It looks like Egypt’s best bodybuilder just got a second chance at his Olympia dreams.
Just a couple short weeks ago it was reported that Mamdouh “Big Ramy” Elssbiay would be unable to to compete at the Europa Pro. Big Ramy had contracted COVID-19 which forced him off the card. He hoped to qualify for the Olympia with the showing. Unfortunately things didn’t pan out that way. But now it appears that Big Ramy will have a second chance.
Not only will he get a second chance at competing in 2020, but Big Ramy has also received a special invitation for the Mr. Olympia 2020. According to NPC News Online, Big Ramy is officially Olympia bound.
One of the world’s most popular bodybuilder’s will be onstage in December to compete for bodybuilding’s most prestigious title. Mamdouh “Big Ramy” Elssbiay has received the coveted “Special Invitation” to compete at the 2020 Mr. Olympia contest. The Egyptian born champion fell short of securing enough qualifying points when he was forced to withdraw from a recent event following a positive Covid-19 test result.
In 2017, Big Ramy nearly defeated Phil Heath at the Mr. Olympia where he was forced to settle for 2nd. It turned out to be Heath’s final victory before he relinquished his title a year later.
Olympia President Dan Solomon explains, “The challenges of 2020 have impacted all of us in so many ways. After we took a close look at the unique circumstances, we all agreed that he would have qualified for the event if he hadn’t tested positive for the virus. The fans want to see the best in the world on the Olympia stage and Ramy will be an exciting addition to this year’s lineup.”
As the star power of the 2020 Olympia continues to grow, reigning champ Brandon Curry is currently in Kuwait preparing to defend his title against 7-time champ Phil Heath, 2019 runner-up William Bonac, Iranian sensation Hadi Choopan, and several other challengers, including former champ Dexter Jackson who recently announced this will be his final Olympia appearance. The addition of Big Ramy sets up an epic clash at the Planet Hollywood Resort on the Vegas Strip.
IFBB Pro League President Jim Manion adds, “This year has presented our sport with some unique circumstances. We are proud to offer Big Ramy this special invitation and we look forward to welcoming the best athletes in the world to Las Vegas in December.”
The Chicago Pro marked the end of the Olympia qualification season. Many athletes were unable to qualify for the Olympia 2020 due to covid restrictions and cancelled shows. However, it was widely expected that Big Ramy would receive a special invitation due to the current circumstances and the prior invitations issued by Olympia promoters.
Big Ramy is a top open competitor who continues to be a fan favorite. He placed second to Phil Heath at the 2017 Mr. Olympia competition and placed 3rd behind William Bonac and Dexter Jackson at the 2020 Arnold Classic. What do you make of this special invite to the Olympia for Big Ramy?
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Managing Editor 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.
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