“Will Stop Bodybuilding at 38”: Is This the Last Mr. Olympia for Reigning Champion Big Ramy?

Big Ramy, an Egyptian IFBB professional bodybuilder was a late-comer to the party. At the age of 25, in 2009, Ramy decided to pursue the sport seriously. However, in less than three years, he transformed himself into one of the most competitive bodybuilders in the circuit. With two Mr. Olympia titles, he became only the second Mr. Olympia to reside outside America. Eyeing the third title, fans are eager as well as anxious about his retirement.

In May this year, the 37-year-old Egyptian Giant opened up on several important events in his life in a podcast. As much as there is curiosity about Ramy’s participation in Mr. Olympia 2022, so much is about the question of whether it would be his last. In the podcast, he shared about his decision to retire at a certain age, and that is around the corner.

Big Ramy decided it a long time ago

A decade ago, he won all three contests he competed in – two in Kuwait and one in Qatar. At 286 lbs, he was already qualifying for the IFBB Pro League. Besides, he was the talk of the bodybuilding world. Fast Forward, he is now the defending champion of Mr. Olympia with two consecutive wins.

He said in the podcast, “I’ve decided since the beginning that I will stop bodybuilding at 38 years old.” Also, he said that his kids still ask him about it. “I tell them 38 hasn’t come yet. When it comes, we’ll talk,” he added.

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Fair to say, bodybuilding merely happened by chance. Blessed with a massive physique and an instinct for the sport, he trained other men in an Oxygen gym in Kuwait. Upon encouragement, he took it seriously and participated in contests.

Ramy is a fisherman turned bodybuilder

Ramy in Arabic means ‘loving.’ He got the name for his friendly nature. Ramy was born into a large family in a small seaside town in Egypt. Similar to his father and his six brothers, he was a fisherman. When he discovered that he enjoyed lifting weights, he considered seeking employment on that basis.

Genetically blessed with great potential to grow muscle, Oxygen gym’s owner provided him the opportunity to train. According to former bodybuilder Dennis James who also coached Ramy “A typical day for Ramy is that he wakes up, goes downstairs and does cardio, showers, then he works the pro shop for about 10 hours a day, trains that night, and then goes to sleep.” 

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He morphed himself in a record time. He became one of the most sought-after bodybuilders, especially for his shoulder width, gigantic quads, and overall physique. Mr. Olympia 2022 is scheduled to be held from 15th to 18th December in Las Vegas. Will Big Ramy claim his third title?