Regan Grimes Wins 2023 Europa Pro and Qualifies for 2023 Mr. Olympia
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By Roger “Rock” Lockridge
Following the retirement of 2023 Toronto Pro Supershow winner Iain Valliere, the 2023 Mr. Olympia contest appeared as if it would be void of any Canadian competitors. That was, until Regan Grimes returned to the stage.
After a close second place finish at the 2023 Flex Weekend Pro, Grimes entered the Europa Pro in Alicante, Spain, and he placed first to take the victory and Mr. Olympia qualification. Grimes scored a one-point decision over runner-up Nathan De Asha, who had beaten Grimes in that Flex Weekend Pro show in Italy one week prior.
The victory gave Grimes his third pro win in the Men’s Open division as well as his fourth win overall. He had competed in Classic Physique at one time as well. Grimes shared in an Instagram post that he will compete in the Mr. Olympia.
If he competes on the Olympia stage in Orlando, Florida on the weekend of November 2nd through 5th, it will be his first time competing in the Olympia since it was last in Orlando in 2021. He placed 15th in that contest. It will be his third Mr, Olympia appearance and fourth Olympia weekend overall. He was eighth in the Classic Physique Olympia in 2018.
Grimes will be looking to become the first Mr. Olympia winner from Canada in the contest’s 58-year history. Canadians already hold two Olympia titles going into the big weekend in Florida. Four-time Classic Physique Olympia champion Chris Bumstead will look to secure his fifth straight title, while two-time and defending Ms. Fitness Olympia Missy Truscott looks to win her second in a row and third overall. The task will be a tall one for Grimes because the lineup he faces is one of the most challenging in recent memory. Defending champion Hadi Choopan and runner-up Derek Lunsford are back in the lineup as well as 2021 Arnold Classic champion Nick Walker and the last two Sandow Trophy winners, Mamdouh Elssbiay and Brandon Curry.
The last Canadian bodybuilder to place in the top five at the Mr. Olympia was Paull Dillett, who finished seventh in 1999. Valliere was the last to finish in the top ten, having reached seventh place in 2020 and 2021.
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