In 2008, the IFBB Pro League introduced the 202 division with the intent of shining a spotlight on the top bodybuilders in the world that would be considered smaller than their larger counterparts that are in the now Open division.
Since then, the division has evolved to a top weight of 212 pounds and it has taken off to develop its own fan base that is second to none. The 2019 Olympia 212 Showdown promises to be both exciting and dramatic. We are guaranteed a new champion and many future stars hope to begin their own road to greatness.
212 Showdown Notes
Seven-time and reigning champion James “Flex” Lewis is not in this lineup. He retired from the 212 with the intent of moving to the Open division in 2020. Jose Raymond (aka The Boston Mass) is also eligible to compete but he retired from all competition in 2018.
Hadi Choopan is qualified for this show as well as the Open since he won shows in both divisions this past season. However, he has been unable to secure a visa to enter the United States so his status for the Olympia is still unknown. Should he be able to compete, he’s believed to want to enter the Open show.
David Henry is a former Olympia Champion and thus, has lifetime qualification to any IFBB Pro League show he chooses to enter. This is similar to Dexter Jackson as a former Mr. Olympia in the Open division.
Athlete Name | How He Qualified
- Derek Lunsford, 2018 Olympia 2nd Place
- Kamal Elgargni, 2018 Olympia 3rd Place
- Ahmad Ashkanani, 2018 Olympia 4th Place
- David Henry, 2008 Olympia 202 Champion
- Hadi Choopan, 2018 Asian Grand Prix 212 Winner
- Angel Calderon Frias, 2018 Prague Showdown 212 Winner
- Kokeny Bela, 2018 Romania Pro 212 Winner
- Shaun Clarida, 2018 Legion Sports Fest 212 Winner
- Aaron Polites, 2019 New Zealand Pro 212 Winner
- Noel Adame, 2019 Indy Pro 212 Winner
- Sami Al Haddad, 2019 Ireland Pro 212 Winner
- Eduardo Correa Da Silva, 2019 Puerto Rico Pro 212 Winner
- Hidetada Yamagishi, 2019 Dallas Pro 212 Winner
- Adolphus Quioda, 2019 Toronto Pro 212 Winner
- Lloyd Dollar, 2019 Chicago Pro 212 Winner
- Zane Watson, 2019 Vancouver Pro 212 Winner
- John Jewett, 2019 Tampa Pro 212 Winner
- Oleh Kryvyi, 2019 NPC Worldwide Muscle Contest Winner
- Fahad Zaid Hazzazi, 2019 Lebanon Pro 212 Winner
- Tomas Tabiciar, 2019 Season Points Winner
- Steve Benthin, 2019 Season Points 2nd Place
- Mahmood Al Durrah, 2019 Season Points 3rd Place
Featured image: @mrusa2017 on Instagram
