Chris Bumstead is the talk of the town — in Las Vegas, at least. The 2024 Olympia, which runs in Sin City from Oct. 10 to 13, is bodybuilding’s biggest and most prestigious contest. It’s also the site of “CBum’s” prospective sixth Classic Physique title.
- Bumstead, who first won in 2019 and every year since, is the most famous active bodybuilder on the planet.
- As the 2024 Olympia closed in, rumors began to circulate that Bumstead would announce his retirement during or shortly after the big day.
Bumstead was asked point-blank about his post-Olympia career plans during the event’s press conference on Thursday, Oct. 10. He ducked the question, sort of.
Chris Bumstead on Retirement at the 2024 Olympia
Bumstead puffed his chest at the presser while seated with the leading men of the Classic Physique and Open divisions, including current Mr. Olympia Derek Lunsford.
- “I’m not sure they even believe themselves,” quipped Bumstead when asked whether he believes in his competitors’ declarations about taking his Olympia title. “Every year it’s been someone different, but in my mind they’re all battling for second.”
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But it was a question on his post-Olympia prospect that proved the most illuminating for fans of the five-time champ. Olympia host Bob Cicherillo jabbed Bumstead with a specific question on his would-be retirement:
- Cicherillo: “The rumor mill is swirling … if you win the title this weekend, is that it?”
- Bumstead: “I think since 2020 I’ve been telling people I have one more left in me. I won last year, and I’ve got to put in the work to win again this year. That’s all I’m focusing on.”
Bumstead added that he feels he has “more in him if he wants it,” but offered no further specifics.
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Bigger Than Bodybuilding
Since his emergence as the face of bodybuilding’s most exciting new division, Bumstead has grown into more than a professional physique athlete. Boasting nearly 25 million followers on Instagram alone, Bumstead’s fame goes a long way toward buoying the sport as a whole.
That said, the champ has repeatedly implied that his days as an Olympia competitor — unlike many of his colleagues, Bumstead only competes once a year — may be winding down.
- Bumstead and partner Courtney King welcomed their first child, Bradley, in April.
- In September, Bumstead announced a significant move toward entrepreneurial pursuits by taking a partial ownership stake with athleticwear brand Gymshark.
- Bumstead operates his own gym, RAW Athletic Club, in addition to a supplement and meal prep line.
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The 2024 Olympia may be Bumstead’s swan song. Speculation abounds, which puts eyeballs on Bumstead and the Olympia expo as a whole. It’s in the interest of all parties to leave the door open — fans will know before long whether CBum has decided to step across the threshold.
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Featured Image: @cbum / Instagram
