Shaun Clarida just wrapped up 2025 with an impressive 212 Olympia qualification after taking victory at the Huanji China Pro on December 14. It’s a remarkable end to a year that began in February when “The Giant Killer” left its mark on the top ten of the Open Division at the Arnold Classicseventh.
In October, the bodybuilder competed in the 2025 212 Olympic final and finished a close second behind Keone Pearson, a man who has now won the title three times. However, Clarida would gain the upper hand over the champion elsewhere and qualify in the Open division for the 2026 Olympia at the Japan Pro in November. Despite his efforts, Pearson has not yet been able to achieve this feat. He placed fourth in his attempt to qualify for the Open at the EVLS Prague Pro. However, last weekend Clarida also kept his 212 division options open by winning the Huanji China Pro. And while Olympia rules prevent him from competing in the finals of either division, the bodybuilder who topped the 212 Olympia in 2017 and 2018 and is looking for his own three-peat explains the real method behind his muscles.
Shaun Clarida explains the method behind his muscles in 2025
“The plan from the beginning of the season was to do multiple shows this year,” Clarida explained via Instagram after his fifth show and 212 qualifying in China. “It has certainly been one of my most successful and memorable seasons ever,” he added, noting it was also his longest season. Clarida took the time to thank his family and coach John Jewett and John’s wife, Roxy, for their continued support. “I’ve said before that this takes a village,” he explained. “And there’s no way I could do this without my village. God has always come first and he has truly continued to bless me and my family.”
Throughout 2025, Clarida has delivered a detailed physique rich in muscle, definition and conditioning, and it will undoubtedly take some time over the holidays to determine a strategy for 2026, likely concluding that he poses a serious threat to Keone Pearson’s hold on the 212 title.
The Mr. The 2026 Olympia event has now been officially announced for September 24 to 27. for more information click here.
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