Mohamed Shaaban Out of 2022 Arnold Classic Due to Back Injury
Less than one day from the announcement that Nathan De Asha was out of the 2022 Arnold Classic USA contest, IFBB Pro League bodybuilder Mohamed Shaaban has also withdrawn from one of bodybuilding’s biggest contests.
Shaaban posted a series of images on his Instagram account that he referred to as MRI results. Those results showed that he was dealing with multiple issues with his neck and upper back. The letter stated in part that the pain had “increased significantly over the past 3 months.” He was also reported to be dealing with weakness in his right arm and hand. There was also a video with a lady speaking about his injuries using a model of a spinal cord for demonstration purposes. The post can be seen below.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CZsiszqv3sT/
Shaaban wrote a caption along with the images that make his self-removal from the Arnold Classic lineup official.
“It's with deep sadness that I have to inform everyone that I will not be able to compete in the Arnold 2022. I've attached my MRI results, along with my doctor’s notes/video explaining my results for those that do not understand.”
Shaaban went on to reveal that he’d been dealing with this issue for quite some time, even back before he stepped onstage at the 2021 Mr. Olympia contest.
“This is a pain that I’ve had to dealt with since before the Olympia of last year. I tried my best to push through, but after several doctor visits in Egypt and California, my doctors believe it is best that I sit this out and fully recover or else I won’t be able to compete in the future.”
Shaaban was coming off what many considered a breakout year in 2021. He didn’t win any contests, but he did earn a position on the Olympia stage through the points system. He ultimately finished that contest in 10th place, beating big name athletes such as Roelly Winklaar (11th), Patrick Moore, and Regan Grimes (15th). He is currently not qualified for the 2022 Olympia, which means he would have to win a show or earn his position back onto that stage by points once again. He currently has four points this season, far behind the season leader, Quinton Eriya, who has 11.
Nonetheless, Shaaban expressed that he hopes to return to the stage as soon as possible, and he hopes that he gets another chance to compete at the Arnold Classic in the future.
“I hope that this doesn't affect future invites and that I am able to get another invite next year to compete at the @arnoldsports, as this has always been my dream of mine to grace the Arnold stage. When it comes down to it, i hope I can heal quick enough to prepare for other shows I need to compete in to qualify for the 2022 @mrolympiallc .”