Nick Walker was preparing to shock the judges with his freak factor at the 2023 Mr. Olympia. Instead, everyone was shocked when Walker announced he would be forced to pull out due to a hamstring tear. Now, following the Olympia event, Nick Walker shares an update on the severity of his injury and reveals his intentions for next year.
Nick ‘The Mutant’ Walker showed incredible potential to win the Mr. Olympia title during his prep for 2023. His enormous size along with his improved aesthetic is what made Walker confident that this year was his year. With his countless physique updates, it was hard to deny that Walker was bringing his absolute all to the Olympia stage and his competitors were certainly in for a challenge when going against him.
Just a week from go time though, Nick Walker made an announcement that the bodybuilding community wasn’t expecting, he was out of the Olympia due to an injury. Having torn his hamstring, Nick Walker couldn’t even walk let alone stand and pose on stage. This left connoisseurs of the sport wondering what was next for ‘The Mutant.’
Thankfully, Walker will recover and that will allow him to continue his career in bodybuilding although it is unfortunate he was unable to participate at the 2023 Mr. Olympia. Walker has continued to update his fans in regards to his injury recovery timeline. Walker has previously torn his hamstring and is familiar with the process though he believes this time is more severe.
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Nick Walker Gives Injury Update, Reveals Additional Grade 1 Calf Tear
Despite being unable to compete himself, Nick Walker shared his enthusiasm for Derek Lunsford’s win having not only won the Mr. Olympia title but also making history as the first two-division champion.
“I wanted to give you guys a little update on what’s been going on what’s been happening, but first and foremost I want to congratulate all the winners but especially Derek Lunsford. My man made history, won 212 Olympia, won the open Olympia and he looked great so I’m super happy for him super proud of him, well deserved.”
Walker disclosed that he did an MRI and was very happy that the results revealed he wouldn’t need surgery and also suffered a Grade 1 calf tear.
“I think it was Friday, we went and got the MRI done and it came back that I do have a partial hamstring tear and a grade 1 strain little tear in my calf as well. Nothing crazy, nothing too significant that would require surgery so that’s great news. I’m very happy, literally very happy about that. That’s where we are at right now, the Drs were very impressed with already how quick the healing process has already begun. Very thankful, very happy for that,” Walker said.
It is no surprise that having to sit out of the 2023 Mr. Olympia had a huge impact on Nick Walker. Revealing that he is simply trying to remain focused on the positive, Walker hopes for a quick recovery.
“I am a firm believer that things happen for a reason and I can’t seem to find what reason this is per say. This one, this one cut me in the gut. It really did. Especially with the package I knew I was bringing, I really thought I was going to win this one. I really did. This was supposed to be a really special moment. I’m just holding on to that saying, things happen for a reason, for greater things to happen so that’s what we are going to do. That’s what we are going to hold on to. Just keep going for a speedy recovery.”
This setback won’t stop ‘The Mutant’ from claiming victory on the Mr. Olympia stage. More determined than ever, Walker is focusing on getting back to training and preparing for next year to capture what he was denied this year.
“Anyone that knows me, knows I always come back stronger. I’m already trying to figure out what I can do to train upper body and test the limits as far as what I can and cannot do. I will be back stronger. I am going to rest and recover and next year’s Olympia will be one to remember because I’m going to be there.
I am just super grateful for all the supporters out there. It’s time to get back to work, we got a long year ahead of us but I’m gonna keep making improvements and come back even better than the package I was gonna bring this year.”
With his eyes on the prize, Walker has no intentions of competing at the 2024 Arnold Classic, instead, he believes he should get a special invite to the 2024 Mr. Olympia. After the new IFBB rule change, only the top three with automatically qualify for the year’s event. Walker currently isn’t qualified to compete at the 2024 Mr. Olympia but there is still time for him to either win a Pro show or receive the special invite he believes he deserves.
RELATED: Nick Walker Survives Insane Push Day Workout For 2023 Olympia
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