Self respect aside, it may be the real reason he’s dropping out is that he doesn’t want to deal with the brutal backlash he’ll get on social media (from the fans and influencers) for placing out of the top five or even top six.
He and Jansen have obviously seen the recent posted photos of Hadi, Derek, Samson, and Andrew and realize he can’t beat any of them, so at best he’d be looking at fifth place. Throw in a good Curry, Hunter, or Martin, and he’d be out of the top six.
We all know how criticizing and merciless social media can be.
Then there is the matter of a health issue. Maybe he’s had some type of a health scare and Jansen knows that if they “up the dose” in order to try to get him in the top five it could seriously damage his health, or possibly even kill him. And Jansen wouldn’t want another McCarver on his hands.
I’ll never forget seeing photos of Walker when he first came on the scene. I said to myself that kid’s on a boat load of gear. I’ve seen him in person in fact and he’s not a tall guy. He’s 5’7” I would guess and to me his physique looked very “blocky.” Fireplug type.
I’ll also never forget his prediction a few years back when he said he would win ten Olympias.
My prediction: his career is over. Painful for him, painful for anyone to realize their dream isn’t going to come true.
