The 2022 Mr. Olympia title was snatched by Iranian bodybuilder, Hadi Choopan. While he put on a great show, former pro bodybuilder Berry De Mey didn’t seem too pleased with a certain element of the new era of bodybuilders. While Berry decided to address his views publicly, they did not go unanswered. 7x Mr. Olympia winner Phil Heath defended the modern bodybuilding sphere resulting in quite a heated discussion with the former pro.

The final decision made at the 2022 Mr. Olympia event swung critics into action. A lot of discussions followed, on the positives and negatives of the performers. Let’s find out what the debate was based on.

Berry De Mey and Phil Heath’s heated online debate. 

In a recent Instagram post, former Dutch bodybuilder Berry de Mey shared a comparative analysis of the contrasting lower backs of bodybuilders. He posted a collage of former English bodybuilder, Dorian Yates and 2022 Mr. Olympia champion, Hadi Choopan. Additionally, he applauded Hadi Choopan for his exceptional presentation and remarked that he was “The only one really in shape”. However, de Mey criticized the lower back fitness and conditioning of the contenders, including Choopan’s. Apparently, he couldn’t make sense out of it, and suggested improvements in that particular segment.

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On that note, 7 times Mr. Olympia, Phil Heath responded to the former bodybuilder by taking a stand for the modern era of bodybuilding. De Mey further re-posted the comment on Instagram. Heath said, “Berry de Mey gotta relax. We should celebrate the achievements while remembering the past. For all we could say is the damn tanning is harsher than years ago plus those pics from them were on actually 35mm film and not with today’s tech.” In a much previous post, de Mey similarly compared the lower back conditioning of Akim Williams and of himself in the 1988 Mr. Olympia.

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Certainly not taken aback by Phil Heath’s comment, de Mey continued with his critique of the 2022 Mr. Olympia lineup in yet another Instagram post.

Berry de Mey emphasizes on the need to discuss minute elements of bodybuilding.

“Bodybuilding is a different kind of sport. The toughest sport there is in my opinion. It is 24 hours a day and the core activity takes place in the gym.”, said de Mey. The former bodybuilder has been an avid follower of the bodybuilding domain and this is not the first time the 60-year-old is sharing his insights on this topic. 

While staying mindful of Choopan’s victory, de Mey addressed his side of the story. “The element of scoring is based on a subjective assessment of appearance by the judges. Without being disrespectful, can’t we talk after the competition about elements on which the jury based who the winner is? With all the praise for the champion, isn’t it a logical consequence that all details are discussed?”, he said.

Debates based on elements of the past is certainly one to be taken into account. Although is it necessary to regard developments by primarily revolving around them? Let us know what you think?

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