In the lead-up to the 2023 Mr. Olympia contest, unexpected turns have left the bodybuilding community in suspense. Two eminent bodybuilders, Mazin Salim AlRahbi and Hassan Alibrahim, have publicly announced they’ll be missing this monumental event, each facing unique setbacks.
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Visa Woes Sideline Hassan Alibrahmi From 2023 Mr. Olympia
It’s not just the competitive rigor that challenges the participants, but at times, external factors play a decisive role. The upcoming Mr. Olympia contest, scheduled for November 2-5 in Orlando, Florida, has seen visa issues causing a stir. Following the footsteps of Nathan De Asha, another promising contender, Hassan Alibrahim, finds himself in the uncomfortable position of watching from the sidelines. The Syrian bodybuilder’s visa issues have unfortunately stalled his journey to the 2023 ‘Super Bowl’ of bodybuilding.
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Mazin Salim AlRahbi Faces A Year-Long Suspension: “See You in 2024!! Maybe”
While Alibrahim’s exclusion is due to visa complications, for Mazin Salim AlRahbi, it’s a matter of league regulations. Following his guest appearance at a rival promotion’s show, the IFBB Pro League took a stern decision, sidelining the 2023 Dubai Pro 212 winner for an entire year. AlRahbi took to Instagram to express his sentiments on the suspension, hinting at an uncertain future with his comment,
“See you in 2024!! Maybe …”
These events aren’t unprecedented. The bodybuilding world still recalls the instance when Lee Priest faced a similar predicament. His participation in an event outside the IFBB Pro League shortly before the Olympia resulted in a year-long ban, which later extended to a lifetime suspension after a heated dispute.
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Despite AlRahbi’s absence, reigning 212 Olympia champion, Shaun Clarida, won’t have a breezy path to retaining his title. The competition sees the likes of Keone Pearson and Angel Calderon Frias, both formidable contenders for the title.
Looking Ahead to Mr. Olympia 2023
Setbacks aside, the 2023 Mr. Olympia remains one of the most awaited events on the bodybuilding calendar. The road leading to the competition has been filled with unexpected turns, but the main event promises unparalleled excitement and unpredictability. Stay tuned to Colosseum Strength for comprehensive coverage, insights, and updates!
Overview
In the run-up to the 2023 Mr. Olympia contest, two top contenders, Mazin Salim AlRahbi and Hassan Alibrahim, have confirmed their absence due to contrasting reasons. While Alibrahim faces visa issues, AlRahbi has been handed a one-year suspension by the IFBB Pro League for guest posing at a rival event. Their unexpected withdrawal adds to the drama and unpredictability of the upcoming bodybuilding championship.
Featured Image @ifbbpro_dr.mazoon, @x.bash.x (Instagram)