Biggest Disappointments at the 2024 Mr. Olympia: What Went Wrong?

by Mr. O
Posted On October 15, 2024

The 2024 Mr. Olympia was an exciting and eventful competition, with many surprises and strong performances. However, it also brought some notable disappointments. Several top athletes underperformed compared to the high expectations set by fans and experts alike. Let’s break down the most disappointing moments from the 2024 Mr. Olympia.

Andrew Jacked: Hype Fizzles Out

Andrew Jacked was one of the most anticipated contenders going into the 2024 Mr. Olympia. Known for his impressive showing at the Texas Pro, Andrew and his team promised that he would be even better at Mr. Olympia. Unfortunately, Andrew didn’t deliver a significantly improved package. While his physique wasn’t much worse than at the Texas Pro, he didn’t stand out against the other top contenders.

Andrew’s weaknesses were particularly noticeable in the back and hamstrings, where he lacked mass and detail compared to the likes of Derek Lunsford, Samson Dauda, and Hadi Choopan. His front poses remained impressive, but from the side and rear, he couldn’t match the top contenders. Many fans expected Andrew to break into the top three, but he barely cracked the top five and could have easily placed lower.

Ramon Dino: Classic Physique Letdown

Ramon Dino, a strong contender in the Classic Physique division, was expected to challenge Chris Bumstead for the title. However, Ramon came into the show looking flat and underwhelming. Many noted that he appeared watery and lacked the fullness and crisp conditioning seen in previous competitions.

Rumors suggest that Ramon’s struggles to make weight may have affected his peak. His physique looked depleted, particularly in his front poses, where his size and conditioning were off compared to his rivals. Although he still placed fourth, it was a significant drop from the expectations set after last year’s close second-place finish to Chris Bumstead. If Ramon plans to win next year’s Mr. Olympia, he’ll need to bring back his best form and avoid the mistakes made in 2024.

Shaun Clarida: A Shadow of His Former Self

Shaun Clarida, a former 212 Mr. Olympia champion, also disappointed fans at the 2024 competition. Many thought he would push Keone Pearson for the title, but Shaun came in noticeably downsized. While his conditioning was sharp, Shaun’s physique lacked the muscle mass and pop he had in previous years.

His legs and arms appeared much smaller, and his back didn’t have the density or detail needed to compete with Keone. Shaun’s narrow chest also looked more pronounced due to his smaller frame. Although he tried to bring a tighter package, the lack of size ultimately hurt his chances of reclaiming the 212 title.

Wesley Vissers: Missing the Mark Again

Wesley Vissers was another Classic Physique competitor who fell short of expectations. After a strong showing at the Arnold Classic, where many believed he could challenge for the top spots, Wesley placed eighth at the 2024 Mr. Olympia. His conditioning wasn’t as sharp as it was at the Arnold, and he looked flatter on stage.

Wesley’s inability to replicate his Arnold Classic form raises concerns about his ability to peak at the right time. If he wants to win the Classic Physique title in the future, he’ll need to dial in his conditioning and bring his best physique to the Olympia stage.

Hadi Choopan: Falling Short in the Finals

Hadi Choopan, the 2023 Mr. Olympia, also finds himself on the list of disappointments. While Hadi’s conditioning was solid, it wasn’t as sharp as it was during his Arnold Classic win earlier in the year. In the prejudging, he tied with Samson Dauda, but he failed to close the gap in the finals, allowing Samson to secure the victory.

Hadi’s back, which looked more detailed at the Arnold Classic, appeared soft in comparison to Samson’s. This cost him the title, and while his performance was far from poor, it wasn’t enough to retain his crown. Hadi will need to bring a sharper, more conditioned physique if he hopes to regain the Mr. Olympia title in 2025.

While the 2024 Mr. Olympia featured many standout moments, these disappointments show how high the stakes are in bodybuilding’s biggest competition. Athletes like Andrew Jacked, Ramon Dino, and Hadi Choopan will need to reassess their strategies and come back stronger next year if they want to reclaim their spots at the top. Fans will be eagerly awaiting how these athletes adjust and improve for the 2025 season.