Clarida is ready to compete with the big boys.
In his current competitive ventures, Shawn Clarida has little to prove. The bodybuilder has won two of the last three 212 Olympia titles (2020, 2022) and as he maintains his impeccable physique with diligent nutrition and training, he is destined to continue his said reign for as long as he likes. However, for now, the athlete may be willing to challenge himself and try adventures that are outside his normal comfort zone. He has hinted more by competing in the men’s open division at the upcoming 2023 Arnold Classic.
A recent update on their 2023 AC build suggests that Clarida is set to maximize this opportunity. On January 31, 2023, Clarida posted a picture to her Instagram profile He wrote that his body weight in the photo is 190 pounds (86 kilograms).
“We are not hiding for this. Ready to shake things up in Ohio!
Roughly five weeks into the 2023 AC on March 2-5, 2023 in Columbus, OH, Clarida’s current mass—including the lat muscles packed into her 5-foot 2-inch frame—seems like she can push her bigger peers.
According to this NPC News Online, 2023 will not be the first instance of AC Clarida competing in the Men’s Open category. His previous and only division appearance was at the 2021 Legion Sports Fest Pro, where he placed first. Otherwise, the bodybuilder is 212 athletes in 22 of 25 career competitions.
Some in the bodybuilding community speculated that Clarida would eventually work on a permanent change to the men’s free division. In 2022, the athlete did not quell these rumors until mid-November, noting that he had “unfinished business” en route to his second 212 Olympia title next month. At the time of this writing, Clarida has not clarified his plans for the 2023 Mr. Olympia – set for this November in Orlando, FL. He may choose to chase a repeat championship and his third 212 victory in the last four years. Or he could follow in the footsteps of Derek Lunsford’s 212 title replacement in 2021 and try to shine at the men’s Open level under the bright lights.
Clarida’s berth in the 2023 AC could suggest (despite a $300,000 prize) that he is now seriously considering making a move. He can start a new journey in his illustrious career at the right time.
Regardless of where Clarida takes his career next and how he travels in 2023 AC, it’s clear that this titan isn’t planning on fading into obscurity anytime soon. Whether it’s the 212 or the Men’s Open, Clarida is responsible for continuing to make noise at enormous levels for the foreseeable future.
Featured Image: @shaunclarida on Instagram
