The world of professional bodybuilding is as competitive as it is grueling, with athletes dedicating countless hours to perfecting their physiques in hopes of standing out on stage.
In the 2024 New York Pro Show, the spotlight was on Quinton Eriya, a promising bodybuilder under the guidance of his coach, Matt Jansen.
Despite high expectations, Quinton Eriya finished in sixth place, falling short of securing a spot at the Mr. Olympia.
In a candid discussion, Matt Jansen took full responsibility for Quinton Eriya’s performance and opened up about their plans.
The Build-Up to the 2024 New York Pro
Quinton Eriya’s return to the stage was highly anticipated. After taking a year-long hiatus in 2023 to refine his physique, fans and critics alike were eager to see his improvements.
The 2024 New York Pro Show, known for its fiercely competitive lineup, was the perfect stage for Quinton Eriya to make his comeback.
The Men’s Open category was packed with top-tier talent, including the formidable Nick Walker, who ultimately clinched the victory.
Quinton Eriya’s Sixth-Place Finish
Despite the high hopes, Quinton Eriya placed sixth, leaving many surprised.
Quinton Eriya had shown great promise, and his return was supposed to mark a significant milestone in his career.
However, the results did not align with expectations, leading to various speculations and discussions within the bodybuilding community.
It was clear that while Quinton Eriya’s efforts were substantial, something had not clicked on the day of the competition.
Matt Jansen’s Accountability
In the wake of Quinton Eriya’s placement, coach Matt Jansen took to Instagram to address the outcome. Jansen’s post was a testament to his leadership and integrity.
He began by acknowledging that the results did not meet their expectations, but he was quick to absolve Quinton Eriya of any blame.
Instead, Matt Jansen placed the responsibility squarely on his shoulders.
“Did Q, deliver on what he and I expected this weekend, no absolutely not. Was that his fault, absolutely not,” Jansen stated.
This sentiment underscores Matt Jansen’s philosophy as a coach: when an athlete excels, it is their moment to shine when they fall short, the onus falls on the coach.
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The Coaching Philosophy of Matt Jansen
Matt Jansen’s approach to coaching is deeply rooted in accountability and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
He is known for pushing his athletes to their limits, aiming for perfection in every aspect of their preparation.
Matt Jansen admitted that he is still learning how to best balance Quinton Eriya’s physique, understanding that there is a delicate sweet spot between conditioning and fullness.
“I’m not perfect, although that’s what I aim for it’s impossible to hit every time, I’m still learning Quinton’s body. I’m learning he has a sweet spot and balance between condition and fullness and if you push too hard in either direction we don’t get the best of either,” Matt Jansen explained.
This level of introspection and willingness to adapt is what sets Matt Jansen apart as a coach.
His dedication to refining his methods and his openness about the challenges he faces demonstrate his commitment to his athletes’ success.
The Personal Stakes for Matt Jansen
For Matt Jansen, coaching is not just a profession but a personal mission.
He described himself as a competitor at his core, driven by the desire to help his athletes reach the pinnacle of their potential.
This competitive spirit fuels his coaching philosophy, creating an environment where both he and his athletes strive for continuous improvement.
“I am a competitor at my core, that’s why I coach. I could write this nice post about helping people accomplish dreams and yeah that’s all well and good but from Day 1 my driving force was to provide for my family and to take my guys to a point of winning at the highest level,” Jansen wrote.
This mindset brings both immense pressure and a deep sense of responsibility.
Matt Jansen’s acknowledgment of the high standards he sets for himself and his athletes illustrates the intensity of the bodybuilding world and the expectations that come with it.
Reflecting on the New York Pro Performance
Despite the disappointment, Matt Jansen expressed satisfaction with Quinton Eriya’s performance.
He recognized that there is always room for improvement and that each competition is a learning experience.
Matt Jansen praised Quinton Eriya for his conduct and resilience in the face of the unexpected result, emphasizing the importance of character in the sport.
“That being said I am okay with the look this weekend. But I am looking forward to improving upon it and I know that we can do that. I’m proud of how Quinton conducted himself in the face of disappointment and the man he is. He is a man of high character and at the end of the day, winning is important…” Jansen remarked.
This perspective highlights the multifaceted nature of bodybuilding, where mental fortitude and personal growth are as crucial as physical development.
Community Support and Future Prospects
The bodybuilding community rallied behind Quinton Eriya and Matt Jansen following their candid reflections.
Fans and fellow athletes showed their support, acknowledging the duo’s efforts and expressing confidence in their prospects.
This communal encouragement plays a significant role in the sport, providing motivation and solidarity.
In addition to Quinton Eriya’s performance, it’s worth noting that Matt Jansen’s other athlete, Nick Walker, also faced scrutiny despite his victory.
IFBB Vice President Tyler Manion commented on Walker’s physique, suggesting it was not his best. “We have Nick. I think Nick brought a good package here but this was not the best Nick Walker we’ve seen. I think it’s important to highlight that,” Manion said.
These remarks remind us that even the top performers are under constant evaluation and must continue to evolve and improve.
RELATED: Nick Walker Reacts to 2024 New York Pro Win
What Lies Ahead for Quinton Eriya and Matt Jansen
Looking forward, Quinton Eriya and Matt Jansen have a clear path of improvement and potential ahead.
Their immediate goal is to refine Quinton Eriya’s physique to not only win future shows but also secure a coveted spot at the 2024 Mr. Olympia.
This journey will involve meticulous adjustments to Quinton Eriya’s training, diet, and competition strategy.
Matt Jansen’s deep understanding of Quinton Eriya’s physique and his commitment to continuous learning will be pivotal.
As they prepare for upcoming competitions, the focus will be on achieving the perfect balance of conditioning and fullness, ensuring that Quinton Eriya can present his best possible form on stage.
Fans can expect to see Quinton Eriya’s progress documented on social media, where his transformation and preparation will be closely followed.
This transparency not only keeps the fans engaged but also provides a real-time look at the dedication and hard work that goes into competing at the highest level.
Conclusion: A Story of Resilience and Dedication
The journey of Quinton Eriya and Matt Jansen is a compelling narrative of resilience, dedication, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
Despite the setback at the 2024 New York Pro Show, their story is far from over.
Matt Jansen’s willingness to take responsibility and his commitment to Quinton Eriya’s success highlight the core values of mentorship and leadership in the world of bodybuilding.
As they move forward, the lessons learned from this experience will undoubtedly shape their future strategies and bring them closer to achieving their ultimate goals.
The support from the bodybuilding community and their shared determination will continue to drive them towards greater heights.
In the high-stakes world of professional bodybuilding, setbacks are inevitable, but it is the response to these challenges that defines true champions.
Quinton Eriya and Matt Jansen’s journey is a testament to this principle, and their future endeavors will be watched with keen interest and high expectations.