Victor Martinez and the GI crew recap 2023 in bodybuilding – discussing Sam Sulek and the low and highest points of the year for the sport
In the latest episode of the Generation Iron Podcast, hosts Victor Martinez, Ehsan Farahi, Edwin Mejia Jr., and Vlad Yudin dive deep into the aftermath of Mr. Olympia 2023, recap the best and worst moments of the year in bodybuilding along with impressions on Sam Sulek. From dissecting the performances to discussing the rising star of Sam Sulek in the bodybuilding community, the podcast covers a wide array of topics that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
Victor Martinez has finally returned after a long but exciting tour across the world with Busta Rhymes. That means the Generation Iron Podcast is back from its hiatus just in time to recap the year in bodybuilding. There’s a lot to cover since we last broadcast including the aftermath of the 2023 Mr. Olympia.
Other topics discussed include Sam Sulek’s viral rise to fame, the new youngest bodybuilder to turn pro at just 19 years old, Andrew Tates‘ surprising 2023 diet, as well as the worst moments and best moments in bodybuilding this year. Let’s dive into it!
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Viral Phenomenon – Sam Sulek
The hosts discuss the viral sensation Sam Sulek, and the massive controversial stir he’s caused within the bodybuilding industry. There’s no denying that he is one of the biggest names in bodybuilding currently. However, many worry that he sends the wrong message due to his perceived abuse of steroids.
Victor Martinez emphasizes the difference between looking good on social media and excelling on the competition stage. Victor Martinez acknowledges Sulek’s physique but thinks that it is foolish to claim he is “bigger” than other competitive bodybuilders. If Sulek were to step on stage against the best in the world, he would likely look far less impressive.
Of course, his success online is not solely due to his physique. It’s his personality and also his transparency in how he shows fans his bodybuilding lifestyle. Victor Martinez commends Sulek for not claiming to be natural. However, he makes it clear that Sulek is clearly using a lot of steroids. His skin looks unhealthy and you can tell by the look of his eyes that he is blasting a lot of gear – at least based on Victor’s outsider assessment.
“You can see the juice coming out of his pores.”
– Victor Martinez on Sam Sulek
The Aftermath of the 2023 Mr. Olympia
The hosts also recap the Mr. Olympia 2023 and evaluating the accuracy of their predictions. Victor Martinez brags that he correctly predicted the new Mr. Olympia champion. But what was the biggest reason why defending champ Hadi Choopan lost the title?
Ehsan Farahi points out Hadi Choopan’s presentation and posing issues, emphasizing the significance of small mistakes at this elite level. When you are competing against the best in the world, you can’t have weak poses without facing consequences. Ehsan states that his back double bicep and side chest poses, in particular, left something to be desired.
Victor Martinez agrees and criticizes Choopan’s posing style, suggesting he appeared more like a guest poser than a contender for the Sandow trophy. Despite this, it must be noted that Hadi Choopan’s physique was still incredible and he is far from finished as a threat for the Mr. Olympia title. Perhaps this loss will fuel him to perfect his routine and physique even further in 2024.
Reflecting on the Controversy Over Hadi Choopan Storming Off Stage
By now it’s well known that Hadi Choopan sparked controversy due to his reaction to losing the Mr. Olympia title. Choopan stormed off stage, remaining absent for the photos with the rest of the top five placing competitors.
It’s been noted that Hadi Choopan is deaf in one ear, and that perhaps a combination of his emotion and not hearing the calls for him to return on stage was the reason he was absent. Regardless, Choopan has since apologized and made a statement on the matter.
Victor Martinez and the GI crew unanimously believe that the “hard of hearing” explanation is just an excuse. That being said, Victor does not hold ill will against Choopan. Losing the Mr. Olympia title is an emotional moment. While it was not good that he acted so negatively and disrespectfully. He understands why he felt that way and did what he did.
Dino Ramon’s Potential (And Biggest Weakness)
Victor Martinez expresses his belief that Ramon Dino has the potential to win in the Classic Physique division but suggests he needs to shed his humility on stage and become a true rival to Chris Bumstead.
Martinez points out that Ramon appears more like a fan in his interactions with Chris Bumstead. Essentially, he has too much respect and is in too much awe of Bumstead’s incredible stature and physique. This kind of mentality will hold him back.
In fact, Victor Martinez believes that Ramon Dino has an incredible physique that is worth of Olympia champion status. Unfortunately, he won’t be able to achieve the gold if he doesn’t start getting more aggressive. He needs to make Bumstead more of a rival and less of a friend.
The New Youngest IFBB Pro Bodybuilder
The hosts highlight the youngest IFBB Pro 19-year-old bodybuilder, Anton Ratushnyi, expressing hope for his success after making headlines. He is now tied with Jeff Seid as the youngest bodybuilder ever to turn pro and is now currently the youngest active IFBB Pro bodybuilder.
Victor Martinez expresses worry that this title will give him a large amount of pressure that may affect his performance on stage. Bodybuilding may be a physical sport – but it’s also a mental one. Victor hopes that Ratushnyi can focus on one thing and one thing only – winning pro shows.
If he begins to worry about the hype and expectation people put on him due to the many headlines chronicling his pro status – he very well may break under the pressure.
RELATED: Witness Anton Ratushnyi’s insane 3-year physique transformation at just 19 years old
Andrew Tate’s Strange 2023 Diet & Calling Bodybuilding “Gay”
Vlad Yudin asks Victor Martinez to share his thoughts on Andrew Tates’ strange diet in 2023. But before they can even get into it – Victor criticizes Tate for his previous comments on bodybuilding.
Andrew Tate has previously claimed that anyone who is into bodybuilding is likely gay. This is the one thing that Victor Martinez remembers about Tate and his reputation.
Victor Martinez insinuates that Andrew Tate he may be compensating for something – falling just short of calling Tate a homosexual. Victor believes that anyone who is obsessively calling other things “gay” is likely hiding some gay tendencies themselves.
The hosts then humorously analyze Tate’s 2023 diet of one meal a day, 15 cups of coffee, and three cigars. Victor thinks that this diet is doable considering that Tate is rather slim – and if he trains well can stay shredded. However, clearly this diet is not healthy.
“You put a mustache on [Andrew Tate] and some hair – he looks like Freddy Mercury and he was probably the gayest guy in Queen.”
– Victor Martinez
Highs and Lows of 2023 In Bodybuilding
The hosts reflect on the highs and lows of 2023, with Victor Martinez emphasizing the losses of young athletes as a low point. While not as many were lost as compared to the previous years – we still saw the passing of far too many athletes who were young.
On a positive note, Victor Martinez celebrates the changing of the guard at Mr. Olympia – claiming that the past few years have shown a real excitement that “anyone can win” across the various divisions in the sport.
Victor also commends the return of the Arnold Classic UK to London as well as the increased prize money for the 2024 Arnold Classic. This is a big win for the athletes and will continue to help grow the sport.
Wrap Up
The Generation Iron Podcast‘s latest episode offers a comprehensive and insightful recap of Mr. Olympia 2023, shedding light on emerging stars, controversies, and the evolving landscape of competitive bodybuilding. The hosts’ candid discussions and humorous anecdotes make this episode a must-listen for bodybuilding enthusiasts.
You can watch the full episode above. And don’t forget to check back every week for new episodes only on the Generation Iron Fitness Network or wherever podcasts are downloaded.
