Reigning 212 Olympia champion Derek Lunsford shared a physique update on May 26, 2022, demonstrating an impressive vacuum pose. The 28-year-old Indiana native has spent the better part of this year prepping his monstrous physique for another crack at bodybuilding’s biggest show.
While it might not be the vacuum job his partner wanted, Lunsford shows he has plenty of aces up his sleeve during his off-season before the 2022 Olympia. Considering his bulky stature and muscularity, Lunsford’s ability to hit a vacuum pose suggests he has excellent control over his abdominals — a helpful skill when battling on an elite bodybuilding stage. Check out Lunsford’s vacuum pose below, courtesy of his Instagram page:
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Derek Lunsford’s Busy Off-Season
Following the most significant victory of his career in 2021, Lunsford earned a lifetime invitation to compete at the Olympia in the 212 division. His size is one of his most vital attributes, and it was on full display at the 2022 Pittsburgh Pro, where he was featured as a guest poser. Lunsford was tapped as Mamdouh ‘Big Ramy’ Elssbiay’s replacement after the reigning two-time Mr. Olympia was unable to attend the event.
Lunsford took the stage and posed alongside several top Men’s Open bodybuilders. He made a lasting impression after presenting his physique next to the likes of 2019 Mr. Olympia Brandon Curry, 2021 Arnold Classic Champion Nick Walker, and Olympia contender Hunter Labrada (son of bodybuilding Hall of Famer Lee Labrada). Lunsford didn’t appear outsized, standing next to the other mass monsters of the Men’s Open division.
In addition to guest posing, the reigning 212 Olympia champion has been training with “The Mutant,” Nick Walker. The pair of bodybuilders shared a collaboration showing them demolishing a heavy day of leg training in early May 2022.
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Both Lunsford and Walker intend to compete at the 2022 Olympia, scheduled to take place from Dec. 16-18, 2022, in Las Vegas, NV. Lunsford will attempt to defend his crown against some of the 212 division’s best like Kamal Elgargni and Shaun Clarida (if Clarida opts to compete in 212 instead of the Open). On the other hand, Walker is expected to make his sophomore Mr. Olympia appearance after turning in a respectable fifth-place performance in his debut in 2021.
With the lofty goal of becoming a two-time 212 Olympia champion, Lunsford is approaching his prep comprehensively. Indeed, if he proceeds to train alongside elite-level talent like Walker, Lunsford’s trajectory in the sport will continue to climb. If Lunsford’s off-season efforts are any indication, the 212 bodybuilding standout will look to shut the door on the rest of his competition this December.
Featured image: @dereklunsford_ on Instagram