IFBB Pro League Men’s Open bodybuilder Brett Wilkin was the first athlete to qualify for the 2023 Mr. Olympia contest when he won the 2022 Bigman Weekend Pro. On Oct. 9, 2023, Wilkin officially withdrew his name from the 2023 Mr. Olympia, slated for Nov. 2-5, 2023 in Orlando, FL. Wilkin announced that he had to bow out due to digestive issues in an video published to his Instagram page that can be seen below:

[Related: Theo Leguerrier Wins 2023 Italian Olympus Pro Bodybuilding Show]

“To make a long story short, the body was not responding like it should be from the get-go,” said Wilkin. “I had some early red flags, and that just progressed into me not being able to keep food down, keep meals down.”

Wilkin revealed in the video that he hadn’t trained in two weeks as of the time the video was filmed. He estimated losing 15 to 17 pounds in that time due to digestive problems that he’d suffered for several weeks.

After initially keeping the issues to himself while trying to continue his prep, he consulted his wife, Ivana, and coach, Matt Jansen, to pull out of the Olympia. The IFBB Pro League and Olympia promoters were made aware of his decision before Wilkin’s public announcement.

Several of Wilkin’s fellow competitors and renowned bodybuilding champions offered support following Wilkin’s decision, including seven-time Mr. Olympia Phil Heath, seven-time Olympia 212 champion Flex Lewis, and fellow Mr. Olympia competitor Nick Walker, whom Wilkin would’ve shared the stage with in November.

Wilkin’s victory in the 2022 Bigman Weekend Pro was his first victory in the IFBB Pro League, and he would’ve made his Mr. Olympia debut in Orlando had he competed. He also became a father to a daughter in 2023.

Wilkin is the third athlete to withdraw from bodybuilding’s world championship event. Two-time Sandow Trophy winner Mamdouh “Big Ramy” Elssbiay bowed out due to injuries in September 2023. Earlier that same month, 2023 Toronto Pro Supershow winner Iain Valliere withdrew from the contest and announced his retirement from competitive bodybuilding. 

With Wilkin’s absence, the 2023 Mr. Olympia roster has 21 athletes scheduled to take the stage as of the time of this article’s publication. The qualifying season concluded on Oct. 9, 2023, which means the only way another competitor can join the lineup is if they are offered a special invite by either the IFBB Pro League or Olympia promoters.

Wilkin concluded his video by sharing his optimism about competing again to potentially qualify for the 2024 Olympia.

Featured image: @brett_wilkin on Instagram 

The post Brett Wilkin Withdraws From the 2023 Mr. Olympia Contest appeared first on BarBend.

Fitness Icon Brett Wilkin Pulls Out of the Highly Anticipated 2023 Mr. Olympia Competition

Unexpected News Shakes the Fitness World

In a shocking turn of events, fitness icon Brett Wilkin has announced his decision to withdraw from the highly anticipated 2023 Mr. Olympia competition. This news has sent shockwaves through the fitness community, leaving fans and fellow athletes wondering about the reasons behind his sudden departure.

The Rise of Brett Wilkin

Brett Wilkin, a renowned figure in the fitness industry, has been a dominant force in bodybuilding for over a decade. With an impressive track record and numerous accolades to his name, Wilkin has become a household name among fitness enthusiasts.

His dedication, discipline, and unwavering commitment to his craft have earned him the status of a fitness icon. With a massive following on social media platforms and a successful line of fitness products, Wilkin has inspired countless individuals to embark on their own fitness journeys.

A Surprising Announcement

Amidst the excitement surrounding the 2023 Mr. Olympia competition, Brett Wilkin dropped a bombshell on his fans and followers. In a heartfelt social media post, he announced his withdrawal from the highly anticipated event.

Wilkin expressed his deep regret and disappointment in having to make this difficult decision. He explained that after careful consideration and consulting with his medical team, he realized that his body needed time to heal and recover from the rigorous training and competitions he had undertaken over the years.

While he did not disclose any specific injuries or health concerns, Wilkin emphasized the importance of prioritizing one’s well-being and listening to the body’s signals. He assured his fans that this decision was not taken lightly and was made in the best interest of his long-term health and longevity in the fitness industry.

The Impact on the Mr. Olympia Competition

Wilkin’s withdrawal from the 2023 Mr. Olympia competition has left a void in the lineup of contenders. As one of the most highly anticipated events in the bodybuilding world, the absence of such a prominent figure is sure to have an impact on the overall dynamics of the competition.

With Wilkin’s absence, other athletes now have an opportunity to step up and showcase their skills on the grand stage. The competition is expected to be fierce as athletes vie for the coveted title previously held by Brett Wilkin.

The Importance of Prioritizing Health and Well-being

Brett Wilkin’s decision to withdraw from the 2023 Mr. Olympia competition serves as a powerful reminder of the significance of prioritizing health and well-being above all else. While achieving success and pushing one’s limits are important, it is equally crucial to listen to one’s body and take necessary breaks when needed.

Wilkin’s announcement has sparked conversations within the fitness community about the pressures and demands placed on athletes in pursuit of excellence. It serves as a wake-up call for both aspiring athletes and fans alike to reevaluate their approach to fitness and ensure they are maintaining a healthy balance between training, rest, and recovery.

The Future of Brett Wilkin

Although Brett Wilkin’s withdrawal from the 2023 Mr. Olympia competition may come as a disappointment to his fans, it is essential to remember that this decision was made with careful consideration for his long-term well-being.

Wilkin has assured his followers that he is not retiring from the fitness industry and will continue to inspire and motivate others through his various platforms. He emphasized the importance of taking this time to heal and come back stronger in the future.

While his absence from the competition may be felt by many, it also presents an opportunity for Wilkin to focus on personal growth, explore new avenues within the fitness industry, and continue to make a positive impact on the lives of his followers.

Conclusion

Brett Wilkin’s decision to withdraw from the highly anticipated 2023 Mr. Olympia competition has undoubtedly left a void in the lineup of contenders. However, it serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of prioritizing health and well-being in a world that often glorifies pushing one’s limits.

As the fitness community reflects on this unexpected news, it is crucial to support and respect Wilkin’s decision to prioritize his long-term health. His legacy as a fitness icon will continue to inspire others, and his absence from the competition opens doors for new athletes to rise to the occasion.

While fans eagerly await Brett Wilkin’s return to the stage, they can take solace in knowing that he will continue to make a positive impact on the fitness industry, even if it is from a different vantage point.