West introduced the fourth-place trophy to the Basic Physique division on the 2024 Olympia.
Final up to date on October fifteenth, 2024
Everybody tuned into the 2024 Olympia is aware of Samson Dauda thwarted defending champion Derek Lunsford‘s try and win back-to-back titles. Dauda left with the Sandow Trophy and the $600,000 prize. Chris Bumstead and Cydney Gillon introduced their retirements, ending their Olympia dynasties. It was a weekend of surprises and drama.
One other shocking flip of occasions featured health influencer Jesse James West, who made headlines by presenting an award on the 2024 Olympia. How did West find yourself on stage for the sixtieth version of essentially the most important occasion in bodybuilding?
After Olympia concluded on Oct. 13, 2024, West shared how he “lied” his means onto the Mr. Olympia stage.
[Related: Why Phil Heath Stopped Winning the Mr. Olympia]
West views the Olympia as the top for bodybuilders worldwide. Whereas the occasion showcases dozens of opponents, solely the highest 5 of the best finally grace the stage through the award ceremony.
West dreamed of stepping on the Olympia stage. Right here’s what he did to make it a actuality.
Cellphone Name with Olympia Director
5 days earlier than the 2024 Olympia, West reached out to the Olympia Director and requested:
Can I award Mr. Olympia on stage this 12 months?
The Olympia Director replied with a agency no, clarifying that such preparations have been unique to sponsors. However, West remained undeterred in his pursuit. He packed his baggage and traveled to Las Vegas.
Gaining Stage Entry
West experimented with varied disguises recommended by followers from his YouTube channel. These included dressing up as a janitor, a bodybuilding coach, and a safety guard. In the end, West selected to disguise himself as a reporter to achieve entry to the VIP areas of the Olympia.
If I discovered something from final 12 months, it’s that if you wish to entry VIP areas of the Olympia, simply turn into a reporter.
By means of interviews, West step by step related with athletes akin to Chris Bumstead, Wesley Vissers, and Ramon Rocha Queiroz. Throughout a dialog with Bumstead, West nearly revealed an excessive amount of. He rapidly acknowledged the necessity to mood his strategy to guard his id and the mission.
Connecting with a Sponsor
For West to take the stage, he wanted to establish and join with a sponsor, a process he had but to perform. After inquiring concerning the sponsors, he discovered little useful data.
West’s subsequent step was to attend the Olympia press conference to collect extra insights. Thankfully, earlier than the press convention, a safety guard supplied West with the required details about the sponsors.
West obtained a textual content from Frank, whom he had met finally 12 months’s Olympia. The message knowledgeable him {that a} sponsor needed to debate the opportunity of his presenting an award on stage. This connection led to a gathering with sponsor Tony Saxyby, CEO of Wolf Health, who had a slot for the Classic Physique division awards, to set West’s plan in movement.
Having secured his likelihood to step on stage, West ready his strains. For help, West enlisted the assistance of train scientist Dr. Mike Israetel, IFBB Professional Jared Feather, and eight-time Mr. Olympia Ronnie Coleman. Dr. Israetel suggested West as they labored by means of their strains, “Don’t f*ck it up.”
Present Day
On present day, West made his solution to pre-judging. He stored a low profile, because the backstage stress was palpable, with opponents intensely targeted.
I did my greatest to remain low-key and never disturb any of the opponents. They’re so locked in that it’s arduous to really feel comfy. The stress may be very excessive.
West obtained a name from Tony Saxby saying that he would be part of him on the Olympia stage to current fourth place as an alternative of sneaking in. West confessed feeling nervous backstage and sought last recommendation from Ronnie Coleman.
Have enjoyable. That’s all I did after I was on the market.
Simply earlier than the announcement of the fourth-place winner, West and Saxby took to the stage to current Ramon Rocha Queiroz with the fourth-place medal. West expressed that he by no means imagined stepping onto an Olympian stage however discovered a solution to make it occur.
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Featured picture: @jessejameswest on Instagram