A humble champion is a dangerous one. Keone Pearson is leaving it all in the gym to ensure he leaves Sin City as a two-time 212 Olympia champion. In his latest interview shared on September 3, 2024, ‘The Prodigy’ discussed his title defense preparations and teased a future contest in the Men’s Open division on the horizon.
When talent meets genetics, you get Keone Pearson. He’s become a fan-favorite in the 212 category thanks to his aesthetic symmetry, paper-thin waist, and massive proportions. Last year, he came out on top at the 212 Olympia after a razor-close battle with former two-time titleholder Shaun Clarida. Pearson refuses to underestimate ‘The Giant Killer,’ equating his rivalry with Clarida to that of the Phil Heath, Kai Greene saga.
To ensure things go according to plan, Keone Pearson has attacked his Olympia prep from all angles, whether it be training intensity, nutritional choices, or willpower. Although he’s made it clear his home is 212 for the time being, Pearson intends to move up to the Open one day, following in the footsteps of reigning Mr. Olympia winner Derek Lunsford.
‘Humble’ Keone Pearson Gives 2024 Mr. Olympia Prep Update, Talks Future Men’s Open Contest
According to Pearson, this is the best he’s felt of any prep. He credits his team and coach Patrick Tuor for the recent improvements to his physique and mental outlook.
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“I feel great. This is the best I’ve felt in all my preps to be honest. This is the smoothest prep, knock on wood, so far in my whole career,” says Pearson. “When you’re at the top, especially when you’re champion, you can’t do this alone. You’ve got to have a great team. I have a great team and my coach, shout out to Patrick Tuor.”
“This is the best we’ve looked so far. That’s the goal. Every year when you compete, when you’re on stage, you want to look better than you did last year. So my six weeks out this year is a lot different from last year. I’m approaching 30, the muscle maturity is coming in and now I’m starting to see a lot of different things I did not see last year.”
He warns competitors about external expectations, instead underlining the importance of self-belief.
“I’m going to prove myself wrong that I can do this. I know I can win but also I want to prove the world wrong that I have that work ethic and I know I can push myself to the next limit and reach that potential that people say that I have. We did that. Now we’re just getting started and we’re in a whole new chapter and this is where history is made this year.”
“People want you to live up to the expectations. And then we start to follow that path and it hurts us and bites us in the ass later. You got to block that out when you can and when you do, just worry about your own expectations and the people around your circle that you trust and you believe.”
Currently, Pearson is weighing 212 pounds in prep but plans to step on stage at approximately 204-205 pounds.
“I was 199 last year in the 2023 Olympia, a lot of people don’t know that. If you see the pictures, I do look a lot bigger than those guys, probably not as muscular because they are a lot more dense than I am but that comes with age.”
“As you look at the structure, I’m structurally bigger than most people. I was 199 last year. I’m currently 212 now. And I should be probably competing at about 204, 205. So if you can imagine what that will look like. I have so much room.”
To his fans’ chagrin, Pearson doesn’t plan on heading to the Open “no time soon.” However, he does intend to move up to the unrestricted division eventually.
“I won’t be going to Open no time soon,” shares Pearson. “But there is a chance for me to do Open shows for me in the future while I am in the 212 division.
I won’t say when that will happen but the number one goal is to keep that title. The first title is great. Most people in this world won’t ever even touch the Olympia stage or get top five so winning it is huge.”
Even though he won last year, Pearson is moving through prep as if he never earned gold, adding “That’s what keeps me humble.”
“I’m still chasing that title. I’m still chasing Shaun Clarida even though I beat him last year I’m still chasing him because I still want to beat him on stage. He’s number two. So for me, in my head, I didn’t win a title. That’s what keeps me humble and remain hungry versus when people do keep winning, you do get lost and you don’t have nothing to chase anymore.”
Embracing an underdog mentality despite being champion, Pearson has his eyes on the prize.
“I’m still chasing and that’s just my mindset. I’ve never won the Olympia. I’m still the underdog. That’s kind of how I think. I do hear a lot of people work a lot better as an underdog. The underdog mindset is probably the best mindset to have as a champion.”
If Pearson is successful at the 2024 Mr. Olympia, he will match Shaun Clarida’s pair of 212 Olympia titles. Given his shape and aesthetics, many believe he could push into the title picture at the Open Mr. Olympia as long as he takes the time to grow. How do you think he’d fare against top names of the Open Class?
RELATED: Keone Pearson Demolishes Brutal Upper Body Training Session During 2024 Off-Season
Watch the full video below from the JayCutlerTV YouTube channel:
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