As the countdown to the 2023 Olympia begins, visa issues continue to plague the bodybuilding community, resulting in some prominent athletes being unable to compete on bodybuilding’s most prestigious platform. Three more professionals, Karina Goncalves, Alexsandra Santos, and Halanna Jully, announced on Instagram their inability to join the competition due to visa denials.
Navigating the labyrinthine process of obtaining international travel documentation remains a significant challenge for bodybuilders each year. The extent of the problem this year prompted the IFBB Pro League to issue an official statement, shedding light on the constraints they face in aiding athletes with visa complications.
The list of affected competitors is not short of big names. Nathan De Asha, a prominent figure in the Men’s Open category, encountered similar visa issues. With recent victories at the 2023 Flex Weekend Pro and the 2023 Sheru Classic in France under his belt, expectations were high for a riveting showdown between him and Regan Grimes. Yet, De Asha’s hopes were dashed upon his U.S. entry attempt. Expressing his frustration, he critiqued the Mr. Olympia brand for not providing sufficient support to athletes facing such predicaments.
Visa Woes Force More Athletes Out of the 2023 Mr. Olympia Competition
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 recent wave of announcements was the reigning Women’s Physique champion, Karina Goncalves. Fresh off her victory at the 2023 Europa Pro, Goncalves was poised to make a significant impact at the Olympia stage. Her sudden withdrawal comes as a major disappointment to her fans and followers.
Shortly after, Brazilian bodybuilder Alexsandra Santos, who recently clinched the top spot at the 2023 Rio Pro in the Bikini division, confirmed her absence from the contest. Santos took to social media to share her feelings, penning a heartfelt message to her fanbase, expressing her sorrow and gratitude for their unwavering support.
“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
Adding to the growing list of athletes facing visa complications ahead of the 2023 Mr. Olympia, Behrooz Tabani finds himself in a precarious situation. Despite initial indications suggesting his approval for U.S. entry, renowned bodybuilding figure Milos Sarcev has confirmed that an official visa remains elusive for Tabani.
In a recent Instagram stories update, a disheartened Tabani detailed the trials he’s facing. He’s visited the embassy on three separate occasions, each attempt ending in disappointment. The Open Pro’s mounting frustration and uncertainty further underline the challenges many international competitors are experiencing this year.
“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
The road to the Mr. Olympia stage, often hailed as the ‘Super Bowl’ of bodybuilding, is proving to be a rocky one for several international talents this year. The intricate web of visa complications has barred many dedicated athletes from showcasing their hard-earned physiques at this premier event. As the anticipation builds for the event scheduled from November 2-5 in Orlando, Florida, fans eagerly await the display of prowess from bodybuilders across 11 divisions. However, the absence of certain notable names due to visa issues will undoubtedly leave a palpable void in the competition’s fabric.
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 @halannajully @alexsandrarosantos @Karinagibi_IFbbpro (Instagram)
