Sergio Oliva Jr. believes that the rise of Classic Physique is pulling away incentives for Men’s Open bodybuilders to form rivalries
In Episode 2 of GI Conversation With Sergio Oliva Jr., viewers gain a deeper look into the mindset and career perspectives of Sergio Oliva Jr., a professional bodybuilder with a unique position as the son of the legendary Sergio Oliva. Through candid discussions, this episode explores Sergio Oliva Jr’s thoughts on the art of posing, the challenges of public scrutiny, and his evolving relationships within the bodybuilding community. His insights offer a revealing take on the dynamics of modern bodybuilding, from divisional rivalries to the pressures of social media.
Sergio’s Stance on Posing and Personal Excellence
The conversation begins with Vlad Yudin asking Sergio Oliva Jr. about his two-time win as “Best Poser” at the Arnold Classic. Known for his dedication to classical posing, Sergio once declared that no one would take that title from him. Reflecting on this, he acknowledges that although he continues to hold high standards for posing, the landscape has shifted slightly with newer athletes, like Andrew Jacked, placing more emphasis on this art form. However, Sergio expresses confidence in his unique ability to bring classical posing to the forefront and believes his talent could hold up against these new contenders.
Sergio Oliva Jr. also voices frustration over posing’s limited role in competition scoring, which he says led him to reduce his posing routines since his 2021 win. Despite the reduced focus on posing within the scoring system, he still values its role in bodybuilding artistry and welcomes any opportunity to showcase his skills against top-tier competitors.
Media Perception and the Struggles of Staying Relevant
As the discussion deepens, Vlad touches on public perceptions about Sergio Oliva Jr.’s career, noting that some people consider his competitive days to be over. Sergio attributes this viewpoint to the fast-paced nature of modern media and fans’ short attention spans, which often push them to overlook established athletes in favor of younger, trending stars.
Sergio expresses that he feels fortunate to have witnessed Shawn Rhoden’s career, particularly when Rhoden defied expectations by winning Mr. Olympia after critics had written him off. Rhoden’s story gives Sergio hope and resilience, reminding him that public perception does not define his potential or his journey.
Far from being discouraged by the lack of media hype, Sergio Oliva Jr. finds it freeing. The reduced attention removes some pressure, allowing him to focus purely on training and personal growth. He notes that the industry’s ever-changing narratives can be taxing, but his experience has taught him to stay centered on his own goals.
Facing Criticism and Navigating Online Negativity
Vlad shifts the conversation to online negativity and the unfortunate trend of public backlash many athletes face. Sergio Oliva Jr. explains that criticism often stems from people’s unhappiness with their own lives, leading them to project negativity onto others. This issue, he says, has intensified with the internet, where people can easily criticize others without consequence. The permanence of online content adds another layer, as past statements or actions are often dredged up to attack someone.
Sergio Oliva Jr. relates to fellow bodybuilder Regan Grimes, who has also faced substantial online criticism. Both athletes, he believes, must work to block out the noise and remain focused on their passion for bodybuilding. Although Sergio admits he sometimes responds to haters, he has matured in how he handles these interactions. Unlike his earlier, more reactionary responses, he now approaches online engagement more professionally, striving to communicate without allowing his emotions to take over.
Setting the Record Straight on Nick Walker and Public Misunderstandings
The conversation then addresses a past tension between Sergio Oliva Jr. and fellow bodybuilder Nick Walker, stemming from a situation in which Sergio decided to prioritize business obligations over an upcoming competition. Before he went public with his plans, Sergio confided in Nick about his decision. However, Nick later discussed Sergio’s choice on a podcast with Fouad Abiad, which upset Sergio, as he had hoped for privacy. Reflecting on the situation, Sergio acknowledges that his reaction was heightened by the pressures of contest prep dieting, a time when emotions can easily spiral.
Despite his initial frustration, Sergio Oliva Jr. now views the incident as a minor misunderstanding and has since mended fences with Nick. He explains that, in the grand scheme, the incident was inconsequential, and Nick didn’t intend any harm. Sergio expresses regret over how he handled it at the time, understanding now that public conflicts can often be avoided with better communication and a cooler head.
Reconciliation and the Future of Rivalries in Bodybuilding
Vlad inquires if Sergio Oliva Jr. has resolved most of his past conflicts within the bodybuilding world. Sergio states that he has moved on from most issues unless they become deeply personal, such as attacks on his family. For Sergio, harmless trash talk can enhance fan excitement, but personal attacks cross an unacceptable line. This perspective aligns with his overall growth, as he now prioritizes professionalism and camaraderie over drama.
In fact, Sergio Oliva Jr. sees a shift happening within Men’s Open bodybuilding, predicting a decline in heated rivalries within the division. He attributes this to the growing influence of Classic Physique and Men’s Physique categories, which are drawing significant sponsorships and media attention. With fitness brands like Gymshark increasingly favoring Classic and Men’s Physique athletes, Men’s Open competitors face a tougher landscape with fewer endorsement opportunities. This reality, Sergio believes, diminishes the incentive for athletes in Men’s Open to foster divisive rivalries.
Rather than feuding within the Men’s Open division, Sergio predicts future conflicts might arise between different bodybuilding divisions, as sponsorships and recognition become increasingly skewed toward Classic and Men’s Physique athletes. This shift, he explains, creates an environment where Men’s Open athletes feel a shared struggle rather than rivalry, ultimately fostering unity over discord.
Wrap Up
Episode 2 of GI Conversation With Sergio Oliva Jr. highlights Sergio’s journey of personal growth, resilience, and his evolving approach to the sport. From his pride in posing excellence to his reflections on criticism and rivalry, Sergio’s insights reveal a mature, seasoned athlete who has learned to navigate both the physical and mental challenges of professional bodybuilding. His comments also offer a glimpse into the future dynamics of the sport, where division-based rivalries may replace individual feuds.
For fans and aspiring bodybuilders, Sergio’s reflections offer valuable lessons in perseverance and self-awareness, both essential traits in a field as demanding as bodybuilding. This episode underscores the respect Sergio has gained, not only for his peers but also for the sport’s evolving landscape, as he carves out his unique path forward in the shadow of a legendary legacy. As the series progresses, fans can expect more insights into Sergio’s career, challenges, and dreams, continuing to paint a complex, inspiring portrait of this influential athlete.
You can watch the full episode at the top of this article. Make sure to check back every week for new episodes and exclusive interviews only on the Generation Iron Fitness Network!
