Aceto claims that Derek Lunsford suffered a panic attack during the 2025 Olympia.
What we saw on stage is Derek Lunsford winning his second Olympia title just two weeks ago. What we did not see is Lunsford suffering a health scare back stage during the 2025 Olympia that led to rumors that the bodybuilder almost died. Earlier in the week, bodybuilding coach Chris Aceto took to social media to share a video clearing up these rumors.
Aceto shut down rumors completely, calling them “ludicrous” and “lies.”
“That’s completely, utterly no reality. I will say that Derek did not have a cramp anywhere. He did not have a cramp in his chest, in the shoulders, tris, back, bis, legs, abs, anywhere. My son had sent me Ivan’s clip, Ivan’s clip was a summation of a German show that said Derek almost died backstage, which is ludicrous.”
Lunsford set a goal to complete bodybuilding’s trifecta after his victories at the Arnold Classic and Pittsburgh Pro. He accomplished this goal by winning his second Olympia title. Hadi Choopan finished as the runner-up once again. It was a big-time performance by Andrew Jacked, who was one of the most improved bodybuilders over the course of the year, finishing in third place.
| Full Name: Derek Lunsford | ||
| Weight | Height | Date Of Birth |
| 205-215 lbs. | 5’6’’ | 1993 |
| Profession | Era | Nationality |
| Bodybuilder, Fitness Coach | 2010 | American |
Chris Aceto Talks Derek Lunsford’s Anxiety
Chris Aceto claims that Derek Lunsford’s health markers were all good to go but he has dealt with anxiety during his career. He shared that this is what that was backstage.
“He had a panic attack backstage. I thought he must be having a lot of anxiety if he asked for me to come backstage. When I came backstage, I recognized that it was greater than anxiety this time.
He’s had issues with anxiety and it just passed. Anxiety can pass by talking to someone you trust, or talking to someone you like, or talking to someone who can understand you, or someone who can make you laugh.”
When Aceto went backstage, he first checked to see if Lunsford was good to go health-wise. He made sure to check all areas before the most important part of the conversation.
“I wanted to discount the idea that he had any serious health issues at all backstage. His pupils were not dilated, he was not sweating. His blood pressure was not high. His blood sugar, which indicates things as you know, was 100% normal.”
Once all marks were checked, Aceto believed that it was anxiety and knew how to handle Lunsford from there.
Derek Lunsford has enjoyed a long and successful career to this point. He first stepped on the bodybuilding stage way back in 2015, but it wasn’t until 2017 that he earned his pro card. And right out of the gate he got a big win at the Tampa Pro which allowed him the opportunity to compete at Mr. Olympia in the Men’s 212 division. Fast forward to now, and he has a 212 Mr. Olympia title, as well as the 2023 Mr. Olympia title and 2025 Mr. Olympia title. At this point, there is no signs of slowing down coming from Derek Lunsford.
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