A decade ago, the IFBB pro bodybuilder Erin Banks didn't look like he could win a bodybuilding contest, but the 36-year-old currently holds multiple accolades in the sport, all thanks to his dedication.

About a week ago, Banks delved into a social media trend that became massively popular. Like many others, the two-time Arnold Classic champion posted a snap from 2016 on Instagram to highlight the startling transformation he had undergone in a decade.

Banks also penned a lengthy caption to disclose his fat-to-fit journey, which required him to "overcome every obstacle" in his way. Despite being a "three-sport athlete", Banks accepted that he got out of shape due to his own "slip."

Banks' subsequent words revealed his comeback story. He penned, "But one thing that’s never changed? I’ve always found a way to overcome every obstacle in front of me. This is about showing up daily, staying locked in, and trusting the process. No shortcuts. No excuses. Just consistency, one day at a time."

The 36-year-old ended his caption with advice for his followers, writing, "Don’t be my 2016 [version]."

Banks may not be disappointed with finishing fourth at the 2025 Mr. Olympia, but his resume suggests he has the potential to do a lot better. But has he already started preparing for the 2026 contests?

Erin Banks has locked his eyes on the target

Given the prestigious accolades Banks has earned, it is safe to say that winning the 2026 Mr. Olympia would be one of his primary goals this year. And the two-time Arnold Classic winner has already started gearing up for the contest, scheduled for September.

On January 8, Banks announced the beginning of his preparations for the 2026 season through an Instagram post.

He stated, "It’s time again. Fun is over. Time to lock it down. I have nothing to prove but everything to prove. I needed this mental break for a lot of reasons. I needed the setbacks. I needed the doubt. I needed the letdowns to light a fire in me and force me to level up."

While Banks also claimed that he would be "sharper, hungrier, and focused" this time, do you think he will be able to prove his words by winning Mr. Olympia or the Arnold Classic?

Written by

Supradeep Dutta

Edited by

Souvik Roy