The second half of the 2023 Olympia Weekend Finals is underway. Today featured three prejudging rounds and one complete contest in the World Fitness Expo in Orlando, FL. Bodybuilding superstars and fans flooded the seats ready to see the world’s best pose down. Here’s a quick look at the highlights.
Men’s Physique Olympia: Ryan Terry Scores Upset Victory
There was no certainty in Men’s Physique. 2022 champion Erin Banks lost to Kyron Holden in the 2023 Legion Sports Fest Pro one month before the Olympia. Past champs Brandon Hendrickson and Jeremy Buendia were also charging for him.
The contender that no one saw coming was Ryan Terry, but he made his presence known in a hurry. He and Hendrickson were sent backstage early in the first callout because they were so far ahead of the pack. They were in the final callout, flanked by Banks and Emanuel Hunter. When it was all said and done Saturday night, Terry was announced the winner of his first physique title.
Olympia Physique Top 5
Ryan Terry $50,000
Brandon Hendrickson $20,000
Erin Banks $12,000
Emanuel Hunter $7,000
Diogo Montenegro $6,000
Bikini Olympia: Jennifer Dorie Reclaims Bikini Title
This year’s Bikini Olympia featured over 50 ladies, including four past champions. The last two, Maureen Blanquisco (2022) and Jennifer Dorie (2021) were the early favorites before prejudging began, and fans were standing behind the seated area in the World Fitness Expo to watch the show. And in the evening finals the two were the last names to be called before Dorie was announced the 2023 winner.
They were in the first and final callout, but three-time champion Ashley Kaltwasser was in the running as well. She is the only three-time winner in history, and finished a respectable third.
The final contest was the Wheelchair Olympia, featuring five-time champ Harold Kelley. He would face several new and old challengers in Orlando in this single-round show, and for the first time in the show’s history, Bob Cicherillo did not announce his name as the champion.
Karol Milewski is the second Wheelchair Olympia winner in history, thanks to pulling off the biggest upset of the weekend. Kelley finished in second place.
The conclusion of Classic Physique, Men’s Physique, Bikini, and the 59th Mr. Olympia are set to take place in the Orange County Convention Center later today. If you want to watch world champions get crowned live, go to www.olympiaproductions.com to order the Olympia pay-per-view and join us from the comfort of home.
