and improve for the 2024 Mr. Olympia.
“I want to give you guys a brief update, Olympia was a great experience overall. Obviously, I didn’t place where I wanted to but going into this Olympia I knew it was going to be a challenge and I knew I was facing some of the best athletes I’ve ever seen on stage in my life and that’s what it was. The guys that I was competing against were amazing. I gotta step my game up. I gotta bring a better package. I gotta time things differently” Buendia said.
Although his competitors were top-notch, Buendia felt that he wasn’t in the best shape during the morning which was the most important time for judging. Regardless, Buendia understands that things don’t always go to plan and that he will have to bring an even better package to the stage next year.
“We didn’t necessarily come in at 100% and that’s something that’s kind of been sitting on me a little bit heavy is that I didn’t bring the best physique I’ve had this prep to the stage. That’s just part of the bodybuilding. Sometimes you hit it on time and sometimes you don’t and unfortunately in the morning we missed the mark and that’s when most of the judging gets done.”
This year gave Jeremy Buendia the encouragement that he needed and was a reminder that he can come back and bring what it takes to eventually be the Men’s Physique Olympia champion once again.
“So, it’s a learning experience. The thing is I see that I’m still there. I’m still capable and I can still see myself moving up and winning the Mr. Olympia title. It is still something that is very possible so I just gotta continue to get back to work this year. Make some adjustments in my off-season and get better.”
When all is said and done, Buendia is motivated more than ever to bring his A-game next year and is gunning for the 2024 Men’s Physique Olympia title.
“I appreciate your guys’ support along this way. I feel like we all have grown together and 2024 is a new year and it’s going to be a new me and we’re going to continue to get better and I’m coming after that title in 2024.”
The 2023 Mr. Olympia was a year of upsets. Before it even began we saw top athletes like Nick Walker pull out due to a hamstring tear which rocked the Men’s Open division. During the event, fans saw seven champions dethroned including the Mr. Olympia champion Hadi Choopan who was forced to hand over the crown to Derek Lunsford.
Derek Lunsford made history as the first two-division champion having previously secured the 212 title and now the Men’s Open. While Lunsford should be able to enjoy the win, following the decision, he and his family have faced heavy criticism regarding the results. Lunsford has remarked on receiving threats to not only him but stating ‘threats to my family is too far.’
It is safe to say that the 2023 Mr. Olympia left its mark on fans as well as the athletes and will be a topic of contention for a while. Followers of the sport can already look forward to next year’s Olympia set to take place on October 10-13 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
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