OLYMPIA PROFILE: SHAWN RHODEN  

Generation Iron Shawn Rhoden Olympia 2014

 

Road To Olympia STRIPAs we count down the road to Olympia 2014 – we will be featuring the top athletes who have qualified in this years Mr. Olympia competition. Giving you a breakdown of their stats, competition history, and a little insight into  the career of these star bodybuilders.

Today we start with the one and only Flexatron Shawn Rhoden:

Nickname: Flexatron
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 240 lbs
Birthdate: April 2nd, 1975
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2014 Competition History
IFBB Australian Pro – 1st
IFBB Arnold Classic – 2nd

2013 Competition History
IFBB Arnold Classic Europe – 4th
Mr. Olympia – 4th
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The truly remarkable thing about Shawn Rhoden is his persistence. After numerous injuries he was able to continue to not only rise up – but qualify for the Olympia year after year. Against all odds he continued forward – a machine. A Flexatron.

Shawn Rhoden was born in Jamaica in 1975 and immigrated to the USA in 1990. He was an aspiring soccer player in his early years and didn’t start bodybuilding until 1992. It was in this year that he met Mr. Universe Yohnnie Shambourger, who provided him with “the building blocks to create one of the most sculpted, muscular physiques in the nation.”

If there is a lesson to be learned from the story of Shawn Rhoden – it’s about dedication and drive. As mentioned earlier, Rhoden suffered tearing 9 tendons in his right hand and was told he could never lift again – 14 months later he won the Natural Eastern Classic in New Jersey. He injured his back after trying to squat 500 lbs – he soon after placed second at the Mid Atlantic Natural Bodybuilding Championship after recovery.

In 2002, Rhoden fell into a severe bout of alcoholism after his father fell ill and somehow was able to recover seven years later and slowly rise up in the ranks of bodybuilding once again. He debuted at Mr. Olympia 11th in 2011, rose up to 3rd in 2012, and placed 4th at last years Mr. Olympia.

Rhoden is the shining example of hard work paying off. Of rising above set backs and accepting the challenge towards success. He really makes us ask: what’s our excuse?
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Will He Take the Sandow?

Unfortunately, as inspiring as Rhoden is – it doesn’t seem likely that he will take home the trophy for this year’s Olympia. He might not even make it into the top three. But who knows, Rhoden is always an exciting wild card. Many people were surprised when he made it into 3rd place in 2012. So keep an eye out.

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Check back with us every day as we continue our Road to Olympia 2014 – the official countdown to all things Mr. Olympia. You can also get updates by following us on Twitter and Facebook. Stay pumped.

 

Road To Olympia STRIP

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