The message from Ryan Terry’s latest update is clear.
The reigning three-time Men’s Physique Olympia champion is already sitting at an impressive 228 pounds fasted with just under 15 weeks remaining until he steps on stage to defend his title. For many athletes, being this heavy so close to the Olympia could raise concerns about conditioning. For Ryan , it only raises expectations.
Because if history has taught us anything, it’s that conditioning has never been a problem for the champion.
In fact, many believe Ryan is looking better than ever at this stage of preparation. His trademark razor-sharp condition remains intact while his physique continues to mature. Over the past few years, Ryan has transformed one of the most complete physiques in the division into arguably the standard that everyone else is chasing.
His back has become one of the best in Men’s Physique history, showcasing incredible width, detail, and density. From the front, his structure, shoulder-to-waist ratio, and overall balance create a look that is exceptionally difficult to beat.
And perhaps most importantly, Ryan has not lost since May 2023.
That kind of dominance doesn’t happen by accident.
However, if Ryan wants to make history in Las Vegas and tie the legendary Jeremy Buendia with four Men’s Physique Olympia titles, he will have to survive what could be the toughest Olympia lineup the division has ever seen.
Ali Bilal – The Perennial Threat
If there is one athlete who has pushed Ryan Terry harder than anyone else over the last two years, it is Ali Bilal.
The two-time Olympia runner-up is regarded by many as having the best front pose in the entire division. His combination of shape, structure, conditioning, and presentation creates a look that judges consistently reward.
Many fans also argue that Bilal brings the sharpest conditioning not only in Men’s Physique but in all of bodybuilding. Every time he steps on stage, he arrives peeled, detailed, and ready to challenge for the title.
While Ryan may currently hold the crown, Ali remains the athlete many consider his greatest rival.
And after two consecutive second-place Olympia finishes, Ali will be hungrier than ever to finally take the title that has narrowly escaped him.
Brandon Hendrickson – Chasing History
Never count out a champion.
That was the message Brandon Hendrickson delivered when he won the Arnold Classic earlier this year.
The three-time Men’s Physique Olympia champion reminded the world exactly why he is considered one of the greatest competitors the division has ever seen. His Arnold victory wasn’t just another trophy it was a warning shot to the rest of the field.
Brandon knows exactly what it takes to win on bodybuilding’s biggest stage.
Now he returns to the Olympia with an opportunity to make history of his own. A fourth title would move him alongside Jeremy Buendia and further cement his legacy as one of the all-time greats.
Experience matters at the Olympia, and few athletes possess more championship experience than Hendrickson.
If Ryan Terry slips even slightly, Brandon will be ready.
Kyron Holden – The Man Many Believe Will Dethrone the King
No competitor enters the 2026 Olympia with more momentum than Kyron Holden.
The Men's Physique star is one of the most talked-about athletes in Men’s Physique, and for good reason. Following his impressive Pittsburgh Pro victory, Tyler Manion made a statement that sent shockwaves throughout the bodybuilding community, describing Kyron’s physique as one of the best looks the division has ever seen on stage.
That’s high praise.
But many fans believe it was fully deserved.
Kyron’s victory over Ali Bilal was arguably the biggest statement of his career. It proved he can defeat an athlete widely considered one of the best in the world and immediately established him as a legitimate Olympia title contender.
His combination of structure, fullness, shape, and stage presence has convinced many observers that he is the future of the division.
The only question remaining is whether that future begins this year.
Because beating Ali Bilal was one thing.
Beating Ryan Terry is something entirely different.
The Road to History
At 228 pounds fasted and looking arguably better than ever, Ryan Terry appears firmly on course for another dominant Olympia showing.
His conditioning remains elite. His back continues to improve. His front pose is still one of the most difficult shots in the division to beat. And perhaps most importantly, he enters as the defending champion carrying the confidence of an athlete who simply doesn’t know how to lose.
But unlike previous years, the challengers are stronger than ever.
Ali Bilal wants redemption.
Brandon Hendrickson wants history.
Kyron Holden wants the crown.
Standing in their way is a champion who is chasing a record of his own.
15 weeks from now, Ryan Terry has the opportunity to tie Jeremy Buendia’s legendary mark of four Men’s Physique Olympia titles, as does Brandon.
The question is simple.
And still or and new?
