Injuries sidelined Nick Walker from the 2023 Mr. Olympia show. This leaves us wondering about his potential performance under the bright lights. In a recent Old School Labs Podcast, former champ Samir Bannout discussed Nick Walker capabilities at the 2024 Mr. Olympia following an impressive guest-posing appearance last weekend.
“He was sitting there in a wheelchair watching [2023 Mr. Olympia], and I’m sure he was like sad on the inside that he’s not on stage. He looks great in that guest posing,” shared Bannout.
Since starting his illustrious career in the IFBB Pro League, Nick Walker has established himself as one of the best. He secured victories at esteemed events like the New York Pro and Arnold Classic (2021). In his first attempt at the Mr. Olympia, Walker secured fifth place.
In 2022, ‘The Mutant’ improved on the sport’s greatest stage, leaping into third place, behind Derek Lunsford and Hadi Choopan. Returning to Columbus, Ohio for the 2023 Arnold Classic, Walker was unable to stop Samson Dauda from claiming gold.
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Undeterred by the setback, Walker was convinced he’d win the 2023 Mr. Olympia but was forced out of the event due to a hamstring and calf tear. A month following his absence, Walker bounced back with a guest posing appearance at the 2023 NPC High Roller Royale, a topic that 1983 Mr. Olympia Samir Bannout discussed in detail below.
Samir Bannout Applauds Nick Walker’s Exceptional Guest Posing: “Condition Was Very Impressive”
Despite his misfortune, Samir Bannout expressed profound admiration for Walker’s recent guest posing appearance. He added that Walker’s presentation has notably improved.
“Yeah, I’m very impressed. When Nick Walker guest poses like that… this is when bodybuilders should go on stage.
When promoters give you five or seven whatever grand to guest pose, you want to show the audience muscle. Honestly, Nick looks incredible and not bad. His performance and his posing it’s improving as he’s going on.”
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Bannout marveled at Walker’s onstage absence of hamstring issues.
“I would put a little bit more tan on his face a little bit though, but fantastic, fantastic. Really, I’m surprised. I don’t see any sign of hamstring issue even though you can see slightly a little bit of bruise.
Yeah, he looks very impressive John. Very impressive. I think he’s going to come back with a vengeance. I’m telling you, he’s determined. I saw him at the Olympia, I gave him a quick hug and said hi to him,” said Samir Bannout.
According to Bannout, Walker showcased a high-quality physique. However, he emphasized that Walker shouldn’t be overly concerned with weight, stating, “You don’t need to be 280” pounds.
“Nick Walker he changed from in the past two years in a huge way. Why? Because him and his coach realized that the quality is the only way to go and that’s why we are getting to respect him more now. It’s very unfortunate he got injured but look at his body. Even his guest posing condition was very impressive, you have to understand its quality.
I can see he trains super hard. Whatever he’s doing with his coach, they are doing a great job. I wish him a speedy recovery but you know what, it’s true John, you gotta listen to your body. Counting sets and reps is not necessary, just look in the mirror. You don’t need to be 280, you don’t need to be 240, just look at yourself and improve,” explains Samir Bannout.
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Besides Bannout, notable figures in bodybuilding have speculated on Walker’s potential performance at the 2023 Olympia. Derek Lunsford, the recently crowned two-division Mr. Olympia winner, suggests that Walker could have contended with Samson Dauda for the third-place spot if he had participated.
For Walker to secure a spot at the 2024 Mr. Olympia, there are two avenues. He can either win a Pro show during the season, earning a qualification, or the Mr. Olympia organization would need to extend a special invite for him to compete at the event’s 60th anniversary next October. In offering advice, Samir Bannout emphasizes that Walker should focus more on the mirror than the scale moving forward.
Watch the full video from the Old School Labs YouTube channel below:
Overview
Nick Walker’s absence from the 2023 Mr. Olympia due to injuries sparks speculation about his potential. In a recent podcast, Samir Bannout discusses Nick Walker outlook for the 2024 Mr. Olympia after an impressive guest-posing appearance. Despite setbacks, Walker, known for victories at the New York Pro and Arnold Classic, aims for a comeback. Bannout commends Walker’s exceptional guest posing, emphasizing the shift from quantity to quality in his approach. Notable figures, including Derek Lunsford, discuss Walker’s potential at the 2023 Olympia. To secure a 2024 Mr. Olympia spot, Walker can win a Pro show or receive a special invite. Bannout’s advice underscores the focus on self-improvement over fixating on specific metrics.
Featured Image @nick_walker39, @Old School Labs (Youtube)
