While the dust has settled on the 2023 Mr. Olympia contest, the bodybuilding world is still abuzz with discussion about the event. From October 2 to 5, the Super Bowl of bodybuilding attracted the biggest personalities of the sport, who traveled from across the globe to Florida to attend the event. However, Mr. Olympia also attracted public figures not associated with bodybuilding directly.

WWE legend turned actor Dave Bautista was the ambassador of the 2023 Mr. Olympia. Besides the Holywood actor, basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal was among the first row of audiences. The 7’1″ former Lakers player is a massive fan of the sport and has regularly attended the Olympia for the past five years. Earlier, the official Mr. Olympia Instagram handle shared an unseen backstage moment involving Shaq and Classic Physique champ Chris Bumstead. The viral photo impressed fans.

Shaq O’Neal and CBum face-to-face

At this year’s Mr. Olympia, Chris Bumstead defended his Classic Physique title for the fifth time. The Canadian bodybuilder showed up in arguably his best shape ever. Despite tough competition from the likes of Ramon Dino, Urs Kalecinski, Breon Ansley, and Terrence Ruffin, CBum emerged as the winner. After the 28-year-old won the title, the NBA icon met him backstage.

CBum and Shaquille O’Neal were in the middle of a fistbump when they were photographed. Bumstead still had his gold medal on. “CBUM & SHAQ enjoy a moment backstage at the Olympia,” the Olympia LLC page captioned the post. In the photo, the 7’2″ NBA giant dwarfed Chris Bumstead. Although CBum is among the tallest bodybuilders at 6’2″, the height discrepancy was apparent. Fans noticed it and couldn’t help but hilariously point it out in the comments.

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Bodybuilding fans marvel at Shaquille O’Neal’s height

Nearly all the comments were about Shaq dwarfing Cbum. “Shaq make everybody look small next to him smh,” wrote one fan while commenting on Shaq’s massive stature. “Bro forgot to stop growing,” a second fan wrote about O’Neal. A third fan left a similar comment. “CBum never looked so small,” wrote the fan.

One fan took a minute to process what was going on in the photo. “Man I thought Cbum was kneeling down. I completely forgot how tall Shaq is,” wrote the astonished fan. While Shaquille O’Neal has attended every Olympia for the last five years, one fan didn’t seem aware. “The fact that he keeps up with the sport is surprising,” wrote the fan.

What did you think about the photograph? Tell us in the comments.

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