2020 Olympia 212 Division Predictions

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With the Olympia less than two weeks out, the anticipation is hard to resist for fans and competitors alike. With the 2020 Olympia moved to Orlando, we expect to see one of the most exciting Olympia contests in years. While the 212 Division of Men’s Bodybuilding has not been getting a lot of hype leading up to the big show, there's no lack of excitement for the incredible athletes in this category.

One very disappointing story in the 212 Division, was that of Keone Pearson withdrawing from the 2020 Olympia. After a fourth-place finish at the 2019 Olympia in Classic Physique, he stunned fans when he switched over to the 212 division and won the Chicago Pro show! We look forward to seeing what he will bring to the stage in 2021.

Ever since 7-time 212 Olympia Champion Flex Lewis retired from the division, there has been less talk about the category. When we look at the lineup that will be stepping on the Olympia stage this year in the 212 class, we see a number of impressive athletes to discuss. Even though most of the bodybuilding world had not predicted the outcome, it was Kamal Elgargni of Tripoli, Libya who claimed the 212 Olympia title in 2019 after placing 3rd in 2018. This shocking victory made Kamal only the second person to earn the 212 Olympia Championship since the category was introduced. We feel that being the reigning 212 Olympia Champion, along with the work Elgargni has been putting in with Flex Lewis in preparation for this year’s contest, makes Kamal our prediction for the 2020 Mr. Olympia 212 Champion.

If there's someone else to claim the title this year, the most likely person would be Derek Lunsford. It was Lunsford in 2018 who came in 2nd place to Flex Lewis in his final 212 Olympia contest. Derek then became the leading contender to claim the title in 2019, only to come runner-up once again when Kamal shocked the crowd. Lunsford has made his intentions clear, that he's coming for the top spot this year. He doesn't want to repeat his runner-up status for the third year in a row and his training shows this desire. He's looking solid and conditioning is already sharp. We look forward to seeing the final form he brings to the Olympia stage.

Another name that can't be left out of the conversation, is that of Ahmad Ashkanani. In his short time as an IFBB Pro, Ashkanani has won the Tampa Pro, New York Pro, Arnold Classic, and has been 212 Olympia runner-up twice. Ashkanani has always displayed an incredible physique, although his last two Olympia appearances have not been as impressive. It looks like he plans on bringing something new to the 2020 Olympia stage. He could be a bit of a wild card this year, depending on if he can bring the physique he is capable of when the time comes.

Rounding out our top picks for the 212 Division is George “Da Bull” Peterson. Previously Peterson has been competing in the Men’s Classic Physique category. After 3 consecutive third-place Olympia finishes, he's now made a switch to the 212 Division. We can’t think of anyone that would disagree with this move, as the amount of mass he’s been able to add to his frame is impressive. Normally coming in with a weight of around 190 pounds, the additional 20+ pounds on his 5’7” frame has not gone unnoticed. Recent posts Peterson has been sharing to social media in this final stretch could see him making a bigger splash on stage than even we are expecting. One thing we do know for sure is these athletes will not disappoint when it comes time to battle it out on stage!

Muscle Insider’s John Cardillo is one of the premier fitness leaders in the bodybuilding industry. Here are John's top picks for the 212 Division this year: 

John Cardillo’s Olympia Predictions Men’s 212:

1st - Derek Lunsford 

2nd - Kamal Elgargni

3rd - George Peterson 

4th - Ahmad Ashkanani

5th - Guy Cisternino 

For more information, visit MrOympia.com as Trifecta presents Joe Weider’s Olympia Fitness & Performance Weekend brought to you by Northern Chill and by Wings of Strength the weekend of December 17-20.

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