IFBB Pro League Men’s Open bodybuilder Tonio Burton has withdrawn from the 60th edition of the Mr. Olympia, set for Oct. 10-13, 2024, in Las Vegas, NV, as a part of the 2024 Olympia Weekend.
According to his coach, Justin Jacoby, the 2024 California State Championships Pro winner is dropping out to prioritize his health. The announcement was made on a Bodybuilding News Network video with host Joshua Saunchegrow. Part of the announcement can be seen in a BNN Instagram post below.
Burton made a separate statement to Bis & Tris on Instagram, clarifying that he is not dealing with adverse health issues.
“Appreciate the love. We are healthy,” said Burton. “I get blood work done, and there’s never any panic other than being impressed with the basic amount we use of certain things. This choice was based on taking a break and growing to come back winning. Not just be competitive.”
Burton competed three times in 2024. He opened the season by placing second to Rafael Brandao at the 2024 Arnold South America contest. Burton ranked third at the 2024 New York Pro behind winner Nick Walker and runner-up Martin Fitzwater. Burton’s final event was the win that qualified him for the Olympia.
Burton’s absence is significant. He ranked eighth overall in the 2023 Mr. Olympia, which was won by Derek Lunsford. It could be an opportunity for a new competitor to impact the top 10 of bodybuilding’s world championship contest. The updated list of qualified athletes for the contest is below, as shown on the Olympia website:
2024 Mr. Olympia Roster
- Derek Lunsford (USA)
- Hadi Choopan (Iran)
- Samson Dauda (United Kingdom)
- Theo Leguerrier (France)
- Rafael Brandao (Brazil)
- Martin Fitzwater (USA)
- Nicholas Walker (USA)
- Akim Williams (USA)
- Brandon Curry (USA)
- William Bonac (Netherlands)
- Behrooz Tabani (Iran)
- Nathan De Asha (United Kingdom)
- John Jewett (USA)
- Mohamed Foda (Egypt)
- Jonathan Delarosa (USA)
- Chinedu Andrew Obiekea (United Arab Emirates)
- Hunter Labrada (United States)
The final Men’s Open qualifying position will be awarded to the winner of the 2024 Europa Pro in London, England, on the weekend of Sept. 14-15, 2024. After that contest, the only way to gain entry into the Olympia is by special invite from the promoters or the IFBB Pro League.
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Featured Image: @tonio_burton on Instagram
