Year In Review: The Biggest Bodybuilding Stories Of 2021

January 1, 2022

Here are the biggest bodybuilding stories from this past year!

As 2021 comes to an end, it seems like as good a time as any to look back on some of the top stories from bodybuilding over the last year. There was plenty of action this year and it was highlighted by some of the top competitions.

The 2021 Olympia and Arnold Classic took place two weeks apart after being pushed back due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Nick Walker was victorious in his first Arnold Classic competition and ended up fifth at the Olympia. For Big Ramy, he made it two titles in a row down in Orlando. Brandon Curry finished as the runner-up once again followed by Hadi Choopan and Hunter Labrada.

Outside of the world of bodybuilding, there have been many huge stories in powerlifting and boxing. This sets up what could be an extremely exciting 2022. Let’s take a look at some of the top stories and moments from 2021.

2021 Olympia Weekend Brings New & Repeat Champions

The 2021 Olympia was moved to October in Orlando because of COVID-19. This came just two weeks after the 2021 Arnold Classic. Big Ramy was able to win his second consecutive title and proved that he is the competitor to beat. Derek Lunsford upset Shaun Clarida in Men’s 212 while Chris Bumstead made it three victories in a row in Classic Physique.

READ HERE: 2021 Mr. Olympia Bodybuilding Results For All Divisions

Tom Stoltman Wins 2021 World’s Strongest Man

Tom Stoltman is one of the top strongmen in the world and he showed it on the biggest stage this year. Stoltman was able to edge out Brian Shaw, who finished second, and Maxime Boudreault to take home the title. There was 10 total competitors vying for the title and Stoltman was able to come out on top.

READ HERE: World’s Strongest Man 2021 Finals Results

Flex Wheeler Diagnosed With COVID-19 & Recovery

COVID-19 has impacted the entire world but especially for those who have contracted it or lost someone from it. In October, legendary bodybuilder Flex Wheeler was diagnosed with the virus and it was a long journey back. Wheeler remained active on social media giving updates on his condition through his battle. He was released in November but not before he received well wishes from many.

READ HERE: Flex Wheeler Has Been Diagnosed With COVID-19: “I Will Defeat The Virus”

Michal Krizo Wins Mr. Universe Pro & Draws Comparisons To IFBB Pro Athletes

Michal Krizo has become a huge name in the Elite Pro League and he solidified his legacy by winning the 2021 Mr. Universe Pro. This victory brought much attention to Krizo and his work as a bodybuilder. Krizo’s popularity has caused many fans to call for his switch to the IFBB league. That might happen in the future but for now, he continues to dominate the Elite Pro League.

READ HERE: Michal Krizo Wins Mr. Universe Pro 2021

Martyn Ford vs. Sajad Gharibi

One of the most anticipated of the year will take place on April 2nd. Martyn Ford and Sajad Gharibi have agreed to terms on a boxing match and it has been building since October. Not only will these two duke it out in the ring, there is some personal issues between the two. The fight will be under the banner of celebrity boxing promotion BoxStar.

READ HERE: Martyn Ford Will Fight “Iranian Hulk” Sajad Gharibi In Boxing Match Face Off

Hafthor Bjornsson vs. Eddie Hall Boxing Match Transformations

Hafthor Bjornsson and Eddie Hall have both made the transition from powerlifting to boxing. The two were set to meet in September but Hall was forced to back out because of an injury. There is no official date set just yet but it is likely that it will take place early in 2022. Since their transition, both Bjornsson and Hall have made incredible physique transformations.

READ HERE: Eddie Hall vs. Hafthor Bjornsson: Who Has Had The Most Significant Transformation In 2021?

Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Freedom Comments & Industry Reaction

Arnold Schwarzenegger received a lot of backlash after stating his opinion on anti-maskers during the COVID-19 pandemic. ‘Screw your freedom’ were the words used by Schwarzenegger and it was not received well. Many stated their opinions publicly and some decided to cut ties. Brian Shaw went as far as to remove posters of the bodybuilder from his gym to show that he is against his comments.

READ HERE: Brian Shaw Takes Down Poster Of Arnold Schwarzenegger In His Gym

Ryan Crowley Tears Pec During Training

Ryan Crowley has been putting on some serious size and gaining strength because of huge workouts. He joined Larry Wheels, who thrives performing massive lifts, for a training session back in March. Crowley suffered a torn pectoral while performing a heavy bench press.

READ HERE: Video Of Ryan Crowley Pec Tear While Training With Larry Wheels

Remembering Those Who We Have Lost

The bodybuilding world has been hit hard by a string of deaths by some of the top athletes in the sport. Shawn Rhoden passed away at the age of 46 in November after suffering a heart attack. Rhoden took home the Olympia title in 2018 and was one of the biggest name in bodybuilding since earning his Pro card in 2010.

George Peterson was preparing to compete at the 2021 Olympia before passing away in his hotel room in Orlando. There has not been a cause of death revealed for Peterson. He was 37 years old. Renowned bodybuilder and coach John Meadows passed away at 47 years old in August. Meadows dealt with health issues during his time as a bodybuilder. Following his retirement, he stayed active in the sport as a coach and nutritionist.

Odalis Santos Mena was an up-and-coming name in bodybuilding after becoming a sensation on social media. In July, Mena underwent an operation to fix her constant sweating and passed away due to a complication with anesthesia. She was just 23 years old. Generation Iron remembers those who we have lost in the sport of bodybuilding this year and sends condolences to family and friends.

Sadly, there were many more lost this past year than detailed here – drawing much attention to the state of health in competitive bodybuilding. While there has been no proven direct through line between all of these deaths, many hope that health becomes a bigger focus in the future of the sport. Generation Iron would like to pay tribute to those we have lost and wish for a stronger and safer year moving ahead.

Some bodybuilders that passed away in 2021 include: