I’m runner-up Mr Olympia 2022 – many can’t believe my ‘insane’ transformation

A MR Olympia finalist reminded his followers that hard work pays off as he shared his “mind-blowing” body transformation.

Derek Lunsford, 29, placed second in the men’s Open Division at this year’s glitzy bodybuilding competition.

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He was beaten only by winner Hadi Choopan, who he praised as nothing but “kind”, “supportive,” and “an inspiration to many”.

In a motivational post today, Lunsford urged his followers to “keep pushing” if they want to see the same level of success.

“Remember, everyone starts somewhere,” the chiseled athlete wrote alongside a series of Instagram snaps comparing his frame from 2015 to 2022.

“Don’t let the distance of your travel intimidate you to get going.

“Never stop, never surrender.

“Keep pushing and persevere through every challenge as an opportunity to become a stronger, better version of yourself.

“The milestones will add up. One day you will look back and see how far you’ve come. Stay committed.”

The pictures show Lunsford at the start of his career, sporting a much slimmer frame than today.

His most recent pics on the other hand show a chiseled Adonis, with huge back muscles, bulging biceps and outrageously defined legs.

Fans were quick to comment, with many praising Lunsford’s “great work”.

One person wrote: “Insane transformation.”

Another said: “Perfect example of hard work, consistency, and not settling for anything less then your best overtime. Unreal man.”

Someone else added: “Mind-blowing transformation.”

A fourth wrote: “Pure motivation.”

Lunsford was born in Petersburg, Indiana, in 1993.

Throughout his time at high school, he excelled on the soccer team and was also a promising amateur wrestler.

Before rising to fame, Lunsford was forced to get creative in the gym as there was no wrestling program at his chosen college.

He began to challenge himself with bigger and bigger weights, eventually forming a keen interest in bodybuilding.

After partnering up with a personal trainer who got him on the right track, Lunsford made his amateur bodybuilding debut at just 22 years old.

He would win the first competition he entered, taking welterweight gold at the 2015 NPC Indianapolis Championships.

Since then, his career has gone from strength to strength.

He went pro in 2017 and unleashed his incredible physique on the world, first at Mr Olympia the following year.

The strongman keeps his incredible body fueled with up to six meals a day to support his grueling weight sessions in the gym.

Lunsford received a “special invitation” to the 2022 competition as he could no longer safely make weight for the 212 division.

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