One of the biggest topics of discussion in bodybuilding is the future of two-time Mr. Olympia Mamdouh Elssbiay, better known to many as Big Ramy. Ever since his fifth-place finish at the 2022 Olympia, fans and experts have wondered whether the Egyptian legend should continue to seek redemption or call it a career.
Prime Time Muscle hosts Tim Wilkins, Terrick El Guindy, and Chris Cormier took on the topic as well in a recent episode. Chris Cormier reflected on Elssbiay’s fourth-place finish at the 2023 Arnold Classic by saying, “I think he made great improvements from the Olympia…He improved his back, which was the key area that everyone was looking at the most.”
El Guindy is an Olympia judge, and he was in the Zappos Theater in Las Vegas when the Olympia took place. He noted other issues that are affecting his placings.
“His legs make his body out of balance,” El Guindy told Wilkins. “I agree with Chris. We need to see more separation.”
As for whether he should compete or retire, that is ultimately up to Elssbiay, himself. El Guindy noted the recent stem cell treatments he had, which were deemed successful, but will we see him back on the Olympia stage in 2023? Cormier thinks it’s possible, but Elssbiay has to be willing to work harder than ever.
“It’s going to come down to what you do in the gym, and you can’t rest on your laurels. You got to step it up physically and mentally.”
The guys also discuss the Fitness Olympia and whether champion Missy Truscott can defend against three-time winner Whitney Jones as well as the Men’s Physique Olympia. Subscribe to the Muscle & Fitness YouTube channel to see this and all episodes of PTM as well as other exclusive content every week leading up to the 2023 Olympia Weekend in Orlando, FL on Nov. 2nd through 5th. Don’t forget to go to www.mrolympia.com to score tickets to the Olympia before they sell out.