“I will be taking this year off from competing. I haven’t had a break since 2016,” Hunter Labrada said earlier this year. He announced the long-overdue pause after grinding under heavy weights for a long time. But the reset went deeper than rest alone. Labrada also underwent shoulder surgery in August. Now, with rehab progressing on schedule, he is gearing up to take the next step.

Labrada took to social media last week to make the big announcement. "Think surgery was like four and five months before, so coming towards the end of, you know, should be the rehab-recovery portion of it," he said, before revealing when he plans to return.

"Its time to grow for the 2026 season.” Hunter Labrada said in the video. Back in May, he announced that he was stepping away from competition to focus on himself and prioritize his family, friends, and personal relationships over bodybuilding. It was a difficult admission, but a necessary one.

Son of bodybuilding icon Lee Labrada, Hunter Labrada last competed back in 2024 at the Mr Olympia. Carrying immense expectations, he has largely lived up to them. He reached his competitive peak at the 2021 Mr. Olympia, finishing fourth.

Fans believe Labrada has what it takes to be as great as his dad, who competed at Mr. Olympia seven times (1987–1993) and placed inside the top four each time. “I'm getting excited, you know, the last couple of weeks have been the first time in two to three years that it hasn't been absolutely exhausting to train,” he said at the end.

But what about his surgery? Has he recovered from it? Well, let’s hear it from the man himself.

Hunter Labrada on his rehabbing shoulder

Back in August, Hunter Labrada shared a montage on his Instagram, opening up about both his mental and physical state. “I finally got the shoulder procedure I’ve probably needed for three years now,” he revealed in the video.

“In addition to rehabbing the shoulder and getting my head right, I’ve spent a lot of time on what matters to me, reconnecting with my family and friends." Labrada added.

After finishing 6th at the 2024 Olympia, Hunter Habrada seems keen on getting back on track and back inside the top five. Thankfully, he also said that, "things are firing in the gym again. Mentally, I feel refreshed."

So, with the past in the rear-view mirror, Hunter is hoping for a brighter future, but will he be able to oust the ghosts of the past? Time will tell.

Written by

Suryakant Das

Edited by

Sagnik Bagchi