Derek Lunsford is an American IFBB Pro bodybuilder and Mr Olympia champion who’s as devoted to his family as he is to his training.
Here’s the lowdown on his wife, their family life, and the latest on his success in Olympia.
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Who is Derek Lunsford’s wife, Jhelsin?
Derek is married to Jhelsin Mabaga, a fitness professional who focuses on helping clients with weight loss and muscle building.
She’s built her own following by sharing practical coaching content and healthy-living advice online.
The pair have been together for more than a decade and tied the knot in 2022, marking two years of marriage in 2024.
Jhelsin regularly features in Derek’s posts, with the couple sharing glimpses of their life together, from gym sessions to big family milestones.
Derek has publicly praised her as his best friend and the “mother of our baby girl.”
Does Derek Lunsford have any children?
Derek and Jhelsin welcomed a baby girl in January 2024.
He shared the news shortly after the birth and has since posted heartfelt tributes to his wife and daughter.
In a later message celebrating their relationship, Derek also referred to their daughter by name, Evie.
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Who is Derek Lunsford?
Born May 14, 1993, in Petersburg, Indiana, Derek Lunsford competes in the Men’s Open division of the IFBB Pro League.
He first made waves after moving up from the 212 class, showcasing the blend of size, symmetry, and conditioning needed to contend with the biggest names in the sport.
His fast rise included an early pro splash at the Tampa Pro in the 212 division and, after stepping into Open, he delivered on the sport’s biggest stage by becoming the 2023 Mr Olympia champion.
Has Derek Lunsford appeared at Mr Olympia?
Derek has become a fixture at the Olympia weekend.
After early success in the 212s, he transitioned to Open and captured the Mr Olympia title in 2023, confirming his status among bodybuilding’s elite.
He has continued to compete at the very top since then, balancing the demands of championship prep with new-dad life.
Derek reclaimed the Sandow in 2025, becoming a two-time Mr Olympia champion.
He sealed the win on Saturday night against a stacked field to put his name back on the trophy after the 2024 setback.
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Why fans love the Lunsfords’ updates
Beyond the hardware, fans connect with Derek because he brings them along for the ride — from late-night posing updates to intimate family moments.
Posts like his “31 and glowing!” birthday tribute to Jhelsin, calling her the “mother of our baby girl,” have become some of his most-liked family content, showing the softer side of a world-class competitor.
Likewise, his “13 years together and 2 years married” message thanking God “every single day for you and Evie” says a lot about where his priorities are these days: faith, family, and physiques — in that order.