Head judge Steve Weinberger believes there are many top-tier bodybuilders in Men’s Open today.
Steve Weinberger is the lead judge in bodybuilding and one of the most powerful men in the sport. He has seen the sport evolve over the years and believe that it is still changing. This time, it seems to be going back to what it was during the best years in the 90’s and 2000’s.
“It’s hard to get into that top six at Olympia. It’s very hard. They are very good bodybuilders.”
The battle between Derek Lunsford and Hadi Choopan will be the highlight of the 2024 Olympia once again. Last year, Lunsford jumped Choopan at the 2023 Olympia to win his first title. Choopan was not satisfied with the result and quickly went back to work. He was able to win both the Arnold Classic and Arnold Classic UK.
Despite this duo being at the top of bodybuilding, there are others contenders for the Olympia crown. Samson Dauda finished third at last year’s event and will be in the mix once again. Nick Walker will make his return after recovering from a hamstring injury and the list goes on.
Steve Weinberger Compares Bodybuilding Generations
Just like sports around the world, bodybuilding has grown and changed over the years. This is just natural progression as time goes on and athletes find new methods that allow them to succeed.
“There were a lot of guys in the 90’s that were very good but I think if you look at bodybuilding now, there are about 10 bodybuilders that are excellent. That are coming up, that are almost about the same as it was back then. So bodybuilding is on the way up.”
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Weinberger continued to discuss the work of legendary competitors such as Ronnie Coleman and Phil Heath. Both had incredible streaks on the Olympia stage and built resumes that have them up there with the best of all-time.
“The 90’s were great. The 2000’s with Ronnie was amazing. Phil Heath, amazing. It’s just nothing stays the same. Everything evolves. I think bodybuilding evolved also and I think it’s evolved back into where it was.”
Other than just bodybuilders, there are incredible coaches out there as well. Athletes are prepped to the best of their ability by coaches and trainers alike. This has allowed physiques to change and the sport to return to what it used to be.
“You don’t see those bloated bellies no more. You don’t see that. You don’t see anyone with that. All the guys holding their stomaches in. All the guys hit their poses correctly. I think it was maybe getting a little out of hand but the powers to be pulled it in.”
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