Meet Jonathan De La Rosa: Mr Olympia and IFBB bodybuilding contestant with a Chicago and Tampa Pro win

JONATHAN’S journey into bodybuilding began at a young age thanks to the inspiration of his dad.

Now a formidable competitor, he has qualified for the 2024 Mr Olympia, leaving fans eager to see what he will achieve next​.

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Growing up

Jonathan is the son of the bodybuilder, William De La Rosa.

From Eastchester, New York, Jonathan was inspired by his dad to become the IFBB Pro bodybuilding champ he is today.

Born May 29, 1984, Jonathan began training from a young age after he picked up an injury playing football in high school.  

Jonathan lost a lot of strength due to inactivity during his recovery period, and he found bodybuilding was a way to get back the weight and strength he had lost.

Once his body started to change he “knew I wanted to keep doing it and try to make that my new sport”.

In the genes

Jonathan competed alongside his dad William De La Rosa, at the Eastern USA Championships 2007.

Jonathan told Mr Muscle magazine: “We actually competed together at the ’07 Eastern USA.

“Preparing together and keeping each other motivated to be our best was an amazing experience that not many sons ever get to share with their pop.

“For that I’m truly grateful.”

Love & marriage

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Jonathan married make-up artist and personal trainer, Taylor De La Rosa on December, 7, 2023.

She captioned their wedding photo on Instagram with affection saying: “All the times I thought I might have reached the end, I would do it all again.

“Everything I did to get to you my love.”

Jonathan was previously married to the IFBB Figure Pro, Swann Cardot but the couple divorced in 2018.

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Mr Olympia hopeful

The 197lb bodybuilder won the Tampa Pro over a strong challenge presented by the Chicago Pro champ, Mohamed Foda in August 2024.

This win did not only established him as a formidable presence in the bodybuilding community, but also secured his place to compete in the 2024 Mr Olympia​ competitions.

The 2024 Olympia 60th anniversary will take place on October 10-13, in Las Vegas, Nevada. 

Olympia is regarded as one of the biggest and most prestigious events in the bodybuilding calendar.

Upon qualifying for Mr Olympia, his wife Taylor boasted her support on Instagram saying: “No one deserved this more, I prayed for this day, for this exact moment.

“God answered my prayers. I am so proud of you, I knew you would get back to the Olympia stage.

“You did it baby! I love you so much & I am HONORED. I AM GRATEFUL. I AM BLESSED to be apart of this journey with you.”

This will be the third time Jonathan has qualified and competed at the Mr Olympia bodybuilding event.

When he first competed in 2014, he placed 14th.

And in 2019, after going through what he described as a “tough divorce” with his first wife, he took 12th place.

The Mr Olympia qualifier is trained by coach Patrick Tuor who has trained many top-level bodybuilding competitors, including Iain Valliere.