Shaun Clarida, in anticipation of his third 212 Olympia title this November, recently detailed his strategy. During an intimate conversation with Bob Cicherillo for a YouTube segment, he articulated a clear philosophy: prioritize unmatched conditioning over mere bulk. While Clarida may not possess the commanding height seen in some of his competitors, his indomitable strength, dense muscular build, and impeccable conditioning set him apart in the league.
Earning His Moniker: ‘Mini Ronnie Coleman’
Often referred to as the ‘Mini Ronnie Coleman’, Clarida’s trajectory in the sport is nothing short of awe-inspiring. He strikes a harmonious balance between symmetry, muscularity, and fullness – qualities that initially won him the 212 Olympia title in 2020. Yet, the journey hasn’t been without its challenges. In 2021, Derek Lunsford bested him, claiming the title. However, 2022 saw a dramatic reversal of fortunes: while Lunsford moved to the Open category at Mr. Olympia, finishing second, Clarida re-established his dominance by reclaiming the 212 Olympia title.
Venturing Beyond the 212 Division
The 212 category isn’t the only arena where Clarida has showcased his prowess. His victory at the 2021 Legion Sports Fest Pro earned him another apt nickname: ‘The Giant Killer.’ This title was further solidified in March at the 2023 Arnold Classic. Even amidst competitors who physically overshadowed him, Clarida managed to secure a respectable fifth position. Notably, he even posed a considerable challenge to the legendary Mamdouh ‘Big Ramy’ Elssbiay during the event.
Clarida’s Ambition: Surpassing Flex Lewis
The world of bodybuilding is no stranger to Clarida’s ambitions. He has publicly expressed his goal to eclipse Flex Lewis by winning more than seven 212 Olympia titles. With the next edition of the Olympia show only a few months away, another win would significantly propel Clarida closer to this lofty benchmark.
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Shaun Clarida’s Consistency: Staying True to His Winning Formula for the Upcoming Olympia Title Defense,“If I Won Olympia 170-180 Lbs, Why Change It?”
Amid discussions of his aspirations, Clarida also acknowledged the emergence of rising contenders within his division. One such name is Keone Pearson, who recently secured the gold in the 212 category at the 2023 Texas Pro.
“I’m waiting to hear three-time,” said Shaun Clarida.
“New competition this year, right? We’re seeing shots of your buddy Keone out there. It looks like he has his shit together. That kid is trouble,” said Bob Cicherillo.
Listen, I respect each and every guy on that stage, they all belong to be there, right? I’m just focused on me. He was great. He was actually here last night,” said Shaun Clarida. “My goal and my vision is just to fast forward, get that three, and call it a day.”
Cicherillo’s Parallel: Shaun’s Olympia Comeback Mirrors Jay Cutler’s 2009 Triumph
Cicherillo drew parallels between Shaun’s reclaiming of his Olympia title and the legendary comeback of Jay Cutler in the Open division in 2009.
“Only Jay Cutler is the only guy to get an Olympia title back so that puts you in elite company, my friend,” replied Cicherillo.
“Yeah, definitely. Jay is definitely that guy. Right, Jay did it and we did obviously last year. Again, I’m trying to create that legacy at this point. I’m a brand new father now. I just had a baby. Baby GK is here. We just moved to Texas. So I’m actually a Texan now.”
Clarida’s Conditioning Over Size: Aiming for 170-180 Pounds on Stage
Shaun Clarida emphasizes his strategy for the upcoming season, prioritizing impeccable conditioning over sheer size. He intends to present himself on stage weighing between 170 to 180 pounds.
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“I’m right around 200,” added Clarida. “Exactly. If I won Olympia around 170-180, why change it? I’ll be better, I’ll be a little bit more crisper obviously, those things we can always improve on. As far as getting bigger, I don’t necessarily need to do that.”
“You come in with that razor-sharp condition, that’s usually the difference on the Olympia level, that’s just smart planning man,” said Bob Cicherillo.
“I talked to some of the judges last year after I walked off the Olympia stage, they literally said, ‘Don’t change a thing.’ So, if they told me, if those are the judges that judged me and they gave me that first-place nod, I’m going to listen to everything they say.”
“Like you say, if it’s not broke, why should I fix it,” stated Clarida. “I just focus on winning. I don’t worry about losing, I focus on winning.”
Clarida’s Training Insight: Heavy Lifting and Honed Techniques
Shaun Clarida, renowned for his weightlifting prowess, has been keeping his fanbase engaged with updates about his preparatory training regimen as November approaches. The current 212 Olympia champion recently unveiled an exhaustive arm workout routine for his followers. However, he highlighted that arm training isn’t a weekly occurrence for him. Instead, he leans toward a classic training split, emphasizing push, pull, and leg movements.
In another recent session, Clarida shared insights into a quad-centric leg workout. Throughout the workout, his approach was characterized by unmatched intensity. However, he was also strategic, ensuring that his knees remained protected from undue stress.
The bodybuilding community is eagerly awaiting the 2023 Mr. Olympia, scheduled from Nov. 2-5 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. Anticipation is building to see if Clarida can continue his legacy and emerge as the three-time 212 Olympia champion.
For a comprehensive understanding of Clarida’s training approach, fans can refer to the latest video on the Voice of Bodybuilding YouTube channel.
Overview
Shaun Clarida is setting his sights on a third 212 Olympia title this November, emphasizing impeccable conditioning over increasing size. Known as both ‘Mini Ronnie Coleman’ and ‘The Giant Killer,’ Clarida first won the 212 Olympia in 2020, faced defeat in 2021 but reclaimed the title in 2022. While he has ventured beyond the 212 category, his main ambition is to surpass Flex Lewis’s record of seven titles in the division. His training updates, which favor strength and technique, have kept fans engaged ahead of the 2023 Mr. Olympia event in Orlando.
Featured Image @shaunclarida (Instagram), @Voice of Bodybuilding (YouTube )
