Nick Walker describes what it is like being in one of the most competitive Mr. Olympia lineups in recent memory… and how one mistake will lead to failure for any of the top competitors.
The 2022 Mr. Olympia is shaping up to be one of the most stacked lineups in recent memory. A big part of that is Nick Walker – a pro bodybuilder who placed fifth at last year’s Olympia and has proven to be a true threat to the title. After a someone rocky start to 2022, Walker has made incredible progress and is seen as many to be one of the most intimidating physiques to head into the Olympia this year. In Generation Iron and Barbend’s latest episode of The Mike O’Hearn Show, Nick Walker goes in-depth about his 2022 Mr. Olympia prep and his mentality of the challenges that await him.
In part one of Mike O’Hearn’s interview with Nick Walker, he went into detail about his transition between coaches and return to Matt Jansen 12 weeks before this year’s Mr. Olympia. He also spoke honesty about how his past trauma has affected his relationships – including with his coaches.
This week, Walker speaks more in-depth about his 2022 Mr. Olympia prep and also shares his mental state going into what is considered by many to be one of the best Mr. Olympia lineups in quite some time. Let’s jump into it.
Nick Walker comments on the high stakes of this year’s stacked Mr. Olympia lineup
Nick Walker is excited to compete at this year’s Mr. Olympia in particular. Why? Because he knows he will be facing one of the best lineups since his pro career started. While it is always an honor to win a big show such as the Mr. Olympia – Walker feels the honor will be even higher if he can win with a line up that is missing no competitors. It’s one thing to win the Mr. Olympia when some competitors are missing. It’s true success to win when every single top athlete was present on the stage.
Nick Walker hasn’t won a Mr. Olympia yet – but he is showing incredible promise. He placed fifth at last year’s Olympia competition and is still quite young in his career. His massive size combined with some incredible conditioning has led to predictions that he will be an Olympia champion at some point. It’s not a matter of if but a matter of when.
“Nobody is safe this Olympia. Nobody.”
– Nick Walker
Nick Walker acknowledges that while he is extremely excited to compete in such an impressive lineup, he also understands the stakes and challenges will be higher. With such high level competitors, it only takes one mistake for a talented bodybuilder to drop down in a place. Walker believes this is true for any of the top athletes competing. This includes himself and the likes of reigning Mr. Olympia Big Ramy.
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Focusing on winning Mr. Olympia vs focusing on long term health
Mike O’Hearn has often talked about long term health planning in bodybuilding. He fears that many young bodybuilders are too focused on short term success and championship titles – that they damage their future health via PED abuse and overtraining.
With this in mind, O’Hearn posed this very question to Nick Walker. What is he doing now to prepare for his future down the road? Nick Walker states that he focuses on certain wellness activities to prevent injury – such as deep tissue massages and regimented stretching. He’s also learned over the years how to train smarter when it come to heavy weight. He loves lifting heavy weight – but he also now understands the value of putting certain limits on himself to avoid burning out or injury.
Nick Walker also points out that lifting heavy weight was demonized for a long time. But modern science is starting to get behind the fact that heavy weight actually strengthens joints rather than breaks them down. So he often chooses not to wear things like knee wraps – as he thinks that they might actually condition his joints to expect support and not grow stronger on their own.
Wrap Up
There is no doubt that Nick Walker has already earned the hype behind him. His personality brings entertainment to the sport. His physique has all of the makings of a true champion. And his life journey overcoming trauma and finding bodybuilding success is a narrative that, while tragic, is the exact rise to superstardom story fans find inspiring.
You can watch Nick Walker’s full comments in part 2 of our interview in the latest episode of the Mike O’Hearn Show above. Make sure to check back every Friday for new episodes only on the Generation Iron Fitness Network or where ever podcasts are downloaded.
