Derek Lunsford’s 3rd Place at Mr. Olympia 2024: Progress or Decline?

by Mr. O
Posted On October 16, 2024

The 2024 Mr. Olympia competition saw intense debate and discussion surrounding Derek Lunsford’s 3rd place finish. Many have expressed frustration and confusion, claiming that Lunsford’s performance and physique this year were subpar compared to previous competitions. However, a closer look at the facts and comparisons suggests that this narrative might be misguided.

Debunking the Criticism: Did Derek Lunsford Really Decline?

One of the most common criticisms surrounding Lunsford’s appearance at the 2024 Mr. Olympia is that he “peggiorato” (deteriorated) compared to previous years. However, it is essential to address this claim with an objective lens. Based on side-by-side comparisons from Instagram bodybuilding pages like Who is the Best BB, Lunsford’s physique, in many respects, showed improvements rather than a decline.

The Misconception of Lunsford’s Leg Development

One of the ongoing critiques has been Lunsford’s leg size relative to his upper body. While his legs may appear less defined during the off-season, it doesn’t mean they lack mass. Observers have been discussing this issue for two years, yet for some reason, it only became a major talking point in 2024. His legs, while still a point of critique for some, showed better definition and cuts during this year’s Mr. Olympia contest. Lunsford has made steady improvements, particularly in quad separation and calf development.

Addressing the Allegation of a Wider Waist

Some observers have claimed that Lunsford’s waist has expanded, negatively impacting his aesthetics. However, after reviewing numerous comparison photos, this assertion seems inaccurate. In fact, Lunsford’s midsection appeared well-controlled and even improved in terms of muscularity and abdominal definition, particularly in poses such as the Side Chest and Abs and Thigh. There is no clear evidence of an increased waist size affecting his overall physique.

The Front Lat Spread and Pectoral Development

A significant aspect of Derek’s presentation that was often overlooked is his Front Lat Spread and pectoral development. Compared to 2023, Lunsford’s pecs were more pronounced and separated from his abs, a visible improvement over the previous year. His upper chest displayed more fullness, and there was an overall enhancement in muscle density. This improvement carried over into poses like the Side Triceps, where his chest looked fuller and more prominent.

Back Double Bicep: Still One of the Best in the Contest

When evaluating Derek Lunsford’s back poses, it’s clear that his Back Double Bicep remains a standout feature. The thickness in his traps, the fullness in his lats, and the overall mass in his upper and lower back were visibly improved from previous years. Although some critics focused on his hamstrings lacking fine detail, his glutes remained well-defined, and his back shots were arguably some of the best in the competition.

Why the 3rd Place Finish?

It’s important to consider that bodybuilding judging isn’t purely about individual improvements but relative comparisons to the competition. While Lunsford improved in many areas, 2024 saw Samson Dauda making more evident strides, earning his well-deserved win. This doesn’t diminish Lunsford’s achievements or suggest that his physique declined—it simply highlights the competitive nature of Mr. Olympia, where even small details can make a big difference.

The Importance of Independent Thinking in Bodybuilding Critique

A critical issue in the bodybuilding community is the tendency for fans to echo opinions rather than forming their own judgments. Many critics of Derek Lunsford may have simply followed the crowd, repeating the narrative that he had “declined” without taking a closer, more objective look at his actual improvements. This bandwagon mentality often leads to misinformation and unfair evaluations of athletes’ performances.

Derek Lunsford, Better Than Ever?

Derek Lunsford’s 3rd place finish at the 2024 Mr. Olympia does not signify a decline but rather highlights the intensity of this year’s competition. His physique showcased improvements in various areas, from chest development to back density. While his legs and waist remain topics of debate, they were not significantly worse than previous years. Lunsford is still one of the top athletes in the world, and his performance in 2024 proves that he is far from “worsening”—he continues to evolve and improve.

In the end, it’s crucial for fans and critics alike to use their judgment, avoid blindly following popular opinion, and recognize the complexities of bodybuilding competition.