The ascending star gave a preview of what might soon come.
Written by Robert Zeglinski
On Apr. 4, 2023, Michal “Križo” Križánek shared an Instagram photo of himself guest posing and showing off his current physique at the 2023 Top De Colmar contest, which took place on Apr. 1, 2023. Križo wrote in his post that he had a monstrous body weight of 137 kilograms (302 pounds). The contest took place in Colmar, France.
Križo’s latest major physique reveal comes on the heels of a productive 2022 as a competitor. It might even help him to build momentum on some early success in the International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness (IFBB) Pro League. Križo took a measured approach that quickly evolved into a seamless transition from the IFBB Elite Pro League.
In the summer of 2022, Križo announced his intentions to establish himself as a bona fide Men’s Open athlete under the Pro League’s jurisdiction. The bodybuilder officially became part of the National Physique Committee (NPC) and later earned his Pro Card by winning the 2022 Amateur Olympia Italy in October.
Only a few weeks later, Križo scored his first International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness (IFBB) Pro League victory at the 2022 EVLS Prague Pro. That win would garner the competitor a spot in the 2022 Mr. Olympia, his debut at the prestigious contest. After a 12th-place finish, Križo is now assuredly coming for more.
After recent changes to the Olympia qualification system, Križo will have to win another IFBB Pro League contest to qualify for the 2023 Mr. Olympia in Orlando, FL. Only past winners and top-five finishers from the 2022 contest have automatic berths in this year’s competition. With the previous points-based system no longer in place, everyone else must earn their keep by winning a 2023 IFBB Pro League contest.
At the time of this article’s publication, Križo has not announced his upcoming competitive intentions.
Based on his Instagram posts, the athlete seems to be in the thick of his offseason training. His physique teasing and guest posing appear to merely be a preview of what might come when he does step onto a stage to compete again later this year.
In a sport like professional bodybuilding, dark horses can seemingly come out of nowhere at any given contest, let alone the flagship Olympia. At this moment in time, Križo would likely still be considered a dark horse. By the end of 2023, such a label might not do this massive competitor proper justice.
Featured image: @ifbb_pro_michalkrizokrizanek on Instagram
About Robert Zeglinski
Robert is a seasoned and adept editor and writer with a keen, passionate penchant for the writing craft. He’s been a leader in newsrooms such as SB Nation, USA TODAY, and WBBM Newsradio, with various other content and art production teams, and first made a name for himself in his hometown of Chicago. When not knee-deep in research or lost in a stream of consciousness for a thorough piece, you can find Robert inhaling yet another novel, journaling his heart out, or playing with his Shiba Inu, Maximus (Max, for short).