The 2022 qualification season leading up to the Mr. Olympia is underway, and so far two pro contests have been held. Not everyone is planning on competing, though. Men’s Open competitor Patrick Moore, who made his Olympia debut in 2019 and then reentered the contest in 2021, says he’s taking all of 2022 off to get ready for the 2023 season. Moore’s announcement, which he made on Instagram, comes after his a 14th place finish at the Olympia and 10th place finish at the 2021 Legion Sports Fest.
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“A lot of you have asked why I have never taken time off, and the number one reason is sponsors,” Moore wrote in his Instagram post. “As an athlete, you have an obligation to represent them to the best of your ability, and that means competing, even if the improvements are minimal between contests. For me, the time is now. I don’t have a place on stage until 2023, and that may even be in question. For now, taking a step back and evaluating everything personally and professionally is best.”
The 2022 Olympia is scheduled to take place next December in Las Vegas, NV, and the 2023 season is expected to begin until well after that. The full schedule hasn’t been released as of this writing. Traditionally, the Arnold Classic serves as the first contest of the year, usually taking place on the first weekend of March in Columbus, OH. If Moore is invited to compete in the 2023 contest, that would give him 16 full months off from competition.
About Moore
Moore’s strongest assets are his shoulders, which stand out in any lineup he is in. He is also known for his arm development. According to NPC News Online, Moore turned professional by winning the 2017 NPC USA competition in the super-heavyweight division. He made his pro debut at the 2018 New York Pro, where he placed 13th. His first pro victory came at the 2019 California Pro, which earned him a trip to that year’s Mr. Olympia. He finished in tenth place at that contest, which was won by Brandon Curry.
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Moore competed three times in 2020, but he didn’t secure a victory. His highest placing was fourth at that year’s California Pro, which was won by Antoine Valliant. He didn’t qualify for the Olympia last season. He returned to the California Pro in May of 2021 and won it for the second time — his last victory in the IFBB Pro League. That was the only show he entered before the Olympia, which was held in October. The winner this year was Mamdouh “Big Ramy” Elssbiay.
Featured Image: @patricktmoore on Instagram