I’m frightened about Nick. There, I mentioned it. I’m frightened about him from a profession standpoint, however I’m additionally frightened about what could also be going via his head at this level. It’s a must to perceive that bodybuilding is a really distinctive sport. In contrast to group sports activities, it’s a sport of people – at the very least on the face of all of it. I say that as a result of it might be naïve to say that the game is barely concerning the competitor, however in the end, it’s not a group sport and all of the strain falls on the shoulders of a single athlete. Typically it’s truly higher to be a no-name, completely off the radar, simply competing for enjoyable. Some folks would possibly argue that that’s an absence of ambition however take a look at what consideration will get you. And I want we – as journalists – had clear palms, however we don’t. Some writers and content material creators would possibly argue that time. They could declare that they solely cowl the uplifting components of the game, however even when that have been the case, “optimistic journalists” nonetheless take profit from the attain that was created by “too damaging” journalists. It’s only a reality of life. If the media didn’t have the potential to be harmful to well-known opponents and/or large complement firms, then we wouldn’t be taken significantly. Nobody is making an attempt to vilify Nick, however Nick can also be a really opinionated man who likes to inform a tall story sometimes. This previous Arnold Traditional is a serious living proof, however in the end, all of it speaks to the mountain of strain he has to hold round with him wherever he goes. And that’s not a problem once you’re not on the rise, but when you end up in a spot like Nick, it might turn into chaotic in a short time.
Let’s be brutally blunt, Nick Walker was imagined to be Mr Olympia by now. He’s sort of falling into the window that Massive Ramy was in after taking 2nd on the O after which mainly getting written off. Massive Ramy was thought to win the Olympia in 2017 however took second. After which he was roughly again to sq. one, not profitable the Sandow till 2020 (and solely then as a result of he acquired a particular invite).
Nick Walker was imagined to win large in Pittsburgh final 12 months, however then Derek Lunsford jumped in on the 11th hour. Nick was imagined to win the Arnold Traditional this 12 months, however Andrew acquired it. And the Arnold was imagined to be Nick’s redemption – when he took management of his teaching. The implication was that his shortcomings have been on some degree linked to subpar prior teaching. He might by no means have come out and mentioned it, however when he mentioned that nobody knew his physique higher than he did, it implied a sure degree of incompetence had been play. What put egg on Nick’s face is when Man Cisternino mainly revealed that he had had a a lot bigger hand in Nick’s preparations for Columbus. And at that time, Walker needed to come clear. It was a type of “oh, shit” moments that I’m certain he needs he might play down. However taking 2nd place on the 2nd most prestigious bodybuilding contest on the earth is nothing to carry your head down about. I nonetheless keep in mind Derek Lunsford in 2019 or 2020 consuming chilly inexperienced beans out of a Tupperware container. He had had an incredible inserting, however he didn’t win, and you might inform. I keep in mind the late, nice CJ (Cynthia James) going to Derek to console him. That’s simply the sort angel she was. However that’s what I consider after I consider how Nick should have felt after Andrew was introduced the winner and the place his head could be proper now.
I don’t know if Nick sees a therapist or places any consideration into psychological well being, but it surely’s by no means a nasty concept. I’m not questioning his sanity or suggesting that he has any psychological well being points. I’m clarifying not simply to cowl my ass or IronMag’s, however I’m saying so as a result of I sincerely don’t imagine Nick has “any points.” However guess what? It by no means hurts to speak to somebody. A licensed therapist is nice to have always – each for the lows AND the highs – in life. I’m going to a therapist, and I like having the chance to get to know myself extra. I like exploring methods to reside a happier life. What’s flawed with that? From my completely layperson place, I feel remedy would assist somebody like Nick. I feel it might assist most High Olympians due to the quantity of strain that’s on them. It’s at work, the gymnasium, church – it’s in all places. However I feel it’s much more pronounced for a man like Nick Walker. Stress and internal demons are one factor, however once you actually have thousands and thousands of followers which might be on you want white on rice, that takes the strain to a complete new degree.
And as Dave Palumbo, has appropriately identified, Nick Walker is the preferred / most talked about bodybuilder on the planet. You may love him or hate him, however you gotta give him his flowers in terms of being the preferred. And his followers always need him to enhance. He regarded INSANE finally 12 months’s Pittsburgh and this 12 months’s Arnold, however his followers WANT MORE!! They all the time need extra! They need to see him win the NY Professional 20x, win one other Arnold, and win his first (of MANY) Olympias. The actual fact he’s come up quick each time since turning professional on the North Individuals, compounds the quantity of stress on his shoulders.
Quick ahead to Could 2026. Nick has nonetheless not certified for the 2026 Olympia. He skipped two shitty exhibits within the FIBO and Arnold Traditional South America. He additionally skipped out on two main exhibits within the Pittsburgh Professional and the New York Professional. The identical New York Professional that he’s received thrice. He’s seemingly executed competing for the 12 months, however he nonetheless seems to be stage worthy. He hasn’t downsized, however what’s he acquired on his thoughts? I’d wish to suppose he has a grasp plan, however what if he’s misplaced? What if he’s on the verge of a nervous breakdown? You may ask a variety of questions within the what-if realm. I simply hope Nick is in an excellent place emotionally. It’s not “simply bodybuilding” to folks on this degree. It’s a lot deeper and extra complicated than that.
You already know what I imply?
As all the time, I hope you loved studying my article, right here, at IronMag. I sit up for studying your suggestions within the feedback. Please you’ll want to copy and paste a hyperlink to this text on all of your social media feeds. It’s sure to create energetic dialog.
Writer Bio:
Christian I. Duque is the proprietor of StrengthAddicts.com, a physique and energy web site based in 2008. He has labored for plenty of bodybuilding web sites, together with RX Muscle and Muscular Growth. Christian has written almost 1,000 revealed articles for IronMag Weblog, in addition to articles for StrengthAddicts, RX Muscle, and others. By day, he’s additionally a licensed legal professional working towards within the areas of household regulation, immigration, and prison protection.
