In a recent Instagram post dated October 31, Nick Walker, a top IFBB Pro in the Men’s Open bodybuilding division, revealed that he will not be competing in the 2023 Mr. Olympia due to a severe hamstring tear.
“It’s with a heavy heart I won’t be stepping stage this year due to unforeseen and unfortunate reasons that remind us we’re only human,” Walker expressed his disappointment.
Nick Walker is no stranger to the bodybuilding world, having made a name for himself with consecutive wins at the New York Pro and Arnold Classic in 2021, followed by a fifth-place finish in his Mr. Olympia debut. His attempts to secure a second Arnold Classic title in March resulted in a silver medal. Despite facing tough competition from Derek Lunsford and Hadi Choopan in the past, Walker has always come back stronger, determined to leave his mark on the Olympia stage.
However, this year, fate had other plans. In a heartfelt statement, Walker explained the difficult decision he and his team had to make:
“I have some very unfortunate news to deliver to you guys. I will not be competing in this year’s Mr. Olympia due to a hamstring tear that I did right before we actually came here. I tried to push through it, I tried to do whatever I could, get all the treatments I could, literally did whatever it takes but it gradually got worse it did not progress in any shape or form. Me and my team thought it was best we just pull out because we knew there was no shot of us placing top three at this point or higher.”
Walker went on to express his gratitude for the support he received from Jim Manion, Dan Solomon, and Jake Wood, who were understanding and supportive of his decision to withdraw.
“This was a very hard decision to make. This prep was very smooth, very easy to be honest, I kept telling Matt, every day, ‘I’m going to win your first one.’ Then the last second this happens… and it just sucks because you don’t know what to do. If I know myself, it’s just another reason for me to come back stronger, another reason to come back better, and that’s what I’ll do.”
Nick Walker’s withdrawal follows that of former two-time champion Mamdouh ‘Big Ramy’ Elssbiay, who also pulled out of the show citing the need for rest. The absence of these high-profile competitors will undoubtedly affect the lineup for the 2023 Mr. Olympia, set to take place from November 2-5 in Orlando, Florida.
We wish Nick Walker a speedy recovery and look forward to his triumphant return to the stage.
