Derek Lunsford was a rising star in the 212 division that appeared to be on an express lane to legendary status. He went from winning the 2017 USA’s to taking first at the Tampa Pro six days later. He then went on to place fifth after the Olympia a few weeks later. He then followed that up with a runner-up performance at the 2018 Olympia to Flex Lewis who then gracefully retired from that division.
With that kind of success so early in his career, 2019 almost appeared to be a coronation for the Indiana native that now calls Florida home. Kamal Elgargni spoiled that moment by upsetting Lunsford and winning the Olympia, relegating Lunsford to second again. He shared with Dennis James on this week’s episode of The Menace Podcast that the loss hurt him. He also now knows one reason why things played out the way they did.
Timestamps
0:45 – Derek Before Bodybuilding
3:20 – Entry Into Bodybuilding
8:36 – Leaving and Missing Wrestling
9:47 – DJ Breakdancing Before Bodybuilding
12:11 – Derek’s Mom Competed
15:29 – 2017: Amateur to Olympian
22:06 – Ready for the Hype at the Time?
27:38 – 2018 and 2019 Olympia
30:22 – 2020
33:40 – A Change is Made
39:15 – 212 or Open?
44:39 – 2021 Game Plan and Adjustments
48:17 – What Needs to Improve
49:28 – Fan Support and Perception
57:24 – Trip to Las Vegas to See Flex Lewis
59:45 – 212 Division Evaluation
Up Next in Season 1
-
Craig Golias Has Become a Big Deal
Many young men have joined gyms and started lifting weights with the purpose of getting as big as possible. If you were to take their deepest thoughts and turn them into a real person, the result would be Craig Golias. At six feet, three inches tall, Golias normally weighs in the neighborhood of ...
-
Chris Bumstead Had to Go Cross-Countr...
Ever since the start of the pandemic, people in the bodybuilding and fitness industry have had to make adjustments to support their lifestyles. This included people at the Olympia level as well. For evidence to back this up, look no further than two-time Classic Physique Olympia champion Chris Bu...
