Shawn Rhoden has been going through a lot, outside of the bodybuilding world. However he promises to bring an even better package to the stage when he returns to action.
Rhoden etched his name in the history books when he captured the 2018 Mr. Olympia title. It was a massive accomplishment, as he managed to be the first person to beat the legendary Phil Heath in seven years. It felt like Shawn had finally reached his potential, and had come into his own.
Unfortunately, Rhoden has not been able to compete since that event. This is due to some legal troubles that have prevented him from being able to compete. Even when it appeared like he may be able to make a return, this was shut down, with officials wanting to wait until his legal issues were resolved before he took the stage again.
Despite these major setbacks, Shawn Rhoden has not been deterred. Speaking recently with Jay Cutler, he discussed where his mindset is, at this point in time. Although the main purpose of the interview was to speak with Shawn’s partner, Lauralie Chapados, Jay took a few minutes to ask Shawn some questions as well. The big question though, was whether or not Flexatron can repeat his success from 2018, when he is finally able to compete again.
“Can I? One hundred percent,” Rhoden said. “I felt as if 2018 was a great year, and I started that prep at 258, right now I’m at 286, and there’s a different kind of fire.
“I’m taking a different approach, I’m doing things that I’ve never done before. I’m deadlifting, I’m doing more free weights and dumbbells. I never deadlift, or heavy barbell rows, or rack pulls. This year’s been dedicated to training like I’ve never done before, and without a doubt, this is not being cocky, this is not being arrogant, being on stage in 2020, I don’t care who’s there. It doesn’t matter who shows up. I’m not spending my days seeing who’s qualified, or who looks what, because I know that the best version of Shawn has not been seen yet.”
It is good to see Shawn Rhoden staying motivated during this period of inactivity. He goes on to say that he is hopeful for a 2020 return to action. Although given the way the current global health crisis has been affecting the court system, it may take him longer than expected to resolve his case. Either way, there is no doubt that he will look unstoppable whenever he returns to action.
Jay starts talking with Shawn around 1:11:00 in the video below.
Mr. Rowden i wish you well, in resolving your problems. Need to witness your posing!