Chris Bumstead claimed his sixth title at the 2024 Classic Physique Olympia and retired, leaving fans with more questions than answers about the division’s future. Runner-up finisher Mike Sommerfeld shocked the world by finishing in second place, and on October 14, he opened up about his performance. In addition, he laid out why he believes ‘Cbum’ could have won 10 titles if he had wanted to.
“I still cannot believe it,” said Mike Sommerfeld. “I felt really really comfortable. Then, I was going with the flow. I did everything Neil told me to do and it worked pretty well,” Sommerfeld shared.
After speculation all year, Chris Bumstead finally said goodbye to the stage, leaving fans curious as to who would take his place. On paper, Mike Sommerfeld is now the number one contender to take his throne, having narrowly pushed the Canadian champion throughout the event.
Sommerfeld trailed Bumstead by only three points on the scorecards. He showcased improvements to his lower body both in terms of mass and separation. His symmetrical upper body also gave him the edge against other finalists such as Urs Kalecinski and Ramon Queiroz. With Bumstead out of the title picture, Sommerfeld is in a great spot heading into 2025.
Mike Sommerfeld Reacts to 2nd Place 2024 Olympia Finish, Talks Chris Bumstead’s Retirement: “He Could Win 10 More”
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Sommerfeld went into the 2024 Mr. Olympia without lofty expectations, which seemed to pay off.
“Yeah, that was the expectation [top five]. I mean I had no real expectations because I always say don’t focus too much on the icing and forget the cake. I’ve had a great journey. I spent every second with my wife through the prep.”
According to Sommerfeld, Chris Bumstead could have won 10 titles if he wanted to. He is glad he won’t have to witness another Ronnie Coleman-esque title reign that lasts for eight consecutive years.
“Honestly, he has such a beautiful great life, beautiful family, great business,” said Sommerfeld. He could win 10 more and I told him please stop Chris, I don’t want to have the Ronnie Coleman story again.”
Sommerfeld is still processing his second-place finish and thanked fans for the support.
“Honestly, I had no second to think about what just happened [being the number one contender in Classic Physique]. People asking me, how do you feel? I have no idea. I have no idea how I feel.”
“I can feel the support. I was able to hear the crowd. My phone is ringing constantly, and this is everything an athlete really needs. What we are doing, we are doing the same, we are moving weight, and eating chicken, broccoli, and rice, but people texting me like hey Mike, you inspired me, you motivated me, but basically we are all doing the same,” he shared.
The Classic Physique landscape has changed with Bumstead no longer at the helm. Among the top names vying for his throne will be Sommerfeld, Kalecinski, Queiroz, Breon Ansley, and Wesley Vissers, who won the 2024 Arnold Classic Ohio and UK events.
If the stakes weren’t high enough, Chris Bumstead recently announced that he plans to increase the prize money for the Classic Physique division at the Mr. Olympia, which will come out of his own pocket. With that in mind, fans look forward to seeing Sommerfeld’s next showing!
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