Big Ramy discusses his 2023 plans with Bob Cicherillo.
Two-time Olympia champion Mamdouh ‘Big Ramy’ Elssbiay recently spoke to Bob Cicherillo about his plans for 2023. According to the former reigning Mr. Olympia, we may not see him step on stage again this year.
Getting to the top of anything can be a difficult grind. It requires drive, willpower, and a great deal of faith to believe you can become the best of the best in your chosen vocation. Becoming the best of the best in bodybuilding means pushing your mind and body to places no one else would dare to venture. There are so many things to work on that no part of your game can have any flab. It means having a great deal of patience as well as understanding your strengths and weaknesses to improve.
Whether you’re an amateur or a professional, you’ll always need to work on your weaknesses. So when Big Ramy recently fell from grace taking fifth at the 2022 Olympia, it was obvious that he’d need to make some changes if he wished to regain his title of best in the world. Many bodybuilding experts and critics had a great deal to say about Big Ramy’s fall. One critic in particular is Bob Cicherillo who at one point believed that the two-time Mr. Olympia would retire from the sport.
Big Ramy has already stated that he has different plans. Having competed at the 2023 Arnold Classic, coming in fourth place at the show, Big Ramy has hit a crossroads. Does he continue to compete to “earn” his spot at the 2023 Olympia (despite already being qualified as a former champion) or does he choose a different path? According to a recent interview with Bob Cicherillo, Big Ramy appears to be choosing the latter. Rather than retire, the popular Egyptian bodybuilder has chosen to keep improving his physique and competing for his fans.
“But I had to now, my passion for the people is growing every day,” said Big Ramy. “And I have a lot of fans in my country and they love me; a lot of the world, they believe I can do more. I’m fighting to do better.”
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Bob Cicherillo would go on to ask Big Ramy what he and his team have planned next.
“But that’s up to you and your trainer Chad, you put together the game plan,” said Bob Cicherillo. “So, you’re not going to do anything until next year’s Olympia at best right? So we don’t need to see you on stage before that?”
“No [I won’t be on stage again this year],” said Big Ramy. “Well, maybe in Pittsburgh.”
So as it stands it appears that Big Ramy is on the fence on his return date. Essentially his return to action could either be in 2024 or later this year at the Pittsburgh Pro. Either way, Big Ramy and his team are choosing to take some time away from competition to return to the drawing board. Rather than wear himself out by constantly competing and falling short of greatness, Ramy and his team are choosing to work on his weaknesses to help improve his standing.
What do you think of Big Ramy possibly choosing to take the rest of 2023 off?
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News and Editorial Writer at Generation Iron, Jonathan Salmon is a writer, martial arts instructor, and geek culture enthusiast. Check out his YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Sound Cloud for in-depth MMA analysis.
