Jay Cutler started getting recognized in the bodybuilding community first when he won at the NPC teen nationals in 1993. He was just 19 at the time. While he received recognition for this heavyweight win, Cutler was not the subject of overnight bodybuilding glory. But he was steady, so he finally won the race, and the hearts of bodybuilding fans along with it.
He won the 2002 Arnold Classic and also went on to win Mr. Olympia four times, in 2007, 2007, 2009, and 2010. When Jay Cutler hit his stride, it was rare that his competitors could stand against him. His frame was humongous and bulky, and what he might have lacked in aesthetics sometimes, he made up for it in pure muscle mass.
Jay Cutler at his peak
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It is widely considered by fans and the bodybuilding community in general, that 2009 was when Cutler really hit the peak with his physique. 2009 was THE year for Cutler as it embodied his legendary comeback. It was also the year Jay Cutler did his iconic Quad Stomp pose for the first time, a pose that became a popular sight in the bodybuilding world. In essence, Cutler came back in 2009 as a trendsetter.
Cutler’s loss in the 2008 Olympia was a surprising one. The opinion was that he wasn’t in his best shape, and Dexter Jackson, the bodybuilder he lost to, came in with a banging physique. While Jackson might have deserved the win, Cutler took the hit hard. Till then, no one had won the title again after once losing it to an opponent. A comeback seemed impossible to a lot of people.
However, Jay Cutler had a chip on his shoulder, something to prove to the entire world. And so he did. Cutler won the 2009 Mr. Olympia, taking the title from Jackson and earning himself the nickname, ‘Comeback Kid’. The unexpected win turned him into a true legend and immortalized his name in the community. Recently, a video of the 2009 Cutler resurfaced on YouTube, and the nostalgia among the fans was palpable.
Fans reminisce over the 2009 Cutler
According to a fan, Cutler’s 2009 physique would still be enough to defeat any competitor. They commented, “The best Olympia physique of all time, ‘09. He would destroy anyone on stage in this day and age, simply impressive”. His walk on the Olympia stage that year is also something that has been appreciated time and again. A fan wrote, “One of the most iconic walkouts ever to date. He nailed it to a T. Perfect peak on time”.
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A fan also referred to the iconic pose that Cutler made popular, saying, “Idol! The 4x Mr O. Jay “the quad stomp” Cutler. The man, the myth, the legend. A fan from the Philippines.” Someone also recollected the healthy rivalry between Ronnie Coleman and Jay Cutler, and said, “Love big Jay and I love that he is happy and healthy many years after competing. Him and Ronnie’s friendly competition was awesome for the sport.”
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Watch This Story : A Quick Look at One-Time Meals of 4x Mr. Olympia Jay Cutler
There is a consensus among the bodybuilding community that his unmatched muscle mass and his angular shape, especially in the year of his comeback, were a thing of beauty. In which year, according to you, did the Comeback Kid possess the best physique of his career? Let us know in the comments.