Nick Walker, affectionately known as “The Mutant” in the bodybuilding world, has made headlines with his unwavering confidence and remarkable physique.
As the 2024 Mr. Olympia approaches, Nick Walker is already practicing his victory speech, a testament to his belief in his impending triumph.
The Rise of Nick Walker
Nick Walker turned professional in 2020 since then, his ascent in the bodybuilding world has been meteoric.
Known for his massive size, symmetry, and relentless work ethic, Nick Walker quickly made a name for himself.
His victory at the 2020 Chicago Pro marked the beginning of his professional career, and he has continued to build on that success with impressive performances at subsequent competitions.
Early Career and Initial Challenges
Nick Walker’s early career was marked by rapid success and significant challenges.
After earning his Pro card, he competed at the 2020 Chicago Pro, where he showcased his potential to the bodybuilding community.
His preparation for competitions has always been rigorous, involving intense training sessions and strict dietary regimens.
However, Nick Walker’s journey has not been without hurdles. He has faced injuries, personal losses, and other setbacks that tested his resilience and determination.
2024 New York Pro Victory
One of Nick Walker’s career highlights was his victory at the 2024 New York Pro. This win was particularly sweet for Walker, given the numerous challenges he faced leading up to the competition.
His performance in Teaneck, NJ, on May 18, 2024, was a testament to his hard work and dedication. It was his second New York Pro title and third career win since turning professional.
Reflecting on his journey to the New York Pro, Nick Walker said,
“The prep for the first one was in Florida after I got my Pro card. After the 2020 Chicago Pro, I had time for an off-season to dial in. That one was fun, but this one, not so much. I had a lot going on at once.
Of course, I had the injury, but also a couple of deaths and other things as well. It was great to come home and prepare, but it was mentally challenging. I did not feel like myself until four weeks out, but that made the victory that much sweeter when it was over.”
Setting Sights on the 2024 Mr. Olympia
With the 2024 Mr. Olympia on the horizon, Nick Walker and his coach, Matt Jansen, are laser-focused on preparing for the competition.
The event, scheduled to take place at Resorts World in Las Vegas, NV, from October 10-13, 2024, is one of the most prestigious in the bodybuilding calendar. Nick Walker is confident in his ability to secure the title and has been vocal about his expectations.
Practicing the Victory Speech
Nick Walker’s confidence is so high that he has already started practicing his victory speech. He believes that visualizing success is a crucial part of achieving it.
“I visualize myself holding that trophy every single year. That is the end goal, and I envision myself doing that every year. I even practice the speech I would give,” Walker shared.
This confidence is not unfounded. Nick Walker’s best Olympia finish to date is third place in 2022, and he believes he has the potential to surpass that achievement.
He feels that his physique and preparation give him an edge over his competitors, including reigning Mr. Olympia Derek Lunsford, Samson Dauda, and Hadi Choopan.
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Overcoming the 2023 Olympia Absence
His absence from the 2023 competition has shaped Nick Walker’s journey to the 2024 Olympia due to a hamstring injury.
Watching from the sidelines was a challenging experience for Nick Walker, who felt that he could have won if he had competed.
“Being in the crowd watching them pissed me off because I thought I would have won. Some people hate hearing me say that, but I truly believe with the way I looked — and where my and Matt’s confidence was — it would have been one of the hardest battles.”
Despite not competing, Nick Walker used the time to reflect, recover, and refine his strategy for 2024.
His determination to win has only grown stronger, and he is now more motivated than ever to claim the title.
Training and Preparation
Nick Walker’s training regimen is a crucial aspect of his preparation for the 2024 Mr. Olympia.
Under the guidance of his coach, Matt Jansen, Nick Walker follows a meticulously planned routine designed to maximize his strengths and address any weaknesses.
Current Training Split
Nick Walker’s current training split involves a push, pull, and leg routine, which he finds effective for optimizing his training and recovery.
“Matt has me doing a push, pull, and legs split right now. For the New York Pro prep, he had me doing a Dorian Yates-like split: Monday was shoulders and triceps, Tuesday was back, Wednesday was off, Thursday was chest and biceps, and Friday was legs. We took weekends off and repeated the next week. We think that was great, but now Matt wants me to get more frequency in. So, we will do push, pull, off, legs, off, and keep repeating that.”
Nick Walker prefers this training split as it allows him to train more frequently while still getting adequate rest.
This approach ensures that his muscles have enough time to recover and grow, which is essential for achieving the size and definition required to compete at the highest level.
Balancing Business Commitments
In addition to his training, Nick Walker has several business commitments, including his partnership with Celsius. Balancing these commitments with his preparation for competitions can be challenging, but Walker is well-prepared to handle it.
“I am prepared for it. Life is not easy. There will be trials and tribulations. Last year was a really big one for me. I found out how human I am, but I am a big believer that everything happens for a reason. Bad things can happen for better things to align. I am happy with where things are going.”
Nick Walker’s ability to balance his professional commitments with his training is a testament to his discipline and dedication.
He understands that achieving success in bodybuilding requires not only physical strength but also mental resilience and time management skills.
Confidence and Rivalries
Nick Walker’s confidence is one of his defining characteristics. He believes in his ability to win and is not afraid to express it.
This confidence extends to his assessments of his competitors, including Derek Lunsford, Hadi Choopan, and Samson Dauda.
Assessing the Competition
Nick Walker is analytical when it comes to his competitors. He acknowledges Derek Lunsford’s strengths but believes he has the edge in several poses.
“Derek has one of the game’s best back double biceps poses. When you get everything from the upper back down to the lower back, the glutes, the adductors, and the hamstrings, I think I would have won the entire shot. I also think I would have won the rear lat spread. You can give Lunsford the front double biceps and the front flat spread. The side triceps, side chest, and Most Muscular are mine.”
When it comes to Hadi Choopan and Samson Dauda, Nick Walker is equally confident. He believes that his conditioning and muscle density give him an advantage.
“Hadi was very hard from the front but not so much from the back. I think I was hard with every muscle group from all angles. All we had to do was fill out a bit, and it would have been game over. I don’t think Samson would have been in the top three if I was in there.”
The Importance of Self-Belief
For Nick Walker, self-belief is not just about confidence it’s a strategic approach to success. He believes that to be Mr. Olympia, one must conduct themselves like a champion all year round.
“If you want to be Mr. Olympia, you need to conduct yourself like you are Mr. Olympia all year, and I feel like I do that. I believe that should be the case in all aspects of life. If you want to be something, you should act like you already are what it is you want to be before it happens.”
Nick Walker’s mindset is a key component of his success. By visualizing his goals and preparing himself mentally and physically, he sets the stage for achieving his dreams.
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The Road to Mr. Olympia
The 2024 Mr. Olympia is set to be a landmark event, marking the 60th anniversary of the competition.
For Nick Walker, winning the title would culminate years of hard work, dedication, and perseverance.
Qualifying for the Olympia
Since Nick Walker did not compete at the 2023 Olympia due to his injury, he needed to secure a win at a pro show during the 2024 season to qualify for the Olympia.
His victory at the New York Pro ensured his qualification, and he is now focused on his preparation for the biggest competition of his career.
The Journey Ahead
With the 2024 Mr. Olympia only months away, Nick Walker is in the final stages of his preparation.
His training, diet, and mental preparation are all geared toward achieving peak performance on the Olympia stage.
He continues to work closely with his coach, Matt Jansen, to fine-tune every aspect of his physique.
Visualizing Victory
Nick Walker’s practice of visualizing his victory speech is more than just a confidence exercise.
It’s a reflection of his deep commitment to his goals and his belief in the power of positive thinking.
By picturing himself holding the Sandow Trophy and delivering his victory speech, Nick Walker reinforces his determination and keeps his focus sharp.
Conclusion: A Champion in the Making
Nick Walker’s journey to the 2024 Mr. Olympia is a story of resilience, confidence, and unwavering dedication.
His rise in the bodybuilding world, marked by significant victories and personal challenges, showcases his strength both on and off the stage.
As he prepares for the biggest competition of his career, Nick Walker’s belief in his impending victory is a testament to his mindset as a champion.
Nick Walker’s story is not just about muscle and competition it’s about the power of belief and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
His confidence in his ability to win the 2024 Mr. Olympia, coupled with his meticulous preparation and strategic mindset, sets him apart as a true contender for the title.
Whether he ultimately stands on the Olympia stage with the Sandow Trophy in hand, Nick Walker’s journey is an inspiration to aspiring bodybuilders and a testament to the spirit of perseverance and ambition.