“More of a Show Rather Than Sport”: 4-Time Mr. Olympia Once Opened Up on Bodybuilding’s Legitimacy as a Sport

For decades, bodybuilding has been a flourishing industry. From hosting champions like Frank Zane to churning out actors like Arnold Schwarzenegger, it is a field to look up to. Contests like Mr. Olympia have given many legends, like Ronnie Coleman and Jay Cutler. However, a question plagues people’s minds: Is bodybuilding a sport? Four-time Mr. Olympia Jay Cutler might have the answer to this.

Jay Cutler has dominated the bodybuilding world since he defeated 8x Mr. Olympia, Ronnie Coleman. The icon, in fact, went on to win the championship four times before gracefully retiring. Being an experienced personality in this field, he once answered the most common question about bodybuilding. That is whether or not it is a sport.

Jay Cutler called bodybuilding a show

Cutler gave props to the industry for giving him many opportunities. He mentioned how bodybuilding enabled his character development and built a better future for him. Back then, the legend vouched to make use of his bodybuilding background to gain more opportunities for himself. However, he had some strong opinions about whether the industry should be classified as a sport.

The bodybuilding legend mentioned that the industry was a means of entertainment for the audience. He justified, “I consider bodybuilding more of a show rather than a sport”. Bodybuilders are the showrunners of the industry.

Read More: Unlike Other Bodybuilders, 4X Mr. Olympia Jay Cutler Doesn’t Do Cardio Just to Get Lean: “I Do It for All Those Reasons But…”

Although this is debatable, Cutler truly believes bodybuilding is a source of entertainment for the audience. While it requires an extraordinary amount of physical exertion in the form of a workout, it is still a form of entertainment, at least as per Cutler.

Jay’s thoughts on the growth of the industry

He was also aware of how the industry was dying back then. The amount of dedication and discipline required is not child’s play. Bodybuilders also have to sacrifice a lot and make many lifestyle changes. Therefore, people hesitate to pick up this as a career.

Something that hasn’t changed with Jay Cutler since this interview is his vision. Even back then, the legend spoke of how bodybuilding needs to become “mainstream”. His tendency to think big made him a star in this industry.

Watch this story: From Arnold Schwarzenegger to Ronnie Coleman – here are the top bodybuilders with the best nicknames