From time to time, bodybuilders experience unexpected improvements in their field. As time went on, they got used to posing in the competitive arena, and it became clear that their efforts could lead to a bright future. With a new training update for his current weight, that perspective may soon apply to Neal Curry in the Classic Gymnastics division this December.
On October 3, 2022, Curry gave this year’s Mr. Olympia a glimpse of his latest physique that was less than three months old. According to a later clarification from Curry’s coach Ben Chow, the 5-foot-11 bodybuilder weighed 235 pounds at the time of the photo shoot and still plans to lose about 20 pounds to reach the 215-pound limit for the Olympia Classic bodybuilding competition.
According to NPC News Online, the 2022 Mr. Olympia will be Curry’s debut in the prestigious bodybuilding competition. However, that doesn’t mean he doesn’t have an impressive resume to date.
Curry has been a member of the International Federation of Bodybuilding and Bodybuilding (IFBB) Pro League since finishing seventh in her 2019 Yamamoto Pro Classic gymnastics debut. He’s clearly only improved since his first top-10 finish. In 2021, Curry had the best pro finish of his career when he finished second in the Classic Physique category at the 2021 Tampa Pro Series.
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In 2022, he surpassed himself, finishing third at the 2022 Pittsburgh Pro and picking up his first career win at the 2022 New York Pro. The latter win automatically qualifies Curry for the 2022 Olympics, according to IFBB Olympic qualifying standards.
It could be difficult for Curry to set a new standard in his Olympic debut. The highest standard, however, will be the fall of three-time defending Classic Physique Olympia champion Chris Bumstead (2019-2021). There’s also former two-time champion Breon Ansley (2017-2018) and all-time leader Terrence Ruffin to compete with.
For Curry, a position near the top could be a good way to get to the Olympic stage. He can certainly surprise and achieve more.