2022 Men’s Physique Olympia champion Erin Banks set his sights on regaining the title at the 2024 Men’s Physique Olympia in Las Vegas, NV, on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024, after conceding it to Ryan Terry in 2023. However, Terry defended the championship successfully, as CELSIUS rep Banks ranked third for the second consecutive year.
With the 2024 Olympia in the rearview, Banks joined BarBend to discuss the 2024 Olympia and his future in the sport.
[BarBend Interview: Two-Time 212 Olympia Champion Keone Pearson]
BarBend (BB): You wore a cowboy hat and cowboy boots and rode a scooter out to the 2024 Olympia press conference. Where did that idea come from?
Erin Banks (EB): That is who I am. I have been riding horses since I was 10. The world is seeing more of my personality. That is me. I ride horses and motorcycles and ski. I do it all.
Many people may not know I am a left-handed bowler and can score over 200. I love living life and having fun, so I started wearing the cowboy stuff and brought the scooter out. It’s an extension of me. I won’t be fake. That is who Erin Banks is.
BB: How Did You Feel About Your Performance at the 2024 Men’s Physique Olympia?
EB: I needed to bring conditioning while keeping my muscles full. We prepared really hard for this show, and I thought we brought a phenomenal package to Olympia, but we did end up in that third-place spot. There were two incredible athletes in those top two spots.
I’m always going to push forward, though. It was my fourth Olympia, and it was still an amazing experience. For me, it’s always about love and learning lessons. I just need to refocus and regain the mindset, and it’s a matter of going forward from here.
BB: You have competed at the Olympia as a contender and a defending champion. Does it feel different chasing versus defending?
EB: When I won, it didn’t feel like I would win. After losing it, it was like, “Oh boy, now we’ve got to focus.” Chasing it is even harder at that point because everyone else is also getting better. You’re trying to stay the best in the world while all these other guys close the gap. There are so many guys up and coming in the division, which is incredible.
BB: What are the biggest differences between now and when you first competed at the Olympia?
EB: It’s definitely different than when I started. There is something new every year. The weight cap changes, the shorts are two inches higher, and they want a certain look in the front.
What is great about that, though, is that we have to make sure we just keep bringing it and getting better. Whether we know what the judges want or not, we must stay on top of our game.
BB: Your recent Instagram post made some fans think you are considering retirement. What are your plans for 2025 and beyond?
EB: I do have options. I could retire or move to another division, like Classic Physique. Right now, the only thing on my mind is being a father.
I started prep in March and focused on building my body. I must do my best for my kids, so I am focusing on that. I want to relax and have a vacation for a while. However, I will clarify: No, I am not retiring. I was just giving appreciation in that post; that was it.
BB: Many top competitors have a team or coach. Who has been in your corner throughout your prep?
EB: My coach, Ariel, also known as Cutz, has been there since I was an amateur. He saw me back then and told me I had potential. Of course, all my sponsors, including CELSIUS, have been there for me as well.
BB: What is your message to the fans that have been on the ride with you?
EB: They know what kind of person I am. I bring crazy energy to everything I do. I love making people smile; being who I am daily has been doing that. So, I am all about that aura, and I will let the world know that I will be back.
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Featured Image Provided by CELSIUS
