rxmuscle
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In breaking news, RXMuscle reports that former President Trump’s newly announced travel ban could impact athletes from 19 countries — with Iran facing full restrictions. This raises serious questions about whether Hadi Choopan, the 2022 Mr. Olympia, and other qualified Iranian athletes will be allowed to enter the U.S. for the 2025 Olympia.
The ban appears strict on paper, but there’s a key exception: Section 4b of the proclamation allows athletes and coaches to enter for “major sporting events” — if approved by the Secretary of State. While “World Cup” is explicitly mentioned, the Olympia would need official recognition under that clause.
Hadi may have an advantage. He’s consistently entered and exited the U.S. legally and is backed by Evogen, a strong U.S.-based sponsor. This track record and corporate support could help him get clearance, even under stricter policies.
Others like Behrooz Tabani, who’s been qualified multiple times but denied entry, might now have a fighting chance if the Olympia gets formally whitelisted. Similar exceptions could apply if athletes are tied to business entities exhibiting at the event, like Panatta.
Bottom line: It’s not a guaranteed block — it’s a waiting game. If the Olympia is granted “major event” status by U.S. officials, the path may remain open for Choopan and other elite competitors to step on stage in Vegas.
Stay tuned and discuss below — will politics sideline top-tier bodybuilding talent?
President Trump has enacted a travel restrictions on 19 countries, with Iran landing on the "fully restricted" list. The proclamation does, however, include exceptions for athletes traveling for major sporting events. The language specifically includes the World Cup, as Iran's national soccer team is qualified for the 2026 World Cup, which will be played in the US, Canada, and Mexico. On paper, these travel restrictions should not impact the 2022 Mr. Olympia, Hadi Choopan, and theoretically other Olympia-qualified Iranian athletes.
The ban appears strict on paper, but there’s a key exception: Section 4b of the proclamation allows athletes and coaches to enter for “major sporting events” — if approved by the Secretary of State. While “World Cup” is explicitly mentioned, the Olympia would need official recognition under that clause.
Hadi may have an advantage. He’s consistently entered and exited the U.S. legally and is backed by Evogen, a strong U.S.-based sponsor. This track record and corporate support could help him get clearance, even under stricter policies.
Others like Behrooz Tabani, who’s been qualified multiple times but denied entry, might now have a fighting chance if the Olympia gets formally whitelisted. Similar exceptions could apply if athletes are tied to business entities exhibiting at the event, like Panatta.
Bottom line: It’s not a guaranteed block — it’s a waiting game. If the Olympia is granted “major event” status by U.S. officials, the path may remain open for Choopan and other elite competitors to step on stage in Vegas.
Stay tuned and discuss below — will politics sideline top-tier bodybuilding talent?
President Trump has enacted a travel restrictions on 19 countries, with Iran landing on the "fully restricted" list. The proclamation does, however, include exceptions for athletes traveling for major sporting events. The language specifically includes the World Cup, as Iran's national soccer team is qualified for the 2026 World Cup, which will be played in the US, Canada, and Mexico. On paper, these travel restrictions should not impact the 2022 Mr. Olympia, Hadi Choopan, and theoretically other Olympia-qualified Iranian athletes.
