In a recent episode of Prime Time Muscle, Chris Bumstead acknowledged Wesley Vissers’ rising prominence in bodybuilding. Bumstead, the reigning Classic Physique Olympia champion, didn’t downplay the threat posed by Vissers, especially after his wins at the 2024 Arnold Classic Ohio and UK contests. This underscores the competitive landscape Bumstead faces for the 2024 Mr. Olympia contest.
Reflecting on his journey, Bumstead’s ascent to the pinnacle of Classic Physique bodybuilding has been impressive. Since claiming the Classic Physique Olympia title in 2019, he’s solidified his status as a dominant force in the sport. Despite setbacks like injuries, Bumstead’s perseverance has led to five Classic Physique Olympia victories, showcasing his resilience.
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The 2024 Arnold Classic Ohio was pivotal for the Classic Physique division, with Wesley Vissers emerging as a standout competitor. Vissers’ narrow victory over Ramon Queiroz marked a significant shake-up. Instead of resting, Vissers continued his winning streak at the Arnold Classic UK, solidifying his position as a formidable contender.
Chris Bumstead Talks 2024 Mr. Olympia, Future, and Wesley Vissers at ‘120%’, Says He Can ‘Beat These Guys’
Despite hints at retirement within two years, Bumstead reaffirms commitment to 2024 Mr. Olympia contest.
“I’ll be back for sure. That’s a great question. I’ve said it every single year, I’m taking it one year at a time. After I win the Olympia I take some time off I let myself come back to earth, and figure out what I want. If it’s still for me, if I still have that drive and that passion because there’s no point in me putting myself through this if I don’t have the passion for more.”
“Right now, I definitely still feel that I do. I’ve kind of discovered through all of this shit I’ve gone through the injuries, the stuff I’ve shared, and everything… I’ve almost mastered the art of competing where I can now compete at a high level and also have fun.”
Before retiring from Classic Physique, Bumstead aims for seven Olympia titles, inspired by Phil Heath and Arnold Schwarzenegger.
“It doesn’t last forever. Every year it’s an opportunity that I get to do it again. So, I’m just grateful I got one more in me and if I got another after that I’ll be up there with numbers like Arnold and Phil Heath winning seven, so, it’d be cool but just taking it one year at a time.”
Bumstead was taken aback by Vissers’ performance and feels that weight caps in Classic Physique enable competitors to surprise the world more easily.
“Obviously Wesley was a bit of a surprise for everybody. I was there in the morning watching prejudging and I was like holy shit, he’s going to win. I thought he was going to win. I would have never guessed that going into it. But, that’s the thing with Classic Physique because of the weight limit we have people can come in and just shock you all of a sudden and you never really know.”
According to Bumstead, Wesley Vissers’ Arnold Classic wins ‘changes everything.’
“That’s why every year is an opportunity for people to jump placings, take my title, anything. Anything can really happen. I think Wesley coming in threw a huge wrench.
I don’t think it’s going to be a top-two call-out like last year with me and Ramon, it could be four of us, it could be whatever. It changes everything. It throws it all up in the air. ”
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Though ‘Cbum’ acknowledged Wesley’s peak performance at the Arnold Classic Ohio, reaching ‘120 percent,’ he maintains confidence in his ability to outperform him on the Mr. Olympia stage.
“I was side stage and I was looking at it and I was like, I can beat these guys. I could tell everyone is improving and they are all getting better. I don’t think everybody was at their best at this show. I think Wesley was beyond his best 120 percent and the other guys were more like 80. I don’t think people nailed this one perfectly. The Arnold is a really hard show to do given the timing on the Olympia.”
Bumstead also shared valuable advice for aspiring bodybuilders looking to progress in the sport.
“In the theme of the lesson I learned in this previous Olympia, I would say the biggest tip I give to people is not suppressing and fearing the down times. Life is always going to be full of ups and downs and when you’re going through downtime don’t just shut down, suppress, and numb, all these things, understand that that’s normal you’ll get out of it, embrace that moment,” said Chris Bumstead.
Bumstead, Vissers, and other Classic Physique contenders, Ramon Queiroz and Urs Kalecinski, assessed each other’s strengths during a special chest workout for the Olympia TV YouTube channel. Having glimpsed into his rivals’ training routines, ‘Cbum’ feels optimistic about his prospects.
The 2024 Mr. Olympia competition, commemorating its 60th anniversary, will occur from October 10-13 in Las Vegas, Nevada. With a surge of new competitors ascending in the Classic Physique category, Bumstead is determined to defend his title.
View the full video on the Olympia TV YouTube channel below:
Overview
Chris Bumstead discusses Wesley Vissers’ emergence as a top contender in bodybuilding. He reaffirms his commitment to the 2024 Mr. Olympia contest. Despite facing challenges from competitors like Vissers, Bumstead’s impressive track record in the Classic Physique division underscores his resilience. He commits to defending his title amid a shifting landscape in the sport.
Featured Image @Cbum , @Wesleyvissers (Instagram)