“My Heart Sank as I Felt Your Pain”: Bodybuilding Community in Absolute Shock as Nick Walker Backs Out From 2023 Mr. Olympia at the 11th Hour

Life can sometimes be cruel, and even the best laid-out plans might get spoiled. Unfortunately, bodybuilding icon Nick Walker found out this terrible truth earlier. With barely a day before the 2023 Mr. Olympia weekend kicks off at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Nick Walker made a devastating announcement.

Last year’s bronze medalist, the People’s Champion, posted a video on Instagram. However, this wasn’t a last-minute physique update. Instead, the 2023 Arnold Classic runner-up sat on a chair and announced he would not compete in the Mr. Olympia this year. With tears in his eyes, Walker informed fans why he was forced to pull out. 

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“It’s with a heavy heart I won’t be stepping stage this year due to unforeseen and unfortunate reasons that remind us we’re only human,” wrote the bodybuilder as the caption of his video. The Mutant greeted his fans and informed them that he would be unable to compete due to a hamstring tear. “I tried to push through it, I tried to do whatever I could get all the treatment I could,” said Walker.

However, despite his best efforts, a teary-eyed Walker confessed that his injury got worse. The People’s Champion understood that even if he forced himself to step on stage, the injury would prevent him from placing in the top three.

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Hence, the 29-year-old pulled out. The fans and his fellow competitors showed their support for Walker.

The bodybuilding community was shattered

The devastating news shocked the bodybuilding world. Over the years, Nick Walker has progressed toward his goal of winning the Mr. Olympia. This year, many believed he had a genuine chance of winning. “So so sorry bro damn…please stay strong you are a champion true and true,” wrote 2023 Arnold Classic winner Samson Dauda. “I watched this and my heart sank as I felt your pain,” wrote seven-time Mr. Olympia Phil Heath.

The bodybuilding legend gave Walker some heartfelt encouragement. “I will remind you that you are a great human being who strives for excellence and I encourage you to use this pain to becoming the greatest version of self…” he wrote. The official Arnold Sports Festival page wished Walker a “Speedy recovery.”

Flex Wheeler, who pulled out of the 1997 Mr. Olympia in a similar manner, had a heartfelt message. “Wow, you made the right decision little brother. Health first you’re young and you have many years ahead of you. God bless you and your recovery.” Former Mr. Olympia competitor William Bonac also had wished Walker would bounce back soon. “Damn brother I feel with you, it’s very unfortunate but always put yourself in first priority. Speedy recovery Champ,” he wrote.

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How did you react to the news? Tell us in the comments.