Bodybuilder Nick Walker has quickly risen to stardom in the sport, much like former 212 Olympia champion Derek Lunsford. In a recent episode of Prime Time Muscle, bodybuilding Hall of Famer Chris Cormier and Olympia judge Terrick El Guindy shared their thoughts on the budding rivalry between Walker and Lunsford.
Nick Walker’s Dominant Start
Nick Walker showcased his freaky muscle mass, size, and incredible conditioning from the moment he stormed the IFBB Pro League. He scored dominant wins at the New York Pro and Arnold Sports Festival, paving the way for him to enter the 2021 Mr. Olympia, where he finished fifth in his maiden appearance.
The Rise of Derek Lunsford
Last season at the 2022 Mr. Olympia, the Men’s Open division witnessed one of the most competitive and exciting lineups in recent memory. 212 standout Derek Lunsford was looking to move up to the Open class due to concerns surrounding his ability to make weight safely. He wowed fans with an impressive guest posing appearance at the Pittsburgh Pro, which contributed to Lunsford receiving a special invite to compete in the Open category for the Olympia contest.
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Olympia Results and Off-Season Efforts
Walker displayed significant improvements to his package with a slimmer waist and a more defined v-taper, while Lunsford shocked the world with an incredible body transformation. Eventually, Walker placed third and won the Olympia People’s Champ Award, whereas Lunsford took silver. Next, ‘The Mutant’ signed up for the 2023 Arnold Classic as Lunsford chose to stay on the sidelines to maximize his off-season efforts.
Speculations About Lunsford’s Off-Season Work
Walker believes the bodybuilding community will have more answers about Lunsford once he starts adding more tissue to his physique in 2023. In a recent YouTube video, Olympia judge Terrick El Guindy and Chris Cormier shared their analysis of the rivalry between Nick Walker and Derek Lunsford. El Guindy speculates that Walker may hold some resentment towards Lunsford for receiving a special invitation to the Olympia and placing ahead of him.
The Mind Games
Cormier points out that when a bodybuilder takes third place, they’re in a unique position where they’re in the top echelon of the sport, but they’re always looking at the next one above them. In this case, Walker is picking apart Lunsford backstage and saying, ‘oh, yeah, I could take him.’
Cormier’s Advice for Lunsford
Cormier gives his take on the improvements Lunsford could make to increase his chances of winning, advising him to show more maturity throughout his physique, particularly in his abs. He suggests that Lunsford needs to bring his best package to the stage, with striation in his quads, etched-out obliques and abs, and baby abs on full display.
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Nick Walker’s Ambitions for 2023
Nick Walker also shared his ambitions for the upcoming season, revealing that he plans to push his body to the limit in 2023. He reflected on major changes to his diet and training as he begins to eye another prep.
Leading the Race for Mr. Olympia 2023
Walker, Lunsford, and Samson Dauda are leading the race for the upcoming 2023 Mr. Olympia later this year. Fans are eagerly anticipating another memorable showdown on the sport’s biggest stage.
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Final Thoughts
Finally; the budding rivalry between Nick Walker and Derek Lunsford has been a topic of intense discussion in the bodybuilding community. As two rising stars in the sport, their performances at the 2022 Mr. Olympia showcased their exceptional talents and potential. While Walker placed third and won the Olympia People’s Champ Award, Lunsford shocked the world with an incredible body transformation and took home the silver medal.
As the two prepare for the upcoming 2023 Mr. Olympia, fans eagerly await another memorable showdown on the sport’s biggest stage. While Walker continues to push his body to new limits, Lunsford is focusing on maximizing his off-season efforts and making the necessary improvements to take home the top prize.
With insights from Olympia judge Terrick El Guindy and bodybuilding Hall of Famer Chris Cormier, it’s clear that the rivalry between these two exceptional athletes is one to watch. Whether it’s Walker’s resentment towards Lunsford or Lunsford’s need to improve and mature his physique, both athletes are sure to bring their A-game to the stage.
As always, the world of bodybuilding is full of surprises, and it’s anyone’s guess who will come out on top. But one thing is for certain – the sport’s future is looking brighter than ever, thanks to the likes of Nick Walker and Derek Lunsford.
Courtesy Image @ Nick_Walkers39, DerekLunsford_ (Instagram)
Streaming @OlympiaTV (YouTube)
