Written by Shawn Ray
14 February 2023

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Classic Shawn

10 Questions With Shawn Ray

 

1. How did you take criticism when people were talking about your body or conditioning when you competed?

 

Well, one thing I never paid attention to or gave energy to was what other people thought of me. I mean, in a nutshell, everyone has an opinion and is free to express it; the difference, however, is whose opinion did I value? I cared about constructive criticism from people I thought had my best interest at hand. The others I felt were just making noise and I refused to let that noise affect my progress.

 

2. Mr. Olympia returned to the Las Vegas Strip in 2022 after 17 years since being held at the Mandalay Bay Arena. Do you think it’s a good thing that it was held at Planet Hollywood’s Zappos Theater?

 

Absolutely! I was in that first Olympia back in 1999 at the Mandalay Bay, and it was nothing short of electrifying! The level of excitement and anticipation of competing on the Strip by comparison to previous venues was incomparable. When I began competing, the Mr. Olympia moved to different venues around the world like Los Angeles, Chicago, Florida, New York, Atlanta, Finland … you name it. When I finally found a home in Vegas, I moved there to prep for competition like many prizefighters were doing. Las Vegas has great gyms and restaurants; it’s cheap and it’s the entertainment capital! Everyone was extremely excited to compete there again!

 

3. Who do you think will be the next Mr. Olympia winner, if not Big Ramy?

[Editor’s Note: Shawn wrote this column before the 2022 Mr. Olympia]

 

I personally think this year is more exciting based on the amount of diversity the show has in it. That said, if I had to choose one upset winner this year out of all the guys “on paper,” I’d pick former Mr. USA winner and 212 Olympia champion from last year, Derek Lunsford. He simply has everything that’s needed in all the right places. Derek doesn’t have to beat these guys; I feel he simply has to improve on what he showed us last year. A few more pounds of muscle while maintaining his conditioning and displaying more muscle maturity and I think he wins. He wins on the basis of being the most “complete,” full stop.

 

Hadi Choopan has always been a dangerous threat, and if Derek can potentially win this year’s show then Hadi stands just as good a chance to pull off the upset as well! Regardless, I think this year will be a new champion!

 

4. I noticed you finished your world tour of 2022 at the 58th Mr. Olympia in Las Vegas. What did you see the sport needs or is missing the most?

 

Correct, I’ve been on a whirlwind tour from Germany, Peru, Canada, England, Switzerland and Dubai besides traveling the USA! I noticed that there are a lot of Olympia-qualifying contests, probably too many, which will ultimately hurt the quality of the Olympia lineup. Some guys and girls will qualify to compete in Las Vegas that would never have reached that stage only three years ago. Our sport is growing very fast and I think it’s a bit too inclusive with way too many athletes getting an easy ride to the sport’s most prestigious weekend.

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5. What would you add to the Olympia Weekend if you could add just one thing?

 

I’d personally bring back the free car! I think winning a new car along with prize money is so awesome and exciting to see as a fan, but can you image as an athlete the feeling of accomplishment that would feel like? When I had my show in Colorado we were able to give away a free Hummer H3 and a Harley motorcycle to a lucky fan and the crowd was ecstatic! I always regretted not giving them away to deserving champions so yes, I think this would add additional excitement for the athletes and fans to bring back!

 

6. What a great lineup of legends you had at the Olympia Expo Meet & Greet. How did you get around during such a busy weekend?

 

Well, I like to brag that I’ve never missed a Mr. Olympia contest since I was first in it back in 1988 or nearly 35 years ago. My role as a pay-per-viewcommentator is not the only thing I do. I actually organize the Digital Muscle Pavilion where fans can meet the legends of the sport as well; I represent one of our sport’s leading supplement companies, MUTANT; I help raise sponsorship dollars for the expo vendors who set up their booths to market their products to the fans; and finally I conduct various interviews with the pros and highlight the Olympia experience for DigitalMuscle.com, a website that I’m the Editor and Chief of.

 

7. Can Ms. Olympia Andrea Shaw be dethroned by anyone you’ve seen?

 

No. Andrea at this stage of her career continues to put distance between her and the rest of the field in relation to completeness. Overall, she checks all the boxes when it comes to what Ms. Olympia represents. In November 2022 she won for the third consecutive year the Rising Phoenix Arizona Pro and displayed something that is only going to improve with time! She’s my pick for a third consecutive Ms. Olympia title in 2022 and I may as well say on record a fourth, fifth and sixth if she wants it!

 

8. I see a lot of older bodybuilders discussing the dangers of drugs in the sport yet many were users themselves. Isn’t that a bit hypocritical?

 

I disagree. I think we can all learn from wisdom, which comes from our elders or more experienced people that have been where we are trying to go. Some of the older guys are simply noting the dangers in our sport, mostly due to accessibility of various harmful drugs, misuse and misinformation on drugs. Many drug counselors are experienced former users who hit the streets to discourage the youth and inexperienced from making the same mistakes they have endured. Former pros and the elder generation simply feel that many of the young guys are impatient and naive with regard to dangers and other gurus misguiding them when in reality what’s needed most is old-fashioned hardcore training and dieting. My recommendation is to find a good mentor and focus on building not destroying your body while focusing on longevity.

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9. You represent MUTANT as its Global Ambassador. What does it mean to you to be a MUTANT?

 

MUTANT is a way of life really. Not just massive muscles and bodybuilding per se, but living out loud. Irreverent and unafraid to be yourself. It’s standing out from the crowd. Taking things to a level that others can’t. It’s a copycat world, and MUTANT is a refreshing way to say I’m living life my way. If you think you fit that mold, reach out to join the movement on iammutant.com!

 

10. Seems like new MUTANT FLEX FOOD™ is really starting to take off. What’s been the secret there?

 

For me, it’s travel! I’m on the road literally hundreds of days a year. Fast food is generally what’s available on the road and in airports, etc. so having a quick, easy and healthy meal replacement ready to go is a lifesaver. Don’t get me wrong; I enjoy lots of great food. FLEX FOOD™,however, doesn’t make me feel like I have to sacrifice. Easy, portable, real food and loaded with protein. The packets are great in a carry-on bag. The biggest thing is taste. Hands down, we nailed it.

 

Instagram @shawnrayifbbpro

Facebook @TheRealShawnRay

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Twitter @sugarshawnray

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NEW MUTANT ALL-IN

Shawn Ray Signature

Full Dose Pre-Workout

 

“This one is a game-changer. Lift big. Get big. It’s that simple. I have my signature on this product for a reason. It’s the culmination of a lifetime of training, nutrition and hard work all wrapped into one amazing formula. From the weight rack to the Olympia stage, I have always been ALL-IN. Now it’s your turn.”-Shawn Ray

 

For more information, visit iammutant.com

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