Joe Mackey is on a mission. The International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness (IFBB) Pro League competitor has built a following thanks to his immense feats of strength. Now, he’s chiseling that mass, stepping away from the platform, and focusing on his prep for the 2022 IFBB Texas Pro, set to occur on August 12-13, 2022, in Irving, Texas.
On July 24, 2022, Mackey’s coach Miloš Šarčev shared an update on Mackey’s physique where largely every aspect of the athlete’s body — like his arms, legs, shoulders, and abs — looks positively ripped. Check out the physique update below:
[Related: The Best Sled Workouts For Muscle, Strength, Fat Loss, And Recovery]
The 58-year-old Šarčev is a former IFBB competitor who notably won the 1989 Mr. Universe contest. Mackey expressed appreciation for Šarčev’s continued tutelage over his own Instagram profile. He also complimented the Dragon’s Lair Gym in Las Vegas, NV — owned by seven-time 212 Olympia winner Flex Lewis — while hinting at more regular appearances in Sin City.
“Great workout and posing with my coach [Miloš Šarčev],” Mackey writes. Huge thanks to the Dragon’s Lair Gym. Top-notch facility with a great environment and equipment. Definitely will be my go-to place when I’m in Vegas.”
At the time of this article’s publication, Mackey hasn’t confirmed his plans to try and qualify for the 2022 Mr. Olympia — taking place on Dec. 16-18.
Mackey’s Road Ahead
In late April 2022, Mackey joined the 900-pound deadlift club. He followed that personal record (PR) by deadlifting 385.5-kilograms (850 pounds) during the 2022 Iron Wars VI. While those achievements are noteworthy, winning the 2022 Texas Pro could open a lot of bodybuilding doors for Mackey.
For one, per the IFBB Pro League’s standards, a victory would garner Mackey an automatic qualification to the 2022 Olympia. Should Mackey fall short of the top spot on the podium in Texas, a top-five result in the Tier 4 contest would at least give him some points (one through four from fifth to second place, respectively) in the overall qualification process. Provided Mackey finishes in the top three amongst Men’s Open competitors at the end of the Olympia qualification period on November 20, 2022 — he would capture a spot in the prestigious contest.
[Related: The 20 Best Leg Exercises For Size And Strength]
According to NPC News Online, Mackey’s best result in five IFBB Pro League competitions since 2016 is an eighth-place finish at the 2020 Tampa Pro. In his most recent appearance on an official stage during the 2021 Chicago Pro, Mackey finished in 12th place. The bodybuilder competed in the Men’s Open division during both contests.
Given his recent training progress, the steady hand of a bodybuilding legend helping him, and overall versatility, it might be foolish to overlook Mackey’s coming chances. In due time, a berth for Mackey in the 2022 Mr. Olympia could seem inevitable.
Featured image: @milossarcev on Instagram