Is Shaun Clarida heading to the Olympia stage in the Open division?
Shaun Clarida will compete in the Open division at the 2022 Olympia forgoing a return to the 212 division. At least that was according to fellow Open competitor Iain Valliere who spoke on Clarida’s status. It appears however that Clarida himself has something to say about that.
It appears that former 212 kingpin Shaun Clarida has made a decision about his competitive future. Qualified for both the 212 and Men’s Open Bodybuilding division at the 2022 Olympia, many wondered which division he would choose to compete in. Now it appears that we could have an answer according to another competitor.
Top Open competitor Iain Valliere may have just answered the question for us. In a recent interview clip Valliere all but confirmed that Shaun Clarida has chosen to compete in the Open division. While Valliere also states that he shouldn’t be quoted on the statement, he does say he’s “92 percent sure” that Clarida will be competing against the big boys.
“To my understanding, if he’s qualified in both, his choice is to do the Open,” said Iain Valliere. “Don’t quote me on that, but I’m 92% sure.”
To be honest it makes sense that Shaun Clarida would choose to compete in Open. When we consider the accolades associated with the Open division versus the 212 division it can’t be denied that being crowned Mr. Olympia is it’s own distinct honor. Seeing as how Clarida has already conquered the 212 division in the past, overcoming a new challenge is likely more preferable. With Flex Lewis retired from competition, Clarida has the opportunity to be the first man to win the 212 and Open titles.
Clearing The Air
However, Shaun Clarida has now issued a statement claiming that the rumors are just that, rumors.
LET ME CLEAR THE AIR…
I’ve have NOT announced or made a decision on whether I was doing either 212 or Open at the Olympia. And the option of doing both is not off the table, as I’m awaiting the final decision from the IFBB and the committee on that.
So unless it comes directly from MY mouth, it’s all #FAKENEWS
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If he does choose to compete in Open it will be no easy task. Shaun Clarida would be to stepping into the domain of massive bodybuilders like Big Ramy, Hadi Choopan, Brandon Curry, Nick Walker, and Hunter Labrada. That said, Clarida has all the tools necessary to take his game to the next level. He possesses the potential to pull off the upset and shock the world at the 2022 show. It’s an uphill road, but Clarida can make the assent.
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News and Editorial Writer at Generation Iron, Jonathan Salmon is a writer, martial arts instructor, and geek culture enthusiast. Check out his YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Sound Cloud for in-depth MMA analysis.
