As the highly anticipated 2023 Mr. Olympia competition draws nearer, retired professional bodybuilder Flex Lewis organized an insightful sit-down with two of bodybuilding’s biggest names. In the recent episode of the Straight Outta the Lair Podcast, both Nick Walker and Derek Lunsford opened up about their confidence levels, their rigorous preparation routines, and their dietary approaches, with less than three months remaining before they face off in Orlando, Florida.
“Everybody is young. Everybody is hungry. And as exciting as last year’s Olympia was… this one is the 2.0 version. Every single person has improved. Myself, Nick, Samson, I’m sure Hadi, we haven’t seen him but we know he’s training hard. Everybody is going to be improved this year,” Lunsford shared.
Nick Walker, known as “The Mutant,” has made a dramatic impact on the Open category since his debut. His distinctive muscularity and awe-inspiring size led him to back-to-back victories at the New York Pro and Arnold Classic in 2021. His impressive form continued at his second Olympia appearance last December, where he advanced from fifth to third place and also earned the Olympia People’s Champ Award.
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Nick Walker and Derek Lunsford
Different Paths to the Open In contrast to Walker, Derek Lunsford carved out a different path to the Open. The reigning 212 Olympia champion as of last year, Lunsford transitioned to the Open, a category with no size restrictions, following a special invite from Olympia after his guest appearance at the 2022 Pittsburgh Pro. His Open debut at the 2022 Olympia proved to be one of the most stunning surprises of the evening as he finished second, just ahead of Walker, with his teammate Hadi Choopan claiming the top spot.
Openness and Preparation for the 2023 Mr. Olympia
Both Walker and Lunsford have been candid about their preparations for the 2023 Mr. Olympia. With an extended off-season to further develop his physique, Lunsford aims to bring added muscle to the stage. Walker, meanwhile, has focused on enhancing his quad development since his last competition, where he secured second place to Samson Dauda at the 2023 Arnold Classic.
“Mutant” Meets Humility: Nick Walker’s Confidence and Composure for the 2023 Mr. Olympia
Despite his robust confidence, Nick Walker stresses the importance of humility in his journey as a bodybuilder. His competitive spirit remains high, yet he continually reminds himself to stay grounded, a balance he believes is crucial in his preparation for the 2023 Mr. Olympia.
“As confident as I come off… and all that, I’m still very humble. When I see those types of things, it does get me a little emotional. Because it’s like I just started to be the best bodybuilder I could be. I didn’t ever think I was going to inspire so many people here. When you realize that it does become life-changing for you and what you’re capable of doing for others.”
Walker’s Preparation for the Big Stage: A Promising Progress
Regarding his ongoing preparation for the competition, Walker reported that his coach, Matt Jansen, is pleased with his current progress. The encouraging feedback from his trainer further fuels Walker’s motivation and confidence as he gears up for the 2023 Mr. Olympia.
“Right now, Matt is very happy with the progression I’ve made in the shot off-season that I’ve had. He likes the way I look now. We’ll be 16 weeks out this Friday. As long as he’s happy and he’s got nothing bad to say, it lets me know I’m doing good. Food-wise, I’m still eating obviously but he cuts down little by little. Cardio is 25-30 minutes every day except leg day.”
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An Open Field: Walker Emphasizes Unpredictability in the 2023 Mr. Olympia
In a show of respect for his fellow competitors, Walker emphasized the level of competition at the 2023 Mr. Olympia. He asserted, “no one’s spot is promised” this year, indicating the intense competition expected at the event and the lack of predictability in determining the winner.
“When I first saw the feedback, I’m like, I’m going to whoop everyone’s ass. These motherfuckers right here [at the 2023 Pittsburgh Pro], I’m like, yeah buddy,” Walker shared. “I mean I did think that. But honestly, seeing everybody, I said okay, everyone is in shape. Everyone is progressing. Everyone is making improvements. Samson made some improvements. Derek made some improvements. Hunter has definitely made some improvements.”
“This is going to be a very very good Olympia this year. This isn’t going to be easy for anyone. In my opinion, I don’t think anybody’s spot is promised going into this Olympia. It’s going to be a battle. I think the top five is going to be epic. I think we will all be in shape, hard, dry, peeled, all of the above. It’s going to be a show for everyone to see. One [is where I see myself placing].”
Lunsford’s Perspective: A Focus on Self, Not Outcome
Reflecting a mindset of equanimity, Lunsford suggested that the outcome of the 2023 Mr. Olympia is beyond his control. This viewpoint reflects a grounded approach where he focuses on his preparation and performance rather than on factors outside his influence.
“We work so hard all year, we can do everything right and give our absolute best, and at the end of the day, the outcome is not in our control. So, I think the fact that we understand that, we’re putting our best foot forward,” says Lunsford.
Walker’s Warning: A Slip Could Lead to Defeat
Nick Walker candidly expressed his competitive spirit, stating that if Lunsford falters even slightly at the Mr. Olympia stage, he will seize the opportunity to triumph over him. This comment highlights the razor-thin margin for error at the elite level of bodybuilding competition.
“Derek and Samson. And I say Samson obviously because he beat me at the Arnold. Derek, I think just because we match together very well. I just think obviously he’s got the better shape than I do, but I’m improving my shape every show. And I do feel I out-do him muscle-wise and my conditioning has always been top-notch, so if he slips at all… I will beat him.”
Balancing Protein Intake and Digestive Health: Walker’s Strategy
Walker disclosed a significant change in his diet compared to previous seasons, stating that he had reduced his protein intake. He attributes this dietary modification to improved digestive health, emphasizing the importance of balance in nutrition for optimum bodybuilding performance.
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“I also made sure I ate food that digested the best. Also, I take a lot of digestive enzymes, I take a lot of things that lets everything process through,” said Walker. “I did lower my protein intake a little bit. And I think for me, too much protein was giving me more of that bloaty feel. I didn’t lower it drastically. Maybe an ounce or so, that ounce on every meal added up over time. It makes a difference.”
Preferred Protein Sources: Walker and Lunsford’s Choices
Delving into the specifics of their protein sources, Walker revealed that he predominantly derives his protein from ground turkey, chicken, or steak. In contrast, Lunsford expressed his preference for fish as his primary protein source. These choices highlight the individualized approach to diet each bodybuilder adopts, tailored to their unique nutritional needs and preferences.
“Every prep, I would like, I’m going to eat fish. I would think of it as a hardcore thing. I’m going to fucking eat some fish and get peeled. Every time I would do it, I would just throw up. I couldn’t do it. The majority of my preps, it’s literally 99% ground turkey fat-free, chicken or steak,” said Walker.
“I didn’t realize till last year, I was eating so much cod. I don’t mind fish, I like fish, especially salmon. Dude I ate so much cod last year that I smelled like – you know what I actually smelled like, it smelled like cat urine. I thought it was, it was kind of embarrassing to say,” replied Derek Lunsford.
Anticipating the Showdown: Walker and Lunsford’s Predictions for the 2023 Mr. Olympia
This isn’t the first instance where Walker has pictured a face-off with Lunsford for the esteemed Mr. Olympia title. In an earlier episode of the Mutant and the Mouth Podcast, Walker confessed that his ‘gut feeling’ anticipated a clash between him and Lunsford for the top spot at this year’s competition.
Lunsford’s Predictions: A Different Take
However, Derek Lunsford has a different vision of how the competition might unfold. In a recent interview, Lunsford forecasted that the primary battle for the title would be between him and the reigning champion, Hadi Choopan. He further suggested that Samson Dauda and Nick Walker are more likely to grapple for the third and fourth places.
A Season of Unpredictability: Excitement for the 2023 Mr. Olympia
Given the unpredictable outcomes at last year’s Mr. Olympia, fans are gearing up for another thrilling competition this November. It remains to be seen whether Derek Lunsford’s or Nick Walker’s predictions will come true, and which of them might emerge as the 18th man to win the prestigious Mr. Olympia title.
Watch the full video from the Straight Outta the Lair YouTube channel below:
Overview
In the lead-up to the highly anticipated 2023 Mr. Olympia competition, bodybuilding stars Nick Walker and Derek Lunsford discuss their confidence levels, preparations, and dietary approaches in a revealing podcast. With the event expected to be highly competitive, both athletes share their perspectives on the outcome, emphasizing the unpredictability of the contest. Walker aims to capitalize on any opportunity, while Lunsford maintains a focused and grounded approach. As the event approaches, fans eagerly await the showdown between these formidable contenders in Orlando, Florida.
Featured Image @dereklunsford_ @nick_walker39 (Instagram)
