PJ Braun reacts to the criticism of Brandon Curry as the current Mr. Olympia.
Shortly after the Mr. Olympia 2019 and Brandon Curry’s victory, Dorian Yates and Ronnie Coleman both criticized Curry’s physique. In doing so, they also criticized the entire current era of bodybuilders. They both believe that Curry couldn’t stand with the top 5 competitors of the 90s. Since then, nearly every fan, critic, and athlete has shared their opinion on the matter. In our latest GI Exclusive interview, PJ Braun explains why he thinks Ronnie and Dorian had “every right” to criticize Brandon Curry.
Right now we are about half way through the year and closer than ever to the Mr. Olympia 2020 (if it actually ends up happening). That means we will soon see Brandon Curry fight to defend his Olympia title. It will be an exciting moment, especially if athletes such as Phil Heath, Shawn Rhoden, and Big Ramy return to challenge him. None of these athletes were present at last year’s Olympia. Of course, this is part of where the criticism against Curry comes from.
But PJ Braun thinks that the overall criticism is unfair. Brandon Curry competed the same way everyone else competed – against the athletes who appeared on stage. He proved fair and square that he was superior to the athletes in the competition. It doesn’t matter who missed out or who didn’t qualify. If a person was to go back and nitpick every previous Olympia throughout the sport’s history, they would surely find multiple examples of athletes who perhaps didn’t “deserve” to win.
That being said, PJ Braun has no problem with Ronnie Coleman and Dorian Yates criticizing Brandon Curry. Why? Because they have proven themselves to be timeless legends. They are both in the pantheon of greatest athletes of all time. To them the standard of a champion is much higher than many others who have come before or after.
“I don’t understand why people get really caught up on bashing guys that are at the top,” PJ Braun initially states in our interview.
“I think Dorian Yates and Ronnie have every right to say what they said. Those guys were legends and they were at the top of their game for a long time. And I will be honest, I actually think that era looked better too. I don’t know why… who knows.”
Others have argued that with the legendary reputation that Ronnie and Dorian have that they should be aware of how such comments will be influential across the community. Ultimately, in such a subjective sport there is no such thing as a clear cut right answer.
What do you think? Does Ronnie and Dorian have the right to criticize more so than fans? Check out PJ Braun’s full comments in our latest GI Exclusive interview segment and let us know!
