Outside of the competitors that graced the Olympia stage, one bodybuilder that broke out as a rising star was Brett Wilkin. The Colorado native by way of Iowa surprised many people in the sport by placing second at the 2021 Chicago Pro. Hunter Labrada was ultimately crowned the winner, but Wilkin served notice that when he’s ready, he’s got next.

Many people didn’t see Wilkin coming because of how he came to prominence. He told Dennis James on the latest episode of The Menace Podcast that he turned pro in Classic Physique.

Timestamps

0:09 – How He Became “The Butcher”

2:42 – Brett as a Teenager

4:28 – Getting into Bodybuilding

9:08 – Turning Pro in Classic Physique

12:00 – Moving to Denver

15:06 – Phil Heath

16:31 – From Classic to 212

19:39 – From 212 to Open/Chicago Pro

21:36 – Why Not Do Another Show?

24:17 – Nutrition Requirements

26:36 – Arnold Classic 2022

30:16 – Responding to Critics

32:55 – Hobbies Outside of Bodybuilding

35:15 – Where He Sees Himself Against Olympia Contenders

37:15 – Qualifying for the Olympia

37:49 – Living and Prepping with a Figure Pro

44:25 – Brett’s Sponsors

46:40 – From Photos to the Stage

48:01 – Conditioning