Derek Lunsford
Name:
Derek Lunsford
Title:
IFBB Pro Bodybuilder - 2023 Mr. Olympia
Instagram:
Hometown:
Petersburg, Indiana
Current Location:
Tampa, Florida
Family:
- Wife: Jhelsin Lunsford
- Daughter: Evelyn “Evie” Lunsford
- Pet (Dog): Morkie named Nala
Occupation:
- Self-Employed Entrepreneur
- Professional Athlete
- Public Figure
How did you start competing?
I’ve been an athlete my whole life. I wasn’t always the best at every sport, but I loved it and worked incredibly hard to be my best at whatever I chose to do. Wrestling was the sport that taught me the most discipline and provided the foundation for my bodybuilding career. While wrestling in college, I realized there would likely be no future career path for me in wrestling. Instead of pursuing fighting, I discovered competitive bodybuilding and learned about the prestigious Mr. Olympia title. The only way to get there is through the NPC and IFBB Pro League. Despite being considered "small" for a wrestler, I dedicated myself to bodybuilding and the pursuit of becoming Mr. Olympia.
How long have you been competing?
I entered my first NPC competition in 2015 as a welterweight, weighing somewhere around 160lbs or less.
What’s your proudest achievement in your sport?
There are several standout moments in my bodybuilding journey:
- 2015: Winning my first national competition (NPC Jr. Nationals) in my first year competing.
- 2016: Winning my first overall competition at both regional and national levels (NPC MBOC & NPC Jr. Nationals).
- 2017: Winning the title of Mr. USA, winning my pro debut in the 212 bodybuilding division at the IFBB Pro Tampa Pro (6 days later), and placing top 5 in the world in the 212 bodybuilding division at the Olympia (all within less than 2 months).
- 2021: Winning the 212 Olympia.
- 2022: Placing 2nd in the Open bodybuilder Mr. Olympia competition at my Open bodybuilding debut.
- 2023: Winning the title of Mr. Olympia, becoming the first ever 2-division Olympia champion in history, and the 18th Mr. Olympia of all time.
What are your favorite foods to eat?
I generally eat MegaFit Meals regularly. For a cheat meal, I enjoy a good sushi restaurant, burger joint, or steakhouse.
What do you like to do outside the gym?
I love to travel and explore new parts of the world. At home, I cherish spending time with my wife and daughter. I regularly attend church services on Sundays and spend time throughout the week with my fellow Christian brothers.
Who are your inspirations, or who do you look up to?
I strive to embody the teachings and life of Jesus Christ. In the realm of bodybuilding, my inspirations include Jay Cutler, Phil Heath, and Flex Lewis, among others. More broadly, I admire individuals from various walks of life who strive for excellence, maintain a positive attitude, and exhibit kindness towards others.
What’s something about you that not many people know?
I used to participate in plays and musicals. While I may not pursue acting anymore, I still find it entertaining.
What superpower would you want to have?
Teleportation. It would allow me to accomplish much more and visit more places without the need to travel for 20+ hours.