Keone Pearson Takes the Olympia Crown and Takes Over “Home of Champions” at the Dragon’s Lair Gym!
The stage was set at the 2023 Joe Weider’s Mr. Olympia Fitness and Performance Weekend, and the world of bodybuilding witnessed a seismic shift as Keone Pearson, a true force of nature, rose to claim the coveted 212 Mr. Olympia title. His astounding victory over the two-time champion, Shaun Clarida, sent shockwaves throughout the bodybuilding community. The 212 Olympia division has seen its share of champions over the years, with the throne passing from one remarkable athlete to another since 2018. But it was seven-time 212 Olympia champ Flex Lewis (2012-2018) who had the last reign of consecutive victories, creating a legacy that seemed untouchable.
Pearson’s physique was a masterpiece of muscle roundness, fullness, definition, symmetry, and balance, setting a new standard at the 2023 Mr. Olympia. The moment he graced the stage, all eyes were on him. As the day unfolded, he continued to astound, refining his conditioning to perfection, with glute and hamstring development that left spectators in awe. It was nearly impossible to find any flaws in Pearson’s physique, making him an instant sensation.
With this monumental win, Keone Pearson became the seventh bodybuilder to clinch the 212 Mr. Olympia title. His exceptional posing and commanding back poses made it clear that he was a force to be reckoned with. During the individual posing routine, even the Mr. Olympia commentators dubbed him the heir-apparent should Clarida ever vacate the throne. Yet, Pearson had his sights set on more than just being an heir.
Pearson embarked on his Olympia journey in 2019, finishing fourth in the 212 division behind notable names like Chris Bumstead, Breon Ansley, and George Peterson. But his unwavering dedication and years of hard work paid off as he realized the dream of every bodybuilder, winning the Mr. Olympia title. He made significant progress, going from 14th place in the 2021 Mr. Olympia to an impressive 6th place in the 2022 edition. In 2023, Pearson returned with a burning desire to dethrone Shaun Clarida, and he did just that, stunning the bodybuilding world by claiming the title in the 212 division.
During the Olympia prejudging, Pearson went toe-to-toe with Clarida in a fierce battle, and this year’s top ten athletes showcased their incredible talents in the finals. A dark horse and a fan favorite, Pearson took everyone by surprise by securing first place, proving that dreams can come true in the world of bodybuilding.
In an exciting twist, the story of Keone Pearson’s journey continues with a spotlight on the “Straight Outta The Lair Podcast,” hosted by none other than seven-time 212 Olympia champion Flex Lewis. In a recent YouTube video, Keone Pearson had the honor of being featured on the podcast. With humility, Pearson expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to participate in the podcast and acknowledged that it would provide him with an extra push in his pursuit of excellence. He shared, “Just to be on this podcast, nine days before the Olympia. That’s what I wanted to do. It, you know, is just going to help me even go harder. The last nine days give me that momentum.”
In the spirit of champions, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to Keone Pearson for his well-earned and deserved victory as the 2023 Mr. Olympia 212 lb winner. His remarkable journey is a testament to the dedication and passion that make the “Home of Champions,” Dragon’s Lair Gym, a breeding ground for greatness.
