Who is bodybuilder Derek Lunsford?
DEREK Lunsford is an American professional bodybuilder who stuns the world with his incredible physique.
Here’s everything you need to know about the world-class champion.
Who is bodybuilder Derek Lunsford?
Derek Lunsford is a renowned bodybuilder who competes in the men’s open bodybuilding in the IFBB Pro League.
Born in Petersburg, Indiana, on May 14, 1993, the pro athlete is 30 years old.
He made his bodybuilding debut at the age of 22 and emerged victorious in the 2015 NPC Indianapolis Championships in the Men’s Open Welterweight division.
He also won the 2015 and 2016 NPC Junior Nationals.
A month after Lunsford earned his pro card, he competed at the 2017 IFBB Tampa Pro where we smashed the competition and won the 212 division.
When did Derek Lunsford start bodybuilding?
Lunsford developed a love for exercise and sports from a young age and decided to play soccer, before taking up high school wrestling.
But when he went to college, he was forced to give up wrestling as his school did not have a wrestling program.
This is where he began taking an interest in lifting weights – ultimately opening the door to his glittering career in bodybuilding.
Initially, Lunsford had a difficult time achieving his desired results and scouted a personal trainer to help him reach his goal.
He and James Brown paired up and he was soon on the path to unimaginable success.
Lunsford worked hard to maintain and develop his incredible physique and was reportedly inspired by legends Jay Cutler and Phil Heath.
Has Derek Lunsford appeared at Mr Olympia?
The pro bodybuilder has made a number of appearances at the iconic Mr Olympia competitions.
As a result of his 2017 Tampa Pro win, Lunsford was invited to the 2017 Mr Olympia.
He managed to scoop a fifth-place position which established him as a massive prospect in the division.
At the 2018 Mr Olympia, he took second place as a promising 212 competitor, coming up just behind the great Flex Lewis.
In 2019 he earned the same place and in 2020 he took the fourth position at the prestigious Mr Olympia.
A year later, Lunsford claimed 212 gold after dethroning Shaun Clarida.
The bodybuilder then received a special invitation to compete at the 2022 Mr Olympia in the open division, and he earned a second-place title.
He then not only won the People’s Choice Award – but also became the 2023 Mr Olympia champion, achieving a historic double victory.
Following his glorious 2023 Mr Olympia win, which took place at the Orange County Center in Orlando, Florida, Lunsford won a prize of $400,000.
Who is Derek Lunsford’s wife Jhelsin?
Derek Lunsford’s wife is Jhelsin Mabaga.
Mabaga is a fitness trainer who specializes in weight loss and muscle building.
She is also a physical therapist who hosts online seminars to help her clients lead healthier lifestyles.
Magaba has over 35,500 followers on Instagram, where in October 2023, she shared an update on her pregnancy.
Adorning her post with a heartwarming picture, she proudly flaunted her 27-week pregnant belly in a gym setting.
The photo was accompanied by a delightful caption: “27-week bumpdate.”