The future of Keone ‘The Prodigy’ Pearson appears bright, thanks to his commanding win at the 2024 212 Olympia contest against Shaun Clarida. In a recent YouTube video shared on October 23, 2024, IFBB judge Terrick El Guindy discussed Pearson’s future, revealing that he has the potential to win the Open Mr. Olympia just like Derek Lunsford managed in 2023.
Last year, the bodybuilding community witnessed Keone Pearson rise through the ranks of the 212 division. After adjusting his diet and training routines, Pearson dominated on stage at the 2023 Texas Pro, earning his ticket to the Olympia. When it came time to compete at the 2023 Mr. Olympia, Shaun Clarida put up a good fight, displaying insane muscle mass. However, in the end, Pearson’s symmetry and shape would allow him to defeat Clarida to earn his first 212 Olympia trophy.
Following his success the previous year, Pearson was determined to defend his title. However, once again, Shaun Clarida made it abundantly clear, especially during his prep, that he wouldn’t make that an easy feat for Pearson. But in the end, despite Clarida’s best efforts, Keone Pearson brought his all-time best physique, which allowed him to emerge victorious on the prestigious 2024 Olympia stage for a second year.
Terrick El Guindy Says Keone Pearson Can Become Sport’s Next 2-Division Mr. Olympia Just Like Derek Lunsford
With two wins on the 212 Olympia stage under his belt, Pearson has solidified his name as one of the best in the division. Now, he has the opportunity to follow in Derek Lunsford’s footsteps and move into the Open category, potentially becoming the second two-division champion. In a recent YouTube video, Terrick El Guindy highlighted how Keone Pearson’s conditioning made him one of the most impressive bodybuilders on the 2024 Olympia stage, expressing optimism about his future in the sport.
“Keone Pearson possibly was the most impressive bodybuilder at the 2024 Mr. Olympia. Incredible mass, one of the widest men we’ve ever seen in the 212. His width is incredible. He has a distance between one of his shoulders to the other shoulder that we have not seen in many categories.”
“Tiny waste, beautiful quads, many people have criticized Keone Pearson for the lack of conditioning, whether in the Classic Physique or in the 212. His conditioning was impeccable in 2024. Shaun Clarida came in gunning for him, he tried to get Keone Pearson unprepared but that was not to happen. Keone Pearson got better just like Shaun Clarida did.”
Get Fitter, FasterLevel Up Your Fitness: Join our 💪 strong community in Fitness Volt Newsletter. Get daily inspiration, expert-backed workouts, nutrition tips, the latest in strength sports, and the support you need to reach your goals. Subscribe for free!
Terrick El Guindy is confident that Keone Pearson is among the greatest athletes that 212 has seen. In addition, he mentioned that he could one day win the Open Mr. Olympia title.
“Keone Pearson has the potential to do exactly what Derek Lunsford did, to win the 212, go on to the Open and possibly win the Open bodybuilding.”
“Yes! Many people speculated that if he was in the Open at the 2024 Mr. Olympia, Keone Pearson would easily be on the first callout. I think Keone Pearson is one of the great 212 champions.”
He also believes that Pearson has what it takes to replicate what Derek Lunsford accomplished by becoming a two-division champion.
I think Keone Pearson can win more titles, but I do believe he has the ability to fight for the Open title based on what Derek Lunsford and Hadi Choopan have done in the last years” El Guindy explained.
“He has the potential, he has the genetics to do so. I am saying right now that Keone Pearson can be the second competitor in the history of bodybuilding, just like Derek Lunsford, to win the 212 and the Open. That’s how great this man was at the 2024 Mr. Olympia.”
In light of his recent success, it’s no surprise that many followers of the sport are considering Keone Pearson for the Open. In the past, Pearson discussed his aspirations to compete in the Men’s Open division simply to test himself against the best.
“Yeah, if everything goes right for this year, then yeah, I may jump into an Open show for shits and giggles and come right back down to the 212 prep but it’s not 100 percent. It’s ideal, it makes sense too,” explains Keone Pearson.
Right before competing at the 2024 Olympia, Keone Pearson once again teased at potentially competing in the Open. However, he emphasized that his priority was to retain the 212 title and that a move to the Men’s Open wouldn’t be happening anytime soon.
Whether Keone Pearson is serious about competing in the Open, fans will just have to wait and see. After his impressive win on the 2024 212 Olympia stage, many believe that if he were to make the move, Pearson would easily place in first callout among the best. Do you agree with Terrick El Guindy’s opinion? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
RELATED: Every 212 Olympia Winner Since 2008 (and History of the Division)
To watch the full video, click the link below:
Relive every moment from the 2025 Mr. Olympia, including prejudging, highlights, expert analysis, and full results. Explore our Olympia hub: FitnessVolt.com/olympia. For minute-by-minute coverage, follow our Live Blog.
You can also follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and
YouTube for even more content.
