2020 VISIONS
Muscular Development|January 2020
8 Predictions for the New Year
RON HARRIS AND GILES THOMAS
2020 VISIONS

THE 2020 MR. OLYMPIA CONTEST WILL BE EPIC

Dan Solomon and his team did a fantastic job producing the 2019 Olympia Weekend, and it was a smashing success on all fronts. But let’s be real, due to circumstances beyond his or anyone else’s control, it featured one of the weakest lineups the Mr. Olympia has ever witnessed. Defending champ Shawn Rhoden was banned from competing due to rape charges and a pending criminal trial. Seven-time champ Phil Heath was sitting out the year to focus on business ventures. Big Ramy never bothered to compete and qualify. Kai has been MIA from this event since 2014. And even the U.K.’s Nathan De asha bailed at the last minute for a court appearance. This gave several others a chance to move up the rankings and place higher than ever before, but the fans were less than thrilled at the lack of star power. But of course, this “off” year has set up what will likely be the best Mr. Olympia in some time. Reigning champ Brandon Curry will be fighting to defend his title, but he will have his hands full. First up, assuming his legal issues are resolved, Flexatron Rhoden will be back for blood, foaming at the mouth to get his title back after being forced to sit on the sidelines in 2019. Phil Heath will also return, out for redemption after losing his title to Shawn, and of course also looking to tie the record of eight Olympia wins jointly held by Lee Haney and Ronnie Coleman. Big Ramy will possibly be coming off an Arnold Classic win earlier in the season, and out to fulfill what many— especially his hordes of loyal fans— feel is his destiny. Last but certainly not least, the stage will be graced by the man who is the focus of my next prediction.

FLEX LEWIS WILL SLAY IN THE OPEN DIVISION

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