Derek Lunsford Wikipedia is an American professional bodybuilder who competes in the men’s open bodybuilding division in the IFBB Pro League. He is the 2023 Mr. Olympia runner-up and the 212 Mr. Olympia champion in 2021, becoming the first bodybuilder to win both titles in consecutive years. He is also the 2023 People’s Champion, a fan-voted award that recognizes the most popular and impressive competitor in the Mr. Olympia contest.
Derek Lunsford Wikipedia
Derek Lunsford was born on May 14, 1993, in Petersburg, Indiana. He was an active child who participated in various sports, including soccer and high school wrestling. Lunsford’s interest in bodybuilding began during his college years when he shifted from his earlier sports pursuits to weightlifting. He sought the guidance of a personal trainer, James Brown, to achieve better results.
Lunsford graduated from the University of Southern Indiana in 2016 with a bachelor’s degree in exercise science. He also obtained a certification as a personal trainer from the National Academy of Sports Medicine. He worked as a personal trainer and a nutrition coach before pursuing a full-time career in bodybuilding.
Derek Lunsford Wikipedia: The Rising Star of Bodybuilding
Derek Lunsford Career and Achievements
Lunsford made his amateur bodybuilding debut in 2015 at the NPC Indianapolis Championships, where he competed in the Men’s Open Welterweight division and emerged as the winner. He continued to establish himself as a competitive amateur bodybuilder by winning the 2015 and 2016 NPC Junior Nationals. He earned his Pro Card in 2017 NPC USA Championships, marking his transition to professional bodybuilding.
Lunsford made his professional bodybuilding debut at the 2017 IFBB Tampa Pro, competing in the 212 lb division, and won his first professional show. His victory at the Tampa Pro earned him an invitation to the 2017 Mr. Olympia where he took 5th place. Over the years, Lunsford consistently competed in the 212 division of the Mr. Olympia competition and consistently achieved top-5 placements.
In March 2021, it was announced that he started training with bodybuilding coach Hany Rambod. In October 2021, he won the 212 Mr. Olympia, overtaking the then-current winner, Shaun Clarida. In May 2022, Lunsford appeared on IFBB Pittsburgh Pro stage as a guest poser, weighing 257 pounds. In September 2022, it was announced that he received a special invitation to compete in the open division of the 2022 Mr. Olympia. [4] He achieved a second-place finish behind Hadi Choopan in his first attempt competing in the new division. [5] In 2023, Lunsford came back stronger and challenged the reigning champion, Choopan, for the Mr. Olympia title. He delivered a stunning performance and impressed the judges and the fans with his improved physique and conditioning. He narrowly lost to Choopan by one point, but he won the People’s Champion Award, a fan-voted award that recognizes the most popular and impressive competitor in the Mr. Olympia contest.
Lunsford is widely regarded as one of the most promising and talented bodybuilders in the industry. He has been praised for his dedication, work ethic, and passion for the sport. He has also been recognized for his humble and down-to-earth personality, and his positive and inspiring attitude. He has a loyal and supportive fan base, who admire him for his achievements and his potential. He is also a role model and a mentor for many aspiring bodybuilders, who look up to him for his advice and guidance.
Derek Lunsford Wikipedia: The Rising Star of Bodybuilding
Derek Lunsford Personal Life and Family
Lunsford is married to Jhelsin Mabaga, a fitness trainer and coach. They tied the knot in 2022, after dating for several years. They met through a mutual friend and bonded over their shared love for fitness and bodybuilding. They support each other’s goals and dreams, and they often train and travel together. They live in Florida, where they own a gym and a supplement company.
Lunsford is a Christian who has a strong faith and believes in God. He often credits God for his success and his blessings, and he prays before every competition. He also attends a local church regularly and participates in charity and community events. He is fluent in English and Spanish, and he enjoys learning new languages and cultures. He also loves music, movies, and video games, and he plays the guitar and the piano.
FAQ
Q: When was Derek Lunsford born?
A: Derek Lunsford was born on May 14, 1993, in Petersburg, Indiana.
Q: What is Derek Lunsford’s height and weight?
A: Derek Lunsford is 5 ft 6 in (168 cm) tall and weighs between 225 and 257 lbs (102 and 117 kg), depending on his contest and off-season condition.
Q: What is Derek Lunsford’s education?
A: Derek Lunsford graduated from the University of Southern Indiana in 2016 with a bachelor’s degree in exercise science. He also obtained a certification as a personal trainer from the National Academy of Sports Medicine.
Q: What is Derek Lunsford’s occupation?
A: Derek Lunsford is a professional bodybuilder who competes in the men’s open bodybuilding division in the IFBB Pro League. He is the 2023 Mr. Olympia runner-up and the 212 Mr. Olympia champion in 2021. He is also a gym owner, a supplement company owner, and a fitness trainer and coach.
Q: Who is Derek Lunsford’s wife?
A: Derek Lunsford’s wife is Jhelsin Mabaga, a fitness trainer and coach. They married in 2022, after dating for several years.