Many bodybuilders can understand the position of their contemporaries when they take the stage at an IFBB Pro League show. You can't say that about Sergio Oliva Jr.
Oliva Jr. is the only person in the sport who is the son of a former Mr. Olympia - that would be three-time champion Sergio Oliva Sr., who ruled the sport from 1967 to 1969. Oliva, the father, actually kept his son on stage in the 1984 competition in his penultimate competition. The younger Oliva explained to Dennis James on this week's Menace podcast what it feels like to embrace that legacy.
"I think no matter what, people always have something to compare myself to," said Oliva Jr. "Every bodybuilder in history, except Hunter (Labrada), has the luxury of being compared to himself . This person is doing a show, they are being compared to their last show. I'm being viewed against my last show and against one of the greatest bodybuilders of all time. "
With the kind permission of Weider Health & Fitness / M + F Magazin
While Oliva Jr. acknowledges that it may, it's not like he's running away from it. In fact, he even performs his father's famous victory pose in every exercise he does.
“I think I don't even look that good when I do. I think it has to be from the right angle at the right time. , it's really just for him, ”Oliva told DJ. He also believes it could serve as a link between bodybuilding's past and future fans of the sport.
“I always tell myself that I'm one of the biggest fans of the sport. I think I want to be a memory for these newer fans too. "
As for his own career, Oliva Jr. is currently training for the Arnold Classic 2021. Should he win, he will move to Mr. Olympia this October. He understands that this opportunity is about much more than a single competition. He can stand next to several top competitors before the Olympics even take place.
"I think it's pretty cool that Hunter and I compete against each other," he says. “As a fan, I'm excited to see myself, Akim (Williams) and Hunter compete against each other. It's cool because we could be the next level. "
Oliva Jr. and James also talk about growing up in Chicago by a bodybuilding legend about how his dad didn't want him to compete, the problems of getting sponsored, and more. This one hour episode is one that you don't want to miss. See it in its entirety on the Muscle & Fitness YouTube channel.
time stamp
0:25 - Talk about height, weight and age
3:12 - See bodybuilders in pictures
4:48 - growing up
6:15 - Senior didn't want Junior to compete
8:45 am - When he started bodybuilding
12:11 - move to pursue your passion
12:39 - Carrying Oliva's legacy
16:16 - The victory pose
18:15 - plans for 2021
22:22 - Olympic prospects
26:16 - Stuck in Australia
31:15 - How was it to see the 2020 Olympics?
36:06 - Big Ramy and 2021 Olympic opportunities
42:17 - Roelly Winklaar and other potential contenders
43:59 - engagement and partner support
46:20 - Athletes and Representing Companies
52:14 - Coaching changes
53:13 - Work with someone who is experienced
56:56 - The importance of posing
1:00:46 - Chris Aceto
1:01:52 - Olympic prediction 2021
