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I\u2019m a little bit anxious about Martin Fitzwater. And once I say a little bit anxious, I imply I\u2019m anxious that he\u2019s fully unhinged and mentally unstable.<\/p>\n
Bodybuilding has all the time had robust personalities. Rivalries. Heated exchanges. And a little bit trash discuss. That\u2019s a part of the game.<\/p>\n
However recently, the dialog round Martin Fitzwater isn\u2019t about physique comparisons or Olympia predictions. As an alternative, it\u2019s about habits. And if the latest sample continues, the IFBB might have to step in earlier than issues worsen.<\/p>\n
There\u2019s a distinction between confidence and shedding emotional management. Proper now, Martin Fitzwater appears to be drifting towards the latter.<\/p>\n
Let\u2019s take a deeper dive into what\u2019s wanting just like the downfall of Martin Fitzwater.<\/p>\n
The Martin Fitzwater Incident on the Prague Professional<\/h2>\n
One of many first main incidents that raised eyebrows occurred on the 2025 Prague Professional.<\/p>\n
Through the present, Martin Fitzwater reportedly confronted longtime bodybuilding journalist Giles \u201cTiger\u201d Thomas within the viewers. In keeping with studies and movies circulating on-line, Fitzwater yelled at Thomas and knocked the telephone out of his hand whereas the journalist was filming.<\/p>\n
Thomas had beforehand commented on Fitzwater\u2019s conditioning throughout protection of the occasion the yr prior. Like most journalists in bodybuilding media, he was doing what the media has all the time executed: analyzing physiques and discussing placings.<\/p>\n
That\u2019s actually the job.<\/p>\n
Criticism of conditioning or posing isn\u2019t a private assault. It\u2019s a part of the game. But, Martin Fitzwater appeared to take it personally.<\/p>\n
As an alternative of addressing the problem privately or ignoring it altogether, the state of affairs escalated publicly in entrance of followers and trade members.<\/p>\n
That\u2019s not a great look.<\/p>\n
When Martin Fitzwater Targets Bodybuilding Media<\/h2>\n
The stress didn\u2019t cease in Prague.<\/p>\n
Martin Fitzwater later posted feedback on social media claiming that bodybuilding media is \u201ctrash.\u201d I wrote about this beforehand, and Martin\u2019s assertion sparked backlash.<\/p>\n
Why?<\/p>\n
As a result of bodybuilding media performs a large function in selling athletes, overlaying competitions, and constructing fan curiosity. With out media protection, many athletes wouldn\u2019t have the publicity they get pleasure from at the moment.<\/p>\n
Media interviews construct athlete manufacturers. Contest protection grows fan bases. Articles and movies carry consideration to the game.<\/p>\n
Calling all bodybuilding media \u201ctrash\u201d whereas concurrently benefiting from the publicity it gives appears extremely short-sighted.<\/p>\n
And truthfully, it seems like an emotional response quite than a rational one.<\/p>\n
With out bodybuilding media, nobody would give a rip who Martin Fitzwater is. He\u2019d be bagging groceries on the retailer with out the game and the media.<\/p>\n
Rivalries Are Good for Bodybuilding<\/h2>\n
Let me be clear about one thing\u2026 rivalries are nice for bodybuilding. The game has all the time thrived on them. Take a look at Phil and Kai. Doubtlessly the largest rivalry in all of bodybuilding.<\/p>\n
Take into consideration the legendary rivalries that helped develop the game over time. Competitors creates pleasure. It builds storylines. It offers followers one thing to speak about.<\/p>\n
There’s completely nothing improper with athletes going forwards and backwards. However there\u2019s a line.<\/p>\n
Trash discuss is one factor. Bodily confrontations and public outbursts are one other.<\/p>\n
And that\u2019s the place issues begin to change into an issue.<\/p>\n
And look, Nick Walker was praised for the way he confirmed as much as the 2026 Arnold Basic. Even Nick has been within the highlight over time for speaking smack and never backing it up on the stage.<\/p>\n
So, I\u2019m not simply particularly saying Martin is the one athlete who’s a sizzling head. However Nick additionally by no means put his palms on one other athlete. That stated, I don\u2019t take a look at Martin as a contender at main exhibits. Martin doesn\u2019t have an Olympia-caliber physique. That\u2019s simply the reality.<\/p>\n
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