As the 2024 Mr. Olympia approaches, the bodybuilding world is buzzing with excitement and predictions, and none other than four-time Mr. Olympia champion Jay Cutler has weighed in on the competition.
In a recent YouTube video on October 8, 2024, Jay Cutler shared his thoughts on the withdrawal of top contender Nick Walker, the challenges of drying out for competitions, and his controversial stance on vacuums in Men’s Open Bodybuilding.
Jay Cutler’s insights, shaped by his legendary career, provide a unique perspective as the sport’s biggest event approaches.
Nick Walker’s Absence and Its Impact on the Lineup
Nick Walker, one of the most talked-about athletes in recent years, has unexpectedly pulled out of the 2024 Mr. Olympia, leaving fans and fellow competitors stunned.
Jay Cutler expressed his confusion and disappointment at Walker’s decision, stating, “We have a crazy stacked lineup, but one of our top projected guys, Nick Walker, has pulled out. It’s a little confusing.” Walker, known as “The Mutant,” cited issues with his body not responding well as his reason for withdrawing.
Cutler, along with industry expert Chris Cormier, shared their disappointment, with Cormier emphasizing that many fans were eager to see Nick Walker compete, especially after his impressive performance last year.
Despite Walker’s absence, Cutler is confident that the 2024 Mr. Olympia will still deliver an intense and competitive show.
The lineup remains stacked with elite athletes, including reigning champion Derek Lunsford, who will face fierce competition from other top contenders like Hadi Choopan and Samson Dauda.
While Walker’s withdrawal is a significant loss, the excitement surrounding the event remains high, with many anticipating new surprises and potential upsets.
Drying Out for Competitions: Cutler’s Battle with Water Manipulation
Cutler also opened up about one of the most challenging aspects of preparing for a bodybuilding competition—drying out.
The process of manipulating water intake to achieve maximum muscle definition is a delicate and often grueling task.
Jay Cutler, who famously mastered the art of peaking for shows, explained that the water depletion phase was one of the hardest parts of his preparation.
“Oatmeal was one of my go-to carb-up foods, but without enough fluid, it could be like cement,” Cutler shared. He emphasized that cutting down on water, especially after being a “two-gallon plus drinker” daily, was mentally and physically draining. The dehydration process could alter his mind, making him feel loopy and disoriented.
To bring out the sharp details in his physique, Cutler used natural diuretics like black coffee and asparagus. While he did rely on diuretic drugs to some extent, he preferred using these natural methods to assist in the drying-out process.
He noted that different shows required different levels of water depletion, but overall, it was always one of the most challenging hurdles leading up to competition day.
Vacuums Don’t Belong in Open Bodybuilding, Says Cutler
Perhaps one of the more controversial topics Jay Cutler addressed was the use of vacuums in Open Bodybuilding. In recent years, vacuums—a posing technique that involves pulling in the abdominal muscles to create a hollowed-out look—have become more popular, particularly in Classic Physique.
However, Cutler is adamant that vacuums don’t belong in the Men’s Open category.
Cutler explained that Classic Physique has influenced the perception of what should be acceptable in Open Bodybuilding. He expressed frustration with competitors “dancing around” the traditional abs and thigh pose by using vacuums instead. “I don’t agree that the vacuum counts,” Cutler stated bluntly. “Why are we changing the history of a pose?” For Cutler, the abs and thigh pose is a crucial display of core strength and conditioning, and he believes that competitors at the highest level should be able to showcase their midsection in its full form rather than relying on vacuums.
This viewpoint contrasts with the approach of some current champions, including Derek Lunsford, who often opts for side poses or vacuums instead of crunching his abs during the abs and thigh pose.
While Cutler respects Derek Lunsford’s physique and achievements, he questions whether a Mr. Olympia can truly be crowned without mastering this essential pose.
Cutler’s Three Kings of the 2024 Mr. Olympia
As the 2024 Mr. Olympia draws near, Cutler has made his predictions clear. He has labeled Samson Dauda, Hadi Choopan, and Derek Lunsford as the top contenders in the Men’s Open division.
All three athletes have demonstrated the qualities necessary to win bodybuilding’s ultimate prize, and Cutler believes they will be the ones to watch during this year’s competition.
With his deep understanding of the sport and his experience as a four-time champion, Jay Cutler’s opinions carry significant weight.
His insights into the challenges of peak week, his take on the evolution of posing in bodybuilding, and his predictions for the 2024 Mr. Olympia lineup offer fans a deeper understanding of the sport and what it takes to succeed at the highest level.
Conclusion
As fans eagerly await the return of the Mr. Olympia competition in Las Vegas, Nevada, Jay Cutler’s insights provide a fascinating look into the sport’s biggest event.
From Nick Walker’s surprising withdrawal to the intricacies of drying out and the ongoing debate about vacuums in Open Bodybuilding, Cutler’s commentary touches on key aspects of bodybuilding that will shape the 2024 contest.
With just days to go, the anticipation continues to build, and bodybuilding enthusiasts are in for an unforgettable weekend of competition and excitement.