The hamstring tear takes the top contender out of the mix.
Even «The Mutant» is human.
Unfortunately for Nick Walker, His career at Olimpia has already come to an end due to a torn hamstring suffered while training for the biggest bodybuilding show of the year. Despite his best efforts, the 2022 Mr. Olympia third-place finisher could not overcome an injury that occurred at the worst possible time.
With the 2023 Olympia weekend about to begin in Orlando, FL, from November 2-5, Walker announced his decision to retire from the competition via an Instagram post on October 31, 2023.
Although he looked ready for the stage on the surface, the 2021 Arnold Classic winner revealed that his hamstring remains a major issue.
“I tried to get over it. I tried to do everything I could and get the treatment I could, but little by little it got worse,” Walker explained. “He didn’t progress in any way, shape, or form. My team and I thought it was best to retire because we knew there was no chance of finishing in the top three at this point or further. And we don’t want to lose positions.»
Of course, recent changes to the Olympia Qualification System stipulate that only the top three finishers at the 2023 Mr. Olympia automatically secure a spot in the 2024 contest. Even though Walker finished only behind Hadi Choopan and Derek Lunsford in the men’s Open division a year ago would surely have faced an uphill battle to fend off the likes of 2023 Arnold Classic champion Samson Dauda and 2019 Mr. Olympia winner Brandon Curry for the Third place. place it on a completely healthy leg.
After breaking the news to promoters and officials, the 2021 Arnold Classic winner said he received nothing but support from IFBB Pro League President Jim Manion and Olympia owner Jake Wood.
“They asked me if I ever needed anything and that makes me proud to be a part of this organization,” Walker said.
Going forward, there are significant ramifications for everyone involved. Walker faces a difficult task recovering from a torn hamstring and reminding everyone why he was considered a top contender to take home the Mr. Olympia crown in 2023. Meanwhile, his absence opens the door Even more so for someone like Dauda, Curry, or even Hunter Labrada, who took home the 2023 Tampa Pro Men’s Open title in August, to punch his ticket to next year’s show with a top-three finish.
After all, with Walker, two-time Mr. Olympia champion Mamdouh “Big Ramy” Elssbiay, 2022 Bigman Weekend Pro winner Brett “The Butcher” Wilkin and 2023 Toronto Pro Supershow winner Ian Valliere all bowing out for various reasons, the scenario won. There won’t be many people (or competition) and some big names will be missing.
Although it would be easy for Walker to view his setback in a negative light, he showed impressive resolve and inner strength when talking about what’s next.
«If I learned anything from this, it’s that anything can happen at any time,» he explained. “But the question is how you handle it; It is what you do that defines who you are and the character you will become.”
Featured image: nick_walker39 / Instagram
