Shawn Ray Believes Quinton Eriya Won’t Crack the Top 10 at Olympia
Fresh off one of the biggest victories of his career, Quinton Eriya has officially confirmed that he will compete at the 2026 Mr. Olympia. But not everyone in bodybuilding agrees that’s the right move. Following Eriya’s victory at the Toronto Pro, bodybuilding legend Shawn Ray argued that the rising Men’s Open star should skip the Olympia this year and spend more time improving before stepping onto the sport’s biggest stage.
Ray’s comments sparked immediate debate throughout the bodybuilding community, especially after Eriya publicly confirmed that he has no intention of passing up the opportunity.
Quinton Eriya: “Tomorrow’s Never Promised”
While Ray believes waiting another year would be the smarter move, Quint “Beastwood” made it clear that his mind is already made up.
“First of all I’m a fan of Shawn Ray. He said I shouldn’t do the Olympia because he thinks I won’t be able to place top ten. Alright… tomorrow’s never promised guys. So when you work your tail off and you get the opportunity to accomplish one of your dreams, it’s a no-brainer. I’m doing the Olympia.”
For Eriya, the argument has little to do with where he ultimately places. After years of chasing an Olympia qualification, simply earning the opportunity to stand on bodybuilding’s biggest stage is something he isn’t willing to postpone.
His response has resonated with many fans who believe qualified athletes should seize every chance they earn because there is no guarantee another opportunity will come.
Shawn Ray Thinks Waiting Would Be the Smarter Career Move
Ray’s position isn’t necessarily that Eriya lacks talent.
Instead, the former bodybuilding star believes competitors should be realistic about their chances when deciding whether to compete at Olympia.
“Quinton shouldn’t do Olympia. He won’t place in the top ten. He’d be better off taking time to improve and come back next year.”
According to comments shared on the Muscle Discord podcast, Ray argued that if an athlete isn’t capable of placing inside the Top 10, it may make more sense to spend that time competing in smaller shows, collecting victories, earning prize money, and continuing to improve.
Ray also reportedly pointed to both Jay Cutler and Phil Heath as examples of future champions who delayed their Olympia debuts in order to further develop their physiques.
Gary Strydom Takes the Opposite View on Quinton Eriya
Not everyone agrees with Ray’s assessment.
Former bodybuilding star Gary Strydom reportedly argued that Eriya should absolutely take advantage of the opportunity.
Strydom’s reasoning is straightforward: bodybuilders spend their entire careers trying to qualify for Olympia, and there is no guarantee they will ever get another chance.
That perspective aligns closely with Eriya’s own comments about tomorrow never being promised.
A Debate With No Easy Answer
The discussion highlights one of the most interesting questions in professional bodybuilding.
Is Olympia qualification something athletes should only pursue when they believe they can contend for a top placing? Or is simply earning the opportunity enough reason to compete?
Ray views the decision through the lens of long-term strategy and competitive results.
Eriya and Strydom view it as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that shouldn’t be postponed.
After his breakthrough victory at the Toronto Pro, Eriya has already made his decision.
Whether he finishes inside or outside the Top 10, fans will now get to see exactly how Quint “Beastwood’ stacks up against the best bodybuilders in the world when he steps onto the Olympia stage later this year.
Featured image via Instagram @mrolympiallc, @quintbeastwood, @shawnrayifbbpro
