Could this be the end of an era for Chris Bumstead? After looking phenomenal at the 2023 Mr. Olympia, Cbum secured his fifth Classic Physique victory. However, Bumstead’s future remains uncertain as retirement rumors loom.
Chris Bumstead is considered a ‘genetic wonder’ at least according to bodybuilding legend Jay Cutler. Bumstead has consistently demonstrated superior symmetry and definition, setting him apart from his competitors and solidifying his reign in the Classic Physique division for years.
Chris Bumstead often shares his journey on social media, where he has amassed millions of followers. He is an inspiration as well as a relatable figure in the fitness community. A part of what allows him to connect with such a broad audience is his transparency regarding his anxiety and fears.
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The crown is heavy, and it seems at times Chris Bumstead feels the weight of being the champion. Last year, Cbum admitted that he was afraid of failure and this year he revealed his struggle to get a handle on his emotions en route to the 2023 Mr. Olympia.
Chris Bumstead Rumors of Retirement Circulate After Fake X Account Teases Possibility
Even with all the adversity he faces, Bumstead still killed it on stage earning his fifth Classic Physique title. During his victory speech, Bumstead revealed that he pulled it off despite suffering a lat tear 10 weeks out. Regardless of his impeccable performance, maybe it has gotten to be too much for Cbum who has teased retirement as of late.
The recently circulated X post, which surfaced on November 15, 2023, originated from the @c_bumstead account. Iain Valliere addressed the issue on his Instagram, exposing the mentioned account as an imposter.
“The question is: hang it up…or bring one more home?” Bumstead wrote.
The question is: hang it up… or bring one more home? pic.twitter.com/RMooBjP1Wo
— Chris Bumstead (@c_bumstead) November 16, 2023
This isn’t the first time Chris Bumstead has brought up the topic of retirement. When addressing Iain Valliere’s departure from the sport, Cbum talked about ‘when quitting is the courageous decision‘ and gave fans a scare that he was potentially getting ready to hang it up. However, Bumstead quickly cleared up any doubt by sharing that it wasn’t his time yet. Now… it seems his latest retirement talks have more weight behind them.
Aside from those speculations, there were rumors about Cbum potentially competing at the Arnold Classic in the Men’s Open division. Many connoisseurs of the sport are urging Bumstead to move up, including Shawn Ray who feels he is missing out on a lot of money and the opportunity to make history as another two-division champion. With Bumstead’s name carrying such weight in the community, perhaps a show in his honor could be on the horizon.
Having achieved the highest of highs, Chris Bumstead is the winningest Classic Physique Olympia of all time. Should he follow through with an official retirement announcement, he would be remembered as one of the GOATs of bodybuilding. Boasting a touch of the golden era and a hint of new-age muscularity, ‘Cbum’ has created an empire.
And it’s not just a competitive enterprise, he has built wealth with astute business practices and lucrative ventures. From clothing and apparel businesses to supplement streams, Bumstead’s impact on the sport will be felt for years to come. With a baby on the way with Courtney King, it’s unclear what the Classic Physique kingpin will do next in 2024, but he seems to have narrowed his decision down to two options.
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