Victor Martinez gives his review and analysis of the 2024 Olympia weekend – and details how Samson Dauda pulled off his epic victory
The recent episode of the Generation Iron Podcast, hosted by Victor Martinez, Edwin Mejia Jr., and Vlad Yudin, offered a comprehensive review of the 60th anniversary of Mr. Olympia, a milestone event for bodybuilding enthusiasts around the world. This episode touched on everything from Chris Bumstead’s historic sixth Classic Physique title and his retirement, to the shifts and surprises in the Men’s Open division. Victor Martinez also shared insights into the specifics on how Samson Dauda rose above his competitors to earn the Olympia win.
The 2024 Olympia weekend was a big milestone – celebrating it’s 60th anniversary as the pinnacle of bodybuilding competitions. So there was a lot to discuss the morning after the big show on the Generation Iron Podcast. Here’s a rundown of what to expect in this week’s episode:
- Victor Martinez breaks down Samson Dauda’s Mr. Olympia victory.
- Victor also shares his thoughts on Derek Lunsford’s drop to 3rd place.
- Reacting to Chris Bumstead’s sixth victory and retirement announcement.
- The Biggest surprises at the 2024 Olympia.
- Did The 2024 Olympia raise the bar for the competition landscape?
- Reflecting on Nick Walker’s decision – should he have dropped out?
- Jay Cutler’s controversial comments about Olympia start times.
You can watch the full episode above – and also check out our detailed recap of the podcast below. Let’s dive into it!
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Victor Martinez Explains How Samson Dauda Pulled Off His Olympia Victory
Victor Martinez highlighted Samson Dauda’s impressive performance, noting that he was able to elevate his conditioning by Saturday, which ultimately set him apart. He described Samson’s physique as statuesque, praising the balance and conditioning that secured his place at the top. Victor notes that even if Samson didn’t bring in perfect conditioning – he thinks that Samson would have won because of his phenomenal showcase left every other box checked.
While the competition was tight between Samson Dauda and Hadi Choopan, Victor Martinez emphasizes just how fully formed Dauda seemed during this weekend’s competition. Between his massive height, his incredible aesthetic and proportions, and his spot on conditioning – he left very little room for the likes of Choopan or Derek Lunsford to overtake him.
Victor Martinez also mentioned how Samson’s decision to have his wife coach him—initially met with skepticism from online critics—proved to be a winning strategy. Victor uses this as a lesson to highlight how online discourse often cannot really predict how things will play out for athletes. We live in such a reactionary society currently, that everyone is looking for something to criticize. Ultimately, Samson Dauda knew what was best for him. It was partially that choice that earned him the victory this weekend.
Derek Lunsford’s Surprise Third-Place Finish
Another major Olympia talking point was Derek Lunsford’s unexpected drop to third place. Vlad Yudin asked Victor Martinez if he anticipated this outcome after witnessing the Friday night pre-judging. Victor recalled the atmosphere as “chaotic,” as many fans expected Lunsford to deliver a winning performance but were shocked when he appeared slightly off.
In Victor Martinez’s opinion, it seemed that Derek Lunsford may have been a day or two off his timing for peaking, leading to reduced physique. It was still powerful enough to put him in the top 3 – but was a far cry from the near-perfection we witnessed last year.
By the end of Friday’s pre-judging, the scores revealed that Derek Lunsford was trailing behind Samson Dauda and Hadi Choopan (both of whom were tied for first in the pre-judging round).
Chris Bumstead’s Historic Win and Retirement
One of the most significant moments of the weekend was Chris Bumstead’s victory, marking his sixth title in the Classic Physique category. To the surprise of many, he announced his retirement shortly afterward, making it a bittersweet moment for fans. Victor Martinez expressed admiration for Bumstead’s decision, stating, “It was beautiful.” He emphasized that Bumstead’s physique was nearly flawless—a level of excellence that is rare in any sport. According to Victor, Bumstead’s presence on stage has an aura that transcends typical competition, solidifying his status as a once-in-a-lifetime talent.
The other hosts, Edwin and Vlad, revealed that they had suspected Chris Bumstead might retire this year. They had observed him with a personal film crew backstage, suggesting that a significant announcement was in the works. Chris had hinted in previous interviews that he might step away before reaching 30 years old, but the timing remained uncertain until this year’s Olympia, where he chose to leave on a high note.
Dark Horse Performances: Martin Fitzwater’s Rise and Brandon Curry’s Challenges
Victor Martinez gave a special mention to Martin Fitzwater, who exceeded expectations with his fourth-place finish. As a relative dark horse, Fitzwater’s placement was a surprise to many, illustrating the unpredictable nature of bodybuilding competitions. Victor appreciated moments like these, where hard work pays off and new talent shines, keeping the sport dynamic and exciting for fans.
Brandon Curry, a former Mr. Olympia, placed ninth this year, prompting questions about his future. Despite being asked if he might retire, Victor and Vlad were quick to defend Curry’s continued relevance in the sport. Victor noted that Curry’s physique, particularly his upper body, remains exceptional. He suggested that if Curry could further develop his leg conditioning, he could still be a formidable contender for the title.
Did the Olympia Raise the Bar for Other Competitions?
Another major topic of discussion was whether the high standards set by this year’s Olympia would put pressure on other bodybuilding competitions to improve. Victor Martinez felt that the organizers excelled in elevating the event’s presentation and increasing the prize money for the Men’s Open category. He suggested that while this could push other events, like the Arnold Classic, to offer larger prize purses for Men’s Open competitors, the disparity in prize money across divisions remains an issue.
Victor Martinez and Vlad highlighted the need for fairer compensation for all divisions, emphasizing that the athletes in smaller categories work just as hard as those in the Men’s Open. They called on fans to show more support for these divisions, noting how disappointing it was to see audiences leave before all competitions concluded. This lack of engagement for divisions like Men’s 212, despite the presence of top-tier athletes like Shaun Clarida and Keone Pearson, was seen as a missed opportunity for fans to experience the full range of talent on display.
The Changing Landscape of Mr. Olympia Champions
The podcast also touched on the shifting landscape of Mr. Olympia winners over the past six years. Unlike the eras dominated by champions like Phil Heath or Ronnie Coleman, recent years have seen a more dynamic rotation of winners.
Victor Martinez and Vlad both appreciated this shift, seeing it as a positive development that makes each year more exciting and unpredictable. It also helps to counter any criticisms of biased judging, as the frequent changes in champions demonstrate that no single athlete is favored.
Jay Cutler’s Criticism of Olympia’s Lengthy Schedule
Jay Cutler, a four-time Mr. Olympia champion, made headlines this year by criticizing the event’s long run time and the lack of scheduled slots for athletes during the finals. While he chose to skip the Friday night events, he did make an appearance on Saturday to receive a championship ring.
Victor Martinez understood Cutler’s concerns, acknowledging that the event’s length is partly due to the increased number of athletes and divisions. He suggested that better scheduling could improve the flow of the event, though he also recognized the challenges of managing a large-scale competition.
Nick Walker’s Controversial Withdrawal from the Olympia
A final point of discussion was Nick Walker’s decision to withdraw from the Olympia at the last minute. Victor Martinez expressed his belief that once a commitment is made to compete, athletes should follow through, even if they know they might not be in peak condition.
He reflected on his own experiences, noting that competing through challenges builds character and honors commitments to fans and sponsors. While Victor acknowledged that Nick might have private reasons for his decision, he hoped to see him back on stage soon, adding that Walker’s talent and competitive spirit bring excitement to the sport.
Wrap up
The Generation Iron Podcast episode on the 60th Mr. Olympia provided a rich, in-depth look at the event, offering listeners insights into both the highs and challenges of this year’s competition. From Chris Bumstead’s farewell to the unexpected outcomes in the Men’s Open, the hosts celebrated the unpredictability and evolving nature of bodybuilding.
Their discussions also underscored the importance of supporting all divisions and recognized the efforts of the Olympia organizers to elevate the sport. With this year’s event setting new standards, the future of bodybuilding looks promising, leaving fans eagerly anticipating what comes next.
You can watch the full episode of the podcast at the top of this article. And don’t forget to check back every week for new episodes on the Generation Iron Fitness Network or wherever podcasts are downloaded!
