Nick Walker is a free agent. “The Mutant,” who abruptly pulled out of competing in the 2024 Mr. Olympia competition this October, has decided to sever his relationship with renowned pro bodybuilding coach Matt Jansen.
- “I no longer work with Matt,” said Walker on Oct. 20, 2024.
Walker’s announcement comes just two weeks after he and Jansen broke the news that Walker would be sitting out the ’24 Olympia; his second withdrawal in as many years from bodybuilding’s biggest contest.
Nick Walker & Matt Jansen
Walker and Jansen have maintained a rocky relationship for years as coach and client. Just a few months after his resonant win at the 2021 New York Pro, Walker and Jansen went separate ways before reuniting just weeks before Walker’s third-place finish at the 2022 Olympia — his best result to date.
[Related: Best Pre-Workout Supplements]
- On Oct. 21, 2024, bodybuilder Brett Wilkin announced that Jansen had moved on from coaching several of his prominent clients, including Wilkin, Walker, and two-time 212 champion Shaun “the Giant Killer” Clarida.
Speculation grew that Jansen may retire from coaching bodybuilders to pursue other interests and spend more time with his family. The question is: Where does that leave Walker?
Nick Walker: What Happens Next?
Walker is in a bind. His retraction from the 2024 Olympia marked two years in a row that he’s forfeited a chance to raise his profile as one of the world’s best bodybuilders. Meanwhile, the division continues to barrel forward.
- The Sandow trophy has changed hands yearly since 2017, with the lone exception of back-to-back wins by Mamdouh “Big Ramy” Elssbiay in 2020 and 2021.
- Samson Dauda, 2024 Mr. Olympia, bagged the title by defeating previous winners Derek Lunsford and Hadi Choopan.
- Men’s Open bodybuilding is more competitive than it’s been in years — a fertile ground in which Walker could continue to solidify his reputation as a major player.
“It’s unheard of,” remarked renowned bodybuilding coach Hany Rambod during an Oct. 21 interview on Jay Cutler’s podcast, Cutlercast. “If you qualify for the Olympia two years in a row and don’t do it…”
[Related: Best Supplements for Bodybuilding]
Rambod wasn’t dissing Walker specifically, but his remarks are a timely omen for “The Mutant.” Walker’s new coach isn’t yet known, and he has not formally confirmed that he’ll be at the 2025 Arnold Classic.
On Oct. 21, Walker mentioned on social media that he would adopt a push-pull-legs split for the time being and monitor his workouts with assistance from Renaissance Periodization. Until we see Walker take to a bodybuilding stage again, whether with Jansen at his side or not, speculation abounds.
More Bodybuilding News
- Hadi Choopan Had a Great Year, and He’s Devastated About It
- Flex-Off: Mr. Olympia & Arnold Classic Battle Over Bodybuilding Prize Money
- Wesley Vissers “Didn’t Get His Shot” at 2024 Classic Physique Olympia
Featured Image: @nick_walker39
