Jay Cutler continues to add achievements to his decorated bodybuilding record even in retirement. Taking part in the 2024 Arnold Classic closing ceremony, Jay Cutler accepted the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award.
It’s been an eventful 36th annual 2024 Arnold Classic Weekend with seven divisions vying for supremacy. As the second-most important bodybuilding event on the IFBB Pro League calendar, the gathering always delivers highlights and tonight was no different.
Jay Cutler, a former three-time Arnold Classic champion and former four-time Mr. Olympia winner, was not only known for his rivalry with eight-time Mr. Olympia Ronnie Coleman but for achieving redemption in 2009, having established himself as the only man in history to regain the Sandow trophy.
Jay Cutler Accepts 2024 Arnold Classic Lifetime Achievement Award from Arnold Schwarzenegger
After Schwarzenegger said the initial trophy was broken backstage, Cutler graciously accepted the stand-in award.
“I know there’s a worldwide audience and many special people that I owe this to. As Arnold walked off I had a story for him. July 3, 1991, and Terminator 2 launched in the movie theatre, I’d been picking up bodybuilding books and a teenager looking up the physiques in there. I knew Arnold from the Terminator movies.”
“Many kids what to be lawyers, doctors, professional athletes, I wanted to be a bodybuilder.”
Reflecting on his upbringing, Cutler gave his thanks to everyone who shaped his career.
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“Youngest of seven kids, no one in my family lifted weights,” adds Cutler. “I had to work and earn everything I did.”
“I met Chris Aceto, he was important to my success. He wasn’t there, but I wanted to send a message to him tonight,” said Aceto. “My progress was quick [with Aceto].”
In addition to thanking Joe Weider, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Jim Manion, Cutler gave an emotional shout-out to Ronnie Coleman, his long-time rival.
“Without Joe Weider all this wouldn’t be possible, including Arnold. Jim Manion, big shout out to gym,” said Cutler. “Ronnie you’re the reason for my abilities, my greatness, I owe everything to you because you pushed me to do everything on the Olympia stage and beyond. You’re my idol. I love you. Greatest bodybuilder of all time.”
It’s been an emotion-filled night in Columbus, Ohio for this year’s anniversary of the Arnold Classic. Jay Cutler joins the likes of Ronnie Coleman and Flex Wheeler as the latest recipient of the coveted Arnold Classic Lifetime Achievement Award.
Jay Cutler is undoubtedly one of the greatest bodybuilders and ambassadors the sport has seen. Given his lasting contributions to bodybuilding, fans were overdelighted to find out Cutler left Ohio once again a winner.
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