After a strategic break, American bodybuilder Justin Shier marked a celebrated return, clinching a debut win at the 2023 Chicago Pro. Beyond the accolade, this victory punched his ticket to the hallowed stage of Mr. Olympia. On The Mutant and The Mouth, Shier delved into the whirlwind of his victory and delineated his aspirations for the upcoming Mr. Olympia.
The Reshaping of Men’s Open Division
The Men’s Open division, over the years, has metamorphosed into a battleground of emerging talents. The likes of Nick Walker, Samson Dauda, Andrew Jacked, and Michal Krizo have intensified the competitive arena. The scene further stirred when Derek Lunsford, previously shining in Men’s 212 Olympia, transitioned to the Open, infusing a renewed dynamism.
2022’s Mr. Olympia: An Unpredictable Contest
The 2022 Mr. Olympia unfurled a tapestry of surprises. Hadi Choopan, in a pivotal move, unseated the then-reigning Mamdouh ‘Big Ramy’ Elssbiay. Lunsford’s ascension to the second spot and Walker’s rise to third further underscored the event’s unpredictability. Dauda too made waves, cementing a sixth-place finish, juxtaposed against Labrada’s dip to seventh.
Arnold Classic 2023: The Stage of Upsets
Post-Mr. Olympia 2022, the spotlight shifted to the 2023 Arnold Classic. With Walker being widely perceived as the potential victor, the final showdown was nothing short of a twist. It was Dauda who emerged as the dark horse, relegating Walker and Jacked to the next slots and outpacing even the formidable Big Ramy.
Tracing Shier’s Ascendancy: From NPC to Pro
Shier’s foray into bodybuilding, under the aegis of NPC, was characterized by his enviable blend of muscle and finesse. Starting with dual silvers, he clinched gold at the 2019 NPC Cascadian Classic. His crescendo continued unabated, as he dominated the 2021 NPC National Championships, securing his Pro card.
Strategizing Success: Shier’s Calculated Hiatus
Post his NPC National victory, Shier opted for a tactical retreat from the limelight. This period of recalibration, as his Chicago Pro win testifies, was not a pause but a strategic buildup for an emphatic Pro class entry.
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From Chicago Triumph to Olympia Dreams: Justin Shier Sets His Sights High
Following his electrifying victory at the 2023 Chicago Pro held on July 21-22, Justin Shier took to YouTube to share his reflections and aspirations. Besting formidable competitors like Jonathan Delarosa, Stanislas de Longeaux, Blessing Awodibu, and Patrick Moore, Shier’s Pro debut win is nothing short of a bodybuilding fairy tale.
In the video, an exuberant yet grounded Shier candidly unpacks the mix of emotions accompanying such a debut victory. But while the Chicago Pro triumph was a dream come true, Shier is not one to rest on his laurels. With his eyes already fixed on the horizon, he expressed his ambitions for the next big stage: aiming for a spot in the top 10 at Mr. Olympia. Given his recent performance and palpable determination, fans and pundits alike are eagerly watching, waiting to see how this narrative unfolds on the grandest platform of them all.
“I got to go really go out there and put on a show and pose and work and I got to win. I was just so thrilled,” said Shier. “I told you guys I’m going to win the show. I came in to win I felt like I knew I was going to win. I believed in myself but when it actually happens like there’s no way to quantify how that’s going to feel. That’s what I believed I was going to do. It’s what we came to do but when it actually happens.”
Shier’s Quest for Perfection: Aiming to Add More Muscle After Chicago Pro Victory
Fresh off his debut Pro win at the 2023 Chicago Pro, Justin Shier isn’t content to simply bask in the limelight. In a candid YouTube video, while reflecting on his triumphant performance, Shier pinpointed areas of improvement. Topping his list? The need to pack on more muscle.
Despite besting bodybuilding powerhouses like Jonathan Delarosa, Stanislas de Longeaux, Blessing Awodibu, and Patrick Moore, Shier sees room for enhancement. As he gears up for his Mr. Olympia aspirations, with hopes of securing a top 10 spot, Shier believes that adding more muscle mass will be crucial to compete with the very best in the industry.
It’s this relentless pursuit of perfection and growth, both figuratively and literally, that sets champions apart. With Shier’s dedication and clarity of vision, the bodybuilding community waits with bated breath for his next move.
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“I think I can grow a little bit. I really do and I think I can also kind of be in a better position to fill out. We’re kind of coming down really hard in those last final weeks.”
Shier: “I want to be in the top 10. That’s my goal. I think I could do it. I believe I can do it. We’ll see how its goes like a lot of guys got to qualify still and there’s still more shows. I’m not sure exactly who is all qualified but you know now I’m looking at the list, at people I want to take out.”
“My best pose is front double. Worst pose, probably rear double,” said Shier.
Shier and Cisternino Reflect on Walker’s Controversial Remarks: A Boon for Bodybuilding?
In a sport where physiques are under constant scrutiny, comments can often veer into the realm of criticism. Such was the case when Nick Walker aired his views on Samson Dauda’s back. While the comment stirred the pot, leading figures in the bodybuilding community, Justin Shier and Guy Cisternino, weighed in on the controversy.
In a recent dialogue, both Shier and Cisternino revisited Walker’s pointed remarks. Shier, while not endorsing the comments per se, had an intriguing perspective. He opined that such inflammatory remarks, while controversial, might have an unintended positive outcome for bodybuilding as a sport. According to Shier, the buzz generated by such comments garners increased attention, drawing more eyes and consequently, elevating the sport’s visibility.
While critics argue that the focus should remain purely on the athleticism and art of bodybuilding, for Shier, the added layer of drama and rivalry might just be the spark that ignites wider interest. The bodybuilding arena, it seems, is as much about muscle as it is about the narratives that weave the community together.
“Samson he looks pretty,” said Shier.
Guy: “The topic came up about Nick and Samson so it was about well because you brought up like the Samson back, and I go okay. Let’s just call a spade a spade. If you have every bodybuilder that has their best pose and they have the weakest pose. Nick Walker’s best pose, you could argue there’s one or two. His worst pose you can name one now.”
Guy: “Everybody has their best pose and their worst poses. Just because somebody says it a little more brash than somebody else. That’s neither here nor there. Let’s refer to the statement that Nick made about him, it constantly gets brought up and can we let this go please.”
Shier: “It was also a candid moment where you were just f**king around, bullsh**ing, and chatting with somebody. We don’t say s***. It’s honestly like yeah, his back sucks. Who cares? It’s not like whoa, Nick just said that. It’s also good to cause a little bit of controversy and get people talking like it’s good for the sport.”
Shier Backs Labrada for Texas Pro Victory While Highlighting Rising Talent in the Open
Justin Shier, coming off a wave of acclaim after his own recent triumphs, is keenly observing the landscape of bodybuilding. With the 2023 Texas Pro on the horizon, he’s making predictions, and in his eyes, Hunter Labrada is the clear favorite.
“Hunter, he’s going to win this. I’d be done. I would shut it down. I wouldn’t even do Texas. I would not push the two weeks I would just, it’s two valuable weeks. Enjoy the win and let sh** go for the Olympia and let Carlos and Andrew.”
Shier and Cisternino Laud the Depth of Talent in the Open Division: Anyone’s Game
The world of bodybuilding, particularly in the Open division, is undergoing a dynamic shift. Justin Shier and Guy Cisternino, two of the sport’s astute observers, recently delved into this transformation.
Both athletes were effusive in their praise for the burgeoning talent in the Open division. Recognizing the influx of skilled competitors, they emphasized the ever-narrowing gap between established champions and rising stars. In their view, this means that the top spot is no longer the sole domain of a select few.
Furthering their argument, Shier and Cisternino believe that given the current depth of talent, any of the top contenders could potentially clinch a win. Their commentary resonates with a larger sentiment in the bodybuilding community: the sport is experiencing a renaissance of sorts, with each competition becoming less predictable and all the more exciting. This unpredictability, paired with the sheer skill of the athletes, promises an electrifying future for bodybuilding.
Guy: “All those guys have similarities and differences but they’re all so good. When was the last time we could say that literally you could probably take eight of those top guys and say they have the potential to win the O.”
Shier: “I agree with that. You didn’t even mention Ramy. Ramy wasn’t I’d even say I mean there’s guys that I could have mentioned on top of Ramy. It’s pretty wild. There’s a lot of talent in that top ten, five, eight, like I think this Olympia is going to be way more competitive than last year’s Olympia. Last year was pretty competitive.”
The Rising Titans of Bodybuilding: Flanigan, Thomas Jr., and Shier
The bodybuilding world is abuzz with emerging talent, each bringing a unique blend of skill, physique, and passion to the stage. And as the 2023 season unfolds, a few names stand out, signaling a potential reshuffling of the bodybuilding hierarchy.
Ross Flanigan: From Musclecontest Triumph to Mr. Olympia
Ross Flanigan, a name fast gaining prominence, clinched a noteworthy victory at the 2023 Musclecontest California Pro. Overcoming formidable competitors like Tonio Burton and the legendary Sergio Oliva Jr., Flanigan’s win didn’t just cement his place among the elites—it also secured him an invitation to the coveted Mr. Olympia contest.
Carlos Thomas Jr.: A Pro Debut Highly Anticipated
Then there’s Carlos Thomas Jr., who, even before his Pro debut, has set the bodybuilding community alight with speculations and anticipation. Known for his incredibly defined physique, particularly his massive chest and powerful lower body, Thomas Jr. is already seen as a force to reckon with. His recent guest-posing at the Victor Martinez Legends Championships only amplified the excitement. The spotlight is firmly on him as fans eagerly await his first professional showdown.
Justin Shier: The New Pro League Sensation
Justin Shier’s transition to the Pro League has been nothing short of stellar. With a secured spot at the Mr. Olympia contest, his journey is keenly followed by fans and contemporaries alike. Given his recent achievements, expectations are soaring for a sensational face-off among the crème de la crème of bodybuilding at the Mr. Olympia stage.
As the curtain rises on this year’s major bodybuilding events, aficionados are assured of a spectacle as these rising stars vie for supremacy against the established elites.
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Overview
Justin Shier’s triumphant return at the 2023 Chicago Pro has made him a name to watch, especially as he sets his sights on Mr. Olympia. His reflections on The Mutant and The Mouth offered insights into his journey and future aspirations. The Men’s Open Division is undergoing significant transformation, with fresh talents like Nick Walker, Samson Dauda, and others disrupting the status quo. The 2022 Mr. Olympia and 2023 Arnold Classic brought unexpected outcomes, signaling a shift in competitive dynamics. Shier’s own journey, marked by strategic decisions from his time under NPC to his Pro debut, exemplifies the discipline’s evolving narrative. Meanwhile, discussions between Shier and Guy Cisternino underscored the industry’s changing dynamics, highlighting the significance of both physique and narrative. As the season progresses, Flanigan, Thomas Jr., and Shier emerge as the stars to watch.
Featured Image @Justin_Shier (Instagram)
