EOB News

Nicolas Vullioud retires from professional bodybuilding

June 29, 2021

Nicolas Vullioud retires from professional bodybuilding.

Professional bodybuilder Nicolas Vullioud has decided to retire from competitive bodybuilding.

In a long message on his official Instagram page Nicolas explained what lead to his decision to retire at such a young age.

Nicolas climbed through the IFBB ranks and competed for the first time as a pro in 2017.

Placing an impressive third at the 2017 Charlotte Pro, launched Nicolas’ pro career.

2018 would be his final year of competition. Nicolas placed second at the Portugal Pro and qualified for the 2018 Olympia Weekend by winning the Tampa Pro.

Unfortunately at the 2018 Olympia Weekend, Nicolas had to settle for 11th place.

After the 2018 Olympia Weekend, Vullioud took some time off from competitive bodybuilding to reflect on his future.

Deciding to make a return in 2020, his plans were derailed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

This made Nicolas think about his future and to finally make the decision to quit competitive bodybuilding.

“Once you have a doubt, even if it’s only 1%, you can not compete and pretend doing Olympia”
– Nicolas Vullioud

Nicolas Vullioud’s message in full

“A lot of people asked me what were my future goals and competitions. And I actually took the decision not to compete anymore.

“It’s a tough decision, because I close a book, 10 years of my life. There’s a lot of nostalgia. But since my last competition in 2018, Mister Olympia, a lot of things changed in my life. I started to have a different mindset and I took almost two years to reevaluate everything I was doing. I lost a bit the fire that I had during the previous years. And I’m convinced at 100% that I have to stop. Even for my last prep in 2020 (cancelled due to the situation with the virus), I wasn’t sure about it. I truly know my potential, but my desire to move forward is higher. And I feel I need this change.

“Once you have a doubt, even if it’s only 1%, you can not compete and pretend doing Olympia. You have to be a machine. I know what it takes to be at the highest level in the world. You have to be ready on every aspect.

“I also took that decision for my own longevity. We all know we put the body under pressure. Today I have a different vision about my life. And I want to achieve different things apart bodybuilding. And I have way more to offer to people than my physique. Sharing values, knowledge, experience, this is my goal. I still don’t know how exactly I’m going to do but I have time to think about it.

“Of course the main protagonists concerned by my decision, know my wish. And that’s why I want to say thank you to @mhpstrongusa and @tb.jpc. And an immense thanks to @ptuor . Our collaboration as coach/athlete is maybe over, but our friendship is eternal. And I will never thank you enough for your work, friendship, professionalism and kindness. I’m proud to know someone like you. And I believe in loyalty, because you’re the most loyal person I ever met. You’re the brother I always wanted to have in my life.

“This is just a new step in my life. And new opportunites will come. And I will keep sharing with you guys my passion, my love for this sport. And I really want to say thank you to all of you. Some of you follow me since my first competition. And it means a lot to me.”

Life just keeps going
Love you all,

THE SWISSPOCKETKNIFE