Better known as “The Blade,” Dexter Jackson remains one of bodybuilding’s most decorated champions. He has often been admired for his razor-sharp conditioning and his incredible longevity.

A recent Instagram video posted by @beyondlimittsss showed a throwback video of Jackson on the 2009 Mr Olympia stage, flexing and interacting with the crowd.

“Why They Called Him ‘The Blade’ Mr. Olympia 2009. His 2009 physique showcased: razor-sharp muscle, definition, flawless symmetry, deep muscle separation, and elite stage presentation," stated a part of the caption.

The historic battle played out over the weekend of September 25-26, 2009, inside the packed Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, where the standard of modern conditioning was permanently redefined.

Jay Cutler won the Mr. Olympia that year, while Branch Warren was the runner-up. Jackson came in at 3rd.

The official IFBB scorecards revealed just how razor-thin the margins were at the top, showing Jackson finishing with a highly competitive 47 points—falling just a single point short of matching Branch Warren's second-place score of 46

Fans quickly flooded the comments section with praise, appreciating Jackson’s 2009 Olympia look.

Fans have nothing but praise for Dexter Jackson’s 2009 Olympia physique

Despite coming in at third place, fans worldwide regard Jackson’s 2009 physique as one of his best and sharpest. The exceptional symmetry, conditioning, and aesthetics remain unmatched.

One fan commented, saying, “What a legend and longest competing bodybuilder to ever walk the biggest stage …🔥🙌”

Jackson was indeed a complete bodybuilder who had no lagging body parts on the stage.

Most bodybuilding fans seem to agree with this stance, with another fan commenting, “He beats every single current Mr Olympia competitor”.

The shape and aesthetics Jackson possesed were elite. This is in stark contrast to the mass monster type bodybuilders of the modern era.

Other fans, who supported Jackson’s winning the 2008 Olympia, said, “One of the best to ever do it….there is no doubt. Nobody on planet earth was beating Jay in ‘09. And he was off in ‘08. I'm glad the blade got himself one….”

One fan also went ahead and named his top 5 favourites, with Jackson at the top of the list. He said, “As a physique, he’s top 5 all time for me with Ray, Priest, Flex 🔥”

Talking about old-school bodybuilding vs modern bodybuilding standards, one fan commented,

“Gosh, don't you just miss when open bodybuilding had high standards for conditioning?”

The conditioning part here is referring to the modern bodybuilding scene, where the focus is more on size rather than conditioning.

Similarly, one fan said, “Old is gold 🔥 most of the current Olympia competitors can’t hold a candle to prime Dexter”.

Years later, Jackson’s 2009 Olympia physique set the benchmark for elite conditioning. Do you think Jackson deserved to be the runner-up in 2009?

Follow Bodybuilding Bros for all things fitness!

Written by

Avantika Das

Edited by

Zaid Quraishi