I’m apprehensive about Nick. There, I stated it. I’m apprehensive about him from a profession standpoint, however I’m additionally apprehensive about what could also be going by means of his head at this level. You need to perceive that bodybuilding is a really distinctive sport. In contrast to workforce sports activities, it’s a sport of people – a minimum of on the face of all of it. I say that as a result of it could be naïve to say that the game is barely in regards to the competitor, however finally, it’s not a workforce sport and all of the strain falls on the shoulders of a single athlete. Typically it’s really higher to be a no-name, completely off the radar, simply competing for enjoyable. Some folks would possibly argue that that’s an absence of ambition however have a look at what consideration will get you. And I want we – as journalists – had clear arms, however we don’t. Some writers and content material creators would possibly argue that time. They could declare that they solely cowl the uplifting elements of the game, however even when that had been the case, “constructive journalists” nonetheless take profit from the attain that was created by “too unfavorable” journalists. It’s only a truth of life. If the media didn’t have the potential to be harmful to well-known opponents and/or large complement firms, then we wouldn’t be taken severely. Nobody is making an attempt to vilify Nick, however Nick can be a really opinionated man who likes to inform a tall story every now and then. This previous Arnold Basic is a significant living proof, however finally, all of it speaks to the mountain of strain he has to hold round with him wherever he goes. And that’s not a difficulty if you’re not on the rise, but when you end up in a spot like Nick, it could turn into chaotic in a short time.
Let’s be brutally blunt, Nick Walker was alleged to be Mr Olympia by now. He’s type of falling into the window that Huge Ramy was in after taking 2nd on the O after which mainly getting written off. Huge Ramy was thought to win the Olympia in 2017 however took second. After which he was kind of again to sq. one, not profitable the Sandow till 2020 (and solely then as a result of he bought a particular invite).
Nick Walker was alleged to win large in Pittsburgh final 12 months, however then Derek Lunsford jumped in on the 11th hour. Nick was alleged to win the Arnold Basic this 12 months, however Andrew bought it. And the Arnold was alleged to be Nick’s redemption – when he took management of his teaching. The implication was that his shortcomings had been on some degree linked to subpar prior teaching. He might by no means have come out and stated it, however when he stated that nobody knew his physique higher than he did, it implied a sure degree of incompetence had been play. What put egg on Nick’s face is when Man Cisternino mainly revealed that he had had a a lot bigger hand in Nick’s preparations for Columbus. And at that time, Walker needed to come clear. It was a kind of “oh, shit” moments that I’m certain he needs he might play down. However taking 2nd place on the 2nd most prestigious bodybuilding contest on the earth is nothing to carry your head down about. I nonetheless keep in mind Derek Lunsford in 2019 or 2020 consuming chilly inexperienced beans out of a Tupperware container. He had had an awesome inserting, however he didn’t win, and you can inform. I keep in mind the late, nice CJ (Cynthia James) going to Derek to console him. That’s simply the sort angel she was. However that’s what I consider once I consider how Nick should have felt after Andrew was introduced the winner and the place his head is likely to be proper now.
I don’t know if Nick sees a therapist or places any consideration into psychological well being, but it surely’s by no means a foul thought. I’m not questioning his sanity or suggesting that he has any psychological well being points. I’m clarifying not simply to cowl my ass or IronMag’s, however I’m saying so as a result of I sincerely don’t consider Nick has “any points.” However guess what? It by no means hurts to speak to somebody. A licensed therapist is nice to have always – each for the lows AND the highs – in life. I am going to a therapist, and I really like having the chance to get to know myself extra. I like exploring methods to stay a happier life. What’s fallacious with that? From my completely layperson place, I believe remedy would assist somebody like Nick. I believe it could assist most High Olympians due to the quantity of strain that’s on them. It’s at work, the fitness center, church – it’s in all places. However I believe it’s much more pronounced for a man like Nick Walker. Strain and interior demons are one factor, however if you actually have hundreds of thousands of followers which can be on you want white on rice, that takes the strain to a complete new degree.
And as Dave Palumbo, has appropriately identified, Nick Walker is the preferred / most talked about bodybuilder on the planet. You’ll be able to love him or hate him, however you gotta give him his flowers with regards to being the preferred. And his followers always need him to enhance. He appeared INSANE finally 12 months’s Pittsburgh and this 12 months’s Arnold, however his followers WANT MORE!! They at all times need extra! They wish to see him win the NY Professional 20x, win one other Arnold, and win his first (of MANY) Olympias. The actual fact he’s come up brief each time since turning professional on the North Individuals, compounds the quantity of stress on his shoulders.
Quick ahead to Might 2026. Nick has nonetheless not certified for the 2026 Olympia. He skipped two shitty reveals within the FIBO and Arnold Basic South America. He additionally skipped out on two main reveals within the Pittsburgh Professional and the New York Professional. The identical New York Professional that he’s gained 3 times. He’s seemingly achieved competing for the 12 months, however he nonetheless seems stage worthy. He hasn’t downsized, however what’s he bought on his thoughts? I’d wish to suppose he has a grasp plan, however what if he’s misplaced? What if he’s on the verge of a nervous breakdown? You’ll be able to ask a number of questions within the what-if realm. I simply hope Nick is in a very good place emotionally. It’s not “simply bodybuilding” to folks on this degree. It’s a lot deeper and extra advanced than that.
You understand what I imply?
As at all times, I hope you loved studying my article, right here, at IronMag. I stay up for studying your suggestions within the feedback. Please be sure you copy and paste a hyperlink to this text on all of your social media feeds. It’s certain to create full of life dialog.
Writer Bio:
Christian I. Duque is the proprietor of StrengthAddicts.com, a physique and power web site based in 2008. He has labored for quite a lot of bodybuilding web sites, together with RX Muscle and Muscular Growth. Christian has written almost 1,000 revealed articles for IronMag Weblog, in addition to articles for StrengthAddicts, RX Muscle, and others. By day, he’s additionally a licensed legal professional working towards within the areas of household legislation, immigration, and felony protection.
