They’re ready and raring — the best bodybuilders in the world took to the stage on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, during the pre-event press conference for the 2024 Mr. Olympia contest. With microphone in-hand, Samson Dauda seized the moment when he was asked why he deserved to be Mr. Olympia more than the men seated next to him:
“We’ve heard everybody’s speeches, but I’ve never been one for talking,” Dauda said before unzipping his jacket, removing his shirt, and hitting a few poses in front of the crowd while his competitors remained seated. “I’m a man of action.”
He was met with raucous whistling and applause from the crowd. Dauda talked a big game at the presser, and judging by his on-stage demeanor, he isn’t playing things close to the chest this year.
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The 2024 Olympia press conference is bodybuilding’s cold war; plenty of choice words thrown back and forth, the occasional chest puffery — made literal by Dauda this year — and usually little else.
It’s an opportunity for the athletes to stake their claim in advance, and a chance for fans to watch their favorite competitors rattle their sabers.
On occasion, tensions from the Olympia presser boil over. In 2014, longtime rivals Phil Heath and Kai Greene exchanged words at the conference and, shortly after, engaged in a physical altercation on the Olympia stage itself.
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Can Samson Dauda Win the 2024 Mr. Olympia?
Dauda is a strong competitor, but the 2024 Mr. Olympia boasts an extremely competitive climate. Dauda placed third in ’23, — the gap between bronze and silver is a long leap, not a short hop.
Last year, Dauda took third by way of a 28-point card; well above fourth-placer Brandon Curry’s 41.
However, 2023 runner-up Hadi Choopan ended ten card points above Dauda, and only five behind that year’s winner, Derek Lunsford.
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The 2024 Olympia will be Dauda’s first appearance without coach Milos Sarcev since the pair parted ways back in March. Despite the changing of the guard, Dauda seemed confident about improving his placement this year.
Dauda turned to his colleagues, taunting them to disrobe and join him in an impromptu pose-down. No one obliged, though Lunsford was seen with a big smile. Choopan sat with his arms folded.
The Men’s Open competitors won’t have to wait long to settle the score.
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