Ryan Terry says hateful messages directed at him and his wife have “shadowed” the week following his fourth Men’s Physique Olympia victory.
Ryan Terry should be celebrating one of the greatest accomplishments of his bodybuilding career. Instead, the four-time Men’s Physique Olympia champion revealed that some of the reaction to his latest victory has crossed a line, including what he described as “absolutely disgusting” messages directed at his wife.
Terry defeated Ali Bilal and Kyron Holden to capture his fourth consecutive Men’s Physique Olympia title at the 2026 Olympia. The victory tied Terry with Jeremy Buendia for the most Olympia titles in division history.
The decision, however, sparked plenty of debate online. Bilal brought arguably his best package to date and finished runner-up, leading some fans to argue that he deserved the victory.
During a recent interview with Beyond The Stage TV, Terry said he has no issue with fans debating the result. His problem is how some people have chosen to express those opinions.
Ryan Terry Says Olympia Backlash Has Been “Pretty Brutal”
Terry acknowledged that bodybuilding is subjective and said fans are entitled to disagree with the judges.
“I respect everybody’s opinion. Everyone’s entitled to an opinion,” Terry said. “I think the way it’s delivered and the way it’s said, I think, yeah, there’s a way of saying it.”
According to Terry, some of the criticism quickly went beyond discussion about physiques and judging.
“I’ll be honest, it’s been pretty brutal this week,” Terry said.
Terry said his wife, Amy, has also received direct messages following the Olympia result.
“Some of the messages are absolutely disgusting,” Terry said. “It is a shame because it’s not what the sport should be about.”
He admitted the response has taken some shine off what should otherwise be one of the most memorable weeks of his career.
“It has shadowed, obviously, this week because seeing my wife upset over these messages [is] disgusting,” Terry said. “I don’t think there’s any room for that in this sport.”
Terry stressed that he understands fans passionately supporting their favorite competitors. He simply believes criticism can be delivered without personally attacking athletes or their families.
Ali Bilal Tells His Supporters To Respect Ryan Terry
Bilal has now stepped in as well.
Following Terry’s comments, Bilal issued a statement making it clear that anyone attacking Terry does not represent him or what he stands for.
“I have never supported hate or disrespect towards another athlete,” Bilal wrote. “I have a lot of love and respect for Ryan and everything he represents.”
Bilal directly addressed supporters who may have been responsible for some of the comments:
“If you are genuinely one of my fans, please understand that disrespecting or attacking other athletes is not something I stand for… And if you’re involved in this kind of behavior, you’re not representing me or what I stand for… Respect the athletes. Respect the sport.”
Terry Already Has Motivation For A Fifth Olympia Title
The controversy could ultimately add another layer to Terry’s pursuit of history.
Terry admitted that hearing people question whether he deserved the 2026 title has already provided motivation for next season. A fifth consecutive Olympia victory would move him past Buendia and give Terry sole possession of the Men’s Physique Olympia record.
Rather than running from the debate, Terry appears ready to use it as fuel.
“All right, I’ll win five.”
Image embed via Instagram @mrolympiallc
