Derek Lunsford gets a special invitation to the Open Bodybuilding division at Mr. Olympia 2022!

During the month of July, we ran an article letting you know that Lunsford was unlikely to enter the 212lb division in this year's Olympia because he couldn't make weight. This fact was pointed out by President Dan Solomon in an interview with Olympia TV.

"So Derek Lunsford's situation is more unique than any other. First of all, he's the reigning 212 champion. He hasn't even had a chance to step in and defend his 212 title yet, that's the first thing. But then we have the health issue. I'm not saying Derek has a health problem, Derek is very healthy, so let me be clear. Here's why it's a health issue. Derek is not close to 212lb at this point. We've seen it.

Derek is much heavier than 212lb. Then we ask ourselves what his body has to go through to get below 212lbs. That's a legitimate question, right? We all wonder about that.

I talked to his trainer, Hany Rambod. We've all communicated about viability and safety when he got under that weight. So, yes, the Derek Lunsford thing is one we've never encountered.

Our reigning champion may not even be able to compete at 212 because his body has grown at such a feverish pace."

At the end of July, for example, Nick Walker was already guessing how Lunsford would turn out if he raced in the Open.

"I think he'll get the invitation. Look, I see him almost every day, there's no way this guy is racing at 212. He might beat Iain Valliere or William Bonac at Mr. Olympia. He's got good shape, he's got size, but I don't think he's got the size to beat the top five that were there last year.

He's not going to beat me, but he's going to challenge everybody..."

Derek Lunsford - 212 Olympia 2021

And you see, after months of speculation, the IFBB Pro League on Thursday (September 15, 2022) confirmed a special invitation to Derek Lunsford to compete in the Open division at the 2022 Mr. Olympia, scheduled for December 15-18 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The IFBB Pro League has accepted our special invitation to compete in the Open Bodybuilding division at Mr. Olympia 2022.

I want to personally thank Jim Manion, Tyler Manion, Jake Wood and Dan Solomon.
I am incredibly honored and grateful for this opportunity!

Thank you to all of you who have supported me throughout my bodybuilding journey.

Working with @hanyrambod has changed my perspective on bodybuilding a lot. From training to nutrition and mindset...

I will continue to do my best and bring a much improved version of @mrolympiallc by 2022" Derekwrote on his social media

The IFBB Professional League also commented on the whole situation, writing the following:

"Lunsford has made a formal request for a special invitation to compete in the open division this December at Mr. Olympia @mrolympiallc. after careful consideration, the promoters of Olympia and the IFBB Professional League have granted Lunsford a special invitation."

How do you think Derek will do at this year's Olympia?

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