Despite his status as an overwhelming favorite at the 2024 Arnold Classic, Ramon Rocha Queiroz was denied a second Classic Physique title by Wesley Vissers. In a recent post published on Instagram, Queiroz reflected on the loss and laid out his plans for the future.
Heading into the 2024 Arnold Classic in Columbus, Ohio, fans anticipated a close firefight between contenders Ramon Rocha Queiroz and Urs Kalecinski. For the last few years, both men have placed in the top three at the prestigious Mr. Olympia contest behind five-time reigning champion Chris Bumstead.
However, when the curtains opened, the bodybuilding community and judges alike were blown away by the golden-era physique displayed by Wesley Vissers. Considering he took seventh place at the 2023 Olympia contest, many fans dismissed him as a legitimate contender but he proved them wrong with a next-level look, complete with striated delts, chest, and massive arms.
The bodybuilding community thought it was a foregone conclusion that once Bumstead retired, Queiroz would take over the division. In light of Queiroz’s recent defeat, the Brazilian star is speaking out, assuring his audience that he intends to return better than ever.
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Ramon Rocha Queiroz Gives Statement Following 2024 Arnold Classic Second-Place Finish
Looking ahead, Queiroz shared that the recent loss to Vissers reignited a fire in him and chalked it up as a necessary life lesson.
“My plan for the future is to dedicate myself 1,000 times more. What happened was just another life lesson so that was necessary so that I don’t forget the value of everything that I do. And everything that I receive, people believe in me more than myself.”
In the grand scheme of things, Queiroz believes the defeat will change him as a person and plans to succeed in the sport despite the latest setback.
“Like our fans, we motivate people that motivate me back. And talking about the champion now, is exactly what, he motivated me to push myself more. Everything will change, mostly me as a person. I’ve been through a lot and many times I thought about giving up but I kept going. I told myself, regardless of the difficulties, I told myself this means nothing compared to what you’ll achieve in the future. It will be bigger than the losses.”
Lastly, the former Arnold Classic champion gave thanks to his fanbase.
“So I focused in, wanting more, persist and it will happen. First, I’d like to say thank you for following me on this journey, those who are following me on the journey, cheering, thank you for being here. I pray that God bless you,” states Ramon Rocha Queiroz.
Queiroz, who came up short in Columbus, Ohio, plans to bounce back with a successful performance at the next Mr. Olympia. Having secured runner-up to Bumstead in the last two years (2022, 2023) on the sport’s greatest stage, he remains one of the champion’s most notable threats.
With Wesley Vissers in the mix, the six-foot-three-inch Dutch Pro will have the stature needed to stand next to ‘Cbum’ without appearing undersized. Moreover, Vissers carries significant momentum heading into the 2024 Mr. Olympia’s 60th anniversary celebration, thanks to his latest upset over Queiroz.
Bumstead has remained the Classic Physique Olympia champion since 2019 after snatching the title from former two-time titleholder Breon Ansley. Despite Bumstead’s dominance, he has consistently teased his retirement from the sport. He recently made it clear that he intends to step away from competing at the age of 30.
As one of the biggest stars in the Classic Physique category, fans are excited to see how Queiroz responds to the loss. When all is said and done, he believes this setback will pale in comparison to his future achievements.
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