🇺🇸 Nick Walker has finally spoken publicly about his split with coach Kyle Wilkes because he was “degrading and disrespectful.’ Then, he said the fallout followed his sixth-place finish at the 2025 Mr. Olympia. Moreover, he claimed Wilkes’ post-split video crossed a line he would not accept. Finally, Walker confirmed he will coach himself until he finds a better match.

Next, Walker explained that misaligned philosophies caused the split. Moreover, he insisted that loyalty and respect are paramount. Then, he revealed he felt “freed” from methods he didn’t believe in. Finally, he emphasized that his next steps will be carefully considered.

Meanwhile, Wilkes offered his side of the story. He admitted, “We mistimed the peak,” and added that Walker’s Pittsburgh Pro look was excellent. Then, he described the phone call ending the coaching relationship as “cold” and “unexpected.” Finally, both sides’ statements quickly circulated through the bodybuilding community.

Lastly, the controversy sparked discussions on trust and professionalism in pro bodybuilding. Then, fans debated who was right, while commentators highlighted the emotional stakes of elite competition. Finally, Walker now faces a 2026 campaign without his former coach.

Walker said the split stemmed from preparation disagreements. “I’m going to be the bigger person, again, for the 1000th time in my life… I just did not like the way his methods were,” he told Colosseum Strength. Then, he noted the post-Olympia video was disrespectful. Moreover, he claimed parts of it were “bullshit.”

Next, Walker added that loyalty mattered more than performance. “I will never leave a coach that I feel went fully all the way in and was fully aware… In my opinion, that’s not what happened,” he said. Then, he explained that he would only work with someone aligned with his vision. Finally, Walker revealed he is currently self-coaching.

Then, Wilkes gave his side. “Nick does what Nick does. I don’t control his decisions,” he said. Then, he added, “When I got the phone call, it was exactly how Nick operates, and that’s what burned me.” Moreover, he defended the Pittsburgh Pro look, saying, “That was your best look in the modern era. If he didn’t like that, I don’t know how to help you.” Finally, the coach expressed regret but maintained his perspective.

 

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“I’m going to be the bigger person, again, for the 1000th time in my life… I just did not like the way his methods were. It didn’t align with what I do, and it was best that I started to do my own thing.”
— Nick Walker, Colosseum Strength

“I’ll be professional: I thought his video was a little on the degrading side.Walker just think he did it in a very disrespectful, degrading way that I would never do to somebody. I think a lot of it to be transparent was bullshit.”— Nick Walker, Colosseum Strength

“I will never leave a coach that I feel went fully all the way in and was fully aware… In my opinion, that’s not what happened. That’s why this situation occurred.”
— Nick Walker, Colosseum Strength

“Nick does what Nick does. What I mean by that is I don’t control his decisions… When I got the phone call, it was exactly how Nick operates, and that’s what burned me the most, more so because there was no explanation.”
— Kyle Wilkes, Colosseum Strength

“We mistimed the peak,” Wilkes wrote in his post explaining the result and the split.— Kyle Wilkes, Colosseum Strength

“Then, there was a comment made on the call, regarding the fact that he did not like how he looked at Pittsburgh. … That was your best look… If he didn’t like that, I don’t know how to help you.”
— Kyle Wilkes, Colosseum Strength

What It Means for Walker’s Future

Walker faces decisions about coaching, programming, and 2026 strategy. Then, he must rebuild trust in the process. Moreover, self-coaching could give him control or bring risk. Finally, his next prep will be a test of focus and discipline.

Next, insiders predict that the split may sharpen his determination. Then, Walker’s ability to self-adjust will be key. Moreover, fans expect improved conditioning and presentation. Finally, every step toward Olympia will be closely watched.

Then, the bodybuilding community will focus on performance over drama. Moreover, Walker and Wilkes both learned lessons from the fallout. Finally, this public dispute will influence both of their reputations going into the next season.

Watch GREATEST DAY OF YOUR LIFE | Fouad Abiad, Iain Valliere, Nick Walker, Guy Cisternino | Bro Chat at Fouad Abiad Media YouTube Channel: 

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