As the bodybuilding world gears up for the 2024 Mr. Olympia, anticipation is building for one of the most exciting showdowns in recent memory. Among the fierce competitors, two names stand out: Keone Pearson and Shaun Clarida.
They are known as ‘The Prodigy’ and ‘The Giant Killer,’ respectively, these 212 Bodybuilding stars are set to clash on the Olympia stage this October.
Nine weeks out from the sport’s biggest event, Keone Pearson and Clarida came together for a brutal back workout that tested their physical limits and served as a precursor to their upcoming battle for the coveted 212 Olympia title.
The Stakes: A Rivalry for the Ages
The rivalry between Keone Pearson and Shaun Clarida has been brewing since Pearson’s victory at the 2023 Mr. Olympia, where he dethroned Clarida to claim the 212 title.
Clarida, a two-time 212 Olympia champion, has been a dominant force in the division for years, outmuscling competitors like Kamal Elgargni and even stepping into the Open category with success.
However, losing his 212 titles to Keone Pearson ignited a new fire within him, and he is determined to reclaim his throne.
Keone Pearson, on the other hand, has made it clear that he is not taking his victory for granted. Despite being the reigning champion, Keone Pearson approaches his training with the mindset of an underdog, hungry to prove that his 2023 win was no fluke.
The pressure is immense, with both athletes drawing comparisons to legendary rivalries like that of Kai Greene and Phil Heath.
With the 2024 Mr. Olympia just around the corner, both men are feeling the weight of expectation as they prepare for what promises to be an epic showdown.
Related: Keone Pearson vs Shaun Clarida: From Rivalry to Open Ambitions
The Intensity of the Olympia Battle Workout
On August 5, 2024, Keone Pearson and Shaun Clarida met for a back workout that was anything but ordinary. This was not just a typical gym session; it was a battle—a test of strength, endurance, and mental toughness, designed to push each other to their limits.
The workout took place under the watchful eye of bodybuilding legend Chris Cormier, who offered guidance and motivation throughout the grueling session.
The workout kicked off with cable lat pullovers, an exercise designed to isolate the lats and build the width and thickness necessary for a dominant back.
Keone Pearson and Shaun Clarida set the tone early, attacking the exercise with intensity and focus.
From there, they moved on to close-grip lat pulldowns, an exercise that emphasizes the lower lats and helps create the coveted V-taper that both athletes are known for.
As the workout progressed, the intensity only increased. Seated wide-grip cable rows were next on the agenda, an exercise that targets the middle of the back and adds depth to the physique.
Clarida, known for his unmatched work ethic, pushed Pearson to near failure, shouting, “If you want it, go get it!” The competitive spirit between the two was palpable, with neither willing to back down.
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Next, the duo transitioned to one-arm dumbbell bent-over rows, a staple exercise in any serious back workout.
This movement allows for a greater range of motion and the ability to focus on each side of the back individually.
The tension in the gym was electric, with both athletes giving everything they had in each rep, determined to outdo the other.
The workout concluded with close-grip seated cable rows, an exercise that targets the lower and middle portions of the back while also engaging the biceps and forearms.
By the end of the session, both men were exhausted but exhilarated, knowing that they had pushed each other to new heights.
Related: Giant Killer Shaun Clarida Attacks Quads in High-Intensity Leg Session
Mindset and Preparation: The Road to Mr. Olympia
Throughout the workout, both Keone Pearson and Shaun Clarida took moments to reflect on their progress and mindset as they prepared for the biggest show of the year. For Pearson, the key to retaining his title lies in maintaining the same hunger and drive that brought him success in 2023.
“Once you’re at the top, now you have to keep it,” Pearson said. “I train in the gym like I never won. I don’t want to get comfortable. I’m not cocky. I just pretend like I never won so I can keep that hunger and that fire in me.”
Shaun Clarida, meanwhile, acknowledged the challenges he faced leading up to last year’s Olympia but emphasized that he is more focused than ever on reclaiming his title. “First and foremost, I’m not going to take away from the champ, he won, deservedly so.
He and his team did an amazing job,” Clarida shared. “Now things are in place, family is doing amazing, the focus is back on the Olympia, and God willing, getting that third title this year.”
Both athletes expressed confidence in their preparations, with Clarida declaring that he is “the best I’ve ever looked and felt at nine weeks out.” Keone Pearson, too, is leaving nothing to chance, aware that the competition will be fierce.
“Honestly, I know Shaun is a freak and that’s pushing me to be better. Kind of like how with Jay and Ronnie, Jay got better because of Ronnie Coleman, and that’s kind of how I feel with Shaun,” Pearson explained.
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The Importance of Competition and Camaraderie
While the rivalry between Keone Pearson and Shaun Clarida is intense, there is also a deep sense of mutual respect and camaraderie. Both athletes understand the importance of pushing each other to be their best, and this workout was a testament to that shared understanding.
As judge Terrick El Guindy observed, workouts like these are not just about physical training; they are about sending a message to your competitors and proving that you have what it takes to last on the Olympia stage.
“After the Open guys and then Ramon doing the [hammer curl with 110s] and Nick Walker, you know, a lot of people think it’s just a workout, it’s not.
They want to showcase their strength, their technique, their stamina, they want to send a message to the other competitor, I can last longer than you.
It’s competition. That’s what we strive for,” El Guindy remarked.
For Pearson and Clarida, this workout was an opportunity to gauge each other’s progress and mentally prepare for the battle ahead.
It was also a reminder that, despite the pressures of competition, there is joy and fulfillment in the process of training and improving.
Related: Keone Pearson Upper Body Workout in the 2024 Off-Season
Looking Ahead to Mr. Olympia 2024
As the countdown to the 2024 Mr. Olympia continues, fans around the world are eagerly awaiting the showdown between Keone Pearson and Shaun Clarida.
With both athletes in peak condition and fueled by a fierce desire to win, the stage is set for an unforgettable battle in Las Vegas this October.
Keone Pearson’s aesthetic lines and symmetry will be pitted against Clarida’s dense muscle and unmatched conditioning, making this one of the most anticipated 212 contests in recent memory.
As Olympia President Dan Solomon has promised, the 60th anniversary of Mr. Olympia is set to be a spectacle like no other, and the rivalry between Pearson and Clarida will be at the heart of it.
In the end, only one can walk away with the 212 Olympia title, but the journey to the stage is where champions are truly made.
For Pearson and Clarida, the road to Mr. Olympia is paved with sweat, determination, and the unwavering belief that they have what it takes to be the best in the world.
As the days tick down, the bodybuilding community will be watching closely, knowing that this is a rivalry that will be remembered for years to come.