Vissers opened up about his disappointment to his followers on social media.
Final up to date on October seventeenth, 2024
Earlier than the 2024 Basic Physique Olympia had even wrapped, Wesley Vissers had thrown within the towel — type of. Vissers, extensively anticipated to be an actual damage-dealer at this 12 months’s “O,” discovered himself out of the highest 5 when the mud lastly settled on the night of Oct. 12, 2024.
- Hours earlier than the Basic Physique Olympia Finals, Vissers took to social media to talk on his impressions of the pre-judging spherical that had occurred the identical morning.
- “I did actually need to get in contrast with the highest guys this time, however didn’t get my shot,” he stated
Vissers, like his contemporaries in bodybuilding’s hottest new division, talked an enormous recreation on the Olympia press convention a day earlier than pre-judging. The 2024 Arnold Basic winner would discover himself in eighth place by the tip of the occasion weekend in Las Vegas, NV.
Wesley Vissers on the Basic Physique Olympia: “I Didn’t Get My Shot”
In case you missed it, Chris Bumstead, the fan-favorite moustached muscle man received his sixth Basic Physique Olympia title and introduced his retirement on stage after defeating shock runner-up Mike Sommerfeld.
No one noticed Sommerfeld coming this 12 months — since his dominant victory on the Arnold, Vissers was anticipated to carry Bumstead’s toes to the flames in Las Vegas. He stated as a lot only a day earlier than pre-judging in the course of the Olympia press convention:
- “I’m going to present him the hardest battle he’s ever confronted,” said Vissers.
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Within the weeks main as much as the Basic Physique Olympia, Vissers made rounds on varied podcasts with related statements. Previous to the large day, the Dutchman was assured he’d beat Bumstead outright:
- “I actually do suppose it’s potential [to beat Bumstead,]” Vissers said, smiling, on Sep. 15.
Main as much as the present, Vissers had loads of momentum. He’d received the Arnold Classic and Arnold Classic UK again to again and, at 6’2”, the Dutch Big can take care of Bumstead within the stature division — however, primarily based on the scorecards, not a lot else.
- Bumstead scored 6 factors general, a slight degradation from his usually-impeccable 5-point end result.
- Sommerfeld technically gave Bumstead his hardest battle in years; he completed with 9 factors. Ramon Dino, who acquired second in 2022 and 2023, completed with 10 factors each instances.
- Urs Kalecinski, the Miracle Bear, matched his 2023 putting to spherical out the highest 3.
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Like Dino, who acquired fourth, Vissers backslid on the 2024 Basic Physique Olympia, falling from seventh and 35 factors final 12 months to eighth and 39 this go-round. Whether or not firmer judging standards or a misguided contest prep from Vissers’ staff is responsible is unclear. On the Arnold, in March, Vissers received with a seven-point card.
He’s saved in good spirits for the reason that Basic Physique Olympia pre-judging wrapped. “We are able to bounce again from something, and we’ll,” Vissers added earlier than displaying loads of sportsmanship in the course of the Finals on the night of Oct. 12.
Vissers might have missed the mark, however the Arnold Basic could have an all-time excessive prize pool in 2025, nevermind Bumstead’s stepping down from the throne. Subsequent 12 months, it’s an entire new ball recreation for Basic Physique.