UPDATE: Brandon Curry Says He Will Compete at the 2023 Mr. Olympia

Uncertainty Surrounding Brandon Curry’s Withdrawal from 2023 Mr. Olympia

Last updated on November 3rd, 2023

The 2023 Mr. Olympia contest faced a potential disruption to its roster just one day prior to the highly anticipated pre-judging. On November 1, Brandon Curry, the 2019 Mr. Olympia, was reported to have withdrawn from the competition due to illness. However, on November 3, Curry himself announced that he plans to compete.

Following the initial announcement by Olympia press conference host Bob Cicherillo, Curry confirmed to BarBend that he was not out of the show but awaiting approval from doctors and the IFBB Pro League. In an Instagram video, Curry revealed that he had been dealing with an ulcer flare-up but had received clearance from all necessary parties to compete.

Now that I have clearance… I’m free to compete and ready to battle.

[Tune In: How to Watch the 2023 Olympia]

[Related: Ronnie Coleman’s Top 6 2023 Mr. Olympia Predictions]

The 2023 Mr. Olympia contest has been plagued by unfortunate circumstances for its top bodybuilders. Should Curry ultimately withdraw, he would be the fifth qualified athlete to do so, and the second within a week of the competition. Prior to Curry, Nick Walker, the 2022 Mr. Olympia bronze medalist, withdrew due to a severe hamstring tear. Additionally, former two-time Mr. Olympia champion Mamdough “Big Ramy” Elssbiay and Iain Valliere, who qualified via a 2023 Toronto Pro Supershow victory, have also pulled out. Brett Wilkin, the first bodybuilder to qualify for the 2023 contest through a win at the 2022 Mr. Big Man Weekend Pro, withdrew due to digestive issues.

[Related: Chris Bumstead & Urs Kalecinski Train Arms Together One Week Before the 2023 Olympia]

2023 Mr. Olympia Roster

As of November 2, the confirmed participants for the 2023 Mr. Olympia are:

A live broadcast of all 11 IFBB divisions will be available for purchase via pay-per-view on the Olympia Productions website for $74.99.

Barbend will continue to update this article as more information on Curry’s status becomes available.

Featured image: @bisandtris on Instagram