One of the anticipated showdowns on the 2024 Olympia was the rematch between 2023 212 Olympia champion Keone Pearson and two-time winner Shaun Clarida, who misplaced the title to Pearson final 12 months. That rematch occurred in Las Vegas, NV, on Friday, Oct. 11, and Pearson was topped champion for the second straight year. Clarida completed second once more.
Pearson grew to become the primary athlete since Flex Lewis to win consecutive 212 Olympia titles. Nevertheless, he nonetheless has an extended technique to go to match Lewis’ seven titles — probably the most of any 212 athlete in historical past. Pearson has but to have fun his thirtieth birthday, so he has loads of time to chase that mark within the report books.
After taking time to get better from the extraordinary coaching for the 2024 Olympia, Pearson joined BarBend for an interview about his time onstage, his ideas on Clarida, and what his future holds as CELSIUS consultant, together with doubtlessly dipping into one other division earlier than retiring from the aggressive stage.
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BarBend (BB): Evaluating your winning physique from 2023 to the bundle we noticed on the 2024 Olympia, what are the largest variations?
Keone Pearson (KP): They might be two completely different people. The most important variations are the conditioning, dimension, and muscle maturity.
I used to be 5 to 6 kilos heavier this 12 months, and my muscular tissues are extra mature. I’m 29 years outdated, and I’m beginning to attain that peak. I’m not there but, however I’m on my manner.
BB: What did you do in another way for this 12 months, if something?
KP: I didn’t do something completely different this time, not even my mindset. I went in pretending as if I had by no means gained the title. When you beat the man that had it, you want one thing new to chase. That stored me hungry, humble, and the fireplace in my eyes daily. Even after I gained final 12 months, I went again to the health club with that very same aggression.
BB: You talked about harsh social media criticism for pulling out of the 2020 Olympia and never faring as nicely in 2021. What recommendation would you share for different opponents and athletes who might face comparable scrutiny?
KP: The toughest half is obstructing it out, particularly if you end up a competitor like me, however you must. The second half is having a stable staff round you. It was throughout these years that I wanted to seek out the individuals I may rely on who needed to see me win.
I even had a therapist to assist with that. There may be nothing mistaken with that, both. I do know some individuals suppose that you must be loopy to wish a therapist, and that isn’t true in any respect. Everybody can profit from a therapist or sports activities psychologist to assist them by means of powerful instances.
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BB: Two years after that, you reached the highest. What do you suppose helped you ascend to the extent you’re at now?
KP: My girlfriend, Amanda, now my fiancée, was an enormous a part of it. I additionally bought a brand new coach and relocated to Las Vegas, which is the bodybuilding mecca.
My entire setting modified, after which my mindset modified. I began believing in myself and started strolling and appearing like a champion, which I feel is why I finally grew to become one.
BB: You used to compete in Classic Physique, which had a decrease weight cap to your peak. What had been the opposite largest variations between the 2 divisions?
KP: It was simply making the load. The load cap for Basic Physique for my peak (5’5”) was 180 kilos. I struggled to make weight that first 12 months within the Basic Physique division.
The load cap for 212 is clearly 212 kilos. The trunks are completely different too, however the principle distinction is the load and peak. Most guys over 5’6” in 212 don’t fare as nicely. Shorter frames normally win in 212. Guys over six toes tall do higher in Basic.
BB: What did you weigh on the Olympia?
KP: Once I stepped onstage for pre-judging, I used to be 201 — a 21-pound distinction from after I competed in Basic Physique.
BB: One other previous 212 champion, Derek Lunsford, has competed in and gained the Males’s Open contest. Have you considered competing in an Open present sooner or later?
KP: Open shall be later for me. Proper now, I’m centered on one aim: holding onto my title and creating my legacy within the 212. I nonetheless have over 10 kilos earlier than I cap out. I don’t see myself going into Open and simply putting after I can keep right here and max out in 212.
BB: Derek Lunsford grew to become the primary champ-champ, profitable the 212 in 2021 and the Sandow in 2023. Would that be one thing you’d contemplate earlier than calling it a profession?
KP: Down the street, I’ll compete within the Open. My aim is to win the Mr. Olympia one time. That’s the imaginative and prescient I’ve for myself, finally.
BB: What are your plans for the close to future?
KP: I’m in a well being section. I’m consuming fruits and meals I couldn’t eat throughout my prep, however it’s nonetheless wholesome meals as a result of I’ve been in a deficit for the prep. I’m ensuring my well being is true.
I’m working again as much as my maintenance calories and touring for appearances. After that, I’ll attempt to enter a growth phase and concentrate on bettering for the 2025 Olympia.
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Featured Picture Supplied by CELSIUS