2x 212 Mr. Olympia Shaun “The Giant Killer” Clarida should most definitely consider doing the Open 2023 Mr. Olympia in Orlando, FL. After a hugely successful Top 5 at the 2023 Arnold Classic, Shaun should really think about jumping into the Open. The fact of the matter is that Shaun bested Akim Williams – one of the biggest pro bodybuilders in the IFBB Pro League – and nearly edged out 2x Mr. Olympia Big Ramy who brought a much-improved look from the 2022 Mr. Olympia. If Shaun nearly edged out The Egyptian Phenom then it’s safe to say that size shouldn’t stop him from doing the Open Olympia this November in Orlando, FL. Moreover, it seems the judges are going more for aesthetics than size and this directly benefits Clarida! If weight isn’t at issue, then height clearly shouldn’t be either. What’s stopping Shaun from earning another Top 5 or Top 6 finish at the Super Bowl of Bodybuilding?
Sadly, the Pro League has already ruled that it will not allow Shaun to compete in both divisions at the Olympia Weekend. Unlike in 2022, if Shaun wants to do the Open Olympia, this will require him to compete and win an open show. Since the points system is no longer in place, Shaun must either qualify with a win or get a special invite.
I think there’s better chances of me re-growing a full head of hair than Clarida getting a special handout. That said, Shaun is as blue collar as it gets. Even if he could cut to the front of the line like Ramy and Derek have done in years past, I don’t think he’d want to get to the big dance in that fashion.
The fact is if Clarida decides to qualify by winning an open show, he won’t face anyone he’s already deferated at the 2023 Arnold. Not only that, but there’s pretty much a 100% chance Big Ramy won’t be competing again until the Olympia. William Bonac is done for 2023. And there’s zero chance he’ll be competing against Hadi, Derek, or Nick Walker. It’s also highly unlikely he’ll compete against Samson Dauda. And since Samson was qualified by virtue of being Top 6 at the 2022 Olympia, as was Nick Walker, that might mean that Andrew Jacked might get the Arnold qualification? If so, that’s one less guy Shaun would compete against.
In any event, it would be very easy for Clarida to find a show with a weak lineup to get an easy win. And an easy win would be the name of the game. If his goal is to hit the 2023 Olympia, he’ll need to save his best for November.
There’s no doubt Shaun and longtime coach Matt Jansen could put together a game plan for a strategic win from here till early summer where Shaun could qualify for the 2023 Olympia, have a few weeks of down time, and be ready for a full Olympia prep.
Clarida could also go for his 3rd 212 Olympia Showdown title, but after the HUGE success he enjoyed in Columbus, I think that he may want to slay more giants. And even though there’s far fewer people laughing at the idea of him doing the Open Olympia now, there’s still plenty of skeptics for him to shut-up should he decide to go all in.
Only time will tell what he’ll do, but if you ask me, I’d love to The Giant Killer do the Open Olympia! What say you? What do you think Shaun should do, and why?