Regan Grimes is celebrating this morning after successful the Open class portion of the 2026 Austrian Oak Professional and incomes his spot on the Mr. Olympia remaining in Las Vegas. However celebrations within the Traditional Physique division, topped by Zhivko Petkov, had been marred by Michael Daboul, who was so upset with putting third that he could possibly be seen visibly upset on stage, protesting the end result verbally, and even refusing to interact within the official images.
Daboul’s unsportsman-like scenes unfolded as Bulgarian bodybuilder, Zhivko Petkov, was awarded first place on the IFBB Austian Oak Olympia qualifier on August 24, 2026, placing Germany’s Florian Hartlage within the runner-up spot, and leaving Daboul out in third. The large man was so upset with the judges ruling that he started to berate the panel whereas nonetheless on stage. He then began to stroll off in protest however was persuaded to return to the stage. Daboul was nonetheless unable to maintain his cool, nonetheless, and refused to interact with the official photographer, placing his fingers on his hips as Zhivko tried to hold on regardless.
“I actually apologize for the way in which I reacted after the end result,” stated Syrian bodybuilder, whereas making an apology his actions later that night. “I let my feelings take management of me and that’s not how I need to characterize myself as an expert athlete,”
Regan Grimes Qualifies for the 2026 Mr. Olympia
There was loads of positivity within the Open division in Austria, nonetheless, as Regan Grimes made a ‘higher late than by no means’ displaying on stage that earned him a spot within the largest bodybuilding occasion of the 12 months. “We’re going to the Olympia,” stated the French-Canadian as he walked backstage along with his trophy.
On the night time, Grimes flexed his well past stiff competitors from Joan Pradells who positioned third, and Damian Kuffel who made runner up.
2026 IFBB Austrian Oak Full Outcomes
Listed here are the winners from the 4 classes contested in Austra:
- Males’s Open: Regan Grimes
- Traditional Physique: Zhivko Petkov
- Bikini: Ivanna Escandar
- Ladies’s Determine: Kristina Zafirova
Joe Weider’s Olympia Health & Efficiency Weekend takes place from Sept. 24 to 27, 2026 in Las Vegas. For extra info, click on right here.
