On Nov. 20, 2021, 2017 Arnold Classic Champion Cedric McMillan was the special guest poser at the 2021 NPC Armed Forces Nationals. The contest took place at the Hilton Alexandria Mark Center in Alexandria, VA.
McMillan’s routine performed lasted a little longer than three minutes. McMillan — who services in the United States Army — was critical of himself in this appearance on Instagram but expressed joy that he was able to be a part of the sport again.
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“Guest posing went ok last night… still got about 20 pounds to get back to normal though. But for now, I’m just happy to get to do a routine,” he wrote.
After his performance, which was met with a standing ovation, announcer Tim Wilkins interviewed McMillan about his future competitive plans. McMillan announced his intentions to enter the 2022 Arnold Classic, currently scheduled to take place in Columbus, Ohio on the weekend of Mar. 3-6, 2022.
“I’m going to try to do the Arnold Classic next year. I plan to do that show every year,” McMillan told the audience. “I didn’t make it last year, but hopefully next year, I’ll be back on that stage competing this time.”
Unlike other non-Olympia shows in the IFBB Pro League, the Arnold Classic contest is an invite-only event. However, former champions receive a lifetime invite to compete any year they wish. McMillan won this contest in 2017, and many felt that the physique he presented at that contest was the best he ever looked. He was actually scheduled to compete at the 2021 Arnold Classic, but he withdrew before the contest took place. McMillan served as a commentator for that contest, and Nick Walker won the show.
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Nov. 20 was McMillan’s first onstage appearance since he withdrew from the lineup at the 2021 Legion Sports Fest in Reno, NV, on Oct. 24, 2021. 2020 Olympia 212 Champion Shaun Clarida won that contest. McMillan bowed out due to “not feeling well.” He was scheduled to compete at the KO Bodybuilding Pro contest in Cairo, Egypt one week later, but he didn’t make the trip over. That contest was won by Regan Grimes.
McMillan revealed that he was dealing with serious personal health issues, and he felt that he may have returned to the competitive stage sooner than he should have. McMillan didn’t go into specifics regarding his health.
Featured Image: @cedricmcmillan on Instagram | Photo by Gary Udit
