The landscape of bodybuilding is dotted with tales of ambition and dreams of grandeur. Yet, Michal “Krizo” Krizanek’s aspiration is audacious even within this world of giants. In a revealing YouTube segment on September 25, Krizo not only peeled back the curtain on his bodybuilding journey but also declared an ambitious goal: securing a spot among the top 8 elite at the 2023 Mr. Olympia contest.
Transitioning Tides: Krizo’s Shift to the NPC
Every transition is a gamble, but for Krizo, moving from the IFBB Elite Pro League to the NPC was akin to a calculated masterstroke. The moment he entered this new arena, Krizo magnetically drew attention. With his sinewy muscle definition, tapered waist, and commanding biceps, he didn’t just join the bodybuilding discourse; he became an integral part of it.
Announcing Arrival: The Golden Sweep at the 2022 Amateur Olympia Italy
Intent on proving himself, Krizo, at 33, steered his way to the 2022 Amateur Olympia Italy. He didn’t just compete; he dominated, capturing the gold and signaling his prowess to the world. This win was not just a testament to his skills; it was a clarion call announcing his arrival.
From Conquests to Predictions: Krizo’s Odyssey to Mr. Olympia’s Pinnacle
Emboldened by his previous win, Krizo marched into the 2022 EVLS Prague Pro, emerging victorious once more. These triumphs solidified his ticket to the illustrious Mr. Olympia contest. As whispers of his potential echoed, even former champions like Mr. Olympia Samir Bannout weighed in, speculating on Krizo’s chance to clinch the title on his maiden attempt.
View this post on Instagram
At the moment of truth, Krizo delivered a commendable performance, placing 12th on the Olympia stage. For many, this would be the pinnacle. But Krizo eyed a loftier peak. Come July, he had another feather in his cap, winning the 2023 Empro Classic Pro. With the Olympia looming again, Krizo, flanked by his coach, has set his sights not just on participation, but on etching his name among the elite top 8 of the world’s premier bodybuilding stage.
Krizo’s Confidence Ahead of 2023 Mr. Olympia: Labrada Not a Concern
As the 2023 Mr. Olympia competition draws near, Michal Krizo’s assurance in his preparation and abilities is evident. Amidst this, his forthright view on rival Hunter Labrada stands out: in Krizo’s eyes, Labrada poses “no problem” in his quest for the top spot.
“Yes [I always believed in myself] because I know my qualities,” shared Krizo. “Yes, yes every day, around 30 minutes [I’m posing]. Every day or every second day. Alone. But I’m sending videos to my coach. I think now it’s – my condition – it’s very good.”
“Top eight. Top eight. We will see. I don’t have big expectations.”
View this post on Instagram
Krizo Eyes Mr. Olympia Crown, Foresees Prime Years in Half a Decade
While Michal Krizo is undeniably focused on capturing the Mr. Olympia title, he believes his peak in the sport lies ahead, estimating a timeline of four to five years before reaching his zenith. This long-term vision speaks to his dedication and strategic approach to bodybuilding.
“Yes. Every bodybuilder has the dream to win Mr. Olympia I think. Maybe, I don’t know. I don’t know. But I think my full potential will be full at 37, 38 I think. Yeah, four or five years.”
Krizo’s Coach Highlights Back Development and Cardio Strategy for the Season
In preparation for the upcoming competitions, Krizo’s coach shared that they’ve zeroed in on back development, signaling a shift in their training approach. Moreover, in a strategic move to enhance conditioning, this is the inaugural season where Krizo has incorporated cardio into his pre-contest regimen. This decision underscores their commitment to fine-tuning Krizo’s physique for optimal performance.
“Condition you know, Michal, this first time this year, Michal’s cardio in the form of bicycle, for five years, [he hasn’t] done one minute of cardio,” Krizo’s coach explained. “First time ever he does cardio this year. It’s different.”
Krizo Confident Against Labrada at 2023 Olympia, Uncertain About Facing Andrew Jacked
Heading into the 2023 Olympia, Krizo exudes confidence when considering his matchup against Hunter Labrada, stating he can secure a win “no problem”. However, when it comes to facing Andrew Jacked, he treads with caution, signaling some reservations about the outcome.
“Hunter… no problem,” laughs Krizo. Jacked… it’s hard to know. But Jacked isn’t on my radar.”
Krizo Names Ronnie Coleman, Flex Wheeler, Kevin Levrone as Major Bodybuilding Inspirations
According to Krizo, he started training at 15 years old and was “very short” with a “small weight.”“No [I haven’t always been this big]. I started training when I was 15. I was very short and a small weight. When I start to train, I grow, growing my weight and when I finished school, secondary school, I was 110 kilos but when I started to train, I was 64 kilos. In four years, I gained weight around 40 kilos but naturally!”
“I started competing when I was 27,” added Krizo. I was amateur only one year and next year I was an Elite Pro. I won the Elite Pro card. Yes [when I was 27].
View this post on Instagram
90s-Era Titans: Krizo’s Formative Bodybuilding Influences
From the golden era of bodybuilding, Krizo drew inspiration from legends of the ’90s. Icons such as Ronnie Coleman, Flex Wheeler, Dennis Wolf, and Kevin Levrone served as his initial guiding lights in the sport, shaping his aspirations and approach to bodybuilding.
“I read Muscle and Fitness magazine. I saw ’90s bodybuilders, Ronnie Coleman, Flex Wheeler, Dennis Wolf, and Kevin Levrone [were my biggest inspirations].”
Krizo and Levrone: A Genetic Resemblance?
Krizo’s coach observed an intriguing parallel between his protégé and the legendary Kevin Levrone. He posited that Krizo possesses genetics echoing those of Levrone, suggesting a promising trajectory for the budding bodybuilder.
“Kevin Levrone, the same genetics. Yes. Yes,” added Krizo’s coach. “After technique, it’s all heart. Slowly, the back needs more training. It’s a defect. This is back. We wanted to improve back. This is number one for training.”
Channeling Schwarzenegger: Krizo’s Arm Training Inspiration
Emulating the greats is a hallmark of those destined for success. In a recent revelation, Krizo shared that his arm training is influenced by none other than the iconic Arnold Schwarzenegger. However, he also highlighted a departure from the past, noting that strength exercises haven’t featured prominently in his recent regimens.
“I train like Arnold Schwarzenegger. I take dumbbells and normally pump. This is only, nothing more. But in one hand I lift 40 kilos… in one hand. Now I don’t know, because I am – I don’t use the strength exercises for biceps, triceps. But before, no problem.”
Krizo’s Preparation for Mr. Olympia: Embracing Evolution
For bodybuilding enthusiasts, the journey of Michal Krizo to the pinnacle of the sport has been nothing short of captivating. Recently, the Open star provided another glimpse into his preparation for the imminent 2023 Mr. Olympia showdown. Earlier in September, Krizo divulged his intricate training split, pinning emphasis on the pyramid techniques. According to him, this approach is central to the evolution and enhancement of his physique. As he appears more defined and vascular than in past seasons, there’s palpable anticipation to see if his strategies bear fruit at the revered Olympia stage.
The Changing Landscape of Mr. Olympia 2023
However, the landscape of the 2023 Mr. Olympia Men’s Open lineup has witnessed some unforeseen changes. In a significant development over the past weekend, Mamdouh ‘Big Ramy’ Elssbiay, a former two-time Mr. Olympia champion, made the decision to step back from the impending contest. He expressed a desire to revisit the competition stage in the future, but only after refining his form further.
As the bodybuilding fraternity processes Big Ramy’s withdrawal, the reigning champion Hadi Choopan is gearing up to defend his title. He faces formidable challengers in Derek Lunsford, Nick Walker, Brandon Curry, and Samson Dauda. Amid these titans stands Michal Krizo, an unpredictable force, or as some like to call him, the “dark horse” of the event. With November on the horizon, Krizo adopts a fluid mindset, eager to make his mark on the sport’s most esteemed platform.
For those keen to delve deeper into Krizo’s preparations and perspectives, Fouad Abiad’s Media YouTube channel offers an in-depth video feature:
Overview
In the competitive realm of bodybuilding, Michal “Krizo” Krizanek stands out, not just for his physique but also for his ambition. Recently revealing his strategy and preparations on YouTube, Krizo boldly aims for a top 8 finish at the 2023 Mr. Olympia contest. From his transition to the NPC to drawing inspiration from bodybuilding legends, Krizo’s journey is a testament to his dedication and passion for the sport. As the competition nears, the bodybuilding community watches with bated breath, eager to see if this “dark horse” will indeed make his mark.
Featured Image @ifbb_pro_michalkrizokrizanek (Instagram)
