The 2017-18 Classic Physique Olympia champion Breon Ansley had been training for months to make the switch to the 212 division at the 2023 Olympia. However, he’s decided not to swap divisions with just over two months before the 2023 Olympia kicks off on Nov. 2, 2023, in Orlando, FL. Instead, he’ll attempt a third Classic Physique division title.
Ansley’s decision comes as a result of the increased weight cap at his height allotted with the updated category eligibility requirements. On Sept. 15, 2023, Ansley published a video on his YouTube channel further detailing his rationale for the decision to remain in Classic Physique. Check it out below:
[Related: How Shaun Clarida Trains Legs 9 Weeks Out From the 2023 Olympia]
Breon Ansley’s Announcement
With all the dieting, training, cardio, posing, and recovering Ansley’s endured, he feels staying at Classic Physique is the correct choice as he is mentally, physically, and emotionally invested in reclaiming the throne.
The additional seven pounds of muscle tissue he is allowed to carry on his frame means that he is no longer maxing out the amount of muscle he can have within the division and therefore can improve his physique that ranked fourth overall in 2022.
“[I get to] capitalize on how detailed I come in — the density, the conditioning, and my muscle maturity,” Ansley said. Using his many years of training and conditioning is the edge he wants to use within the Classic Physique division, which he feels he would lose if he jumped to 212.
Ansley’s Current Physique
In Classic Physique, Ansley is capped at 187 pounds. He currently weighs 203 pounds, so he needs to drop 16 pounds before the Olympia. He’s leaving himself five-and-a-half weeks to lose that weight and dial in.
Ansley’s preparations for his previous intentions of moving to the 212 division have added significant tissue to his already muscularly dense frame. We’ll see if the additional weight can jump him back onto the podium against a field of athletes that are over six feet tall, including Chris Bumstead, Ramon Rocha Queiroz, and Urs Kalecinski.
Featured image: @breonma_ on Instagram
