Clarida will stick to the 212 as he begins the ascent of certainly one of bodybuilding’s tallest mountains.
Reigning 212 Olympia champ Shaun Clarida often wears his heart on his oversized sleeve. The athlete hasn’t been shy about sharing his bodybuilding goals and his next mission could be the superstar’s loftiest yet.
On Mar. 23, 2023, Clarida appeared on an episode of The Truth podcast with esteemed bodybuilding trainer Hany Rambod. Because the pair discussed the two-time 212 Olympia champion’s (2020, 2022) future plans, Clarida didn’t mince his words: he wants to interrupt James “Flex” Lewis’ 212 Olympia record of seven titles (2012-2018). The athlete shall be primarily sticking with the 212 division for the foreseeable future seeking this hallowed ambition.
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Clarida’s long-term 212 aspirations might come as a slight surprise, considering he most recently featured within the Men’s Open division on the 2023 Arnold Classic (AC). Despite the athlete being considerably smaller than his more massive peers, the bodybuilder took home a fifth-place finish at the competition.
Moving forward, in an approach that seems each realistic and training-efficient, Clarida didn’t necessarily rule out similar moonlighting Men’s Open appearances. Nevertheless, he’ll otherwise keep his give attention to the 212 division, as that’s where he has shined essentially the most in his profession.
“I’m staying in 212 of course,” Clarida explained. “The goal is to win multiple titles here [in the 212 division]. After all, I wish to dabble in a couple of smaller [Men’s] Open shows, possibly one other Arnold Classic. But me just doing the Arnold Classic and doing well isn’t enough for me to simply leave the 212 … I’m realistic. If I couldn’t win the [2022] Arnold [Classic], then what’s the purpose of me moving on from there? If I had won possibly it could be a special conversation.”
Clarida is behind Lewis’ dominating streak by five titles, but when anyone can match or eclipse the icon in the present landscape, it’s the 5-foot 2-inch competitor appropriately known as “The Giant Killer.” Normally, that’s in reference to Clarida overcoming larger peers en path to a victory. On this case, Clarida surpassing Lewis could be more like beating a living legend — a metaphorical “giant” of the game.
Clarida’s teasing his pursuit of the 212 Olympia record makes the years ahead potentially a few of the most fun the division has ever seen.
“212 is my home, it’s in my heart, and I would like to walk away as among the best to ever do it,” Clarida said. “I like Flex Lewis to death however the goal is to beat his record.”
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If Clarida were to unexpectedly hang up his posing trunks today, he’d already be remembered as certainly one of the best bodybuilders of all time. Full stop. Nevertheless, vying for Lewis’ mark would likely place him amongst an elite handful of names, no matter division. For somebody accustomed to “killing giants,” it’d be quite a sight to see him repeatedly reach that 212 Olympia summit.
Featured image: @shaunclarida on Instagram