I finished second at the 2022 Mr. Olympia – people can’t believe my “amazing transformation” and they use me as motivation

A MR Olympia finalist reminded his followers that hard work pays off as he shared his “gorgeous” physique transformation.

Derek Lunsford, 29, took second place in the men’s Open division at this year’s glitzy bodybuilding competition.

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He was only beaten by winner Hadi Choopan, whom he hailed as nothing but “friendly”, “supportive” and “an inspiration to many”.

In a motivational post today, Lunsford urged his supporters to “keep going” if they want to see the same success.

“Remember everyone starts somewhere,” the chiseled athlete wrote alongside a series of Instagram snaps comparing his frame from 2015 to 2022.

“Don’t let the distance of your journey intimidate you to get started.

“Never stop, never give up.

“Keep at it and take every challenge as an opportunity to become a stronger, better version of yourself.

“The milestones will add up. One day you will look back and see how far you’ve come. Stay engaged.”

The pictures show Lunsford early in his career, with a much slimmer build than he is today.

His latest pictures, on the other hand, show a chiseled hunk with huge back muscles, bulging biceps and outrageously defined legs.

Fans were quick to comment, with many praising Lunsford’s “great work”.

One person wrote: “Insane transformation.”

Another said: “Perfect example of hard work, consistency and not settling for less than the best overtime. unreal man.”

Another added, “Stunning transformation.”

A fourth wrote: “Pure motivation.”

Lunsford was born in 1993 in Petersburg, Indiana.

While in high school, he excelled on the football team and was also a promising amateur wrestler.

Before Lunsford found fame, he had to get creative at the gym due to the lack of a wrestling program at his chosen college.

He began challenging himself with ever heavier weights and eventually developed a strong interest in bodybuilding.

After teaming up with a personal trainer who put him on the right track, Lunsford made his amateur bodybuilding debut at just 22 years old.

He would win the first contest he entered and take welterweight gold at the 2015 NPC Indianapolis Championships.

Since then his career has gone from strength to strength.

He turned pro in 2017 and unleashed his incredible physique around the world, first at the Mr. Olympia the following year.

The strongman fuels his incredible physique with up to six meals a day to support his grueling gym workouts.

Lunsford received a “special invitation” to the 2022 competition as he could no longer safely gain weight for the 212 division.

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