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With the shocking death of George Peterson earlier in the week dominating headlines going into the weekend, attention shifted back to the rest of the 19-man lineup for Friday morning’s prejudging at the 2021 Olympia.
Men’s 212 Prejudging
It took little time to see the battle for this year’s title would be between Shaun Clarida, last season’s champion, Kamal Elgargni, the 2019 winner, and Derek Lunsford, the pre-contest pick among some prognosticators who has finished in the runner-up slot previously.
The first callout brought Ahmad Ashkanani, Elgargni, Lunsford, and Clarida to center stage, in that order. Clarida, labeled the “Giant Killer” for his 5-foot-2, 180-pound physique that reminds many of a smaller version of Phil Heath, was quickly moved into the center. Lunsford was on one side, Elgargni on the other.
Clarida, age 38, with his beautiful lines coupled with round, full muscle bellies, is in the hunt for another title, but has his hands full with his larger two main foes.
Elgargni, the ageless wonder from Libya (at age 48), is always in great condition and nailed it again. At 5-foot-6 and 200 pounds, he has the muscle and shape to get back his crown. Lunsford, age 28, is 5-foot-6 and carries about 175-180 pounds of quality muscle. He looks to be in his best shape yet, set off by those impressive wheels, hams, and glutes.
Ashkanani, Kerrith Bajjo, Angel Frias, and John Jewett all looked good and should be in the hunt for a top-five finish as we head into tonight’s finals.
Be sure to check back! We’ll be updating the men’s prejudging results as events unfold throughout the Olympia weekend.