Martin Fitzwater is already looking ahead after turning in easily the biggest triumph of his budding career. In a recent YouTube video shared on October 21, 2024, Fitzwater announced his participation in the upcoming EVLS Prague Pro on November 16-17. In addition, he discussed Nick Walker not competing at the 2024 Mr. Olympia and his decision to part ways with his long-time coach Matt Jansen.
Fitzwater has been on a tear since winning the 2024 Detroit Pro, which secured him a crucial qualification for the 2024 Mr. Olympia. Before taking on the best in the world, ‘The Martian’ bet on himself and competed at the highly competitive New York Pro, where he promised to give Open star Nick Walker a run for his money. Suffice it to say, Fitzwater did that and then some. While he didn’t lay claim to the victory in New York, he still left the prestigious show with his head held high in second place as Walker narrowly pulled off the win.
At his debut on the Mr. Olympia stage, Fitzwater shocked the world. He was by far one of the most conditioned athletes on stage. During comparisons, he nearly overwhelmed Derek Lunsford thanks to his brilliant detail and quality, which was extremely apparent in front poses. Ultimately, Fitzwater secured fourth place right behind Lunsford, leading to widespread discussions about his potential in the IFBB Pro League.
Martin Fitzwater Announces Entry for 2024 EVLS Prague Pro, Comments on Nick Walker and Matt Jansen No Longer Working Together
Meanwhile, Open juggernaut Nick Walker was forced to bow out of the 2024 Mr. Olympia. This made it his second consecutive Olympia where he was unable to compete. While a hamstring tear stopped Walker in 2023, this time around, he and his ex-coach Matt Jansen explained that his body wasn’t responding to preparations. It was recently revealed by Walker that he and Jansen had stopped working together, leading to even more discussions about what’s next for the New Jersey native.
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“They both [Nick Walker and Matt Jansen] have blame and that’s kind of where it ends,” says Fouad Abiad.
“I think that’s what it is. At least in my opinion, it comes down to they both got to raise their hand and take some of the credit. As an athlete, you know when you’re going to be ready and should know what you’re going to look like a X-mark weeks out. As a coach, the same goes for you,”replies Fitzwater.
Fitzwater commented on Nick Walker pulling out of the 2024 Mr. Olympia, emphasizing that he should be fined for not fulfilling the contract.
“I think you should probably be fined man. Honestly, you sign a contract and you don’t fulfill the contract and there’s definitely should be some type of punishment that’s why you’re signing a contract, right?
You shouldn’t sign a contract if it doesn’t mean anything and you’re not getting any repercussions for not signing it. Now I don’t know what that repercussion is, but obviously, I do understand that as a promoter, because I follow the sport and I’m a big fan of the sport, it’s your job as a promoter to promote the show and use the athletes you know you’re going to have to promote that show. It does suck as a promoter. You’re getting the shaft.”
Bottom line, Fitzwater says Walker and Jansen are both to blame.
“It’s both people to blame. The athlete and the coach,” adds Fitzwater.
Fans can look forward to seeing Fitzwater take on the Open lineup at the 2024 EVLS Prague Pro.
With momentum and youth on his side, Martin Fitzwater will aim to win the 2024 EVLS Prague Pro competition, the same event that saw Samson Dauda reign supreme last year. Fitzwater has made it clear he likes to stay active by competing, and will now have a shot at earning his qualification for the 2025 Mr. Olympia before the new year even begins.
Time will tell what comes of the Nick Walker and Matt Jansen situation, but Fitzwater believes athletes should be fined if they breach contract obligations. What do you make of Walker’s situation? Should he face punishment for withdrawing from Olympia last minute?
To watch the full video, click the link below:
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