Zack Khan explains how authenticity on social media isn’t enough when you have a large following: “With power comes great responsibility”
In the second episode of GI Conversation With Zack Khan, filmmaker Vlad Yudin delves into the personal and professional evolution of Zack Khan, a bodybuilder celebrated as much for his outspoken nature as for his accomplishments in the sport. The conversation ranges from Khan’s plans for a potential comeback to his candid views on censorship, social media, and the influence of fitness personalities like Sam Sulek. Most notably, Zack Khan comments on Sam Sulek‘s online popularity – and the responsibility that comes with it.
Retirement or Comeback?
Yudin opens the discussion by asking whether Zack Khan is officially retired from bodybuilding competitions. Khan reveals that while his competitive career has largely shifted to the background, he still harbors a desire to compete in the Masters Olympia. He shares his hope to “give it one more good go,” suggesting that his love for the sport remains undiminished.
However, his journey has been shaped by physical challenges, including a chronic shoulder issue that he endured for years. Khan explains that in 2023, instead of competing, he finally opted for a shoulder replacement surgery. Initially hesitant due to fears that the procedure would limit his ability to lift heavy weights, Khan was inspired by another athlete who underwent the surgery and continued to maintain a strong physique.
Reflecting on the experience, Khan admits his only regret is not addressing the issue sooner. The surgery not only alleviated his pain but also allowed him to focus on his role behind the scenes in bodybuilding, an aspect of the sport he deeply enjoys.
Censorship and Free Speech
Yudin pivots to explore Zack Khan’s on-again, off-again presence in the public eye. Khan attributes his sporadic visibility to censorship, particularly in Europe, where he claims his blunt, unfiltered commentary has often been suppressed.
Khan uses this opportunity to discuss broader societal issues, asserting that much of the division surrounding race, sexuality, and other cultural topics serves to distract from what he sees as the real issue: economic inequality. According to Khan, the true battle is a class struggle, with the global elite—the “1%”—profiting at the expense of the majority.
Zack Khan contrasts this with the bodybuilding community, which he praises for its diversity and inclusivity. “Bodybuilding truly has every race, every class, every creed of person,” he says, lamenting that the larger world lacks this sense of unity.
Free Speech Under Threat
The conversation then turns to the contentious issue of free speech, particularly in the UK. Yudin references new laws allowing the government to fine or arrest individuals for harmful statements made on social media.
Zack Khan acknowledges that such measures are typically aimed at curbing truly dangerous behavior, such as threats of violence. However, he points out that censorship is a global issue, with governments and corporations alike controlling narratives to suit their agendas.
Using X (formerly Twitter) as an example, Khan critiques Elon Musk’s promises of making the platform a haven for free speech, arguing that censorship persists under Musk’s ownership, particularly against dissenting voices.
Zack Khan’s ultimate stance is pragmatic: rather than fighting every instance of speech you dislike, people should simply disengage. “Why do we feel that social media is forcing us to hear these things? We can just avoid it,” he says. Yudin concurs, noting that censorship, in some form, will always exist, whether imposed by governments, businesses, or other entities.
Sam Sulek and the Rise of Influencers
The episode concludes with Yudin asking Zack Khan about his opinion on Sam Sulek, a young fitness influencer whose rapid rise has sparked both admiration and controversy.
Zack Khan praises Sulek’s authenticity, emphasizing that he appears to be a genuine enthusiast of bodybuilding rather than a manipulative influencer chasing fame. However, Khan stresses that with great popularity comes great responsibility. He advises Sulek to be transparent about his training, diet, and PED use to avoid unintentionally leading his followers astray.
“There are many ‘dumb’ or easily led people who will see you do something and try it blindly themselves—which can be dangerous,” Khan warns. He encourages influencers to consider the ripple effects of their actions, particularly in a culture where impressionable fans may take extreme measures to emulate their idols.
Wrap Up
Episode two of GI Conversation With Zack Khan is a compelling exploration of Khan’s insights into bodybuilding, society, and the digital age. Whether discussing his personal challenges, the pervasive influence of censorship, or the responsibilities of social media influencers, Khan delivers his trademark blend of blunt honesty and thought-provoking analysis.
For fans of bodybuilding and anyone interested in the intersection of sports, culture, and media, this episode is both eye-opening and deeply engaging. Stay tuned for the next installment as Zack Khan and Vlad Yudin continue to dissect the complexities of the modern fitness world.
