I’m frightened about Nick. There, I mentioned it. I’m frightened about him from a profession standpoint, however I’m additionally frightened about what could also be going via his head at this level. You must perceive that bodybuilding is a really distinctive sport. Not like workforce sports activities, it’s a sport of people – at the least on the face of all of it. I say that as a result of it could be naïve to say that the game is just in regards to the competitor, however in the end, it’s not a workforce sport and all of the strain falls on the shoulders of a single athlete. Generally it’s really higher to be a no-name, completely off the radar, simply competing for enjoyable. Some individuals would possibly argue that that’s a scarcity of ambition however take a look at what consideration will get you. And I want we – as journalists – had clear fingers, however we don’t. Some writers and content material creators would possibly argue that time. They may declare that they solely cowl the uplifting elements of the game, however even when that have been the case, “optimistic journalists” nonetheless take profit from the attain that was created by “too damaging” journalists. It’s only a reality of life. If the media didn’t have the potential to be harmful to well-known rivals and/or large complement firms, then we wouldn’t be taken severely. Nobody is making an attempt to vilify Nick, however Nick can also be a really opinionated man who likes to inform a tall story now and again. This previous Arnold Basic is a serious living proof, however in the end, all of it speaks to the mountain of strain he has to hold round with him wherever he goes. And that’s not a problem if you’re not on the rise, but when you end up in a spot like Nick, it may well turn out to be chaotic in a short time.
Let’s be brutally blunt, Nick Walker was alleged to be Mr Olympia by now. He’s sort of falling into the window that Huge Ramy was in after taking 2nd on the O after which mainly getting written off. Huge Ramy was thought to win the Olympia in 2017 however took second. After which he was kind of again to sq. one, not profitable the Sandow till 2020 (and solely then as a result of he bought a particular invite).
Nick Walker was alleged to win huge in Pittsburgh final yr, however then Derek Lunsford jumped in on the 11th hour. Nick was alleged to win the Arnold Basic this yr, however Andrew bought it. And the Arnold was alleged to be Nick’s redemption – when he took management of his teaching. The implication was that his shortcomings have been on some stage linked to subpar prior teaching. He could by no means have come out and mentioned it, however when he mentioned that nobody knew his physique higher than he did, it implied a sure stage of incompetence had been play. What put egg on Nick’s face is when Man Cisternino mainly revealed that he had had a a lot bigger hand in Nick’s preparations for Columbus. And at that time, Walker needed to come clear. It was a kind of “oh, shit” moments that I’m positive he needs he may play down. However taking 2nd place on the 2nd most prestigious bodybuilding contest on this planet is nothing to carry your head down about. I nonetheless keep in mind Derek Lunsford in 2019 or 2020 consuming chilly inexperienced beans out of a Tupperware container. He had had an incredible putting, however he didn’t win, and you would inform. I keep in mind the late, nice CJ (Cynthia James) going to Derek to console him. That’s simply the sort angel she was. However that’s what I consider once I consider how Nick will need to have felt after Andrew was introduced the winner and the place his head could be proper now.
I don’t know if Nick sees a therapist or places any consideration into psychological well being, nevertheless it’s by no means a foul thought. I’m not questioning his sanity or suggesting that he has any psychological well being points. I’m clarifying not simply to cowl my ass or IronMag’s, however I’m saying so as a result of I sincerely don’t consider Nick has “any points.” However guess what? It by no means hurts to speak to somebody. A licensed therapist is nice to have always – each for the lows AND the highs – in life. I am going to a therapist, and I like having the chance to get to know myself extra. I like exploring methods to dwell a happier life. What’s incorrect with that? From my completely layperson place, I feel remedy would assist somebody like Nick. I feel it could assist most High Olympians due to the quantity of strain that’s on them. It’s at work, the fitness center, church – it’s in every single place. However I feel it’s much more pronounced for a man like Nick Walker. Strain and inside demons are one factor, however if you actually have tens of millions of followers which might be on you want white on rice, that takes the strain to a complete new stage.
And as Dave Palumbo, has accurately identified, Nick Walker is the preferred / most talked about bodybuilder on the planet. You may love him or hate him, however you gotta give him his flowers in the case of being the preferred. And his followers always need him to enhance. He regarded INSANE eventually yr’s Pittsburgh and this yr’s Arnold, however his followers WANT MORE!! They all the time need extra! They need to see him win the NY Professional 20x, win one other Arnold, and win his first (of MANY) Olympias. The actual fact he’s come up quick every time since turning professional on the North Individuals, compounds the quantity of stress on his shoulders.
Quick ahead to Might 2026. Nick has nonetheless not certified for the 2026 Olympia. He skipped two shitty exhibits within the FIBO and Arnold Basic South America. He additionally skipped out on two main exhibits within the Pittsburgh Professional and the New York Professional. The identical New York Professional that he’s gained 3 times. He’s seemingly accomplished competing for the yr, however he nonetheless appears stage worthy. He hasn’t downsized, however what’s he bought on his thoughts? I’d prefer to assume he has a grasp plan, however what if he’s misplaced? What if he’s on the verge of a nervous breakdown? You may ask plenty of questions within the what-if realm. I simply hope Nick is in an excellent place emotionally. It’s not “simply bodybuilding” to individuals on this stage. It’s a lot deeper and extra complicated than that.
You realize what I imply?
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Creator Bio:
Christian I. Duque is the proprietor of StrengthAddicts.com, a physique and power web site based in 2008. He has labored for a variety of bodybuilding web sites, together with RX Muscle and Muscular Improvement. Christian has written almost 1,000 revealed articles for IronMag Weblog, in addition to articles for StrengthAddicts, RX Muscle, and others. By day, he’s additionally a licensed legal professional working towards within the areas of household regulation, immigration, and felony protection.
