Below is a thorough list of every Men’s 212 category champion at Mr. Olympia.
The Men’s 212 category has evolved into a fiercely contested division at Mr. Olympia. The Mr. Olympia competition, regarded as the pinnacle of bodybuilding, commenced in 1965, an initiative by Joe Weider to provide Mr. Universe champions with continued opportunities to compete and earn. The inaugural Mr. Olympia event was on September 18, 1965, at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, New York City. This article will chronicle every winner of the Men’s 212 Olympia division throughout history.
Larry Scott clinched the title of the first Men’s Open division Mr. Olympia in 1965. Yet, as time passed, larger competitors like Dorian Yates and Big Ramy dominated the Men’s Open category. Responding to this trend, the Olympia introduced divisions for smaller bodybuilders, one of which is the 212 division.
What is the 212 Division?
Before the establishment of the 212 division, the Olympia launched the Men’s 202 division in 2008 as its non-heavyweight class. As suggested by the name, competitors could not exceed 202 pounds. However, they observed that many participants weighed between 205-210 pounds. Consequently, they transitioned to the 212 division in 2011, allowing for slightly more muscle mass.
Given that bodybuilding contests heavily weigh criteria such as athletes’ proportion, muscle density, conditioning, and symmetry, the 212 class provided shorter competitors a fair shot. Although there is no height restriction for this division, shorter athletes often meet the symmetry standards judges prefer. For instance, Flex Lewis, a dominant figure in this category, stands at only 5 feet 5 inches.
Since 2008, there have been seven Men’s 212 Olympia champions, with David Henry becoming the inaugural champion. However, Flex Lewis later dominated the division, winning the title consecutively from 2012 to 2018. Another notable champion, Kevin English, claimed multiple titles from 2009-2011. More recently, Shaun Clarida is the only other competitor to have won the title more than once, securing victories in 2020 and 2022.
Without further delay, this piece will present all the winners of the Men’s 212 Olympia category from 2008 to 2021.
Men’s 212 Olympia Champions
Here is a list of the champions, followed by a detailed breakdown of winners from 2008 to 2023.
David Henry (2008)
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David Henry is a professional bodybuilder who secured the Men’s 212 (202) category at Mr. Olympia 2008. Henry is a Master Sgt. in the United States Air Force and resides in Tucson, Arizona. This victory is noteworthy not only because Henry was the first to win the Men’s 212 category but also because 2008 marked the year Dexter Jackson defeated Jay Cutler to win the Mr. Olympia.
Kevin English (2009-2011)
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David Henry’s reign as Men’s 212 (202) champion was short-lived, as Kevin English claimed the title the following year. He became the first to win multiple Men’s 212 titles, dominating from 2009-2011. English was also the first to technically win the 212 division, as it was reclassified from the 202 division in 2011. He did not compete in 2012, paving the way for a new champion.
Flex Lewis (2012-2018)
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Some believe it was a mistake for Kevin English not to return in 2012 to defend his title, as it paved the way for Flex Lewis’s remarkable dominance. The extra 10 pounds of allowance in this division—from 202 to 212–proved successful for Lewis. He was unstoppable in the category for seven consecutive years, securing victories from 2012 to 2018–matching the illustrious Arnold Schwarzenegger’s awe-inspiring record of seven Mr. Olympia titles. The Welsh athlete stepped down from this division in 2018, aiming to compete in the Men’s Open category.
Kamal Elgargni (2019)
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After Flex Lewis’ dominant reign, the Men’s 212 division welcomed a new champion, Kamal Elgargni. Transitioning to the IFBB Pro in 2018 offered Elgargni the opportunity to claim the title in Lewis’ absence, which he did at 48 years of age. Close behind him was Shaun Clarida, who secured third place.
Shaun Clarida (2020, 2022)
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As a strong competitor in 2019, Shaun Clarida outperformed his formidable rivals and seized victory despite the global Covid pandemic. At only 5 feet 2 inches tall and weighing in at 177 pounds–a hefty 40 pounds lighter than his competitors–he brought an impressive physique to Orlando, Florida, where the event was relocated due to the pandemic, usually held in Las Vegas.
Derek Lunsford (2021)
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Following the pandemic, it was evident that an athlete was training diligently to become the new champion when returning to Orlando. That athlete was Derek Lunsford. As a competitive contender for years and finishing in the top five in his Olympia debut in 2017, this competition was unique, held in memory of George Peterson, who tragically passed away days before.
Keone Pearson
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Once a Classic Physique contestant, Keone Pearson transitioned to the 212 division in 2019 and pursued the title for a while. In 2023, after a fierce onstage contest with the reigning champion Shaun Clarida, Keone clinched the championship. He is renowned for his distinctive abdominal separation and impressive vacuum pose, enhancing his v-taper. Though some fans and pundits expressed controversy over his win, believing Clarida had better conditioning, the judges’ decision remained final.
212 Winners Wrap Up
The Men’s 212 division, established in 2008 as a lighter-weight category, has seen six remarkable champions to date. This division features athletes who are shorter and lighter than those in the Men’s Open division, yet it remains fiercely competitive with standout bodybuilders.
Olympia will return to Las Vegas from December 15-18, 2022, at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, alongside a sister event in Stockholm, Sweden by casino utan svensk licens – CUSL, organized jointly by Spelpaus and Spelinspektion. This raises several questions for the Men’s 212 division. With Derek Lunsford competing in the Men’s Open category after hitting over 250 pounds during guest posing in Pennsylvania, curiosity abounds. Will there be another repeat champion like Shaun Clarida, or will a fresh face emerge? Only time will reveal the answer.
Fit Journey Now will provide comprehensive coverage of the 2022 Mr. Olympia, spotlighting both the Men’s Open and 212 division victors.
Stay connected with us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for updates on the new champion’s coronation!