The 2018 Mr. Olympia winner Shawn “Flexatron” Rhoden’s guest posing appearance at the Pittsburgh Pro has created a lot of talk. But not because they thought he looked amazing. Rather, he showed up with a little extra fat mass and looked pretty big as a result.
Now, Rhoden and the other top bodybuilders in the Open class each did their posing routine but Mr. Olympia was the subject of scrutinization. However, his off-season physique is not an indication of how he will show up to the Olympia as this is pretty standard for him.
After all, he did beat the seven-time Mr. O winner Phil Heath and even exceeded all expectations of what a Mr. Olympia-worthy physique should look like. But the thing that didn’t sit well with a lot of people was the fact that Shawn Rhoden is the face of bodybuilding and fans likely expected a better showing.
However, Rhoden had a few words to say about his look in an Instagram post, basically letting everyone know that he’s the champ and people can talk all they want.
MD Editor Ron Harris talks about the whole situation in an episode of Ask Ron…
Below is the Instagram post where Rhoden explained his offseason look while addressing the haters…
Here’s the full text of the post…
“Good morning, good afternoon and good evening now that I have your attention let’s get real for a min. My name is Shawn Rhoden most of you call me Flexatron and I am human just like you. Just like you i put my pants on one leg at a time. I’ve been skinny and yes I do get fat in the offseason. (See pictures above) I’ve never hide who I am, where I’m from and I what I do. So for you guys looking to get more like or views on your page here you go. Every year I try to add balance to my life after the Olympia and try to normal, give my body a break and live a little. But come September I always show up ready to compete with the best of the best in this sport and hold my own. So until you are able to walk a mile in my shoes and accomplish what I have done in the 10yrs I’ve been a IFBB PRO, continue to do what you do and sit behind your keyboard and write about me and or any other pro. We all can’t walk around with a 6 pack 24 /7 but come show time we show up. So to all my fellow pro out there continue to live a little and don’t be afraid to enjoy your offseason. And for YOU yes you continue to make your post if it make you feel better. See you in SEPTEMBER and judge me there also.”
Flexatron probably could have come in looking a little more impressive at the Pittsburgh Pro guest posing event… but at the end of the day, he’s the greatest bodybuilder on the planet right now and he’s already proved it.
So, people may have an opinion but Shawn Rhoden will pull it together by the time the Olympia rolls around, and he’ll stand right up there with the best in the World.
Whoever holds the current Mr Olympia title is the ambassador of the sport of bodybuilding, and should represent a phisique worthy for the title whenever he steps on any stage.