Maureen Blanquisco makes an official statement about not competing at the 2024 Olympia – and reveals she sustained an injury after falling off of an escalator
Maureen Blanquisco will not be competing at the 2024 Olympia competition. This much was clear at Thursday’s Olympia press conference. Now Maureen has posted an official statement on Instagram detailing why she had to drop from the competition. She reveals that in September, she had an accident involving falling off of an escalator leading to an injury.
Maureen Blanquisco announced the news on Thursday evening, just one day before the 2024 Olympia events. The video detailed her official decision to not compete and went into specifics on what had happened.
“I just wanted to announce that I will not be competing at this year’s Mr. Olympia… and I guess some of the people kind of knew already and I just wanted to update you guys for my reason.”
The Shocking Accident That Forced Maureen Blanquisco To Drop Out
It was clear to many fans that she might not be competing after her absence at the 2024 Olympia press conference. But it was not known as to why she had dropped out. Maureen Blanquisco talks it through step by step with the shocking accident that had happened leading to her injury.
“The 24th of September, I was on my way to Pittsburgh… And at the airport, my partner and I, we were walking up to an escalator. When we were almost up half way, there was a guy who is holding his bag. So I guess I didn’t see him because he was coming from behind. He accidentally, truly an accident guys, he accidentally bumped me with his big bag. And so of course my natural reflect is to step back. So when I step back, I tilt over, and I fell off the escalator.”
In a natural reaction, she moved to land on her feet only to feel a blistering pain upon landing. She went immediately to the hospital and learned that she received a hairline fracture in her foot.
She notes that with the injury so close to the Olympia competition, it was bad timing and a challenge in the final weeks. She explains that she did not provide an update earlier because she was truly trying to fight her way through it and compete.
By last week, just before the Olympia, it became more clear to her that she might have to drop out. She was aware that she was not able to create her best physique that she was known for due to the injury.
It was a difficult decision, but she and her team ultimately decided to pull out. While difficult, she claims that she has made peace with the decision and is thankful for her manager for walking her through the experience and stress of the injury.
You can watch the full video of her statement below:
View this post on Instagram
Maureen Blanquisco’s Bodybuilding Journey
Maureen Blanquisco is a professional bikini bodybuilder known for her exceptional physique, posing skills, and competitive spirit in the IFBB Pro League. Hailing from the Philippines and currently based in the United States, she has become one of the standout athletes in the Bikini division. Maureen made a name for herself on the international stage with her aesthetic balance, symmetry, and stage presence.
She earned her IFBB Pro card in 2015 and quickly rose through the ranks to compete in some of the most prestigious competitions. Maureen’s career highlights include a significant victory at the 2022 Bikini Olympia, where she claimed the title against a competitive lineup of elite athletes. This win solidified her reputation as one of the top bikini competitors in the world.
Prior to her Olympia victory, Maureen consistently placed among the top contenders in high-profile events, including the Arnold Classic, where she showcased her conditioning and stage charisma. Her versatility and continued refinement have kept her in contention at the Olympia and other major shows throughout her career, earning numerous top-five finishes.
With a unique blend of elegance and muscularity, Maureen Blanquisco has become a role model for aspiring bikini competitors and fitness enthusiasts, inspiring many through her journey, discipline, and commitment to the sport.
This injury and subsequent decision to drop out is a disappointment to her fans and fans of the Bikini competition – as she was a top 5 competitor aiming to reclaim her Olympia title. But a focus on health and recovery is paramount – and she will return next year to fight for the title once again.
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!
