As the bodybuilding world gears up for the 60th anniversary of Mr. Olympia, all eyes are on the highly competitive 212 category, where reigning champion Keone Pearson will face off against two-time titleholder Shaun Clarida.
In a recent video shared on Olympia TV’s YouTube channel, judge Terrick El Guindy shared his analysis of what he believes will be the deciding factors in the showdown between these two top athletes at the 2024 Mr. Olympia contest.
El Guindy, a seasoned judge, highlighted two key elements that could determine the winner: Keone Pearson‘s size and Shaun Clarida‘s freakish muscle density.
With both athletes at their peak, fans eagerly await what promises to be an epic battle on stage.
El Guindy’s insights offer a deeper understanding of what to expect when these two bodybuilding powerhouses collide.
The Rivalry: Keone Pearson vs Shaun Clarida
Keone Pearson stunned the bodybuilding world in 2023 when he dethroned Shaun Clarida, one of the most dominant competitors in the 212 division.
Keone Pearson, known as ‘The Prodigy,’ showcased impeccable shape and aesthetics that helped him capture his biggest career win.
Clarida, meanwhile, had entered the contest with high expectations after winning the title in 2020 and 2021.
However, some experts believed that Clarida came in too heavy in 2023, leading to a less tight midsection that may have cost him the championship.
Following that event, both Pearson and Clarida wasted no time sizing each other up. The two engaged in a special Olympia Battle production, where they tested their strength in a training session that pushed them both to their limits.
As they prepare for the 2024 Mr. Olympia contest, El Guindy has carefully evaluated both athletes, weighing in on their strengths and weaknesses.
Related: Keone Pearson and Shaun Clarida Unite for Intense Back Workout Ahead of 2024 Mr. Olympia
Terrick El Guindy’s Analysis: Size vs Density
In his breakdown, El Guindy emphasized that the battle between Pearson and Clarida will largely come down to size versus density.
Keone Pearson, according to El Guindy, has an advantage in overall size and width, which could present a challenge for Shaun Clarida, who stands shorter in stature but compensates with incredible muscle density.
“He’s very wide [Keone Pearson]. He’s wider than Clarida,” El Guindy explained. “You can see in the workout, and you can see it on stage, that he’s wider than Clarida, and Clarida has more density.”
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While Pearson may boast a wider frame, Shaun Clarida’s freakish density has been one of his greatest weapons in the 212 division.
His compact, powerful physique earned him the nickname ‘The Giant Killer,’ and despite his smaller stature, Shaun Clarida’s ability to pack massive amounts of muscle onto his frame has made him a formidable competitor.
Related: Keone Pearson Upper Body Workout in the 2024 Off-Season
Paths to Victory: What Each Athlete Needs to Win
El Guindy laid out what each athlete needs to do to claim victory at the 2024 Mr. Olympia. For Keone Pearson, it’s all about leveraging his size while coming in even more conditioned than before.
At a reported 215 pounds leading up to the contest, Pearson is expected to step on stage bigger and better than ever.
“I am so excited about the 212 because this is going to be a brawl between Shaun Clarida and Keone Pearson. Keone Pearson is going to come bigger,” said El Guindy. “He’s already super conditioned.”
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Keone Pearson’s size, especially his wider shoulders and chest, could make a significant impact when the two athletes stand side by side on stage.
His ability to present a fuller, more aesthetic physique might be the key to successfully defending his title.
On the other hand, Clarida is focusing on making key adjustments after narrowly missing out on a third title in 2023.
According to El Guindy, Clarida plans to come in a bit smaller this year, aiming to tighten up his midsection and present a more refined version of his already dense physique.
“Shaun Clarida was very honest and said, ‘Terrick, I was too heavy. I need to come down a little smaller, control my midsection,’” El Guindy revealed.
Clarida’s ability to fine-tune his physique and correct the minor mistakes from last year could give him the edge he needs to reclaim the title.
His experience and work ethic have earned him a reputation as one of the most disciplined and consistent athletes in the sport, and El Guindy referred to him as the “ultimate bodybuilder.”
Related: Shaun Clarida Smokes Hamstring and Glute-Focused Leg Workout for Olympia 2024
The Motivation Factor: Clarida’s Determination vs Pearson’s Progress
One of the key storylines heading into the 2024 Mr. Olympia is the motivation behind each competitor. Shaun Clarida, according to El Guindy, is entering the contest with a renewed sense of determination.
Losing the title last year has ignited a fire within him, and he’s been laser-focused on winning it back.
“He’s not this guy that does crazy stuff on social media,” El Guindy said. “Keone Pearson is dealing with somebody that’s very angry and coming back, and Keone is becoming better.”
Clarida’s laser focus on winning back his title could be a dangerous weapon, as he’s proven time and time again that he thrives under pressure.
However, Keone Pearson’s steady improvement and humility could make him an even tougher opponent this time around.
Despite being the reigning champion, Keone Pearson has not grown complacent. Instead, he continues to push himself to new heights, refusing to assume that victory is guaranteed.
“Keone often says, ‘I never assume I’m the champion. I’m as hungry as I was when I was chasing Shaun,’” El Guindy shared.
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Expert Predictions: Can Pearson Defend His Title?
As bodybuilding veterans weigh in with their predictions for the 2024 Mr. Olympia, many are placing their bets on Keone Pearson successfully defending his title.
Chris Cormier, a standout competitor from the 1990s, predicted that Keone Pearson‘s feathered quads and overall size would give him the edge over Clarida.
However, nothing is certain in the world of bodybuilding, and Shaun Clarida’s track record suggests that he should never be underestimated.
Regardless of the outcome, one thing is clear: fans are in for an unforgettable showdown.
The 212 category has become one of the most exciting divisions in the sport, and with Pearson and Clarida both at their peak, the stakes have never been higher.
Related: 2023 Mr. Olympia 212 Prejudging Analysis: Keone Pearson vs. Shaun Clarida
Don’t Miss the 2024 Mr. Olympia Showdown
The 2024 Mr. Olympia contest is set to take place from October 10-13 in Las Vegas, Nevada. With Keone Pearson looking to defend his title and Clarida seeking redemption, the 212 category promises to deliver one of the most thrilling battles in the competition’s history.
Fitness enthusiasts and bodybuilding fans won’t want to miss a single moment of this epic rivalry.