Hunter Labrada, son of bodybuilding icon Lee Labrada, recently opened up about his future in the sport. In a YouTube video posted on November 6, 2024, Hunter Labrada shared his plan to retire within the next two to three years to prioritize his health, casting doubt on his ability to win a Mr. Olympia title.
Reflecting on his journey, Hunter Labrada’s comments reveal a mature, realistic outlook on what he’s willing to sacrifice for his career and what he’s not.
Early Success and Journey to the Olympia Stage
Hunter Labrada has already achieved remarkable success in bodybuilding, with his highest Olympia finish being fourth in 2021.
Throughout his career, Hunter Labrada has refined his physique and improved his competition strategies.
Recently, he earned his place in the 2024 Mr. Olympia by winning the Promuscle Italy Pro, where he displayed his best conditioning and muscle balance to date.
Ahead of this year’s Olympia, Hunter Labrada focused on improving his gut health and posing skills, hoping these adjustments would help him make his mark on the Olympia stage.
Despite his impressive showing, Labrada finished sixth at the 2024 Mr. Olympia, leaving him to reassess his future in the sport.
While he showcased remarkable improvements in both muscle tone and posing, Hunter Labrada expressed mixed feelings about what lies ahead, acknowledging both his strengths and limitations.
Aiming to Preserve Health Over Trophies
Hunter Labrada’s retirement timeline stems largely from his concern for his health. For him, the demands of competitive bodybuilding, including grueling training, strict dieting, and intense competition prep, present potential long-term health risks that he isn’t willing to ignore.
“Not to say I don’t feel fulfilled from bodybuilding but as far as competitive bodybuilding goes, in another two years, three years, I’ll have done everything that I’m capable of doing,” Labrada shared, indicating that he’s near his limit.
He voiced a strong stance on avoiding the pitfalls many bodybuilders fall into when they chase titles well beyond their prime.
“I never want to be one of those delusional guys that continues to run their head into the wall and ruins their health and ruins their relationships… That’s not what I want,” he explained. Labrada’s goal is clear: he aims to leave the sport on his own terms, ensuring his health and relationships remain intact after his career.
A Pragmatic Approach to the Mr. Olympia Title
While Hunter Labrada intends to continue training at a high level, he remains realistic about his chances of winning the Olympia title.
“Until I’m done competitively bodybuilding, I’m going to be training like I’m going to win Mr. Olympia,” he said, maintaining an optimistic approach to his training. However, Labrada also acknowledged the genetic limitations of his physique compared to those of his competitors, admitting, “I don’t know if that’s in the cards.”
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Rather than being solely focused on a title, Hunter Labrada is grounded in the idea of self-improvement.
He warned against attaching one’s self-worth to placements in competitions, calling bodybuilding “the most miserable sport in the world if you attach yourself to a contest placing.”
This balanced mindset highlights Labrada’s commitment to the sport without allowing it to define his sense of fulfillment.
Related: 2024 Pro muscle Italy Pro Bodybuilding Results: Hunter Labrada and Alessandro Cavagnola Shine
Reflecting on the Evolution of Conditioning in Bodybuilding
During his video, Labrada also shared his thoughts on the difference in conditioning between today’s bodybuilders and those of the 1990s.
He emphasized that current athletes, contrary to some opinions, display a higher level of conditioning. He explained, “Jim Manion and Tyler Manion, they’ll be the first to tell you that the bodybuilders today are more conditioned than the ones in the 90s.”
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Labrada attributes some of this to advancements in technology, noting that today’s cameras capture details that weren’t visible in the grainy photos of past decades.
He pointed out that even legendary bodybuilders like Flex Wheeler, Kevin Levrone, and Chris Cormier weren’t always in top condition for every show.
Labrada remarked, “A lot of those guys had some absolutely incredible showings but they also showed up out of shape a lot.” He argued that the difference in conditioning standards doesn’t make the past better than the present, suggesting it’s an unfair comparison.
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Related: Hunter Labrada Shares Arm-Blasting Workout
Looking Ahead: Labrada’s Final Years in the Sport
While Labrada remains uncertain about his Olympia prospects, there’s no denying the strides he’s made in refining his physique, conditioning, and presentation.
His recent changes in diet and posing showcase his dedication to improvement, regardless of his competition outcomes.
Over the next few years, Labrada plans to keep training as if a title is within reach, giving fans hope for even better performances.
In a sport where athletes often push themselves past their limits, Labrada’s approach represents a thoughtful shift, focusing on achieving personal bests without sacrificing his health.
Though he may step away from competing in the near future, Labrada’s impact on bodybuilding—alongside his candid perspective on health and success—is sure to be remembered as he continues his journey to leave the sport on his own terms.