Mike O’Hearn shares his predictions for the 2022 Mr. Olympia – and is confident relative newcomer Andrew Jacked can place top 3.
Believe it or not – the 2022 Mr. Olympia is right around the corner. We are just about two months away from the biggest bodybuilding competition in the world. This year proves to be a truly exciting one, particularly in the Men’s Open, with a deep lineup hyped to be the best in years. In Generation Iron and Barbend’s latest episode of The Mike O’Hearn Show, Mike O’Hearn breaks down his predictions for who will place in the top spots at the 2022 Mr. Olympia.
Big Ramy. Brandon Curry. Hadi Choopan. William Bonac. Nick Walker. Andrew Jacked. Hunter Labrada. These are only a few of the elite bodybuilders set to step on stage in December for the 2022 Mr. Olympia. As you can see, it’s a combination of old and new athletes. It’s also a deep lineup that we haven’t seen in quite some time. For the first time in many years – the top spots are not guaranteed. And it’s leading to quite the conflicting predictions across various outlets and influencers.
That’s why during our latest discussion with Mike O’Hearn, Generation Iron’s own Vlad Yudin and Edwin Mejia Jr. asked Mike for his personal predictions for the 2022 Mr. Olympia. While Mike doesn’t give us a complete top to bottom breakdown – he is confident in one particular competitor that’s been making waves this year. Andrew Jacked.
Let’s jump into Mike O’Hearn’s comments and Olympia prediction below.
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Mike O’Hearn On Andrew Jacked: “He Can Mix The Whole Industry Up.”
Towards the tail end of our latest discussion with Mike O’Hearn, the question is raised. Who will win the Mr. Olympia in 2022? Or more directly, who does Mike O’Hearn predict will place the top 3? O’Hearn, not wanting to put his foot in his mouth on the spot, stops short of giving a full breakdown. Instead, he goes with his gut. The one person he expects to be a real threat.
Andrew Jacked has been a much hyped bodybuilders over the years. His physique was catching eyes even before he went pro. In 2022, he’s made incredible strides and most recently won the Arnold Classic UK – securing his qualification into this year’s Mr. Olympia.
While many saw some flaws in Jacked’s physique at the Arnold Classic UK, one that Andrew Jacked himself has admitted to, Mike O’Hearn sees a true star in the making. Enough to earn him a definite top 3 placing at the 2022 Mr. Olympia.
“He’s going to come out of nowhere and make damage. He’ll be top 3.”
– Mike O’Hearn
Mike O’Hearn sees a level of throwback beauty akin to beloved bodybuilders from the 90s. Most specifically, O’Hearn compares Andrew Jacked favorably to Flex Wheeler and Chris Cormier in his prime.
“It’s an amazing beautiful physique that takes me back to the Flex Wheelers and the Chris Cormiers.”
Mike O’Hearn is not alone in his assessment. Recently, Jay Cutler proclaimed that he thinks Andrew Jacked can defeat everyone at the Mr. Olympia except for Big Ramy. For the first time in many years, the top 3 or even top 5 is no longer as easy to predict, despite what Ronnie Coleman thinks. Instead, excitement buzzes in the air with an astronomical amount of relative newcomers truly threatening the top spots.
There have been some who believe that too many people have gotten caught up in the hype train. Mike O’Hearn understands this – and expects many to be shocked by his top 3 prediction for Jacked. However, he stands confidently behind it.
“That’s going to be far out. Nobody is going to predict that one. But it’s going to be me. Everyone else is going to talk about me afterwards saying, ‘Dude, you’ve got the gift!’ Just saying.”
Andrew Jacked’s Secret Weapon: His Height
Mike O’Hearn also points out one factor that helps Andrew Jacked stand out from others. His height. Jacked is much taller than a traditional Men’s Open competitor. Standing at 6’2″, he will be a vertical behemoth standing alongside many of the other top competitors.
While taller height can sometimes be a disadvantage (as some state there is more area to cover and account for). Jacked has showcased that he can bring a truly impressive and beautiful physique to cover every inch of his body.
Mike O’Hearn can see in his mind’s eye what Jacked will look like come showtime:
“I can visually see him standing next to the other guys doing what he’s doing. he’s going to make them… because height is a big thing.”
Mike O’Hearn also point out that Andrew Jacked has legendary coach and guru George Farah in his corner. The stars seem to be aligning for the young rising star. Only time will tell if Mike O’Hearn’s prediction comes true.
Wrap up
Beyond 2022 Mr. Olympia predictions, Mike O’Hearn also discusses the current state of bodybuilding media, click bait headlines, and how social media has changed the mindset of new bodybuilders. You can watch his full comments in our latest episode of The Mike O’Hearn Show above. Don’t miss new episodes every Friday only on the Generation Iron Fitness Network or wherever podcasts are downloaded.
