Months after Mr. Olympia 2023 concluded, athletes who couldn’t qualify for the 2024 Olympia contest are now working harder to secure their spots. Every pro show (before September 15th) is crucial for their qualification to this prestigious bodybuilding event. During the second week of June, two IFBB Pro competitions concluded: the Sheru Classic and the Toronto Pro.

The 2024 Toronto Pro kicked off with a bang, showcasing incredible talent and thrilling victories across multiple divisions. On Instagram, the official page of the Toronto Pro shared the names of those who saw victory during the event. Let’s see who those were.

The men who qualified for the 2024 Olympia

In the Men’s Open division, Akim Williams made a grand entrance in his 2024 season debut, securing an Olympia qualification. Williams, who had previously ranked as high as sixth in the 2020 Olympia, received a perfect score from the judges. This victory ensured his sixth appearance at the Olympia. Despite a disappointing finish outside the top 15 in 2022 and skipping the 2023 contest, Williams is back in top form.

Quinton Eriya from Canada took second place, while John Jewett from the United States claimed third. Robin Strand, another Canadian, and Tim Budesheim from Germany rounded out the top five. Now comes one of the most popular categories of recent times, which Chris Bumstead has ruled over for the last five years.

In the Classic Physique division, Niall Darwen made his mark with a flawless performance, earning his first pro win and Olympia qualification. In just his second year as a professional, Darwen’s dominance was evident from his perfect score. Blake Course from Canada and German Pastor from Spain secured second and third places. Andrea Mammoli from Italy and Jimmy Sirard from Canada finished in fourth and fifth positions.

The reigning champion in the 212 division, Keone Pearson, who defeated Shaun Clarida, will face competition from Giuseppe Christian Zagarella. Zagarella claimed his first pro 212 bodybuilding win. Interestingly, it was his second show of the year. Transitioning from Classic Physique, Zagarella’s victory grants him his first Olympia qualification.

Drew Cullen secured his second win in the Men’s physique division, which guaranteed his return to the Olympia stage. Furthermore, Kristof Hornos transitioned from amateur to pro spectacularly in the Men’s Wheelchair division. After earning his pro card on June 8, 2024, he won his debut the next day, defeating Anand Arnold from India and qualifying for the Olympia. Let’s delve into the remaining Olympia qualifiers, covering everything in the Women’s bodybuilding divisions.

The women who confirmed their spots at the Olympia

Ava Melillo impressed in her pro debut in Women’s Bodybuilding, winning decisively over Sheena Ohlig (USA) and Nadia Capotosto (Italy), earning a spot at the 2024 Ms. Olympia. In the figure division, Lena Ramsteiner triumphed over Maggie Watson and Manon Dutilly from Canada, who completed the top three.

Maxine Alexandra Somov excelled in the Bikini division, becoming the only Canadian pro champion to secure Olympia qualification from the event. Besides, Tracey Guile made a dramatic pro debut in the Women’s Physique division, edging out Olivia Bian to secure her Olympia qualification. Alexis Nicole won the Wellness division, earning her Olympia spot after overcoming 13 rivals.

Out of the ten athletes who secured spots in the Olympia, a few were debutants in the pro divisions. Earning an Olympia spot in their debut adds an extra layer of excitement to the upcoming 2024 Olympia, making it one of the year’s most anticipated shows.