In the world of competitive bodybuilding, Andrew Jacked (Chinedu Andrew Obiekea) has quickly made a name for himself in the Men’s Open category.
Reflecting on his recent journey, Andrew Jacked has shared his optimism for the future, spurred by fellow Nigerian Samson Dauda’s historic victory at the 2024 Mr. Olympia.
Samson Dauda’s win, he believes, has opened new doors for taller athletes in bodybuilding, a group long seen as having unique but sometimes overlooked advantages on the professional stage.
Samson Dauda’s Win: A Turning Point for Taller Athletes
In an interview aired on October 22, 2024, Andrew Jacked expressed that Dauda’s victory at Mr. Olympia marks a transformative shift in bodybuilding.
Dauda, now the 19th Mr. Olympia champion, overcame seasoned competitors like former 212 division athletes Hadi Choopan and Derek Lunsford to claim the coveted Sandow trophy.
For Andrew Jacked, this win symbolizes more than just Dauda’s individual triumph; it signifies a broader change that could benefit athletes who, like himself, possess taller and more aesthetic physiques.
“I think it opened so many doors, especially for taller guys,” Jacked commented, noting that Dauda’s success might encourage more aesthetically inclined, taller athletes to aim for the top of the Men’s Open. He added that Dauda’s victory could even prompt some competitors from Classic Physique to transition into the Open division, enriching the category with more varied physiques.
Aiming for a Top-Three Finish at the 2025 Mr. Olympia
Reflecting on his own ambitions, Andrew Jacked is clear: the top three spots at Mr. Olympia are now his target. After securing fifth place in the 2024 Mr. Olympia, he sees this as the next natural step in his career.
Jacked’s confidence stems from a belief that the “narrative has shifted,” with Dauda’s victory redefining what it means to be Mr. Olympia. “The symbol of Mr. Olympia,” he noted, “you have to be a Greek God—tall, handsome, muscular, athletic.” For Jacked, this aspirational ideal aligns well with his own physical characteristics and training goals.
A Rigorous Training and Nutrition Regimen
Andrew Jacked is already setting the groundwork for his 2025 goals, with a rigorous regimen that includes a diet structured around four solid meals and one shake per day.
Acknowledging that larger meals wouldn’t be beneficial for him, he focuses on balanced macros, carefully tailored to build lean muscle and ensure efficient recovery and performance.
This approach helped him add 10 kilos in the off-season, a gain he believes will translate into a stronger stage presence at upcoming competitions.
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Preparing for the 2025 Arnold Classic
Andrew Jacked has also set his sights on the 2025 Arnold Classic, an event he committed to before competing at Mr. Olympia. With a $500,000 prize on the line, the Arnold Classic promises intense competition, particularly since reigning Mr. Olympia Samson Dauda will be there to defend his title.
Andrew Jacked, competing against Dauda at the Arnold Classic is both a challenge and an opportunity, as he seeks to present an even more refined physique, sharpened by lessons learned from his recent experiences on the Olympia stage.
Related: Rising Star: Andrew Jacked – The Meteoric Ascent of a Bodybuilding Phenom
An Era of New Opportunities for Tall Bodybuilders
With the 2025 season approaching, Jacked’s journey represents more than just a personal quest; it reflects a larger movement toward diversity and representation of different physiques in the Men’s Open.
As taller athletes increasingly gain recognition, fans are eagerly awaiting the next Mr. Olympia and Arnold Classic to see how these athletes fare in the new landscape shaped by Dauda’s breakthrough win.
Samson Dauda’s victory has undeniably altered the bodybuilding narrative, and with Andrew Jacked’s ambition to reach the top three, the sport is poised to enter a new era that celebrates and showcases a wider array of physical ideals.
As Andrew Jacked steps into this new chapter, the stage is set for a thrilling competition season filled with renewed potential for tall athletes aiming for greatness in the IFBB Pro League.