Terrick El Guindy believes that Chris Bumstead has made his mark in bodybuilding history comparable to the Austrian Oak himself – Arnold Schwarzenegger
Chris Bumstead, now a six time Olympia champion, has had an athletic storyline that is often only seen in movies – culminating in retirement after winning the 2024 Classic Physique Olympia. In a recent YouTube video aired on October 18, 2024, esteemed bodybuilding judge Terrick El Guindy delved into Chris Bumstead’s career, emphasizing the monumental impact he had on the sport and comparing his legacy to that of the legendary Arnold Schwarzenegger.
A Meteoric Rise to Stardom
Chris Bumstead’s journey in professional bodybuilding began under the guidance of his former coach and brother-in-law, Iain Valliere. In 2016, at just 21 years old, Bumstead earned his IFBB Pro status, signaling the start of what would become an era-defining career. While few could have foreseen the heights he would reach, his determination and relentless work ethic soon set him apart from his peers.
Chris Bumstead’s rise to the pinnacle of the Classic Physique division started in 2019 when he dethroned Breon Ansley to capture his first Olympia title. From that moment, there was no looking back. Bumstead dominated the category year after year, holding on to the prestigious title for six consecutive years.
During this period he also crossed over beyond bodybuilding. He’s amassed an astounding 26 million followers on social media, became part owner of the supplement company RAW, and even created his own signature line of products.
By the time Chris Bumstead announced his retirement, he had not only secured his place in the history books but had also transformed the landscape of the Classic Physique division.
Chris Bumstead has even been featured in the upcoming documentary, The Raw Story, detailing Bumstead’s illustrious career and also his close relationship with his friends and business partners Dom Iacovone and Matt Jansen. You can check out the trailer below:
RELATED: Learn how to watch The Raw Story on digital right here
Terrick El Guindy’s Sees Chris Bumstead As The New Arnold Schwarzenegger
As the news of Chris Bumstead’s retirement spread, the bodybuilding community was abuzz with reflections on his influence and achievements. Among the most poignant of these tributes came from Terrick El Guindy, a respected judge in the bodybuilding scene. El Guindy drew a bold comparison between Bumstead and one of the sport’s most iconic figures: Arnold Schwarzenegger.
“Christopher Bumstead is your six-time Classic Physique Olympia champion. The famous Cbum has done something that most people do not even predict can be possible,” El Guindy stated in his video.
“He not only won six times but he exploded the sport into the mainstream media, into the mainstream population of young consumers.”
Terrick El Guindy emphasized that Chris Bumstead’s impact extended beyond the confines of the Olympia stage, crediting him with bringing bodybuilding to a wider audience and inspiring a new generation of fans. He praised Bumstead for being an authentic and down-to-earth individual—qualities that resonated deeply with fans around the globe.
A Role Model for a New Generation
One of the central themes in Terrick El Guindy’s remarks was Bumstead’s genuine nature, which he believed set him apart as a true ambassador for the sport.
“Chris Bumstead has two great qualities,” El Guindy noted. “The first one is that he is extremely genuine. People that speak with Chris Bumstead can tell that that is exactly who he is. There is no projection, there is no pretending.”
Terrick El Guindy highlighted Chris Bumstead’s love for his fans and his family, portraying him as a hardworking and humble athlete. This authenticity, according to El Guindy, made Bumstead not just a champion but a beloved figure in the fitness community.
“He is who he is and he is happy with it and who he is is a very good human being. Somebody that loves his fans, somebody that loves his family, somebody that works extremely hard for what he wants,” El Guindy said.
He went on to draw a parallel between Chris Bumstead and Arnold Schwarzenegger, remarking,
“If we had Arnold Schwarzenegger in the past, I’d go as far as to say, the young consumer has Cbum.”
El Guindy’s words underscored the idea that Bumstead, much like Schwarzenegger before him, has become an icon whose influence will endure well beyond his competitive years.
From a Prodigy to a Legend
Reflecting on Bumstead’s physical prowess, Terrick El Guindy marveled at the progress he made throughout his career. From the early days of turning pro as a heavyweight at the NPC North Americans, Chris Bumstead’s potential was evident. “Physically, he is phenomenal,” El Guindy remarked. “Small, small waist, beautiful lines, he can get conditioned as anybody, and he is a hard worker.”
Terrick El Guindy also recalled the determination Bumstead displayed in refining his physique. “In the beginning of his career when he was losing to Breon Ansley, he lost because of his back double biceps,” he explained. “He worked so hard to make sure that that was a weapon and he became so good that he eventually started beating people from the back.” This relentless drive to improve not only allowed Bumstead to surpass his competition but also helped him elevate the standards of the Classic Physique division as a whole.
A Lasting Legacy
Chris Bumstead’s retirement announcement came as a surprise to many, especially after his impressive showing at the 2024 Mr. Olympia. But in his retirement speech, Bumstead spoke candidly about the toll his career had taken on him, admitting that maintaining his mental peace had been his greatest challenge. Despite this, his dedication to the sport remained unwavering, and he expressed a desire to continue contributing to the Classic Physique division in new ways.
Terrick El Guindy’s belief in Bumstead’s lasting legacy was clear:
“Chris Bumstead has exploded the sport. Chris Bumstead has been a great, great role model for all of us. His journey is impeccable, and we will remember him just like we remember Arnold Schwarzenegger.”
As Chris Bumstead transitions into life outside of competition, his influence on the bodybuilding world remains undeniable. His tenure as a six-time Classic Physique Olympia champion not only set a new benchmark for excellence but also inspired countless aspiring athletes to chase their dreams. While fans may miss seeing Chris Bumstead on the Olympia stage, there is no doubt that his impact on the sport will be felt for years to come.
You can watch Terrick El Guindy’s full comments in the video below:
