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  • Follow the 2026 Olympia on September 24 to 27, 2026!

A Year Ago I Was Starting Olympia Prep – Chris Bumstead Opens Up About Change, Growth & What’s Next

  • Thread starter Chris Bumstead Feed
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Chris Bumstead Feed

Chris Bumstead Feed

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Just watched CBum’s latest video, and this one hits deep. It’s a raw, real, and emotional check-in from Chris a year after he committed to the 2023 Olympia prep. This time, there’s no show coming—and he’s finally at peace with that.

Chris reflects on the internal war he fought for years: chasing more titles while battling chronic illness, pressure, and the weight of his own identity as Mr. Olympia. He opens up about contemplating retirement, becoming a father, and shifting his priorities away from stage lights and towards family, health, and personal evolution.

He talks about ego death—acknowledging how much he used to crave external validation and how stepping away from that grind is helping him grow as a father, a husband, and a human being. Now, instead of pushing through pain for another title, he’s running timed miles, joking about Boston Marathon invites, and embracing being more mobile, more athletic, and more present.

We also get a sneak peek into his upcoming three-part documentary, which dives into his childhood, early career, and emotional battles through prep. He says this is unlike anything he’s shared before—“not just about lifting weights,” but about the vulnerability behind the physique.

Biggest takeaway? Chris isn’t walking away from bodybuilding because he hates it. He’s walking away because he still loves it—but he’s making space for something greater.

“Unless I leave that behind, I can’t grow into something else I love even more.”
This video is a must-watch for anyone struggling with identity, burnout, or change. CBum’s evolving—and he’s bringing us with him.

💬 Anyone else feeling this shift? Would you step away at the top to prioritize life outside the sport?

 
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