Despite Looking Forward to Mr. Olympia Comeback, Jeremy Buendia Pulls Out From 2024 Edition Post Achilles Surgery

Four-time Men’s Physique Olympia champion Jeremy Buendia placed seventh last year. However, this year, the bodybuilding icon looked forward to challenging reigning champion Ryan Terry and possibly reclaiming his crown. However, the former champion’s lofty dreams were cut short just over a month ago after tearing his Achilles tendon.

The former champion tore his Achilles tendon while filming for a sponsor commercial seconds into a sprint. “Felt like my leg was going to explode,“ said the bodybuilder while describing the pain. However, disaster struck once again, a month later, just as he had returned to the gym. “Unfortunately, last Sunday I re-ruptured my Achilles,“ Buendia said in his latest YouTube video.

Jeremy Buendia explained that he injured his tendon again after falling from his knee scooter on a day out with his wife and daughter. The former champion said he fell while trying to stop his daughter from running onto the street. He then went to the doctor, who discovered that the second injury was worse than the first. Although the 33-year-old said the surgeon “fixed it once again,” Buendia’s Olympia dream came to a screeching halt.

Jeremy Buendia has called it quits for the current competitive season after 40 days and two surgeries. “The 2024 competition season looks like it’s going to be a wrap for me,“ said the four-time champion. The bodybuilder dealt health with health issues before competing in 2023, but the timing couldn’t be worse.

After suffering the initial injury, the Men’s Physique icon seemed to be making a quick recovery. Jeremy Buendia returned to the gym after just 30 days, and luck seemed to be on his side as leg development doesn’t come into play in Men’s Physique. However, a single accident had simultaneously worsened his injury and ended all hopes of recovering in time for the Olympia.

What’s next for Jeremy Buendia?

While the bodybuilding won’t be competing anytime soon, there’s a silver lining for the former champion. “I’m just going to be focusing on getting myself healthy again and setting myself up for a good year next year,“ the 33-year-old said in his YouTube video. While Jeremy Buendia didn’t say how long he needs to heal, one can guess it’s going to take far longer than initially expected.

However, the former Men’s Physique Olympia might be able to return to the gym in a few months. Thankfully, since Buendia has already won the Olympia, he doesn’t need to re-qualify for the contest. Instead, the four-time champion can take his time to train for his 2025 return to the Olympia stage. What do you feel is the best course of action for the former champion going forward? Write your thoughts in the comments.