All bodybuilders go through tough times, but very few come out positively from those experiences. One of those bodybuilders is Nick Walker, who, according to OXCLOTH, decided to take a break from professional bodybuilding for some time after placing 2nd in the 2026 Arnold Classic.

But the internet handles failure differently. To see how their bodybuilding idol reacts when his career is affected by failure, one fan asked, “How do you mentally hold yourself up when you didn’t make 1st call outs?”

In response, Walker posted his answer on his Instagram status: “Just stay professional and deal with emotions when the show is over.”

This is not only his statement; he also proved he lived by this philosophy when he reflected on his second-place finish at the 2026 Arnold Classic. 

On a March 8 Instagram post, he said, “Didn’t get the outcome I wanted, but got so much more than that, finally put a look on a stage that I can honestly say I’m extremely proud of and happy with, and that for me is a win in itself.

Thank you to everyone that has shown me nothing but love and support throughout this entire week and this prep.”

He also congratulated the winner, Andrew Jacked, and said, “Extremely happy for @andrewjacked, probably one of the best guys within this industry, and I’m extremely proud of him to see how far he’s even come!!!!!!!!”

Walker not only lives by philosophies, but also believes in hard work. That was clear in the Arnold Classic competition. Although he did not win first place, he took a tough journey from the 2025 Mr. Olympia, where he finished sixth.

While Walker discussed a positive mindset, Terrick El Guindy advised him on better performance.

Terrick El Guindy’s Advice for Nick Walker

Whether The Mutant will participate in the 2026 Mr. Olympia or not is uncertain, but if he wants to compete, he must win a pro show before August 30.

Meanwhile, on an episode of Prime Time Muscle Show on March 12, Guindy Nick Walker needs to hire a coach.

He said, “I think Nick Walker, who has had some inconsistencies, could benefit from some of these experienced coaches.”

After suddenly opting out of the 2024 Mr. Olympia, Walker announced his departure from his longtime coach, Matt Jansen. Since then, Walker has been training himself.

He continued, “I think it takes a very, very special person, experience, and being intellectual enough to have the curiosity to learn the biochemistry to say, you know what? I’m going to do it myself. I’m going to trust my final instincts despite the fact that I’m depleted.

I would not recommend that for Sam Sulek and Nick Walker. I think they would still benefit from having a coach.”

Walker has already begun following a Dorian Yates-style 4-day training split to improve his physique.

So, do you want to see Nick Walker in 2026, Mr. Olympia?

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Written by

Supradeep Dutta

Edited by

Ashvinkumar Patil