Clarida Chooses 212!

The Giant Killer Shaun Clarida has officially made the decision to compete at the 2022 212 Olympia Showdown in Las Vegas, NV. Despite the many efforts of media outlets and fans, no exception was made, allowing Clarida to do both the 212 Showdown and the Open Olympia. Although the special invite was given to last year’s champion Derek Lunsford without so much as prepping for an open show, Clarida won against guys 100lbs heavier than him. Nonetheless, GK made the choice that made the most sense for him.

Earlier in the month the Olympia released a very cool graphic which pitted the NJ native against fellow 212 Mr. Olympia, The Lion of Libya, Kamal Elgargni. When this graphic started to make the rounds it seemed as if the decision had already been made. While that’s what the perception may have been – nothing was set in stone – until now. Shaun is a man of his word and if he’s committed to winning his title back, then that’s what he’s going to try to do. I believe he will give this goal his absolute all. Shaun is truly a workhorse. He’s quite possibly the most hardcore blue collar athlete of The 212 and that’s truly a big statement considering how hard his contemporaries work.

It won’t be a cakewalk that’s for sure! He’ll face guys like Keone Pearson, Kerrith Bajjo, and others who are all gunning for the title. Kamal is also not going to just let GK waltz in and grab the title back. Right now, Elgargni and Clarida are tied. Even the year Shaun won, it was an absolute nail biter. I know because I was there. Both men fought down to the wire. I don’t think they relaxed even for a second and I suspect 2022 will be another 2020. But who will win this time is anyone’s guess.

In closing, I’d like to applaud Shaun for staying 212. I have no doubt that at 100% he could have done what Lee Priest did years ago – breaking into the Top 6. The prize money he would have made in the open, as well as the sponsorships that would have likely followed, would have been far more lucrative than staying in the lighter division. That said, he didn’t ditch the 212 like Lunsford did. Instead he’s going to do right by it. The 212 needs an Olympia Showdown like I believe 2022 will be.

This is going to be A LOT OF FUN to watch!!