In light of his recent victory at the 2024 New York Pro, discussions about Nick Walker‘s bodybuilding future are heating up. In a recent episode of the Prime Time Muscle Podcast, judge Terrick El Guindy discussed whether Walker could contend with Derek Lunsford and Hadi Choopan at this year’s Mr. Olympia contest.
“I can’t wait to see him against Derek and Hadi. I think it’s going to be a show for the ages. He already has his rivalry with Samson,” says Terrick El Guindy.
Walker’s victory in New York not only earned him a qualification for the 2024 Mr. Olympia, but it sent a message to the rest of the Men’s Open division: despite injuries, ‘The Mutant’ can still bounce back. Following his battle with Martin Fitzwater, Walker reflected on the triumph, leaving many in the community curious about his chances at Mr. Olympia.
Having placed as high as third on the prestigious stage, Walker understands the mass, conditioning, and stage presence needed to push for gold. Although bodybuilding veterans like Shawn Ray doubt his ability to win the Sandow trophy, judge Terrick El Guindy does see a viable path to victory.
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Judge Terrick El Guindy Says Nick Walker Can Out-Mass Derek Lunsford and Hadi Choopan in Side and Front Poses at 2024 Mr. Olympia
According to El Guindy, Walker’s front and side poses could spell trouble for Olympia champion Derek Lunsford and Hadi Choopan, pointing to his strong front double biceps pose.
“I think Nick Walker can out-mass them, especially from the front and side. Obviously, Derek Lunsford from the back is dominant but from the front… most muscular, even that front double biceps, Nick Walker has more mass.”
El Guindy advised Walker to perform on the Olympia stage with the same confidence he showcased in New York.
“He’s got to come with the same confidence that he presented in New York. When you go to the Olympia sometimes you kind of tend to like ‘Oh man, am I the winner or not?’ He needs to assume he’s the winner at the Olympia, just like he did in New York,” said El Guindy.
Considering Walker injured himself in the days leading up to last year’s Olympia, he offered some guidance to competitors regarding workouts before the marquee event.
“Just be cautious, right? Be cautious because those final workouts prior to the Olympia, everybody’s physique is a bit more vulnerable. And, he already had a very negative experience.
One time, we had Olympia Live and he said ‘Terrick, I put on a good face but I was going back to my hotel room crying.’ So, it’s a lesson to everybody. Just be a little bit cautious going into those final weeks. Maybe doing a little bit less weight, a little bit less intensity, you’re not going to get bigger in the last week of the show.”
Terrick El Guindy hasn’t been the only prominent voice in bodybuilding to discuss Nick Walker’s future. Former Mr. Olympia Samir Bannout recently tackled the topic. He was impressed with the changes Walker made in New York from his guest posing appearance in Pittsburgh but mentioned that his tan was off at both events.
“It’s Olympia now, you have to have everything done perfectly. I’m impressed, I’m happy for him. He’s a warrior.”
The 2024 Mr. Olympia promises to be an event to remember as the organization celebrates its 60th anniversary. Fans look forward to welcoming Walker back to the grand stage from October 10-13 later this year.
Watch the full video from the Olympia TV YouTube channel below:
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