Derek Lunsford: Confidence or Cocky?
Competition is the lifeblood of the bodybuilding industry. Nagging contests; hot press conferences; backstage showdowns, and even social media confrontations fans relish the opportunity to see opponents tease each other when they aren't on stage. Now Mr. Olympia Derek Lunsford is in hot water after a big and well-publicized first with Arnold Classic champ Andrew Jacked. The encounter soon permeated the whole bodybuilding community, leading to discussions about the authenticity or overemphasis on tension, or whether it was just part of the sport's entertainment aspect.
The Pressure of Being Mr. Olympia
It's always better to give Derek the benefit of the doubt before making a judgement. He is the reigning Mr. Olympia; he is the summit of bodybuilding. All the Open division participants are looking to win the Sandow trophy.
Which is why champions don't do things the way they used to; they do them differently. Having confidence is a must since self-doubt can wreck things when you're in the presence of some of the greatest bodies in the world. The last thing a Mr. Olympia title holder wants is to lose the title he earned by the conviction that he's the greatest bodybuilder in the world, so he needs to defend his title by clamping down on that mindset.
But at times that confidence may be misinterpreted as arrogance. Over the years, fans have noticed that Derek has increasingly become vocal. From TV appearances to podcasts and interviews, he seems more likely to sing the praises of his opponents and assert his claim of being the top bodybuilder in the world.
The Rise of Andrew Jacked and Samson Dauda
In part, the huge response to Derek's words stems from the athletes he has upset.
Andrew Jacked and Samson Dauda embody a new generation of great Open bodybuilders. Both players are huge, their structures are incredible, and the effect they have on a stage is incredible. With their bodies, they certainly leave a lasting impression on many fans. Size and shape count in bodybuilding. An athlete with a wide build, long forearms and height may look very different from another who is an inch or two shorter.
Many fans have been wondering whether the division might host sports stars such as Andrew and Samson in the future. Therefore, every time these rivals meet, it becomes a hot topic. Fans are bound to wonder if the pressure on Derek isn't getting to him.
Genuine Rivalry or Promotional Drama?
The most important discussion about the recent exchange is whether it was authentic. A long, long time ago, warriors used scuttlebutts to build hype. When the warriors were early, they used scuttlebutts to build hype. Larger-than-life rivalries became the foundation of a professional wrestling industry.
Even amongst bodybuilders, there have been matchups in which the only thing that has not happened is fighting. But bodybuilders' rivalry is different. Unlike the fighters, most guys are relatively respectful. This is why the Derek and Andrew situation was being talked about so much. The exchange was not overly rehearsed or scripted. The show appeared spontaneous enough to fool many fans into thinking they might at least be looking for any kind of competition.
Meanwhile, both athletes realize that controversy is attention-getting. A few seconds of petty banter can elicit more chatter than months of training announcements in this social media world. The incident drew attention to bodybuilding, either positively or negatively.
Does Derek Have a Reputation?
Some say Derek hasn't been the friendliest of the sport's personalities. Derek can sometimes seem the most serious, focused person, in contrast to athletes who continually tease and taunt opponents and entertain fans. That personality might get misjudged at times. It's a common psychological trait among competitive athletes to maintain distance from their opponents.
This is not because they want to befriend those trying to take their title, but because they don't like them. This is not only because they wish to befriend those trying to take their title, but also because they don't like them. Grasping that angle, it could well be that Derek's doing what's necessary to remain on top of things.
After all, Andrew Jacked, Samson Dauda, Martin Fitzwater and others are working towards him every day, and they are all strong contenders. Defence goes where the criticism is bound to go next, and there's not a lot a champion can do except draw his sword to defend himself.
Confidence vs. Arrogance
Results can sometimes make the difference between confidence and arrogance. When an athlete wins, his fans cheer to boost his confidence. When an athlete "loses", the same conduct may be considered arrogance. Derek has come to understand that he can trust himself. He has worked his way up from the bottom of the board, earned the highest prize in the Realm of the Beautiful, and faced some of the finest bodybuilders to ever compete.
Also, the history of bodybuilders is strewn with champions who made it too easy at the top. The minute a champion thinks the title is his, not for the effort he puts in, issues start to arise. But whether Derek has crossed that line is up for debate.
Why Rivalries Are Good for Bodybuilding
One positive thing is certain, no matter if the drama was real or embellished. The fans are listening. Bodybuilding never really generated mainstream interest for years, aside from contest weekends. Rivalries create storylines. Storylines create engagement. If you engage somebody, they become interested in your sport.
Fans would like an excuse to follow a team. Others encourage the champion attitudes Derek champions. But there are others who see Andrew Jacked/Samson Dauda as the sign of the future of the division. These talks keep bodybuilding current between contests. It can be good for all parties involved as long as the competition is kept in good taste and conducted professionally.
Final Thoughts
Has Derek Lunsford become a little bit cocky? Maybe. Or, maybe he's just being the good sport that he is and knows that all of them are coming to take the crown? The actual situation is likely to lie somewhere between the two. Derek had worked himself up into a position that makes him more trusted, but when he has something else to build on, he is subject to more criticism and scrutiny.
Now, more than ever before, every one of his words is looked upon in greater detail. But is the recent Andrew Jacked “shenanigans” real, or overblown, or just a bit competitive? The battle for the #1 spot in the Open division is much more interesting now. Then, once it gets to the athletes, all the chatter will cease. The judges will not look at interviews, social media statuses or backstage conversations. They'll only be concerned with the physiques. There, the legitimate response will be uncovered.