2018 Mr. Olympia Shawn Rhoden was unable to defend that title at this year’s event. However, he could be looking to make an appearance at another competition, in Italy.
Shawn Rhoden was ruled ineligible to compete at the 2019, Mr. Olympia. This comes as a result of sexual assault allegations being placed against him. While he maintains his innocence, he has yet to have his day in court. Therefore, the AMI felt it best that he did not compete until the dust had settled around this case.
Nevertheless, Rhoden was still training hard. Initially, he was hoping to overturn the AMI’s decision. However, in the end, he was unable to do so. Subsequently, he posted pictures of what could have been, which depicted a very in-shape Rhoden.
So then the question becomes, will Shawn Rhoden compete at another competition before the year’s end. This ban only applied to Olympia competition and does not restrict him from competing elsewhere.
Additionally, it was recently reported that Shawn Rhoden has been granted access to leave the country, by the court. This news was confirmed by Rhoden’s legal team, to Muscular Development.
The Yamamato Pro is coming up in Italy, from September 20-22. As of yet, Shawn Rhoden is not among the list of confirmed athletes competing at this event. However, the competition is not that steep either, with the most notable names being Nathan De Asha and Roelly Winklaar.
What about guest posing?
It seems rather unlikely that Shawn Rhoden would go to the trouble of getting permission to leave the U.S. right now, if he did not intend to use it. Therefore, it seems likely that he will be at this show in Italy. However, even if he does not choose to compete, a guest posing spot could be just as likely. It could serve as a reminder for fans who forgot how skilled he is.
Whether or not he competes at the Yamamato Pro, it seems likely that Shawn Rhoden will be there. If he does not compete, perhaps it will be a guest pose. Then, we may see him compete somewhere else, before the end of 2019.
