I’m a 40-year-old Mr. Olympia champion – fans harassing you on social media have made the sport “brutal” but I carry on

A MR Olympic champion has shared the “brutal” realities of a 40-year-old bodybuilder in the spotlight.

Brandon Curry, who won the coveted title in 2019, said it can really hurt to be judged on social media, but nothing will stop him from perfecting his incredible physique.

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At 40, Curry has seen the bodybuilding world change rapidly since he started training in the early 2000s.

“Before, you only had to face the scrutiny of the judges and only heard from fans through fan mail,” he said in an exclusive interview with The US Sun.

“Most fans who don’t care about you don’t spend the money on the stamp to write to you.

“But now with social media, anyone can access you at any time.”

Curry said social media had made the sport “brutal” as fans could “harass” him throughout the day.

And with 1.2 million followers on Instagram, the bodybuilding legend has amassed an audience that really packs a punch.

However, with nearly two decades of fierce competition, Curry has proven he’s above petty criticism and keeps an eye on the prize.

“You have to be passionate about the sport,” said the resilient man.

Curry won the 2019 Mr. Olympia and finished second to Mamdouh “Big Ramy” Elssibay for the next two straight years.

Fans were shocked when Curry finished fifth in last year’s competition, with some saying he “should have won” due to his outrageous physique.

Curry appeared to address the comments in an Instagram post that showed him flexing his massive muscles ahead of the showdown.

“We live, we learn and we gain wisdom,” he wrote.

While showing off his muscles, he also showed his maturity and mental toughness against setbacks.

“I’m still enjoying the process. From once a spoiled brat who got angry when things didn’t go my way, to what was meant to improve me along the way.

“Everything has a purpose, don’t forget to look for it.”

STRONG BEGINNINGS

Before becoming The Prodigy, Curry was a collegiate athlete at Middle Tennessee State University.

The Nashville native played on the school’s football team while pursuing an exercise science degree.

After college, he found a local gym in Murfreesboro, where a trainer approached him about participating in a beginner’s show.

From carrying a speedometer in front of a massive audience to striking odd poses, Curry had every right to be apprehensive, but he eventually agreed to try it.

The friend put him on a strict diet and fitness regime and trained him hard for several weeks before the showdown happened.

The rookie entered the stage with no experience and was shocked to claim victory.

Back in 2003, bodybuilding was just a budding hobby, but that was about to change very soon.

“I was hooked,” he told The US Sun.

“I went to the national level show in Atlanta and ended up coming in second place.”

In 2011, Curry enrolled in his first-ever Mr. Olympia, where he immediately became a fierce competitor.

He started with low expectations but surprisingly finished eighth against some of the biggest competitors in the business.

Over the next few years, he started a family with his wife, Brandy, and began falling off in shows.

However, in 2016 he made a crucial change in his life when he was introduced to an incredible coach, Abdullah Alotaibi.

The trainer suggested that Curry fly to Kuwait and spend some time in intensive training.

Thus began his year-long journey to the 2019 Mr. Olympia.

LEGENDARY FIGURE

When he faced the competition in 2019, Curry said he was waiting to be challenged.

“It’s like I had this expectation of winning and actually getting a title,” he told The US Sun.

“It was just so close.”

He described a behind-the-scenes scene where competitors can interact with the media and witness who gets the most attention.

It was clear that Curry was the one to beat.

“This is the moment,” he said, reflecting on his victory.

“It finally happened.

“Despite all the adversity and ups and downs I’ve been through, we’ve finally reached the top.”

All greatness comes to an end, but Curry said he has no intention of stopping – for now.

“I know I’m almost before the time to hang it up,” he said.

“I probably don’t want to compete past 45, but right now my body is still responsive. I was able to come to this stage here bigger and better than ever.

“It’s just that I’m hungry enough to keep pursuing it.

“Right now, I still am. I still challenge myself. I’m still having fun.”

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