Nick Walker's Split with Coach Matt Jansen: Inside the Allegations of ‘Fake Gear’ and Prepping Issues

[Bodybuilding News]

Nick Walker's Departure from Matt Jansen: A Shocking Move​

Nick Walker, one of the most promising bodybuilders of recent times, made headlines when he parted ways with his long-time coach Matt Jansen. This unexpected split has raised numerous questions and sparked a debate within the bodybuilding community. Walker, who was considered a strong contender for the 2024 Mr. Olympia title, surprised fans when he announced his withdrawal from the competition. What was initially framed as a decision based on his body's lack of response during contest prep has since unraveled into a more complicated and controversial story. Allegations of mismanagement, fake gear, and coaching malpractice have surfaced, thanks to fellow bodybuilder Quinton Eriya.

Quinton Eriya’s Explosive Accusations Against Jansen​

Quinton Eriya, another athlete previously coached by Jansen, publicly shared his perspective on the situation. In a candid YouTube video, Eriya accused Jansen of using fake steroid allegations as a cover-up for his coaching shortcomings. According to Eriya, Jansen told 11 different athletes that they had used fake gear when their physiques didn’t meet expectations.

Eriya shared his disbelief, stating, "If it's fake gear, how did it take over 10 weeks for the coach to notice? No. That’s a coaching issue." This damning statement suggests that the issues go beyond just Walker's 2024 Mr. Olympia prep and point toward a broader pattern of mismanagement.

The History Between Nick Walker and Matt Jansen​

Nick Walker and Matt Jansen’s coaching relationship has been one of highs and lows. Their journey began with incredible success, as Walker stormed through 2021, winning the New York Pro and Arnold Classic and securing a top-five placement at the Mr. Olympia. However, their partnership has faced repeated disruptions. In 2022, they briefly split before reuniting just in time for the Mr. Olympia, where Walker placed third.

Despite their reunion, the following years were marked by setbacks. In 2023, a hamstring injury forced Walker to withdraw from the Olympia stage. Again in 2024, Walker stepped down, citing his body’s failure to respond during prep. But with Eriya’s allegations in the mix, it appears that the problems might run deeper than just physical challenges.

Eriya’s Frustration with Jansen’s Coaching​

Eriya’s experience with Jansen mirrors Walker’s recent struggles. After a year-long off-season, Eriya returned to the 2024 New York Pro, where his physique appeared notably diminished, both in size and conditioning. He later revealed that Jansen blamed the outcome on fake gear. In his YouTube video, Eriya expressed his anger at this accusation, suggesting that over-reliance on extreme cardio sessions and poor coaching decisions were to blame for his lackluster showing.

Eriya’s account is chilling: “I thought it was just a me thing… but after hearing what others went through, it’s clear there’s a bigger issue at hand.”

The Allegations of Fake Gear: A Deeper Dive​

The most controversial claim centers on Jansen’s alleged reliance on blaming fake steroids for his athletes' underperformance. According to Eriya, Jansen repeatedly used this excuse with multiple clients, including Nick Walker, when results didn’t go as planned. This narrative raises several questions: How often did Jansen use this excuse? Were athletes truly using fake gear, or was this a scapegoat for flawed coaching strategies?

Eriya claims that it took far too long for Jansen to address Walker’s body not responding during his 2024 Olympia prep. “You’re telling me his coach didn’t realize something was off? His body wasn’t responding at 14 weeks, 12 weeks, 10 weeks out?”

Athlete Frustration and the Fallout​

Walker’s silence on the matter, aside from his brief statement on parting ways with Jansen, has left room for speculation. Eriya’s bold assertions have opened the floodgates, with other athletes coming forward to share their frustrations. Shaun Clarida and Brett Wilkin have both reportedly distanced themselves from Jansen, fueling rumors that this might be more than an isolated issue.

Eriya has gone so far as to accuse Jansen of causing Clarida’s disappointing 2024 Olympia showing by mismanaging his prep. Eriya claims that Jansen’s poor advice led to Clarida appearing flat on stage, which impacted his ability to challenge top competitors like Keone Pearson.

Coaching Malpractice in Bodybuilding: A Growing Concern​

The bodybuilding industry is no stranger to controversy when it comes to coaching practices. As more athletes like Nick Walker and Quinton Eriya speak out, the spotlight is increasingly being placed on the ethics and professionalism of high-profile bodybuilding coaches. Coaching malpractice, whether intentional or due to negligence, can have serious ramifications for an athlete’s career and health.

In recent years, several prominent athletes have decided to part ways with their coaches, citing similar issues of mismanagement. This growing trend has raised awareness about the importance of proper guidance, especially when athletes are pushing their bodies to the absolute limit.

The Road Ahead for Nick Walker​

For Nick Walker, the decision to part ways with Matt Jansen signals a significant shift in his career. The bodybuilding world eagerly awaits his next move—whether he will reveal more details about his split with Jansen or remain focused on his comeback. Fans and competitors alike are hopeful that Walker will find a new coach who can guide him back to the Olympia stage, stronger and more prepared than ever before.

Conclusion: A Turning Point for Coaching in Bodybuilding?​

The revelations from Quinton Eriya and other athletes have shed light on serious concerns regarding coaching ethics and accountability in bodybuilding. As more athletes speak out, it’s clear that the pressure is mounting on coaches like Matt Jansen to uphold the highest standards of professionalism. Nick Walker’s story is far from over, and the bodybuilding community will be watching closely to see how this situation unfolds.