SAMSON DAUDA had his time in the centre of the best bodybuilders on the planet as optimism grows he can be crowned the new Mr Olympia.
Dauda spent time in the centre of defending champion Derek Lunsford and 2022 winners Hadi Choopan in the first callout on Friday, replicating the top three from 2023. Lunsford started in the middle, but Dauda shifted in for another round of poses. Choopan ended the pre-judging round in the centre.
They were joined in the first call out by Rafael Brandao, Martin Fitzwater, Hunter Labrada and Chinedu Obiekea (Andrew Jacked).
Dauda looked big and brought a strong look. Some observers commented how Choopan was not in as crisp condition as previous years. Pictures, however, appear to tell a different story. Choopan’s mid-section in particular was the best conditioned of the three. And he looked razor sharp – something which may push Dauda into second place.
Comments on social media were split, however. Some believed Dauda was looking soft in certain poses, while others championed the dry look brought by Choopan.
One thing appeared certain, however. And that was the fact Lunsford did not appear to be anywhere near the best of the top three, which could see him lose his Mr Olympia title.
Ahead of pre-judging, Dauda had told a packed press conference in Las Vegas that they were in for a treat come competition time.
He said: “Year after year, time after time, I keep improving faster than anybody else on this stage. So I’m going to shock you guys again. You saw me two weeks ago in France – well you’re going to see something special tomorrow as well.”
The Mr Olympia finals takes place at 7pm Las Vegas time, which is 3am in the UK.
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