IFBB icon, Chris Bumstead has been eternally open about his personal struggles, mostly encircling mental health concerns. Moreover, the bodybuilder had publicly addressed that he chose to do so, to give the fans something to relate to. He doesn’t shy away from exposing his weak moments to the world, and this is what he did in this recent interview with Full Send Podcast.
Talking to the show hosts on YouTube, Cbum talked about his darkest time ahead of winning one of his Mr. Olympia titles. He admitted to feeling shattered, giving descriptive details that leave very little to the imagination. He presented a reality check of being privileged and felt it needed to be shared with the fans. Here’s what he said.
Chris Bumstead reveals his lowest moment amid pro-competing
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The interview premiered on Friday and has already amassed around a million views. In the video, the 28-year-old star athlete was asked if he ever wanted to quit or what he perceived as his biggest obstacle. Immediately getting to the point, Bumstead shared there were countless moments when he contemplated his career, even whilst training. He said, “I’m like why the f**k am I doing this to my body. Is it going to be worth it if I’m hurting myself and I kind of like build a bit of a shame…victim mentality of why me and all this.”
The four-time Mr. Olympia particularly confessed to hitting the rock bottom when he found himself crying on the bathroom floor. “When I won the last 20…21 Olympia…I don’t know why but I felt like I have to share this with my speech afterwards. I was like six weeks out, I was crying on the bathroom floor with my fiance literally like wanting to quit, be like why the f**k am I doing this…I can’t do this anymore I’m done,” Cbum shared. Fortunately, his fiance had his back and gave him the reassurance the athlete needed.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Thus, the Canadian pro disclosed, “My fiance gave me a huge pep talk… groveled my a** and got me in shape. And the fact that everyone has those days when you’re trying really hard and putting a lot of effort into something that eventually you’re just gonna feel overwhelmed, and it’s f**king normal.”
He asserted that there are such moments in everyone’s life. Yet, they don’t end up actually quitting though. Besides that, Cbum suffers from an autoimmune disease that urges him to be extra cautious of his health. “If I’m gonna choose to do this, I’m gonna choose to enjoy it and be here but…every year’s a battle. I’m not perfect with that,” he added. Similarly, he once again shared a difficult phase of his life, back in 2018, when he struggled with poor self-esteem.
Watch this story: Here are five bodybuilders who gave better biceps than legendary Arnold Schwarzenegger
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Apart from his grand triumphs in the bodybuilding industry, Bumstead’s forthright approach and constant advocacy for mental health are commendable. Interestingly, very few in the domain choose to do so. Cbum claims he never goes by the all-or-nothing attitude, and that it’s okay not to be okay.
What do you think of his viewpoint? Does yours align with his? Tell us in the comments.