Michael Daboul has won the 2023 Musclecontest International Austria Pro. In the eyes of the judges, Daboul was the best of eight athletes representing seven countries in Schwechat, Austria, on Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023. As a result, Daboul ends 2023 as the champion of the final IFBB Pro League Classic Physique show of the calendar year. Craig Morton finished as the runner-up, and Stephane Matala claimed bronze. The final order of finish for all eight bodybuilders is below:
2023 Austria Pro Results
- Michael Daboul (United Kingdom)
- Craig Morton (United Kingdom)
- Stephane Matala (France)
- Manuel Moisel (Germany)
- Eduarto Duarte (Portugal)
- Victor Manuel Compan Ruiz (Mexico)
- Sabir Kazimov (Georgia)
- Francesco Della Vedova (Italy)
*Saverio Mangione and Tunde Chris Taylor were on the roster to compete, but neither was in the lineup. No reason was given for their absences.
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Winner — Michael Daboul
This was Daboul’s third pro win of 2023. It secured him a qualification for the 2024 Olympia Weekend in Las Vegas, NV, on Oct. 10-13, 2023. Daboul finished sixth at the 2023 Classic Physique Olympia, won by Chris Bumstead. Daboul had previously won the 2023 Pittsburgh Pro, and the 2023 New York Pro. Daboul can compete in 2024 to block other athletes from qualifying for the 2024 Olympia or take an extended offseason to prepare.
Second Place — Craig Morton
This was Morton’s first pro-show appearance since placing second at the 2022 Arnold Classic UK show. He appeared bigger in Austria, which served him well. However, Daboul’s experience and muscle density were the difference. Morton has until Sept. 15, 2024, to win a pro show to qualify for the 2024 Olympia.
Third Place — Stephane Matala
Matala was a unanimous choice for the top three by the judges, including head judge Tamer El Guindy. The 2023 T.R.U. Athlete Pro show champion didn’t compete in the 2023 Olympia despite being qualified. If he competes and wins a show in 2024, he will be eligible for his Olympia debut in Las Vegas. If he implements the feedback from the judges in Austria, he could rebound to the top of the podium in his next contest.
As of this writing, the 2024 IFBB Pro League schedule has yet to be released. The next confirmed contest is the 2024 Arnold Classic, which is part of the 2024 Arnold Sports Festival in Columbus, OH, on March 1-3, 2024.
Featured Image: @michaeldaboul on Instagram
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