Anyone who watches how bodybuilder Derek Lunsford carries himself in public likely sees an image of energy and confidence. Nevertheless, it doesn’t look like that’s all the time an accurate descriptor. That’s because even this elite competitor and former 212 Olympia champion (2021) deals with nerves before the massive moments.
On Oct. 13, 2022, Lunsford uploaded a video to his YouTube where he candidly discusses what it seems like before he steps onto a significant bodybuilding stage. For an athlete judged by the minute details of his mass and physique, it’s a invaluable perspective and, on a human level — it’s a relatable one.
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Lunsford’s discussion about his feelings on competition happened amidst a Q&A during one in all his usual training sessions. When a matter about his potential nervousness got here up, the bodybuilder said it was not so black and white. Slightly than be wholly frozen with anxiety, the athlete maintained that any stress he feels comes mixed with healthy excitement.
Any nerves Lunsford does feel also aren’t necessarily prevalent once he steps on stage. The pomp and frill around the overall moment appear to be what conjure any butterflies in his stomach.
“It’s more the build-up, the anticipation backstage,” Lunsford clarifies. “They call your name, division. [You] start getting pumped up, touch up tans, after which wait for 30-45 minutes.”
In that waiting time, before the lights come on and before he’s judged closely, Lunsford said it is perhaps easy to overthink matters and get in his own head. Though he knows some things are only out of his control. With that knowledge in hand, he tries to remain even-keeled and in a relaxed mindset about his prospects.
“It’s going to be what it’s going to be,” Lunsford explained. “I don’t get nervous about people watching. I just need to know … once I’m on stage, I’m giving my best.”
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What Lunsford appears to really struggle with is public speaking. The bodybuilder said he’s higher at it now than he was once, nevertheless it’s still not necessarily an obligation he relishes as a public-facing figure and one in all the most important names in his sport.
“I used to be so nervous talking in front of individuals,” Lunsford said of his early competitive days. “My palms would get sweaty, I used to be just really nervous … You’re just about obligated since you’re a public figure. You must give you the option to speak in front of individuals.”
“I just kept doing it and kept doing it and kept doing it. I kept making myself [speak on stage] even once I didn’t need to do it and I didn’t need to do it. […] I still am not super comfortable with it, but I’ve gotten higher. I’m not saying I’m convalescing at giving speeches, I’m saying I’m higher at not being so nervous about it.”
Lunsford may need one other significant public-speaking task ahead of him. The athlete is transitioning to the Men’s Open division on the 2022 Mr. Olympia, where he’ll attempt to topple respective titans like two-time reigning champion Mamdouh “Big Ramy” Elssbiay, Brandon Curry, and Nick Walker. Should he succeed, the bodybuilding world will see Lunsford’s growth in front of a microphone and an audience firsthand.
Featured image: @dereklunsford_ on Instagram