On Oct. 22, 2022, reigning three-time Classic Physique Olympia champion (2019-2021) Chris Bumstead announced that the legendary Hany Rambod can be his coach for the ultimate stages of his 2022 Olympia training. As he prepares to vie for a historic fourth consecutive Classic Physique Olympia title, Bumstead made the news official in a video posted to his YouTube channel on the identical day.
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Rumors had circulated for a bit of while that Bumstead would soon be working in tandem with Rambod. The champion bodybuilder acknowledged those not-so-subtle murmurs, noting that the “secret’s out.”
Bumstead’s transition to Rambod as his coach comes on the heels of the athlete ending a partnership with fellow bodybuilder Iain Valliere. Considering Rambod’s history and pedigree, Bumstead’s decision is perhaps a clever one.
The coach/nutritionist has developed a repute for being probably the greatest within the business. Rambod can say that due to a hand in helping bodybuilding legends like Phil Heath and Jay Cutler capture their vast assortment of Olympia titles.
Rambod may boast of working with ascending stars Derek Lunsford and perennial Olympia contender Hadi Choopan. If there’s one person who might help Bumstead to a “four-peat,” it is perhaps the coach in Rambod — who’s been an element of 20 different Olympia titles so far.
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To handle the news from his perspective, Rambod said that he expressed initial surprise when Bumstead first contacted him in August 2022.
“It definitely got here from left field,” Rambod explained. “Quite a lot of people think this has been happening for a very long time. It really hadn’t.”
In keeping with Bumstead, Rambod had reservations about starting work with Bumstead at first of his formal Olympia prep, quite than having extra months within the off-season to organize. The 2 looked as if it would ultimately come to an agreement that they’re professionals and have been across the block when it comes to experience.
“It’s not my first rodeo, it’s not (Rambod’s) first rodeo,” Bumstead clarified. “We’ll make it work. I’m excited.”
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While he’s working with a bodybuilding coaching great, Bumstead faces a tall task to proceed his streak of Classic Physique Olympia titles. The competitor he originally dethroned in 2019, Breon Ansley, will attempt to make his last run on this division a memorable one. Meanwhile, usual top-level performer, Terrence Ruffin, appears to be chomping on the bit to finally break through on the Olympia stage.
Whether Bumstead can hold off his similarly talented peers is a matter that can only have a solution on Dec. 16-18, 2022, in Las Vegas, NV.
Featured image: @cbum on Instagram