The end of his career is postponed! Cone announces attack on Olympia after World Championships!

When Vlastimil Kužel announced his "Last Ride", it seemed to be a clearly defined plan. But as usual for Vlasty, the reality is much more interesting.

The Czech bench press king made his way to Buenos Aires, Argentina for the 2025 IPL World Championships and once again left no one in doubt as to who the champion is.

At the age of 48 and at a body weight of 117.4 kg, Vlasta absolutely dominated:

• 1st place - Masters (up to 125 kg)
• 1st place - Open (up to 125 kg)
• Absolute winner - Winner of all categories

Fans were curious to see the world record attack. This time he chose a strategy that led to an absolute victory. He registered three valid, crushing attempts: 240 kg, 250 kg and 260 kg.

The tactics of a champion: The absolute was more than a record

Why didn't Vlasta try for more?

"I went for the absolute and didn't want to take any risks - my shoulder was hurting enough," Vlasta told us directly from Argentina. "I opted for safety... and it worked!"

It was the sore shoulder that caused his "Last Ride" to stall this year.

"This is the end of my competitive ride. Unfortunately, I will not be attending the 2025 GPA World Championships," he confirmed the bad news. "My shoulder needs rest and we only have one health, although I wish I had spare parts sometimes," he added with typical humour.

Shocking twist: "I'm not done!" It's on to Olympia!

The end? Oh, no. Winning the IPL Worlds meant one thing - Vlasta was nominated for the prestigious Mr. Olympia PRO Powerlifting!

And that changed everything.

"Even though I said I was done... well, not having finished the competition streak, I still have that feeling that I'm not quite 'done'," laughs Vlasta. "So I've decided - next year I'm going to the Olympia in the natural (tested) category!"

It's not just another competition for Vlasta. It's a personal mission and a message to all the doubters.

"I want to prove that you can do it without doping - cleanly, honestly, with heart," he explains his determination. "I've been hearing all my career that without 'help' I'd be a loser. So this will be my last challenge. For them... and most importantly, for myself."

Bonus at the end: medals? They stole those from me!

To make matters worse, Vlasta also added a funny story from the announcement, which only illustrates his insight.

"A little bonus at the end - someone pinched my medals in Buenos Aires," he wrote to us. "Benchpress was the last to be announced, so I took it and only took home an absolute. But that's okay - the medals will arrive in the mail!"

So Vlastimil Kužel's career is not over yet. He's just taking it to the finals, which the whole world will be watching. And we'll be there! As he added:

"I am proud, grateful and motivated for this last ride!"