Talking Olympia Weekend Business with Dan Solomon

In this episode, Matt Weik and Jimmy Mentis sit down with the Chief Olympia Officer, Dan Solomon, to discuss everything that goes into the Olympia Weekend. We chat about the changes to the Olympia, the new faces brought on the enhance the overall production, and what we are to expect this year. Enjoy the episode!

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What is Olympia Weekend?

Olympia Weekend (often called The Olympia or Mr. Olympia Weekend) is the biggest and most prestigious event in the bodybuilding world. It’s essentially the Super Bowl of bodybuilding — where the best physique athletes on the planet come together to compete for the sport’s top titles.

Here’s a quick breakdown of what it is and what happens during the weekend:

The Main Event: Mr. Olympia

The centerpiece of Olympia Weekend is the Mr. Olympia competition — a men’s bodybuilding contest that started in 1965, created by Joe Weider. The winner earns the title of Mr. Olympia, which represents the pinnacle of achievement in the sport. Icons like Arnold Schwarzenegger, Ronnie Coleman, Jay Cutler, and Phil Heath have all won this title.

Other Divisions

Over time, the Olympia has expanded to include multiple divisions for both men and women, such as:

Men’s Physique
Classic Physique
212 Bodybuilding
Women’s Physique
Figure
Bikini
Wellness
Fitness

Each division showcases different ideals of muscularity, symmetry, and conditioning.

The Expo

The Olympia Expo runs alongside the competitions and draws tens of thousands of fans. It features:

Fitness and supplement brands showcasing their products
Athlete meet-and-greets
Live demonstrations, seminars, and giveaways
Competitions in powerlifting, strongman, MMA, CrossFit, and more

The Experience

Olympia Weekend isn’t just a bodybuilding show — it’s a massive celebration of fitness, health, and strength culture. Fans, athletes, coaches, and brands from around the world gather to network, compete, and celebrate the sport.

In short: Olympia Weekend is where legends are made — and where the world sees who truly has the best physique on Earth.

Who is Dan Solomon?

Dan Solomon is a key figure in the bodybuilding and fitness industry — best known as the President and Chief Olympia Officer of the Mr. Olympia organization. He oversees all aspects of Olympia Weekend, including the competitions, athlete experience, marketing, sponsorships, and production of the event.

Here’s a deeper look at who he is and what he’s done:

Role in the Olympia

Dan Solomon took leadership of the Olympia brand after Jake Wood (a longtime bodybuilding supporter and entrepreneur) acquired it from American Media, Inc. in 2020. Under Solomon’s direction, the Olympia has grown dramatically in scale and professionalism — with bigger prize purses, improved production value, and more global visibility.

He’s been instrumental in turning Olympia Weekend into not just a bodybuilding show, but a world-class fitness festival that celebrates all aspects of the industry.

Media and Industry Background

Before running the Olympia, Dan Solomon built a strong reputation in fitness media:

He was a writer, producer, and commentator for major bodybuilding and fitness events.
He co-produced the award-winning documentary Generation Iron (which featured Phil Heath and followed the sport in the modern era).
He hosted Bodybuilding Radio, one of the industry’s most popular podcasts of its time.
He’s interviewed nearly every major name in bodybuilding, from Arnold Schwarzenegger to Jay Cutler and Ronnie Coleman.

Business and Vision

Solomon’s leadership style blends business acumen with a deep respect for bodybuilding culture. His goal has been to grow the Olympia brand while keeping its roots — honoring the athletes, fans, and legacy Joe Weider built. Under his watch, the event has expanded globally and gained renewed credibility and excitement.

In short: Dan Solomon is the man responsible for shaping the modern era of the Olympia — a businessman, media producer, and lifelong advocate for bodybuilding and fitness.

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