Jay Cutler is unsure if a competitor could compete twice during the Olympia weekend.
Bodybuilder Shaun Clarida is currently qualified for two divisions for the 2026 Olympia. He holds a ticket for both Men’s Open and Men’s 212 and has expressed interest in competing in both during the competition. This was a possibility in the past as well but was not allowed due to event guidelines. During a recent edition of Jaywalking, legend Jay Cutler discussed this option and was not sure if it would work out.
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“I think they just let them pick one of the other. He could just decide to do the Open and not do the 212. He’s still going and John Jewett is training him now.”
Clarida was victorious during the 2025 Japan Pro on Sunday in Open Bodybuilding. This means, for the second time in his career, Clarida is qualified in multiple divisions for the Olympia. During a post-competition interview, Clarida was asked about his plans and he shared he wants to do both.
Clarida has won an Open show in the past. He was victorious during the 2021 Legion Sports Fest Pro and this added a second qualification to the Olympia the following year. Ultimately, Clarida decided to remain in 212 and fight to regain his title in the division. After hitting Open once again, Clarida clarified that he will remain in Men’s 212 but plans to compete in multiple Open shows during the year. He has done just that and has another victory under his belt. There will need to be another decision made come 2026.
Jay Cutler Shares Thoughts on Shaun Clarida’s Situation
The idea of competing in multiple shows is a foreign one that has not happened much in the history of the Olympia. Jay Cutler discussed how it might be difficult to prepare for two shows in two days come the weekend.
“I don’t know for legality reasons if that would be okay. Dude, you’re peaking for two shows in two different days. You’re depleted, you’re dehydrated. I don’t know how that would work.”
Clarida has worked with John Jewett during the 2025 year and it has helped make improvements where needed. This led to a victory in Japan in another Open show. Clarida also went up against Chris Bumstead and Martin Fitzwater during the 2024 EVLS Prague Pro and finished third.
Cutler brought up David Henry, who he believes competed in two divisions during the Olympia. While it is not an easy task, Clarida’s goal remains clear and hopes that he will be allowed to do so.
“He put out a statement ‘I want to do both shows next year. I want to do Open but will they let me do it?’ Well, they used to allow it. I thought a couple people did it, I think David Henry did it. He did it, and he did it when he was with Muscle Tech.”
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