“One of the Biggest Shocks”: Bodybuilding Star Finally Opens up on Mr. Olympia 2022 Upset
Mr. Olympia 2022 came to a head last month and had its fair share of heartbreaking moments for bodybuilders. One such moment was when famous bodybuilder Hunter Labrada bowed out of competition with a low performance. The 2021 Chicago Pro winner entered with plenty of confidence, but finished outside the Top 5. Here’s what he says.
Labrada recently gave a heartfelt confession about his feelings not only about losing the latest crown, but also about failing to qualify directly for next year. He spoke of the shock he felt in front of thousands of people and the crippling feeling that followed. But Labrada is more determined than ever to make a comeback this year.
Hunter Labrada is hurt and angry with his performance at the Olympics
advertisement
Article continues below this advertisement
Hunter Labrada landed seventh at last year’s Olympia, just behind Samson Dauda in sixth. It was a step back for Labrada, who broke into the Top 5 at the races in 2021, finishing fourth. He spoke of the overwhelming feeling of standing in front of a packed room and not being crowned the winner.
Labrada said, “That was one of the biggest shocks I’ve ever endured in my life, and it was in front of God knows how many thousands of people,” as he came in hot and prepared for the contest. However, after his performance, Labrada was more than aware of his deficits and shortcomings in many aspects.
He said, “The fact of the matter is that I have to figure out my peak,” adding that his team is well aware of what went wrong on competition day. Labrada continued, “I’m pissed. I put this timer in my gym and worked out every day for 342 days from last year’s Olympia to this Olympia – I came up short. Plain and simple, I didn’t achieve what I wanted to do.”
dive deeper
His performance hurt and angered Labrada, but it also made him more focused on coming back stronger next year. But at the moment, nobody has it easy – not even his coach.
advertisement
Article continues below this advertisement
His coach details his shortcomings as Labrada vows to bounce back
Ben Chow, Labrada’s trainer, appeared on the Bro Chat podcast, along with others, to talk about Labrada’s preparation before the Olympics. He said, “There are two things to really handle this – a general preparation and two climaxes.” Chow believes that these two aspects could have been done better by Labrada. He also mentioned that the Labrada came in too flat and sacrificed fullness.
advertisement
Article continues below this advertisement
Labrada confessed that he was not in a good mental state after his defeat in Olympia. However, his focus now is to win the two Pro shows he must compete in in order to qualify for the Olympics. He said, “I’m going to show you a very different Hunter at the two pro shows I do, and at the Olympia because I’m going to qualify this year.” Here’s looking forward to his performance this year.
CHECK OUT THIS STORY – 5 WWE STARS WHO HAVE A BODYBUILDING PAST
