Shawn Ray asked Hadi Choopan to comment on his 2023 Mr. Olympia walk-off after his loss… and whether we can expect the same behavior this year
The 2024 Olympia weekend is well underway and it all starts with the Olympia press conference. A time for the Olympia qualified athletes to hype up the audience and trade barbs with fellow competitors. This year was a round robin of commentators asking the athletes questions including a wide range of bodybuilding icons. One such commentator was Shawn Ray, who used his time to press former Olympia champion Hadi Choopan about his 2023 stage walk-off after losing the title.
At the 2023 Mr. Olympia, there was a close battle between Hadi Choopan and Derek Lunsford for the first spot. Ultimately, it was Derek who inched ahead and became the new Mr. Olympia champion. However, when this happened, Hadi Choopan shocked audiences when he abruptly walked off stage during the awards ceremony.
At the time, there was much discussion about that particular moment. Was Hadi Choopan being disrespectful? Was it a misunderstanding somewhat aided by a language barrier? As typical, the internet media, influencers, and comments went wild with opinions and theories. By 2024, most of the buzz about this moment died down as people looked ahead to the next Mr. Olympia.
Shawn Ray puts Hadi Choopan on the spot at the 2024 Olympia press conference
But not for Shawn Ray, who used his time with the microphone during the 2024 Olympia press conference to look back at the controversial moment. Shawn asked Hadi Choopan to further clarify and explain what happened in that moment. But more importantly, he asked if Hadi would act the same way should he lose again this year. Hadi Choopan responded:
“Last year I never felt like that but I always try to come with my best conditioning. Best separation. Best of my version. And last year was the same. I came my best and I did my best and I didn’t win it but this year I will try my best.”
Unsatisfied with the initial answer, Shawn Ray pressed further, reiterating that he would like to know if Hadi Choopan would let emotions get the best of him again if he were to lose. He also implied that Hadi couldn’t afford another bad PR moment in front of the Olympia judges and promoters.
To that, Hadi Choopan further clarified his position. He noted that he was feeling unwell, dehydrated, and was not in the right state of mind. He reiterated that he did what he needed to do. He stayed for the group award photos before walking off. He also commented that competitors like Shawn Ray know how overwhelming a moment after competition can be when it comes to health and vitality. It was a mistake but not one done in malice or disrespect.
“You have competed many times, Shawn Ray, so you know sometimes when you are on stage with low body sugar and low energy, and you know sometimes, maybe you cannot make the best decision. So at the beginning, I just congratulated Derek, stayed there, I did my photoshoot, and after that I felt a little bit not in good health to stay on stage so that’s why I walked away.”
The Olympia press conference is always a moment for competitors to rustle each other’s feathers – and apparently even for the panel to push the athletes towards some aggressive statements. It’s all part of the fun of the conference – and to get the audience hyped for what they are about to see on Friday and Saturday.
Shawn Ray is a bodybuilder who is no stranger to controversy and has often made his name by pressing on sensitive topics in the bodybuilding industry. This press conference was no different and provided for a highlight moment.
Generation Iron is on the ground at the 2024 Olympia and will be providing non stop coverage and behind the scenes content throughout the weekend. Stay tuned to the Generation Iron Fitness Network for updates on all things Mr. Olympia!
