Almost Backed Out After Tearing His Lat, an Emotional Chris Bumstead Recalls How He Made a Comeback to Win His 5th Mr. Olympia

The Joe Weider’s Olympia Weekend finally concluded, and fan favorite Chris Bumstead lifted his fifth Sandow trophy in the Classic Physique division. As soon as he was announced as the winner, the Canadian bodybuilding icon breathed a huge sigh of relief, and for sure, his fans would have done the same. But the winning speech of CBum has been emotional.

The 28-year-old has shared snippets of his training since the beginning of the prep and disclosed how the start has been super tough for him. Now, we have the whole picture as CBum revealed that he tore a lat ten weeks out from the event.

CBum becomes emotional about his comeback journey after Lat tear

The bodybuilding sport requires athletes to train heavily at the gym, which is prone to injuries. As a subjective sport, no one can guarantee a Sandow trophy despite training hard. But CBum ensured to come unparalleled in 2023, Mr. Olympia, and lifted his fifth Sandow trophy. Bob Chick, the event’s presenter, asked CBum, “The strive for five is finally done, my friend. How’s it feel Chris? Does it get sweeter every time?”

The 5x Mr. Olympia champion, who has shaped the future of the Classic Physique division, opened up about his struggle to win this year’s Mr. Olympia. “I was going through some shit being in this prep, some personal shit. My body started to shut down, and I honestly tore my lat, like ten weeks out; no one even knows, and then it was like no training for a while,” an emotional CBum said on the Mr. Olympia stage.

But CBum leaned on his family and fiancé for support during tough times. Later, when he was back at the gym training, tears rolled down as he was grateful for the lessons. “I remember; it was probably four weeks after that I had my first like a real back workout, where I could train through the pain, and I had a good workout,” recalled the reigning Mr. Olympia.

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“I remember lying on the gym floor, I got to have a private gym now, I remember crying again, and this time it was in gratitude,” CBum confessed to the crowd. But it wasn’t the first time the 5x Mr. Olympia overcame obstacles to lift the Sandow. 

Chris Bumstead: The Classic Physique maestro is a courageous soul

In 2022, CBum became the 4x Mr. Olympia champion. But after the win, he confessed that he was crying in the washroom minutes before the posing routine on the Mr. Olympia stage as he tore his bicep just a couple of days before. But he gave himself a small prep talk and faced his fears, and the universe rewarded him with a Sandow.

Despite being diagnosed with an autoimmune condition affecting his kidneys in 2018, CBum trained hard to register his first Mr. Olympia win in 2019. And every year, he gets tougher and stronger, portraying the champion mentality to his fans, which involves being vulnerable yet persevering the testing times. 

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CBum’s fans are happy and proud of their icon. But there is still suspense, as to whether the 28-year-old will continue his competitive journey next year. What do you think? Let us know in the comments below.