Lee Priest believes the battle will live up to expectations at the biggest show of the year.
Bodybuilding legend Lee Priest has become known for his opinions around the sport since his time on stage. The rivalry between Derek Lunsford and Nick Walker has become one of the biggest talking points in bodybuilding in recent weeks. As the 2025 Olympia creeps closer, Priest shared his opinions on the matchup.
[RELATED: Derek Lunsford Talks Nick Walker Rematch After Pittsburgh: “I Was Off, He Was On]
“I wouldn’t say they hate each other. There would be that tension like I want to beat you and he wants to beat him. There would be that there and you’d be looking at each other but in the end, once it is all said and done, they are still mates.”
Lunsford defeated Walker during the 2025 Pittsburgh Pro. It was a controversial finish where many believed Walker could have been crowned champion. Following the show, Lunsford commented on how he believes he did not bring his best to the stage while Walker did.
Walker has not competed at the Olympia in two years. He missed the show in 2023 with a torn hamstring. In 2024, Walker pulled out of the show claiming he was not at his best to compete. This year, Walker won the New York Pro for the third time and qualified for the biggest show of the year.
Lee Priest Talks Nick Walker vs. Derek Lunsford
Lee Priest believes that no matter how the show plays out, the two will remain professional. This has become a topic in bodybuilding as fans have grown outraged following different competitions. In some cases, bodybuilders themselves have not shown good sportsmanship when losing a show.
It is unknown who will hold the edge during the Olympia. Priest claims that it will come down to the judges if both come in at their best.
“You can’t talk the talk and not walk the walk. If Derek comes in 100%, Nick comes in 100%, congratulations to you both.”
Walker and Lunsford will be two of the favorites to win the Sandow Trophy this year. It might be too close to call and it will come down to judge’s discretion on stage. If both bring their best, fans will get a good show and both competitors should feel pride.
“You’re both great, but then it’s just up to the judges. Whoever beats who, you can’t get mad at each other. If you’ve both done 100% training and dieting, and done everything the best you can do, and judges put one over the other, then you can’t hate on that person.”
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