On Episode 309 of The Menace Podcast, host Dennis James was joined by Milos Sarcev and Jose Raymond, and the panel discussed Shawn Clarida’s bright potential in the Open bodybuilding category.
Clarida is currently dipping his toes into the Open waters to great success. The man they call “The Giant Killer” stands a just 5 feet and 2 inches tall, but his lofty achievements include two Olympia titles in the 212 division. In 2026, Clarida qualified for both the Open and 212 divisions at the ‘O.’ But while he decided to stick with 212 and came second, he went on to win in 212 at the Italy Pro on October 25. He has also continued his ambitions in the Open division, placing first at the recent Poland Pro on October 31.
“Shinn is like almost perfect, in that little frame, in that little body,” said Raymond, discussing Clarida’s victory in Poland. “I would have given it to Shaun too,” agreed Dennis James. “Because he was the most complete guy in the stage. These other guys were taller and bigger than him, but when you look at bodybuilding, and you look for completeness, Shaun Clarida was clear and it wasn’t even close.”
Can 212 Legend Shaun Clarida Dominate the Open Bodybuilding Division?
The panel felt that had The Giant Killer entered the Open category in Slovakia, he could have beaten Michal Krizanek, who won the night. “Dude, I would probably pick Shaun over Krizo,” said Raymond.
Such a stamp of approval will come as great news for Clarida, because Krizanek placed a career high sixth place in the Open division at the 2026 Olympia. Could The Giant Killer really compete with the biggest bodies in Open bodybuilding?
“If you really ask me who is the better bodybuilder (compared to Krizo), I would pick Shaun,” said The Menace. “Yeah, he’s short, but he’s almost flawless,” he added.
“He’s got everything,” agreed Raymond. “Your eye goes to him.”
“One hundred percent,” concurred Milos Sarcev.
To see this conversation in full on The Menace Podcast, where the panel also discussed the latest bodybuilding news and results, check it out on the Muscle & Fitness YouTube channel.
