Sergio Oliva Jr. sees his opportunity to make a comeback and finally win the Mr. Olympia – because he believes now is the easiest time to earn victory
In the fifth and final episode of GI Conversation With Sergio Oliva Jr., bodybuilding legend Sergio Oliva Jr. talks in-depth about his upcoming Olympia prep, how he is still aiming for the Sandow trophy, and why he believes that this current moment is the easiest time to win the Mr. Olympia competition compared to past eras. This conversation comes after a lull in Sergio’s competitive career due to a series of hurdles and mishaps – and how 2025 may be the year we see him make a comeback.
Returning to the Olympia Stage: Strategy and Preparation
When asked about his approach to competing again, Sergio Oliva Jr. expresses determination and strategic caution. He acknowledges the impressive talent in the current Olympia lineup but explains that his focus remains on achieving his own best physique rather than worrying about specific competitors. For years, he has felt as though he’s been competing with a “flat tire,” battling through personal struggles, a near-death depression, and the challenges from his Dubai incident. These setbacks have reinforced his resolve to enter his next season fully prepared, free of distractions.
Sergio reveals that he has enlisted a new coach, marking a fresh start for his training regimen. He plans to approach upcoming competitions methodically, giving his coach time to understand his physique and create a tailored plan for long-term success. Rather than succumbing to the pressure of an early return, Sergio intends to select competitions strategically, allowing himself to re-enter the sport at peak condition.
Sergio’s Confidence in Winning the Olympia
Vlad then questions Sergio Oliva Jr. about his ambitions to win both the Mr. Olympia and the Arnold Classic. Sergio certainly has his sights on the Mr. Olympia title – but first wants to focus on winning the Arnold Classic in March – because he is extremely confident he can win that title.
“I wanna focus on winning the Arnold [Classic], I just know too much of the sport and it’s unrealistic to say, ‘I’m going to win the Olympia.’ It’s insane. There are people 100 times better than me who never won the Olympia. But I think there is no reason why I cannot win the Arnold.”
However, Sergio Oliva Jr. also believes that now is the best time for him to try and win the Mr. Olympia title as well. He boldly asserts that while today’s top five Olympia contenders are formidable, he doesn’t believe they would surpass the champions of previous decades.
“And something that I also got attacked for is, this is the easiest time to win the Olympia compared to other Olympias.”
Sergio admits that he currently might not be able to beat the top five, but he sees this as an advantage rather than a setback. Reflecting on bodybuilding history, he contends that previous generations faced fiercer competition, making it harder to secure a win. He acknowledges that he is fortunate to compete in this era, as it grants him a genuine opportunity to pursue victory.
“If I lived during any of these past champions, there was no way I was going to win. So to be alive now, I think it’s a failure not to win during this era. Because it’s doable. If I get my shit together and get everything right, I can definitely be in that mix. They are all ahead of me though. That’s the hard part.”
In Sergio’s view, capitalizing on this chance would be a “failure” if he didn’t go all in.
Could Dorian Yates Win Today?
As the conversation draws to a close, Vlad asks Sergio Oliva Jr.’s opinion on how Dorian Yates would fare in today’s competitive landscape. Sergio responds thoughtfully, noting that Yates’ conditioning in his prime—especially in certain years when his glutes were exceptionally lean—could potentially carry him to victory against today’s competitors.
Sergio’s respect for Yates is clear, and he reiterates that Yates’ influence extends beyond bodybuilding techniques, serving as a mentor in life and confidence.
Wrap Up
This final episode of GI Conversation With Sergio Oliva Jr. showcases Sergio’s mindset as he heads into the new year – fully focused on returning to the competitive bodybuilding stage and living up to his father’s legacy. With a new coach in hand and a willingness to completely transform his method for a “2.0” version of himself, Sergio believes now is the time to strike for winning the Mr. Olympia title.
While he believes that today’s lineup of athletes are formidable and that he cannot guarantee a win, he also believes that now is the easiest time to earn victory and so he would be foolish not to take that opportunity.
With a refreshed mindset and a carefully crafted game plan, Sergio is committed to overcoming the obstacles that previously held him back. His honesty about setbacks and renewed focus on self-improvement make this episode both inspiring and insightful, offering valuable lessons for aspiring bodybuilders and fans of the sport alike.
