212 Olympia champion Derek Lunsford will focus on defending title.
Derek Lunsford was finally able to get over the hump and win the Olympia in 2021. The Men’s 212 competitor took the next step in Orlando back in October and it is only right that he considers his next move. For Lunsford, the could be Open Bodybuilding.
Lunsford admitted in a recent interview that he has always had interest in competing in Open Bodybuilding. This is something that has been in the works but for now, Lunsford is focused on defending his title at the 2022 Olympia.
“Right now we’re focused on defending the 212 title but do I eventually want to be open? There are no questions asked man. I am a bodybuilder. I want to see my body continue to grow into the open,” Lunsford said.
“I’ve said it over and over and over again. I’ve always wanted to go open. I expect at some point I’ll be an open guy.”
Derek Lunsford has been a 212 competitor for the duration of his bodybuilding career. At 28 years old, he feels like his physique can still improve and this includes getting to the size of competitors in today’s Open Bodybuilding category.
“I’m 28 years old and I think that I need to spend a little bit more time in the gym developing my physique. How long will it take? We’ll see if my body just booms in one year who knows?”
Open Bodybuilding currently features some massive physiques. It is becoming a division full of mass monsters and that begins with reigning two-time Olympia champion Big Ramy. He remains at the top, along with Brandon Curry and Hadi Choopan. Lunsford can be another up-and-comer in the future that has a chance to make an impact. Nick Walker and Hunter Labrada currently fall under that category.
Derek Lunsford finished as Olympia runner-up twice in his career. During the 2020 show, Lunsford came in fourth. Shaun Clarida was the favorite entering 2021 to repeat as champion but Lunsford was able to pull off the upset. He earned his pro card in 2017 and won his first competition that same year at the 2017 Tampa Pro.
At some point, we will see Lunsford make the change but it does not seem to be happening right away. Lunsford has some more to accomplish in the 212 division and that begins with defending his title in 2022. Winning his first Olympia is something that could add some extra motivation for Lunsford moving forward. With over a year to prepare for the competition, the 2022 Olympia could have plenty of storylines and excitement to watch.
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