Written by Ron Harris
03 December 2020

 NICK WALKER SLIDER

 

 

Rising Star

Nick Walker

 

By Ron Harris

 

In the November 2020 issue of Muscular Development in “A New Mutant Rises,” we introduced you to 26-year-old Nick Walker, a 250-pound freak who had just earned his IFBB Pro card at the North American Championships and was preparing for his pro debut just six weeks later at the Chicago Pro, which also happened to be the final event to qualify for the 2020 Mr. Olympia. There, he was able to place fourth in a strong field of 22 seasoned veterans. I caught up with him a few days later to get his reflections on his auspicious debut.

 

What was it like being up there on a pro stage for the first time? Were you nervous, or did you feel like you belonged?

 

I already felt like I belonged, and I was one of them. Even backstage, the other guys were all so cool and welcoming, especially Justin Rodriguez, Maxx Charles, and Josh Wade. I talked to them the most.7c5e63d2-3428-11eb-9b3a-a0369f103266

           

You were in the first callout, which is always a good sign. How did it feel hearing your name called out in that elite first group?

 

It was a great feeling. As soon as Head Judge Steve Weinberger called my name, I made a beeline for the center of the stage!

           

Not only did you look fantastic, but you also posed well and never looked uncomfortable or tired.

 

That’s because my coach, Matt Jansen, was down with me in my new home in Florida for the whole six-week prep. He had me posing every morning before cardio, and again after every weight-training session. I know that helped my presentation. I could hold my poses without getting winded or shaking.7c5e19fe-3428-11eb-90b0-008cfa043684

           

I also have to say you looked a little fuller and crisper for the finals. Did that affect your placing?

           

It did, because I was fifth after judging and I moved up to fourth. That’s what the confirmation round is for, in case people’s physiques change for the better or worse from judging. My secret carb-up meals for Chicago were chicken or steak, 300 grams of rice, 20 grams of almond butter, 100 grams of banana, and cinnamon. It was so delicious that I would eat it and in 10 minutes feel like I could eat it again!

           

I know you wanted to win, but fourth place was still pretty damn great for your first pro show, especially in that lineup.

           

I look at it as a win/win for me. I placed fourth behind three guys who are all headed to the Mr. Olympia in a few weeks. Akim is a freak, Justin looked fantastic, and Maxx was peeled to the bone. To be able to place just behind those men is a win. I also had the full support of my sponsor Raw Nutrition and my awesome fans, Walker Nation, plus I was the talk of the show. It’s all good!

           

Now that you’re done competing, what are your off-season goals?

           

Training will stay the same, with a little more emphasis on upper chest and quad sweep based on the feedback I got from judge Tyler Manion. I’m not worried about putting on size, because my body is prone to do that anyway. It’s more about refining what I have and improving key areas. I wanted to know where I stood next to the big boys, and I think I proved I’m right there with them. You will see a better version of me in 2021.

 

7b516d90-3428-11eb-ba4f-a0369f10330e

 

IG: nick_walker39

YouTube: Walker Nation

walkernationusa.com

 

Nick’s RAW Nutrition Contest Prep Stack

RAW EAA – 20 grams taken pre-training and post-training. 
RAW Burn – 17 grams taken fasted in the morning.
RAW PUMP – 20 grams taken 30 minutes prior to training. 
RAW Intra-Workout – 50 grams of carbs taken pre-workout on high days.

 

For more information, visit getrawnutrition.com

 

Contest History

 

2012 Gold’s Classic

Third, Teenage

 

2013 East Coast Championships

Teen Winner

 

2013 Eastern USA

Teen Winner

Third, Open Light Heavyweight

 

2014 Teen Nationals

Second, Heavyweight

 

2016 South Jersey

Heavyweight and Overall

 

2016 USA Championships

Sixth, Light Heavyweight

 

2017 Muscle Beach

Heavyweight and Overall

 

2017 North American Championships

Sixth, Heavyweight

 

2017 NPC Nationals

Sixth, Heavyweight

 

2019 USA Championships

Second, Super Heavyweight

 

2020 North American Championships

Super Heavyweight and Overall 

 

2020 Chicago Pro

Fourth Place

 

Ron Harris got his start in the bodybuilding industry during the eight years he worked in Los Angeles as Associate Producer for ESPN’s “American Muscle Magazine” show in the 1990s. Since 1992 he has published nearly 5,000 articles in bodybuilding and fitness magazines, making him the most prolific bodybuilding writer ever. Ron has been training since the age of 14 and competing as a bodybuilder since 1989. He lives with his wife and two children in the Boston area. Facebook Instagram

 

 

 

7b4bb2ba-3428-11eb-ab26-a0369f10330e

 

DISCUSS ON OUR FORUMS
SUBSCRIBE TO MD TODAY
GET OFFICIAL MD STUFF
VISIT OUR STORE

 

ALSO MAKE SURE FOLLOW US ON:
FACEBOOK
TWITTER
INSTAGRAM 
YOUTUBE