Seven years ago, Jeremy Buendia stunned the bodybuilding world when he announced his split from long-time coach Hany Rambod following the 2018 Olympia. The pair had achieved remarkable success at the time, securing four Men’s Physique Olympia titles. The abrupt separation was mysterious, leaving fans speculating reasons why.
In 2023, Buendia released a heartfelt video, publicly apologizing for handling the split and taking full responsibility for the fallout. Yet, unanswered questions lingered, and fans eagerly awaited Rambod’s perspective.
Finally, on Jan. 1, 2025, the duo reunited on Rambod’s podcast to share their story. For the first time, Rambod and Buendia addressed the events surrounding their fallout and revealed plans for their future collaboration.
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Rambod’s & Buendia’s Relationship
Rambod coached and mentored Buendia for six years before their professional relationship ended in 2018. During that time, Buendia earned the title “King of Men’s Physique,” a testament to the powerhouse team they formed together.
Reflecting on their journey, Rambod and Buendia discussed how they capitalized on the opportunities presented by the newly established Men’s Physique division. Rambod highlighted Buendia’s unwavering passion and relentless drive, which played a pivotal role in his success within the division.
“One thing I realized about you was that you were a bodybuilder who became a Men’s Physique competitor. That was part of your success,” Rambod said.
Buendia acknowledged that while working with coach Rambod, he lacked the maturity to navigate the challenges that came with success and fame. “I wasn’t mature enough to handle the success, the fame, the money. All of those things. Even until we separated, I still feel like my mindset was still young, even at 27 years old,” Buendia said.
At age 34, Buendia recognized his actions and attitude led to a difficult and almost destitute place in life. Those around him sought to take advantage of his situation. Buendia acknowledges that Rambod tried to shield him from it all.
“I had to go through everything I went through to be the man I am today. To be sitting with you right now,” Buendia confessed. “I had to go through all those struggles, and it sucked. It really did.”
Buendia Apologizes
Buendia shared that his relationship with Rambod went beyond the typical dynamic of coach and athlete. “For our relationship, I feel that coaching was a very small part of it. It was much more a personal relationship; it was family,” Buendia shared.
Buendia apologized to Rambod for pulling him away from his family, acknowledging that he had relied on his emotional support throughout his career. “Cameron was born three months before you signed me. The next six years, I required so much of your attention and energy,” Buendia stated. “I remember calling you at midnight, pissed off or crying, while your wife and son waited for you to get off the phone with me. I’m sorry for that.”
The four-time Olympia champion admits he never truly understood Rambod’s sacrifices to balance his career and family — until he became a father. “For me to understand what I put you through, I had to have a family of my own to really understand that,” Buendia confided. “My family is the most important thing to me. My kids are everything to me.”
Buendia’s Erratic Behavior & Substance Abuse
Buendia opened up about the emotional struggles he endured throughout his career, navigating a life overshadowed by immense hatred. “I lived with so much hate in my heart that it was impossible to keep my head above water because I was so filled with rage all the time,” Buendia laid bare.
Buendia explained his intense anger even before competitive bodybuilding. He says it’s hard to place all the blame on steroids, though they didn’t help. “I remember one time when I was using tren, and [Rambod] stepped in and said, ‘You need to stop that immediately.’”
Buendia reflected on his last preparation and how he managed it more effectively than before. He attributes the improvement to his personal growth before divulging his substance abuse struggles.
Buendia didn’t drink during the week or consider himself an alcoholic, but his weekends were a different story. He parties, consumed “party drugs,” and drank, a combination that took a serious toll on his mental health. “I’d get that super high from being messed up, and the following days, you just crash,” Buendia described. “Your endorphins, your dopamine levels just crash. Adding that to my already chemical imbalances that I’ve dealt with was just a recipe for disaster.”
Rambod’s Decision on Retiring From Coaching
Rambod shared the sacrifices he made for his family to support his athletes. Upon hearing Rambod’s retirement announcement, Buendia admitted he felt genuinely happy for him. “I know how important your family is to you, and I’m happy that you have finally reached a point in your career where you can take the time for yourself and your family. They deserve it. You deserve it.”
What Next?
Buendia, aiming to return to the Olympia stage, acknowledged that 2025 may be his final year competing. While initially planning to appear at the 2025 Arnold Classic, an Achilles injury forced him out. Meanwhile, Rambod is transitioning from hands-on athlete coaching to sharing his expertise with a global audience, broadening his impact.
The meeting between Rambod and Buendia was a moment of reflection and resolution. They addressed lingering tensions that had persisted for years, allowing both to confront past mistakes and make amends.
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Featured image: @jeremy_buendia on Instagram
