Elssbiay is looking ahead after falling in need of defending his Olympia title.
Heading into the 2022 Mr. Olympia, Mamdouh “Big Ramy” Elssbiay was considered the presumed heavy favorite. The previous two-time defending champion (2020-2021) had ringing endorsements from Olympia icons like Ronnie Coleman and Lee Haney. With various training updates showcasing his trademark mass, it seemed inevitable that the Egyptian bodybuilding titan would develop into only the eighth person to win the Mr. Olympia on no less than three occasions. As an alternative, in a surprising upset that made Olympia history, Hadi Choopan captured his first profession Olympia title, while Elssbiay notched a disappointing fifth-place result.
With the 2022 competitive calendar now within the rearview mirror, Elssbiay posted a mirrored image on his most up-to-date Olympia performance in a Dec. 18, 2022, Instagram video. In the method, he looked ahead to the longer term and what may be next as someone who stays one among bodybuilding’s biggest names.
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Before even discussing himself and his own prospects that lie ahead, Elssbiay made sure to congratulate Choopan for the Iranian athlete’s remarkable achievement in finally climbing bodybuilding’s tallest mountain. Specifically, Elssbiay appeared to appreciate that Choopan likely won’t take the Olympia mantel evenly.
“From the start I actually have to say congratulations to Hadi [Choopan],” Elssbiay said. “He deserves it. He’s the Mr. Olympia immediately. He tried for a few years to be on this place and I respect that. I’m thankful for all of the competitors who fought for one reason, to be a superb representative of bodybuilding.”
As for why Elssbiay fell in need of completing a legendary “three-peat,” he didn’t make excuses. He acknowledged the antagonistic circumstances in not attaining the result he wanted, while understanding things can occur along with his passion that happens to be bodybuilding.
“It’s my game,” Elssbiay began. “I really like this game from the start and I at all times tried to bring my best since it is my hobby. I loved everyone and loved my game and I want to say I actually have been broken again and again in my life and this shouldn’t be the primary time. But I at all times got here back stronger than ever.”
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Ultimately, while it wasn’t the output he wanted, Elssbiay made a promise to return back on a mission. He noted that after ending because the runner-up to Phil Heath through the 2017 Olympia, he had also fallen 4 spots to sixth place before eventually capturing a repeat to begin the 2020s. Based on this reflective message within the aftermath of the 2022 Olympia — it seems apparent Elssbiay will try to copy that past experience as best as he can in 2023.
“I promise you guys I’ll do my best to get back again stronger than ever,” Elssbiay said. “I don’t promise to win or to lose, I respect other people. But I’ll say I’ll do my best like I actually have done my whole life to be No. 1 again. I can say it to all of the competitors within the Middle East, we are able to come back from this. I actually appreciate all of the people’s support all over the world.”
Featured image: @big_ramy on Instagram