“Mouth Will Get Really Dry”: Growing Up With Speech Impediment, Chris Bumstead Spills the Beans on His Childhood Experiences

Chris Bumstead had previously confessed how he had trouble speaking while growing up. This was not just physical trouble but also affected him mentally to the point that he became extremely introverted and refused to talk to a lot of people. Years later, now that CBum is winning Mr. Olympia’s title one after the other, he reveals how he has overturned his previous insecurities with much confidence.

The 29-year-old bodybuilder was recently seen on Dr. Jordan B. Peterson’s Podcast. He was asked to talk about what went through his head as a child with a speech impairment.

Chris Bumstead recalls how he became introverted

Bumstead disclosed that although he cannot pinpoint the exact moment when he started feeling embarrassed, he could vaguely remember that as a kid he would sweat a lot when he would go in front of the class. He also remembered, “I’ve had a lisp since I was young and when I get nervous it gets worse and when I was younger it was much worse so I used to be teased for that a little bit which made me I’m sure much more quiet and introvert and just not wanting to talk.”

Moreover, he also revealed that because he did not feel like talking to a small group of people, let alone a larger crowd, he started becoming more and more introverted. Recounting the experience he said, “Now Standing On Top of people my mouth will get really dry. I’ll start to be like my tongue will stick out of my mouth. I’m like oh my God, I’m going to sound dumb people are going to laugh at me and judge me and it led to this kind of spiraling effect.”

However, CBum did not really make his speech impediment take a toll on him completely. Instead, the bodybuilder learned how to gain confidence and be himself over trying to make everyone like him.

Chris Bumstead’s regaining of confidence

Chris Bumstead did not hesitate to talk about how nervous he would get to go up on the stage, instead, he used that as a cue to manipulate his mind quite voluntarily to make it work for him. He unveiled, “When I started taking those nerves and those butterflies and that kind of feeling in my heart as a good sign as a chance for growth and changing my perception.” He also revealed that it was one of the ways he could become a better version of himself, one who is not afraid to be who he is truly.

READ MORE: Chris Bumstead Pokes Fun at His “Cone Head” After a Recent Hair Transplant While His Fiance Flaunts Her Baby Bump in the Gym

To cope with a speech disorder that one has had for a very long time can be hard. Yet, the bodybuilder has been trying his best to overcome it as soon as possible and with all he could for it.

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