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Hunter Labrada, son of a bodybuilding legend, Lee Labrada had made it into the top five for Mr. Olympia 2021. However, this year the 280lbs bodybuilding beast failed to repeat the same performance and saw himself out of the top 5 list. After newcomers like Samson Dauda placed higher than Labrada, he did some introspection. In his latest Instagram story, the IFBB pro shared an inspiring quote.

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Hunter Labrada had an underwhelming Mr. Olympia 2022. However, he drew inspiration from the words of the NBA legend, LeBron James. While he can’t change public opinion, the IFBB pro is looking to improve in the future. 

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The bodybuilding legend’s son found the NBA legend’s words inspiring

Earlier, Hunter Labrada posted an Instagram story. After dropping two places at this year’s, Mr. Olympia, Labrada drew inspiration from the words of an NBA legend. The story he shared was a LeBron James quote from 2011. The quote read, “As a professional athlete, a lot is going to be said about you – but I just try to move forward and try to achieve my goals.”

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The first part of the quote could be a reference to the various experts and fans who counted out Hunter Labrada before the Mr. Olympia contest. Many have also said Labrada didn’t look his best during this year’s Mr. Olympia. However, the son of the legendary Lee Labrada is taking it all in his stride and looking to improve for next year’s Olympia contest.

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READ MORE: “I Was Better”: Top Mr. Olympia Contender Hunter Labrada Justified His Fourth-Place Finish at Last Year’s Bodybuilding Event

The 5′ 9 Ft bodybuilder weighed around 280 lbs this year. However, after placing seventh, Hunter Labrada released a statement on his Instagram story. The bodybuilding legend’s son said he had felt confident going into this year’s Mr. Olympia, but needs to figure out and fix some things for next year. 

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The Origin of the LeBron James quote

LeBron James spoke the words Labrada posted on Instagram during an interview. In 2011, James sat down for an exclusive interview with Donald MacRae of The Guardian. During their conversation, McRae asked the NBA legend about the backlash he received after announcing the TV special, The Decision. In the program, James revealed he would leave the Cleveland Cavaliers for Miami Heat.

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USA Today via Reuters

While many had criticized James for being “greedy,” the NBA legend had planned something else. LeBron James explained he had given back all the money ‘The Decision’ made to underprivileged kids. James then said that as a pro athlete, he might face criticism. However, he tries to move forward. “You’ve got to go through the tornado to get to the clear weather,” added James to his quote.

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Watch this story – From Arnold Schwarzenegger to Chris Bumstead – Here Are the Top 5 Most Aesthetic Bodybuilders to Ever Compete in Mr. Olympia

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Do you think Hunter Labrada can improve for next year’s Mr. Olympia contest? Let us know in the comments.

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Sagnik Bagchi

3,368 Articles

Sagnik Bagchi is a Senior Writer at EssentiallySports, covering collegiate and Olympic sports through opinion‑driven storytelling. His volleyball reporting often spotlights program shifts and leadership changes, including Harper Murray’s evolving role and John Cook’s candid retirement reflections at Nebraska. With nearly four years in sports media, Sagnik has contributed across key beats, from the Paris 2024 Newsbreak team to behind‑the‑scenes coverage of the NHL Playoffs. An English Literature postgraduate, Sagnik’s versatility spans bodybuilding, US sports, and Olympic disciplines. As a former Senior Bodybuilding Writer, his work earned recognition from IFBB Pro Greg Doucette. His adaptability and consistency have resulted in a place in EssentiallySports’ Journalistic Excellence Program, where selected writers work with industry mentors to refine their reporting and analytical skills.

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Pritam Priyedarshi

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