Shaun Clarida qualified in Open after his victory during the 2025 Japan Pro.
Bodybuilder Shaun Clarida has had great success in Men’s 212 during his career but has also crossed over to the biggest division in the sport. Clarida has qualified for the Olympia in Men’s Open in the past but has not competed in this division just yet. Now, Clarida is once again qualified in Open after his victory over the weekend and has not changed his tone about competing in both come the 2026 Olympia.
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Clarida was victorious during the 2025 Japan Pro on Sunday in Open Bodybuilding. This means, for the second time in his career, Clarida is qualified in multiple divisions for the Olympia. During a post-competition interview, Clarida was asked about his plans and he shared he wants to do both.
“I wanna do both. Hopefully they’ll let me do both. I think it would be great for the Olympia, great for the fans so why not.”
Clarida has won an Open show in the past. He was victorious during the 2021 Legion Sports Fest Pro and this added a second qualification to the Olympia the following year. Ultimately, Clarida decided to remain in 212 and fight to regain his title in the division. After hitting Open once again, Clarida clarified that he will remain in Men’s 212 but plans to compete in multiple Open shows during the year. He has done just that and has another victory under his belt. There will need to be another decision made come 2026.
Shaun Clarida Wants Changes to be Made in Olympia
Shaun Clarida was shut down in the past when expressing interest in Open as well as Men’s 212. The rules of the Olympia did not allow this to happen but Clarida hopes that it can be changed in 2026, with the help of the fans.
“It happened in 2021 where I qualified and I was told no unfortunately. I’m hoping that things can change. The powers at be will change this and see how exciting it would be. Hopefully the fans will get behind this and hype it up.”
Shaun Clarida discussed his plan for the remaining of the year back in April. He finished seventh in Men’s Open during the 2025 Arnold Classic. Following the show, he took time to recoup and get his tank back to neutral, both mentally and physically. It was a grueling year for Clarida as he went through prep for three shows and he took time to spend time with his family. Now that he is back training at a high level, he decided it was time to bring someone in.
Clarida has worked with John Jewett during the 2025 year and it has helped make improvements where needed. This led to a victory in Japan in another Open show. Clarida also went up against Chris Bumstead and Martin Fitzwater during the 2024 EVLS Prague Pro and finished third. It was a highly-anticipated competition with Bumstead making his debut in Men’s Open against some of the world’s best across all divisions.
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