Derek Lunsford is only days removed from capturing his second consecutive Mr. Olympia title, marking his third overall bodybuilding championship. The victory in Las Vegas 🇺🇸 cemented his reputation as one of the most dominant athletes in the Men’s Open division. However, his win came with a shocking revelation — Derek Lunsford reveals he tore his chest two weeks before the 2025 Olympia, just 16 days before stepping onto the sport’s biggest stage. Despite the injury, he refused to back down and still delivered one of the best performances of his career.

Secondly, the 2025 bodybuilding season had already been monumental for Lunsford, who entered the year with high expectations. After a dominant run across major contests, he was widely seen as the favorite to retain his Olympia crown. Still, few knew that behind the scenes, he was recovering from one of the most serious injuries of his career while preparing for the toughest competition in the world.

Moreover, the tear added an unexpected layer of adversity to an otherwise near-perfect season. Fans and fellow athletes alike were stunned when Lunsford revealed the truth about what he endured leading into the Olympia. His ability to remain calm and professional, while quietly battling through pain, showed a level of composure and mental strength that defines true champions.

Additionally, in a new YouTube video shared on Wednesday, Lunsford described the details of the incident that nearly derailed his season. He explained that the injury occurred during a chest workout when a dumbbell press went wrong.

“It was 16 days ago that I had a very serious injury to my chest. I actually tore my chest doing dumbbell presses.” — Derek Lunsford

 

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Derek Lunsford Reveals He Tore His Chest Two Weeks Before 2025 Olympia

Lunsford entered the 2025 bodybuilding season with bold goals — and he achieved all of them. Earlier this year, he captured the Men’s Open title at the Pittsburgh Pro, following his major victory at the 2025 Arnold Classic in Columbus, Ohio 🇺🇸.

Secondly, with momentum behind him, Lunsford set his sights on completing the ultimate trifecta by winning the Mr. Olympia crown. Ultimately, he did just that, reclaiming the prestigious title and becoming only the second bodybuilder in history to lose the Olympia and win it back, joining legendary bodybuilder Jay Cutler in that rare achievement.

The chest tear occurred on September 10, just 16 days before the Olympia. On that day, Lunsford was performing 70-kilogram (154-pound) dumbbell presses, a moderate load for his training level.

“For me, it’s a moderately heavy weight but that day, it just felt very good. I thought I should go 75 or 80, every rep was feeling so good. I got a couple reps in and I instantly knew what happened…I saw my career flash before my eyes.” — Derek Lunsford

Secondly, he immediately realized that something serious had occurred but remained calm. At first, the injury didn’t bruise, and he could still slightly flex the muscle. However, within 24 hours, bruising began to appear, confirming his worst fears.

“The following day, I woke up with some bruising in the chest. Since then, the last couple weeks, extremely cruised, but by the grace of God, this has been healing so fast.” — Derek Lunsford

 

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Rapid Recovery Before the Olympia

Despite the seriousness of the injury, Lunsford refused to let it end his season. He worked closely with his medical team and managed to heal faster than expected.

Secondly, within just two weeks, he returned to training and was able to perform close to his normal intensity right before the 2025 Mr. Olympia.

“This was a very serious injury that could have taken me out of this year’s Olympia and potentially my entire career. Sixteen days later, here we are today, and I am almost able to train at 100%.” — Derek Lunsford

Thirdly, Lunsford stepped on stage in Las Vegas 🇺🇸 looking sharper and fuller than ever, showing no visible signs of injury as he secured his second Mr. Olympia crown in dominant fashion.

Derek Lunsford’s 2025 Olympia victory stands as one of the most inspiring moments in modern bodybuilding. Overcoming a torn chest muscle just 16 days before competing, he not only defended his Mr. Olympia title but also made history as the second man ever to reclaim the crown.

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Derek Lunsford’s 2025 Olympia victory stands as one of the most inspiring moments in modern bodybuilding. Overcoming a torn chest muscle just 16 days before competing, he not only defended his Mr. Olympia title but also made history as the second man ever to reclaim the crown. His relentless determination, faith, and resilience once again proved why he is one of the sport’s most admired champions. As the bodybuilding world celebrates his triumph, Lunsford’s recovery and comeback will be remembered as a defining chapter in his legacy.

Featured Image – Derek Lunsford Reveals He Tore His Chest Two Weeks Before 2025 Olympia – Credit: @mrolympiallc, @profitnessphotos, @Flex_magazine (Instagram)