Jeremy Buendia, one of the most decorated Men’s Physique athletes in the sport’s history, has officially announced his retirement following the 2025 Mr. Olympia, where he placed eighth. Buendia took to his Instagram account to reflect on his performance, his journey, and the future opportunities he plans to pursue beyond the stage. Despite the placement, Buendia expressed gratitude for his career and emphasized his commitment to the fitness industry.

Secondly, Buendia opened up about the challenges he faced during his final Olympia prep, highlighting the difficulty of bringing his peak physique to the stage despite feeling confident during peak week.

**“I was feeling great during peak week leading up. I unlocked my all time best physique.

• Unfortunately, something about the stage the past 2x that I’ve competed, my physique fades the hours leading up to the stage.”**

 

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Jeremy Buendia Announces Retirement After disappointed 8th placing at 2025 Olympia

He explained that there were no drastic prep mistakes and speculated that stress and nerves played a role in his stage presentation.

“There are no excuses, we didn’t do anything drastic (no crazy change in food, no crazy water depletion, no drastic sodium manipulation, and minimal diuretics (like barely anything). What I’m guessing is my anxiety, excitement and stress takes over and my body seems to release cortisol or something, but I just haven’t ever been able to bring my ‘craziest gym look’ to the stage & that was my goal this year. Above placing or winning, I just wanted to display my physique at its all time best.”

Buendia acknowledged that while a higher placing may have influenced his decision, he trusts in a greater plan for his life.

“I fell short & maybe there is a reason. Maybe that reason could have been a higher placing which may have made me reconsider retiring. But as I sit and reflect, it wasn’t meant to be that way. I trust in the Lords plans for me, and I’m thankful for my placing and how well I did. I sat in sadness for a day or so, wishing I brought to the stage what I had envisioned but after deep thought I knew that the outcome has already been written. My life will always be in Gods hands, and remembering that gives me peace, and a reminder that his plans for my future are far greater than a better Olympia placing.”

He also shared a guiding verse that has inspired him throughout his journey:

“Proverbs 3:5-6 ‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways lean on him and he will make your path straight.’”

 

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Looking Ahead: New Ventures Beyond the Stage

Buendia emphasized that while his competitive career has concluded, his involvement in the fitness industry is far from over. He plans to create opportunities for other athletes and fitness enthusiasts, focusing on financial success and mentorship within bodybuilding.

“My time on stage is over, but the plans God has set in front me are far greater. Things are in motion, and I’ll be able to share with you soon the new ventures I’ve taken on. Ventures that don’t only benefit me, but will create opportunities for other fitness enthusiasts and bodybuilders. Creating a successful financial life as a bodybuilder isn’t easy, but it’s doable & sometimes you just need a door opened for you. I plan to open doors for others & to give them opportunities that go far beyond their time on stage!”

Finally, Buendia made it clear that retirement from competition does not mean stepping away from the industry he loves.

“I’m retiring from the stage, I’m not retiring from our industry. It’s my turn to giveback to the sport that has given so much to me ❤️”

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Jeremy Buendia announces retirement following the 2025 Mr. Olympia marks the end of a storied career in Men’s Physique, but it also signals the beginning of a new chapter in his life. Despite an eighth-place finish, Buendia leaves the stage with gratitude and faith, ready to leverage his experience to support and mentor the next generation of athletes. Fans can expect Buendia to continue influencing the fitness world through entrepreneurship, guidance, and initiatives that create lasting opportunities beyond competitive bodybuilding.

Featured Image – Jeremy Buendia Announces Retirement After disappointed 8th placing at 2025 Olympia – Credit: @mrolympiallc, @profitnessphotos, @Flex_magazine, @jeremy_buendia (Instagram)