The 2019 Mr. Olympia has a new competitor showing up this year. Cedric McMillan has been awarded a special invitation to this year’s competition.
McMillan is a Staff Sargent in the U.S. Army, and former NPC National Champion. He was looking to compete at this year’s Olympia. However, he was unable to make it to the qualifying shows due to his military obligations. Subsequently, he filed a former request to compete at this year’s competition.
Report: Big Ramy in great condition 5 weeks out!
McMillan plead his case as follows:
“I had planned to compete in one of the summer shows to solidify my position and to hopefully secure a qualification.
But my obligation to participate in several long duration field exercises would not allow the necessary access to food, training or rest required to properly prepare without neglecting my duty to my mission, my soldiers and my country.”
Apparently this request worked, as it was announced that the IFBB Pro League would be granting him a special invitation to the event. IFBB Professional League President Jeff Manion had issued a statement explaining the decision.
“Cedric’s military duties come first and we completely understand that. We will grant a special invite this year being that those circumstances were out of his control along with our consideration of his notable accomplishments within the IFBB Professional League.”
This is awesome news for McMillan, who served a tour in Iraq in 2003. He has competed in the previous 3 Mr. Olympia competitions, finishing 9th in last year’s event. Additionally, he won the 2017 Arnold Classic, proving himself as a top talent.
When asked how he felt about being given this honor, he was grateful.
“When I compete I’ll be representing my country, all those that work a full time job trying to pursue their dreams, and all of the amazing people at the Lancaster Youth Leadership and Development Program.”
– a non-profit organization, created by McMillan to develop the youth of the community with training and activities designed to build character, instill discipline and moral values.”
Nevertheless, we are only five short weeks away from the 2019 Mr. Olympia Competition. That is not a ton of time for Cedric McMillan to prepare himself for the steep competition. He will going against the likes of Brandon Curry, Roelly Winklaar, and William Bonac. Time will tell how well he will be able to compete at the event.
The 2019 Mr. Olympia takes place September 12-15, and there are plenty of tickets still available. Additionally, you can stay tuned to FitnessVolt for updates as the event nears closer.
Published: 9 August, 2019 | 6:44 PM EDT
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