Victor Martinez led a successful IFBB Pro career throughout the 2000s. While he hasn’t competed since 2020, Martinez recently left fans begging for a return following an impressive physique update.
Martinez proved himself in the sport a multitude of times. His most notable victory came in 2007 at the Arnold Classic. At the 2007 Mr. Olympia contest, however, Martinez welcomed a battle with a prime Jay Cutler, who dethroned the all-time great Ronnie Coleman a year prior. It was a close contest, but Martinez found himself runner-up to Cutler by the end of the contest.
Last year, the 49-year-old teased a bodybuilding return in June. This came after Martinez shocked the community with a massive physique update. Even though he never mounted a comeback, fans and bodybuilders alike took notice of his stacked build.
Martinez has made no mention of wanting to come back to a competitive stage. Though, it should be noted that Olympia President Jake Wood announced Masters Olympia (a contest for older bodybuilders) would ‘definitely’ be returning in 2023.
In addition to Wood’s hint, IFBB/NPC judge Terrick El Guindy and Chris Cormier believe Masters Olympia is slated to return next August or October. They also mentioned that the event organizers intend to host a 40+ Wellness contest as well as a Men’s Open show with a 45+ age limit. Given the new developments, many believe Victor Martinez would be an ideal competitor for the show’s lineup.
Victor Martinez Shares Ripped Update: ‘If God Gives You Health, Keep Doing It’
In a post made to Instagram recently, Martinez provided a physique update.
“Remember the time? If the gods give you health keep doing it. Keep myself from ever saying I used to work out. Competing or not it’s a life thing. Slow down but never stop. 🦾” Victor Martinez wrote.
Martinez isn’t the only high-level Pro staying in shape at 49, four-time Mr. Olympia Jay Cutler went viral for posing in the company of ‘Lexx Little’ in a recent workout. There was speculation about Cutler making a return to a Masters Olympia stage considering his physique, but the legend dismissed those rumors. According to Cutler, he is getting shredded for a ‘fit for 50’ challenge, not to go back on a competition stage.
Meanwhile, other retired Pros like Dexter Jackson and Kevin Levrone have also left fans curious about a potential bodybuilding comeback. After all, Jackson won the last Masters Olympia title in 2012. While neither directly mentioned that they are interested in returning, both have remained in stellar shape despite being over the age of 50.
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If Masters Olympia returns, the potential Men’s Open lineup continues to grow, with the latest addition being Martinez. Judging by his recent physique update, Martinez still has many of the weapons that saw him almost win a Sandow trophy.
