Stefan Kienzl signals Fitzwater must be fully ready before committing to the Olympia stage.
Martin Fitzwater‘s appearance at the 2026 Mr. Olympia is not yet confirmed. When asked whether Fitzwater would compete at the Olympia this year, his coach Stefan Kienzl did not give a straightforward yes. Speaking on the Beyond The Stage TV podcast, Kienzl made clear that the decision will come down to Fitzwater’s preparation, health, and momentum heading into the back half of the season.
“We are gonna see,” Kienzl said. “He wants to improve, he needs to improve. He wants to be undeniable and that’s the path we’re going to walk and we’re going to see when that will be the case.”
A Season That Has Gone Sideways
It was not long ago that Fitzwater looked like one of the sport’s most exciting rising forces. The 29-year-old Wyoming native burst onto the scene in 2024, winning the Detroit Pro and following it up with a remarkable fourth-place finish at the 2024 Mr. Olympia. His competitive drive combined with his impressive combination of size and aesthetics for his age had made him one of the sport’s can’t-miss young talents.
Coming into 2026, that trajectory appeared to be continuing. Back-to-back EVLS Prague Pro victories and a top-five finish at the 2025 Mr. Olympia had positioned him as an emerging title contender. The Arnold Classic in Columbus was supposed to be his next statement moment. Instead, it became something else entirely.
Fitzwater finished fourth while Andrew Jacked claimed the historic $750,000 first-place prize. What followed was a wave of controversy – a refusal to shake Nick Walker’s hand on stage, an alleged shove backstage, and a social media meltdown that cost him major sponsorships including RAW and Elev8 Foods. He eventually issued a public apology, acknowledging that his behavior was “out of character” and that he takes “full responsibility.”
He then traveled to Birmingham for the 2026 Arnold Classic UK, where he again finished fourth behind Jacked, Brandon Curry, and Patrick Moore.
From Uncertain to Undeniable
Fitzwater holds Olympia qualification from his 2025 Prague Pro victory, so the door is open. But Kienzl’s comments reflect a coach being deliberate about his athlete’s readiness. Rather than committing to Las Vegas out of obligation, the priority is ensuring Fitzwater arrives at the Olympia stage in the best possible condition – physically prepared, healthy, and with momentum behind him.
Two fourth-place finishes at marquee events this spring have raised questions within the bodybuilding community about where Fitzwater currently stands. Kienzl’s response to those questions is measured: the focus is on the work ahead, not the calendar.
The Road Ahead
Fitzwater’s credentials speak for themselves – a Detroit Pro title, back-to-back Olympia appearances, and a reputation as one of the hardest working athletes on the circuit. The competitive fire that carried him from a small Wyoming town to the Olympia stage has never been in question.
What Kienzl is making clear is that for Fitzwater, the remainder of 2026 is about getting back to his best. If the preparation is there, the Olympia will follow. If it is not, his coach has shown he is willing to wait.
*Featured image via Instagram @arnoldsports / Beyond The Stage TV YouTube
