Questions surrounding if and when Mamdouh ‘Big Ramy’ Elssbiay will return to action continue to swirl. In a recent Old School Labs Podcast shared on September 14, 2024, former Olympia winner Samir Bannout discussed Elssbiay’s decision to sit out of the marquee contest this year and opened up on his future in the sport.
After Brandon Curry stepped up to win his lone Mr. Olympia title in 2019 following Shawn Rhoden’s death, fans were unsure of who might be the next man to hold the honor. However, in 2020, Mamdouh ‘Big Ramy’ Elssbiay reached a new level of mass and conditioning, setting the table for a massive takeover atop the Men’s Open category.
Big Ramy’s sheer size, imposing silhouette, and tree trunk legs made it near-impossible for his opponents during his prime. As a result, Ramy managed to win a second Mr. Olympia title in 2021, which many believed marked the start of a long and successful reign. In 2022, the unthinkable occurred. Despite his status as an overwhelming favorite, Ramy came into his title defense noticeably off, which led to him slipping into fifth place — a historic drop.
While the Egyptian native bounced back in fourth place at the 2023 Arnold Classic, he was unable to convince fans that he had what it took to contend for gold on the sport’s greatest stage. To rectify the apparent flaws in his physique, mainly his lats and triceps, he underwent stem cell therapy procedures. With Dan Solomon confirming Ramy won’t attempt the 2024 Mr. Olympia next month, Bannout discussed his future in the sport and if he’s capable of regaining the Sandow trophy.
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Samir Bannout Discusses Big Ramy Sitting Out of 2024 Mr. Olympia, Says He’s a ‘Sad Story Right Now’
According to John Hansen, Olympia President Dan Solomon confirmed that Big Ramy would not compete at the nearing Olympia show. Until now, the former champion had yet to disclose his participation status.
“Dan also said Big Ramy is not competing this year which I don’t think most people thought he was but,” says John Hansen.
In light of how Ramy’s career has progressed, Samir Bannout called his story a ‘sad’ one right now.
“Big Ramy is a sad story right now. I heard he’s not able to compete after he’s done the stem cells. I talked to Ramy. I actually did the stem cell myself and so I asked Ramy what he think.
He told me that he felt great and he felt it after and it shows. His photo, remember John, back a year or so ago we’re doing the podcast and we saw atrophy in certain muscle in some areas.”
Bannout discussed Ramy’s stem cell treatments and while he doesn’t believe he’ll win a Mr. Olympia title in the future, he does believe Ramy can get back on stage ‘and do well’ in the future.
“After the stem cell, a couple of months later, I really did see drastic changes for the better on Ramy. And I really felt because he’s still within the age limit. What he’s probably early 30s, so he’s in his prime,” said Bannout. 39, okay, well let’s put it this way, Dexter Jackson, he won at, he was over 40 right? So, I mean there is still room for Big Ramy to really get back on stage and do well,” he shares.
Samir Bannout was unsure of the exact reason why Ramy has decided to sit out of the 2024 Mr. Olympia.
“I’m not saying Ramy is going to go and win, he’s impressive, he’s great, and yeah, he’s Mr. Olympia already twice, I mean we can’t say he could win, that’s too bad. I don’t know what happened.”
Although Big Ramy won’t be in attendance at this year’s Mr. Olympia, there’s a handful of top-tier threats ready to wage war on stage. This includes the reigning champion Derek Lunsford and his rival Hadi Choopan, who won the Olympia contest in 2022. Meanwhile, mass monsters Nick Walker, Samson Dauda, and three-time Texas Pro champ Andrew Jacked are all in the running as surefire threats to the prestigious title.
While Big Ramy won’t be seen this year, perhaps fans will get to watch him compete in 2025. Don’t miss the 2024 Mr. Olympia, which will be covered live by the team here at Fitness Volt from October 10-13 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Watch the full video from the Old School Labs YouTube channel below:
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