Mixed Reactions – Derek Lunsford’s Mr. Olympia “Special Invite”

September 21, 2022

Mixed Reactions – Derek Lunsford’s Mr. Olympia “Special Invite”

The debate continues after Derek Lunsford gets a “Special Invite” to the 2022 Mr. Olympia. A number of high profile people within the industry give their opinion about the “Special Invite”.

Just over a week ago, it was confirmed that Derek Lunsford would be competing at the 2022 Mr. Olympia in the Open Division.

Thanks to a “Special Invite”, Derek will not be defending his 212 Olympia title and moving up to the Open Division to challenge Bog Ramy for the Mr. Olympia title.

Immediately after the announcement was made, Chris Aceto and Mr. Olympia contender, Iain Valliere, gave their opinion on decision.

Chris Aceto and Iain Valliere stated a number of facts that were correct, and should have been considered before making the decision.

At the time of publishing this article, there are approximately seven more 2022 Mr. Olympia qualifiers, before the deadline.

Chris and Iain, both explained that Derek had ample time to qualify for the Mr. Olympia, by competing at one of the qualifiers.

It was mentioned that if Derek was worthy to compete at the Mr. Olympia, he would have easily qualified by winning a qualifier.

Kamal Elgargni and Shaun Clarida both competed at Mr. Olympia qualifiers.

Kamal Elgargni and Shaun Clarida were also mentioned, as they are also 212 Olympia winners that tried their luck in the Open Division.

Shaun Clarida is lifetime qualified for the 212 Olympia, after winning in 2020, but to compete at the Mr. Olympia, he had to qualify, and he was successful by winning the 2021 Legion Sports Fest Pro.

As it stands, Shaun can only compete in one division at the 2022 Olympia Weekend, Shaun still has not confirmed if he will compete at the 212 Olympia or the Mr. Olympia.

Meanwhile, Kamal Elgargni, also won the 212 Olympia in 2019. Kamal decided to try his luck in the Open Division in 2022, by competing at various Mr. Olympia qualifiers.

At the 2022 Tampa Pro, Kamal was defeated by Akim Williams, Kamal had to settle for second place. The following week in Texas, Kamal fell to fourth place against the bigger competitors. Andrew Jacked was the winner of the Texas Pro.

Iain Valliere believes that Kamal was correct in trying to qualify for the Mr. Olympia. Even though Kamal came close, he experienced what it would be like competing against the much bigger competitors. Not long after, Kamal confirmed he would be competing in the 212 Division, trying to win back his 212 Olympia title.

Even if Kamal was granted a “Special Invite” to the Mr. Olympia, he already proved that even though he could stand next to the bigger athletes, he would not have been the right person to receive the invite.

Getting back to Derek Lunsford, it was confirmed that he requested the “Special Invite“, after Flex Lewis declined the invite and later retired from professional bodybuilding.

After Derek’s guest posing appearance last May at the Pittsburgh Pro, it was evident that he would have a very difficult time to downsize for the 212 Division.

The bodybuilding world was buzzing with the fact that Derek would hopefully compete in the Open Division at the Mr. Olympia. With the added weight in his off-season, Derek was practically on par with the other guest posers, Nick Walker, Lee Labrada, and Brandon Curry.

Back in May, there was more than enough time for Derek to qualify for the 2022 Mr. Olympia, but he refrained from doing so.

The controversial “Special Invite”

The “Special Invite” has always been a controversial subject. The majority of athletes that had to bust their ass to qualify for the Mr. Olympia, believe that the “Special Invite” should be offered to an athlete that truly deserves it, and falls under the right criteria.

The late Cedric McMillan was offered a “Special Invite” in 2019. Cedric’s chances to qualify for the Mr. Olympia were hindered due to his obligations to the military.

In 2020, the “Special Invite” was originally granted to seven-time 212 Olympia winner, Flex Lewis, but he had to pullout due to injury. Flex Lewis’ record breaking career was seen as a good enough requisite to earn a “Special Invite”.

Immediately after the news of Flex Lewis pulling out of the 2020 Mr. Olympia, the “Special Invite” was offered to Big Ramy, who could not qualify for the 2020 Mr. Olympia due to restrictions due to the pandemic.

Big Ramy’s “Special Invite” would change the face of bodybuilding, as he went on to win the title for two consecutive years.

The 2021 “Special Invite” was set to be offered to Flex Lewis again, but he withdrew from the Mr. Olympia to take care of family matters and his business obligations.

In 2022, the “Special Invite” was again offered to Flex Lewis, but he announced his retirement and Derek Lunsford eventually would put in a request for it.

During Joe Weider’s reign, the “Special Invite” was offered to legends such as Lou Ferrigno and Günter Schlierkamp, to name a few. In recent years, bodybuilding legends, Kevin Levrone and Flex Wheeler were also offered “Special Invites”.

The “Special Invite” can help the Olympia Weekend in many ways. Derek Lunsford competing at the 2022 Mr. Olympia will surely add more depth to the already stacked lineup. Derek will be a contender for a top five finish, and the other competitors know this.

In regards to marketing, a popular athlete added to the lineup will help marketing and promoting the Olympia Weekend. On some occasions, the athlete that is offered the “Special Invite” might not be a contender to win the title, but their marketing power helps the Olympia organizers reach new heights in regards to promotion.

To conclude, regardless if people agree or disagree with Derek Lunsford receiving the “Special Invite”, he will add excitement to the 2022 Mr. Olympia.

The predictions for the top five have been drastically changed, and as the event gets closer, with Derek Lunsford in the mix, he contribute to make this one of the best Mr. Olympia events in recent years.