2023 is ending on a high note for former 212 Olympia champion Shaun Clarida. Despite losing his title to Keon Pearson in November, the two-time 212 champion has a reason to celebrate. Clarida recently informed fans that one of his dreams had come true last week. For the layman, Clarida had always wanted a new gym of his own and now he has. The bodybuilding champion even showed off the keys to his brand-new gym.

Clarida posed in front of his newly constructed gym with the keys in his hands. The Giant Killer’s wife and toddler also appear in the image. Building his own gym is a goal Clarida has chased for years so getting there finally must be really special. “This was once just a thought in my mind and hope in my heart,” explained the Giant Killer. However, everything didn’t turn out to be perfect.

Shau Clarida refused to compromise

Shaun Clarida explained that he got emotional after receiving the call that after three months his gym was ready. While the bodybuilding champion had dreamed of the moment for a long time, it took patience, hard work, and belief to turn his dream into reality. “I was able to check off another goal on my bucket list,” wrote Clarida. However, there was a catch.

Unlike dreams, real life often presents us with unforeseen challenges. The 41-year-old faced something similar. The bodybuilding veteran explained that he had struck a deal with world-renowned gym equipment manufacturer Panatta. The Italian manufacturer are renowned for their quality and innovative exercise machines. However, the bodybuilder “did not agree with their terms.”

The 41-year-old explained that he has been “real” and “transparent” throughout his competitive bodybuilding career. Hence, Clarida chose to reject the deal. “I refuse to let anyone and/or company change how I do things or not let me be who I am,” wrote the bodybuilder. Fans and veterans of the sport congratulated and plauded Clarida for his bold decision.

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Bodybuilding champions had Clarida’s back

Besides congratulating the former champion, the bodybuilding community voiced their support. “Bro you have been standing up to the big guy your whole life. Congrats on the gym and standing your ground,” wrote Sergio Oliva Jr. “Respect for always staying authentic and true to yourself Shaun, it’s why so many people love following your process! Can’t wait to see the gym develop!” wrote bodybuilder AJ Morris.

Bodybuilding veteran William Bonac commented, “Congratulations champ. God is with you and your family. Always follow your heart and stay real to who you are that’s why people love you!” Seven-time 212 Olympia champion Flex Lewis wrote, “Congratulations champ.” Newly crowned Mr. Olympia Derek Lusford, who regularly trains on Panatta equipment at Hany Rambod’s gym, wrote, “Congratulations!!!”

While the deal with Panatta fell through, Shaun Clarida couldn’t be more happy as his dream came true and he earned the respect of the bodybuilding community.

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