As the 2023 Mr. Olympia approaches, several athletes have already announced their decision to withdraw due to visa issues. Notably, Karina Goncalves, Alexsandra Santos, and Halanna Jully shared on Instagram that they will miss the event after being denied entry into the United States. As a result, the lineup continues to shift just weeks before the sport’s biggest weekend.
Each year, bodybuilders face a complicated and unpredictable process when applying for international travel documents. This year, however, the issue has become especially prominent. More athletes are speaking out, and the consequences are impacting multiple divisions across the Olympia roster.
In response, the IFBB Pro League issued an official statement to address the growing concern. The organization explained that while they support athletes, there are limits to their role in helping with visa applications. They also emphasized the responsibility lies with athletes to begin the process early and to seek guidance from proper legal channels.
Meanwhile, one of the biggest names affected is Nathan De Asha. The Men’s Open contender was widely expected to challenge top-tier athletes following wins at both the 2023 Flex Weekend Pro and the Sheru Classic in France. However, his attempt to enter the U.S. was unsuccessful, leaving fans and rivals disappointed.
Afterward, De Asha expressed frustration with the Olympia brand for not offering more support. He criticized the lack of assistance for athletes facing international hurdles, especially those who had clearly earned their spot on stage. His absence now leaves a noticeable gap in what was expected to be one of the deepest Men’s Open lineups in recent years.
Visa Woes Force More Athletes Withdraw from 2023 Mr. Olympia
The list of bodybuilders unable to compete in the 2023 Mr. Olympia due to visa issues continues to grow, even after the official statement from Mr. Olympia. Salim AlRahbi and Hassan Alibrahim join the growing number of athletes sidelined by visa denials.
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Leading the latest wave of Olympia withdrawals was Karina Goncalves, the reigning Women’s Physique champion. Fresh off her victory at the 2023 Europa Pro, she had been expected to deliver a major performance on bodybuilding’s biggest stage. However, her withdrawal due to visa complications came as a significant disappointment to her fans.
Soon after, another top Brazilian athlete, Alexsandra Santos, confirmed she would also miss the 2023 Mr. Olympia. Santos had recently won the 2023 Rio Pro in the Bikini division, securing her place among the year’s most anticipated competitors. Her absence further underscored the growing impact of international travel hurdles on the Olympia lineup.
Importantly, Santos addressed her supporters directly through social media. In a heartfelt message, she expressed both sorrow and gratitude. She thanked her fans for standing by her, even as she faced one of the most frustrating setbacks of her career.
“This year God has blessed me big time, out of the hood and I can fly… Those who watched the beginning saw my struggles and victories, I was able to share some of my story and without doubt, it was an extraordinary year” Santos wrote.
“I met amazing people, made many friendships, been to wonderful places and realized how dear I was in the lives of many people, who will be in my heart.”
“My American Visa was denied and Unfortunately I will be out of @mrolympiallc, 2023.”
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Halanna Jully Joins The List of Absentees at the 2023 Mr. Olympia
Adding to the series of unfortunate visa-related withdrawals from the 2023 Mr. Olympia, Halanna Jully, the victor of the 2023 MuscleContest Excalibur Pro in the Bikini division, confirmed she will not be gracing the Olympia stage. Jully conveyed her feelings in an emotional statement, detailing her heartbreak over being denied entry, a sentiment echoing across the bodybuilding community as the esteemed competition nears.
“🇺🇸 ‼️ ANNOUNCEMENT ‼️
I OFFICIALLY INFORM THROUGH THIS VIDEO THAT I WILL NOT BE COMPETING IN @mrolympiallc 2023 ⭕️
I EXPLAINED EVERYTHING IN THE VIDEO 👆🏾
Thank you very much.”
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Behrooz Tabani Faces Visa Hurdles Ahead of 2023 Mr. Olympia
Now, Behrooz Tabani joins the list of athletes facing visa issues ahead of the 2023 Mr. Olympia. Initially, reports suggested he had received approval to enter the United States. However, coach Milos Sarcev later confirmed that no visa had been issued.
Later, Tabani took to Instagram to explain his situation. He revealed he visited the U.S. embassy three separate times. Still, each visit ended in disappointment.
As a result, his Olympia appearance remains uncertain. His frustration mirrors that of other athletes in similar positions. With the Olympia approaching, these issues continue to disrupt the lineup.
“All my enthusiasm to be able to make the hearts of the Iranian nation and my friends and family happy. I know that because of me, you also suffered a lot and waited and waited until the last moment.
Today, I went to the embassy for the third time and my case went to FBI check again and it is not clear when they will answer again I hope they will get a positive result in the next 65 days. Pray for me, my friends, I kiss each and every one of your hands, the big ones, the little ones, all of you; Behrouz Tabani.”
Challenges Ahead of the Pinnacle Event in Bodybuilding
Now, the road to the 2023 Mr. Olympia is facing serious hurdles. Specifically, visa problems have forced several top athletes to withdraw. As a result, the stage will miss some of its biggest stars. For example, Karina Goncalves, Alexsandra Santos, and Halanna Jully have all confirmed their absence. Recently, each athlete shared the news on Instagram. Clearly, the visa denials have disrupted their plans to compete. Furthermore, the bodybuilding community continues to voice frustration over these recurring issues.
Overview
The 2023 Olympia contest faces significant setbacks as top bodybuilders, including Karina Goncalves, Alexsandra Santos, and Halanna Jully, are denied U.S. visas. Despite the yearly challenges of international documentation for athletes, this year’s disruptions have been notable. Nathan De Asha’s visa denial, especially after major wins, and Behrooz Tabani’s ongoing struggles, have highlighted the administrative barriers overshadowing the premier bodybuilding event. The bodybuilding community looks forward to the contest with hope for a smoother process in future editions.
Featured Image – Karina Goncalves, Alexsandra Santos, and Halanna Jully Withdraw from 2023 Mr. Olympia – Credit: @halannajully, @alexsandrarosantos, @Karinagibi_IFbbpro (Instagram)
