Andrew Jacked sheds light on his extremely rapid rise in bodybuilding – going from amateur to top 5 at Mr. Olympia in just three years
In the second episode of GI Conversation With Andrew Jacked, host Vlad Yudin dives deeper into the personal journey, philosophies, and future aspirations of pro bodybuilder Andrew Jacked. The conversation covers a wide range of topics—from Andrew’s unique path into bodybuilding to his views on competition, social media, and his goals for a Mr. Olympia title. Here’s a detailed recap of this insightful episode, where Andrew shares his candid thoughts on his rise in the bodybuilding world and his hopes for the future.
Advice for Aspiring Bodybuilders: Patience and Persistence
Andrew Jacked’s journey has been rapid, achieving his pro card only a year after seriously committing to bodybuilding. Vlad asked Andrew for advice to new bodybuilders who want to turn pro, and Andrew emphasized the importance of patience and persistence. According to him, aspiring athletes should remain focused on their own progress rather than comparing themselves to others. Progress in bodybuilding varies greatly, so staying consistent and waiting for one’s time is key.
Unlike most professional bodybuilders, Andrew’s rise was incredibly fast. He explained that he only began serious training in 2021, obtaining his pro card in 2022 and competing in his first Mr. Olympia that same year. Despite his rapid climb, he’s placed among the top bodybuilders in the world, finishing fifth in his last two Mr. Olympias. Vlad pointed out the unusual trajectory, and Andrew confirmed that while his career escalated quickly, he’s fully committed to long-term growth in the sport.
In 2022, Andrew faced a unique challenge as he contracted COVID just before his first Olympia. He shared that he wasn’t the only one—many backstage competitors were also dealing with the virus. Despite the setback, he still managed to finish in eighth place.
The Role of Social Media in Bodybuilding Success
Turning to social media’s role in modern bodybuilding, Vlad questioned whether it’s essential to have a strong online presence to make a career in the sport. Andrew Jacked agreed, noting that in today’s landscape, social media is nearly inseparable from bodybuilding success. Building a brand online helps athletes promote themselves and gain sponsorships, although he clarified that one must also be a winner to attract meaningful opportunities.
Vlad mentioned bodybuilders like Sam Sulek, who have amassed large followings and financial success without competing. Andrew acknowledged that different paths work for different people, highlighting the diversity in how bodybuilders can achieve success in today’s digital world.
Inspired by Flex Wheeler, Kai Greene, and Himself
When asked about his bodybuilding inspirations, Andrew named legends Flex Wheeler and Kai Greene as influences, citing their physiques and achievements. He then added a unique answer to the list: “myself.” Andrew explained that he’s constantly striving to surpass his past self, staying motivated by his own progress and future potential. This self-focused perspective reflects his commitment to personal growth and his belief in his abilities.
Family Support and Early Athletic Roots
Andrew Jacked’s athletic career extends beyond bodybuilding; as a child, he was heavily involved in various sports, including martial arts, soccer, CrossFit, and kickboxing. He explained that bodybuilding was simply the sport that propelled him into the professional sphere. His family has been supportive throughout his journey, recognizing that sports have been his lifelong passion. Bodybuilding, he noted, is not just a profession for him but an addiction and a pursuit he is deeply passionate about.
A Laid-Back Approach to His Mr. Olympia Dream
Vlad observed Andrew’s calm demeanor and “it is what it is” mentality, leading him to ask if winning Mr. Olympia is indeed Andrew’s ultimate dream. Andrew confirmed that it is, without question, his goal. However, he admitted that his laid-back attitude doesn’t reflect a lack of ambition; instead, it’s his way of managing disappointment and keeping a balanced perspective. He believes in doing his best and letting the results follow without dwelling on setbacks.
Finding the Right Coach and Trusting the Process
For bodybuilders looking for guidance, Andrew advised that selecting the right coach is crucial. When he started, he acknowledged his lack of knowledge about the sport and knew he needed a specialist to guide him. His recommendation for others is to find a knowledgeable coach but to understand that success ultimately rests on the athlete’s shoulders.
Even the best coach can’t compensate if the athlete isn’t fully dedicated. Andrew prefers to let his coach handle the direction, viewing himself as a passenger who focuses solely on hard work and execution.
The Struggles of Eating to Maintain Size
One surprising revelation in this episode was Andrew Jacked’s dislike of the massive food intake required to maintain his size. He mentioned that eating has become his least favorite aspect of bodybuilding due to the sheer volume required to sustain his physique. In fact, he often doesn’t begin eating until 1 p.m., highlighting how physically and mentally taxing the dietary demands can be.
Size and Conditioning: The Factors for Victory
When Vlad asked whether a taller, more conditioned bodybuilder would always beat a smaller competitor, Andrew offered an insightful perspective. He argued that conditioning alone doesn’t guarantee a win, citing Samson Dauda’s recent Olympia win despite being less conditioned than competitor Hadi Choopan. He explained that genetics play a role, with darker-skinned athletes like himself and Samson facing challenges in achieving “paper-thin” skin. Andrew’s balanced approach to size, conditioning, and genetics reflects his nuanced understanding of what it takes to succeed.
Will Samson Dauda Be a Long-Term Champion?
In a competitive moment, Andrew Jacked was quick to predict that Samson Dauda’s time as champion won’t last long if Andrew can “get his act together.” Correcting himself with a confident tone, he rephrased it to “when I do.” This bold statement underscored his belief in his potential to challenge Samson and others in the future.
Wrap Up
Episode two of GI Conversation With Andrew Jacked offers fans a deeper look at Andrew’s journey, mindset, and competitive spirit. From military service to bodybuilding success in the UAE, Andrew’s story is one of perseverance, self-reliance, and resilience. As he eyes the Mr. Olympia title with steadfast determination, Andrew Jacked continues to show why he’s one of bodybuilding’s most compelling athletes.
