Bodybuilding veteran William Bonac is taking a hard look at his career and future. In a recent Instagram post, “The Conqueror” discussed his current thoughts about the sport in an emotional statement.
William Bonac is a strong contender in the Men’s Open division and has earned two Arnold Classic wins in 2018 and 2020. In 2019, Bonac fell just short of claiming gold at the Mr. Olympia competition and placed second to Brandon Curry.
Seasons later, Bonac went into the 2022 Arnold Classic with the hopes of exacting his revenge but unfortunately came in second place once again. This decision was highly controversial with many, including Lee Priest, believing that he deserved the nod.
Bonac came back strong just one week later and earned his ticket to 2022 Mr. Olympia with a win at the Boston Pro. However, despite his best attempts, Bonac didn’t make the top five at Olympia and finished in ninth place. Determined to continue, Bonac competed in the 2023 Arnold Classic but found himself taking seventh.
Following his latest appearance in Columbus, Ohio, William Bonac discussed whether or not he would continue to compete. Bonac revealed that he believed he still had what it took to win at the Arnold Classic shows and possibly at Mr. Olympia but felt a break was needed.
William Bonac Ponders Future in Sport, “It’s Been Very Hard for Me to Switch From Competing”
Just a few months after disclosing that he needed to take a hiatus to help his body recover, Bonac made mention of what’s been on his mind:
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“It has been very hard for me to switch from competing at the highest level to a regular life with my family with the intention to focus on life after Bodybuilding.
Since March after the ArnoldSports I have been battling with my thoughts wether to give it a shot and try to qualify for this years Mr O or just take a time off and see how things go next year or just retire and find another purpose in my life” Bonac writes.
During his absence, Bonac opened up about the changes and whether he should eventually make a return or retire once and for all.
“I have never felt so good in decades no more mood swings, no more forcing 6 meals while compromising with less hours of sleep in order to get the last meal in. No more endless hours of cardio till the point you almost passed out. No more traveling with my meals, no more toxic substances, no more forcing in a workout while exhausted. No more breathing heavily while walking the stairs or even talking with people.
No more skipping a heartbeat while asleep. Yet i feel incomplete cause there’s something missing!!”
William Bonac took the time to acknowledge the benefits of bodybuilding and how it changed his life while he was growing up.
“Seeing myself downsizing is not an issue to me but seeing myself not on stage at this years O haunts me, knowing that I still got some in the tank, a burning desire deep inside of me. I love bodybuilding it’s my passion it’s everything I know.
It has liberated me from a road of failure, saved me from the street life many young men don’t survive from. Everything i owned is thanx to bodybuilding and the IFBB Pro League federation. I’ll be back that’s one thing for sure but only on my term.👑”
It appears Bonac will be coming back but only when he feels his mind and body are at 100%. The strain from bodybuilding has impacted many athletes including Classic Physique champion Chris Bumstead who just recently gave his view on retirement. Bumstead has been candid with fans about when ‘quitting is the courageous decision.’
While William Bonac will not be competing at the 2023 Mr. Olympia competition this November 2-5, the show is still stacked with bodybuilding’s biggest names, from new contenders to credentialed veterans.
Men’s Open will be sure to excite fans as we see the reigning titleholder Hadi Choopan face off with top competitors Derek Lunsford and Nick Walker who both just posted insanely ripped physique updates. Even though Bonac won’t be taking to the big stage, he’s publicly stated that he believes Hadi Choopan will repeat as champion.
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