Bodybuilder Nick Walker is one of the fastest-rising stars in the sport, much like former 212 Olympia champion Derek Lunsford. In a recent episode of Prime Time Muscle, bodybuilding Hall of Famer Chris Cormier and Olympia judge Terrick El Guindy shared their thoughts on the developing rivalry between Walker and Lunsford.
Nick Walker used his freaky muscle mass, size, and incredible conditioning as a weapon the moment he stormed the IFBB Pro League. He scored dominant wins at the New York Pro and Arnold Sports Festival. The victories made way for Walker to enter the 2021 Mr. Olympia, where he finished fifth in his maiden appearance.
The Men’s Open division witnessed one of the most competitive and exciting lineups last season at the 2022 Mr. Olympia. 212 standout Derek Lunsford was looking to move up to the Open class due to concerns surrounding his ability to make weight safely.
He wowed fans with an impressive guest posing appearance at the Pittsburgh Pro, where he held his own against some of the most elite mass monsters in the world. The showing in part contributed to Lunsford receiving a special invite to compete in the Open category for the Olympia contest.
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Walker displayed significant improvements to his package with a slimmer waist and a more defined v-taper. On the other hand, Lunsford shocked the world with an incredible body transformation. Eventually, Walker placed third and won the Olympia People’s Champ Award whereas Lunsford took silver.
Next, ‘The Mutant’ signed up for the 2023 Arnold Classic as Lunsford chose to stay on the sidelines to maximize his off-season efforts. Walker believes the bodybuilding community will have more answers about Lunsford once he starts adding more tissue to his physique in 2023.
Olympia judge & Chris Cormier break down the rivalry between Nick Walker & Derek Lunsford
In a recent YouTube video, Olympia judge Terrick El Guindy and Chris Cormier shared their analysis of the rivalry between Nick Walker and Derek Lunsford.
“Can I say that Nick Walker might have some resentment against Derek?” El Guindy said. “Yes. He might say well, this guy got an invitation, didn’t qualify, placed ahead of me, I think I should’ve placed ahead of him. On the live, he said I will never lose to Derek again.
“I saw Matt Jansen and Nick Walker kinda say something to each other and they both looked at Derek.”
Cormier responded, “The thing is when you take third, it’s great like you’re in the top echelon of the sport. But it sucks at the same time because you’re in third. You’re always looking at the next one above you, which is Derek. You’re picking that person apart. You’re doing that backstage.
“That’s what he’s doing. He’s looking over, picking apart Derek, and saying, ‘oh, yeah. I could take him.’ That’s exactly what he was thinking.”
Cormier gave his take on the improvements Lunsford could make to increase his chances of winning.
“They all got to come in better,” continued Cormier. “Derek’s got to get more mature, show more maturity throughout his physique, abs, and everything. I think he’s not bring in his best package still to this day, and he’s taking second already. I want to see striation in those quads, the abs etched out, obliques etched out, abs deep, and have those baby abs coming to the show this year and you could find yourself possibly in the winner’s circle.”
‘The Mutant’ has also talked about his ambitions for the upcoming season. In a recent interview, Walker said he plans to see how far he can push his body in 2023. He also reflected on major changes to his diet and training as he begins to eye another prep.
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Nick Walker, Derek Lunsford, and Samson Dauda are leading the race for the upcoming 2023 Mr. Olympia later this year. Fans are looking forward to another memorable showdown on the sport’s biggest stage.
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