During his return home speech, Hadi Choopan claims to have had “a few heart attacks” due to the stress and pressure of Mr. Olympia prep… though some argue that he means panic attacks
After an intense competition at the 2024 Mr. Olympia, Hadi Choopan returned to Iran, where he received a warm welcome from his fans. Choopan placed second in this year’s competition, conceding the title to the new champion, Samson Dauda. During a public appearance back home, Hadi Choopan opened up about the hardships he faced leading up to the prestigious bodybuilding event, making a startling statement about his health, claiming to have “a few heart attacks” during the contest prep.
With the 2024 Mr. Olympia behind him, Hadi Choopan returned back home to Iran, upon which he made a public appearance addressing fans on the competition and his 2nd place finish. During his speech, Choopan claimed that he experienced “a few heart attacks” due to the overwhelming stress and pressure of trying to reclaim his Olympia title.
This revelation came as a shock to many of his fans, who were unaware of the extent of the struggles he endured during his preparation. Despite these alleged health scares, Choopan chose not to disclose them at the time, preferring instead to project positivity and focus on sharing “happiness with the people.”
The comments came to light through a video that has since been shared widely on social media. The clip, translated directly by corespondents at our sister site, Generation Iron Persia, captured Hadi Choopan’s emotional admission.
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Translated Statement Raises Questions
The translated video has sparked considerable discussion in the bodybuilding community, as fans and experts alike analyze Choopan’s choice of words. Below is a transcription of the key portion of his statement, translated to English:
“I had a few heart attacks and many times due to stress and pressure I get heart attack but no one doesn’t know [sic]. Why? Because I wanna share my happiness with the people.”
While the translation provided is literal, some have suggested that Hadi Choopan may have confused the term “heart attack” with “panic attack” or used the phrase to describe extreme anxiety or stress-induced episodes. Panic attacks, characterized by symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, and an overwhelming sense of fear, can often mimic the feeling of a heart attack. This confusion is not uncommon, especially in moments of distress.
Fans have also pointed out this possibility on social media, noting that Choopan’s description of stress-related episodes might align more closely with symptoms of panic attacks rather than actual cardiac events. Nevertheless, his words have raised concerns about the intensity of his training regimen and the immense pressure that top-level athletes like him endure while competing for bodybuilding’s most coveted title.
The High Stakes of Mr. Olympia Prep
Preparing for a competition like Mr. Olympia is no small feat. It requires not only intense physical training but also a steely mental focus to endure months of dieting, strict routines, and the constant scrutiny that comes with being in the public eye. For Hadi Choopan, who won the 2022 Mr. Olympia title and has been a dominant figure in the bodybuilding world, the stakes were even higher as he sought to reclaim his title from a field of fierce competitors.
Stress and anxiety are common challenges for athletes at this level, often exacerbated by the pressure to meet expectations from fans and sponsors. Choopan’s admission of experiencing severe stress is a reminder of the mental toll that high-level competition can take, even on athletes who appear strong and confident on stage.
A Closer Look at Hadi Choopan’s Career
Hadi Choopan, also known as “The Persian Wolf,” has become one of the most celebrated and recognizable names in professional bodybuilding. Born in Shiraz, Iran, Choopan started his bodybuilding journey at a young age, training rigorously to build a physique that would eventually make him a global sensation.
Choopan rose to international fame after joining the IFBB Pro League and competing in major events like the Arnold Classic and the Mr. Olympia. Known for his incredible muscle density, balanced proportions, and signature stage presence, he quickly became a fan favorite.
His breakthrough came in 2019 when he placed third at the Mr. Olympia competition, making history as the first Iranian bodybuilder to achieve such a high rank. He continued to improve year after year, finally clinching the Mr. Olympia title in 2022, a moment that solidified his status among the elite in the sport. Despite placing second in 2024 behind Samson Dauda, Choopan’s status as a top contender remains undisputed, and his legacy in the sport is firmly established.
A Call for Greater Awareness of Athlete Well-being
Hadi Choopan’s recent comments have opened up a broader conversation about the physical and mental health challenges faced by professional athletes, particularly those in high-intensity sports like bodybuilding. The pressures of competition can often lead to physical strain and severe stress, conditions that are sometimes not openly discussed within the community.
If Choopan’s statements indeed refer to panic attacks, it could shed light on a side of the sport that is rarely talked about—the psychological battles that athletes face behind the scenes. His decision to keep his struggles private, focusing instead on “sharing happiness” with his fans, is a testament to his resilience and desire to maintain a positive public image. Yet, it also underscores the need for a more open dialogue about mental health in the sport.
Moving Forward: What’s Next for Hadi Choopan?
With the 2024 Mr. Olympia behind him, Hadi Choopan is expected to take some time to recover before planning his next moves in the competitive circuit. His latest statements have certainly sparked concern and curiosity among his fanbase, but they also highlight his dedication to the sport and his fans, even when facing personal challenges.
As Choopan looks ahead, many hope that he will prioritize his health and well-being, whether that involves clarifying the nature of his recent health scares or taking steps to manage stress more effectively. His journey serves as a reminder that even the strongest competitors face struggles, and that resilience in the face of adversity is as much a part of the sport as the physical training itself.
In the high-stakes world of bodybuilding, Hadi Choopan’s experience is a powerful example of the challenges athletes face, both physically and mentally, as they pursue greatness. Whether his words referred to heart attacks or panic attacks, they underscore the toll that pressure can take—even on the strongest among us.
