“Is That Photoshop…”: Bodybuilding Veterans Get Candid About Synthol Use as They Banter Over IFBB Pro’s 21-Inch Arms

While they stopped competing decades ago, the 1983 Mr. Olympia Samir Bannout and the 1989 Mr. Universe Milos Sarcev remain relevant in the bodybuilding community. Sarcev, who currently coaches the 2023 Arnold Classic winner Samson Duada, posted an image on Instagram and asked an interesting question to his fans. The 59-year-old reposted an image comparing him in his prime with current, four-time Classic Physique Champion Chris Bumstead. 

“In the hypothetical case that @milossarcev currently competed in the Classic Physique category, how do you think it would have turned out?” asked Sarcev. He also reminded fans that, in the image, Sarcev is well above the Classic Physique weight limit. While many fans commented, 67-year-old Samir Bannout’s comment about IFBB Pro’s 21-inch arms ignited some banter between the bodybuilding legends.

A surprising revelation for the former Mr. Universe

The image Sarcev shared compared Chirs Bumstead and the former Mr. Universe’s most muscular pose. One of the compulsory competition poses, the most muscular shows off a bodybuilder’s entire front side in full detail. During the pose, a bodybuilder flexes his traps, delts, arms, chest, abs, and even the quads.

Samir Bannout wrote, “Milos for the win here,” after looking at the image. “However, I am a little bit suspicious about the arms size here though is that Photoshop or something else there Milos?” asked The Lion of Lebanon. Sarcev, who used synthol, nearly lost his life after injecting it in his biceps once. Since then, the bodybuilding legend has constantly advocated against it.

Reading Bannout’s comment, he might have felt that the former Mr. Olympia had taken a subtle dig at him. “Something else Samir… The whole world knows about it – I am guilty,” replied the 59-year-old. However, Bannout’s reply was s surprising revelation for Sarcev. “Haha well, I didn’t (know),” stated Bannout. 

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“The only thing I am fully aware of after seeing a million times, your arms were your weakness but not in this photo..that’s why I was wondering,” disclosed the Lebanese bodybuilder. In his reply, the 59-year-old bodybuilding coach took the conversation in a different direction.

A debate between Milos Sarcev and Samir Bannout?

Milos Sarcev acknowledged Bannout’s critique of his arms and agreed with the former Mr. Olympia. The Serbian bodybuilding icon stated his arms and back were his weaknesses. The Mind then expressed his surprise at Bannout for being unaware of the multiple articles, interviews, and podcasts he does, advocating against using site enhancement oils.

The Lion of Lebanon, known for having one the best backs in bodybuilding history, is also against using compounds like Synthol. However, Sarcev invited Bannout to a “challenging debate,” to discuss something they don’t agree on, insulin use. “Anytime you are ready… I am game,” wrote Sarcev. While the former Mr. Olympia hasn’t replied yet, It’ll be interesting to see the two legends have a debate. What do you think? Let us know in the comments.

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