Questions surrounding Mike Sommerfeld’s height are piling up heading into the 2025 Mr. Olympia. On October 7, industry expert Bob Cicherillo discussed Sommerfeld’s height controversy and whether he’d receive a 212 special invite should he not meet the requirements.
In 2019, a video was shared that showed Sommerfeld talking about his height with Dennis James. He confirmed (at the time) that he was 5’8″, but in a podcast with Jay Cutler, he revealed that his weight cap was 212 pounds. According to the IFBB Pro League rules, anyone weighing 212 pounds in Classic Physique must be at least 5’9.5″.
A private letter from the IFBB was sent out to all Classic Physique competitors, announcing that they will re-check height and weight during peak week. If Sommerfeld is actually shorter than 5’9.5″, then he won’t be able to weigh 212 pounds, leaving him with a small window of time to drop at least eight pounds. This ongoing scandal caught Cicherillo’s attention, who did his best to break down what could happen next.
Bob Cicherillo Addresses Mike Sommerfeld Height Controversy, Considers Possibility of 212 Special Invite at 2025 Olympia
In the YouTube video, Cicherillo insisted that Sommerfeld’s height hasn’t changed. He said once the check-ins are complete, we’ll have a better understanding of the situation:
“I just saw it unfold the other day. Why this is a thing now, I have no idea. I mean, clearly, his height hasn’t changed, so I assume it’s correct.
That said, they all do have to height in as far as I’m aware. So any discussion of that would be cleared up in about five seconds when he steps on the height and weight scale.”
He wouldn’t be surprised if Sommerfeld’s rivals and ‘detractors’ cooked up the controversy.
“I don’t know… I think it was put out by his detractors or some of his competition because listen, I don’t care what he weighs, it’s what you look like, clearly in that division, and he’s definitely going to be a tough guy to beat.
You’ve got some contenders, for sure, in Ramon Dino, and some of the other new guys that have emerged, but make no mistake: Mike Sommerfeld is the man to beat.”
If Sommerfeld heights in, and he’s actually an inch or an inch and a half shorter, Cicherillo said he won’t be able to make weight for Classic Physique.
“Let’s just play the game a little bit and have a little fun. Let’s say he goes on there and he’s actually not that height — so let’s just say he’s an inch shorter or a half-inch, that’s a huge difference in weight.
You’re not going to drop seven or eight pounds — that ain’t happening. The question then would be, this isn’t a regular pro show where we generally allow somebody to go into the other categories. It’s the Olympia that you have to qualify for.”
He added that if Sommerfeld misses his weight/height, it doesn’t automatically qualify him to compete at Olympia in other classes like the Open or 212.
“He wouldn’t have carte blanche just to say screw it I’ll just go in the 212 if he’s under 212 or I’ll just go in the Open then. As far as I know, per the rules, that would not be something that’s available at that point. I’m going to assume it’s all about nothing and that his height is what it should be,” Bob Cicherillo said.
Olympia is a qualifier-only event, so the only way Sommerfeld could bypass this would be via a 212 special invite, but that’s only if he doesn’t meet the height/weight requirements for Classic Physique.
“Yeah, I mean, assuming, I don’t know his weight, so I’m going to guess that he’s under 212,” said Cicherillo. “Let’s just say he is, yes, they could probably do that. That would make it exciting for sure.”
Sommerfeld’s height scandal has the bodybuilding community talking. Recently, Chris Aceto gave his opinion on the dilemma and said it’s like “exaggerating your bank account.” He questioned Sommerfeld’s true height and whether his hair influenced his height the last time competitors were checked.
Olympia peak weeks are always mired in controversy, and this year is no different. Don’t miss the 2025 Mr. Olympia set for October 9–12 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Fitness Volt will have live coverage of the action.
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