From serving in the army to being financial executives, several participants in the IFBB Pro League follow their passion for bodybuilding while committing to their full-time careers. Bodybuilding icon Charjo Grant is one of the many inspiring testaments of bodybuilders who are equally determined both on stage and outside the weight room. As a result, he’s been rewarded for his dedication. And it’s one of the best things he could’ve asked for. However, the same can’t be said about many fitness enthusiasts.

Mr. Olympia’s official Instagram account reshared a series of pictures Charjo Grant uploaded from the ceremony. The carousel featured pictures of Grant receiving his rank, taking his oath, and interacting with his fellow servicemen and women. Expressing his gratitude upon receiving his rank, he wrote, “To God Be The Glory 🙏🏾🫡🇺🇸. Finally…… We Have Pinned The Rank Of Lieutenant Colonel. Extremely Honored And Blessed To Serve At This Level.” 

He even wrote a small thank you note to his family for being his support system throughout. He concluded, “Thank You To All Of My Friends For Coming Out To Help Me Celebrate This Momentous Occasion! Forever Grateful 🙏🏾🙌🏾🫡”

Charjo Grant was a former outside linebacker at Newberry College and joined the school’s ROTC program. He was commissioned as an officer in the Army National Guard and has served in the military since 2002. Additionally, alongside bodybuilding, it is one of the many aspects that give purpose to his life.

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Considering how much serving in the Army National Guard means to the bodybuilder, he was over the moon when the service honored him with the Lieutenant Colonel rank. While most of his followers were utterly joyous about his achievement, some of them brought up a particular controversy.

From “congrats” to “very disappointing,” Charjo Grant’s achievement received it all

After Mr. Olympia’s account posted Charjo Grant’s honor, the bodybuilder wrote, “I want to thank you all for the love that was shown on this post. I really appreciate it! @mrolympiallc, thank you for sharing this very special occasion in my life with the world of bodybuilding. I am forever grateful!🙌🏾🫡” As heartwarming as this statement is, it was only partly accurate.

Yes, most people in the fitness community were exceptionally thrilled about Charjo Grant’s new rank. They left comments like, “Moving on up 🫡” and “Congrats my friend.” One of them, referring to his perfectly crafted physique, even joked, “The most jacked LTC ever 😂😂😂” However, this was only half the story. Many others couldn’t help but bring up the controversy of him being juiced.

Considering he serves in the Army National Guard, where discipline is of utmost importance (like any other service), one of them wrote, “How doesn’t he get tested for ster**ds?” Another follower brought forth the discrepancy in the establishment. “Officers get glorified for taking ster**ds, meanwhile enlisted got kicked…. Make it make sense.”

The comments featured people who’ve worked in the forces themselves, and one of them wrote, “Knew a guy on my ship that got tossed out for doing ’roids.” If that’s the case, the question on most people’s minds was: How is Charjo Grant still serving in the army? Amidst all the comments pointing to his ster**d usage, one follower joked, “He better not authorize any health & welfare checks on soldiers suspected of gear use 🤣”

Another user jumped on the bandwagon, sarcastically writing, “Congratulations, lieutenant, but I have a feeling he’s been pinned before.” However, the comments weren’t just directed toward Grant. They called out Mr. Olympia’s official account as well. “Where’s the Mr. Olympia-relation in this?” wrote one. And another simply proclaimed, “UNFOLLOW… Very disappointing.”

Well, natural or not, it is safe to say that Charjo Grant has been doing a commendable job in the army and his achievement speaks for his hard work. What are your thoughts on the bodybuilding icon? Let us know in the comments section below!

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