In the storied world of bodybuilding, few narratives resonate as deeply as that of a comeback. Fans were set alight by Jay Cutler’s storied return in 2009, culminating in his Mr. Olympia triumph. Yet, in a Prime Time Muscle episode aired on October 12, 2023, the discourse took a thoughtful turn. Two eminent voices in the realm of bodybuilding, Chris Cormier and Olympia judge Terrick El Guindy, shared nuanced perspectives on the recurring trend of seasoned bodybuilders mulling returns.
Cutler: The Titan’s Different Journey
Jay Cutler’s unparalleled legacy is an indelible part of bodybuilding’s chronicles. His conquest of the 2009 Mr. Olympia title is etched in gold. But a few years later, his narrative took an unexpected twist. A profound transformation of his physique in his late 40s intrigued and thrilled the community in equal measure. Many hoped for a monumental stage return, but Cutler, ever the enigma, charted a different path – embracing a fitness challenge as he neared his 50th year.
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The Gift’s Possible Encore
While legends like Cutler have their tales, the present has its own icons. Phil Heath, at 43 and with the moniker “The Gift,” has been teasing a tantalizing possibility of a return. Amid the whirlwind of excitement, Heath’s audacious suggestion of a potential comeback for $1 million added fuel to the speculative fire. What’s more, he hinted at possibly gracing a platform beyond Mr. Olympia.
The Dichotomy of Passion and Prudence
While the narrative of returning champions stirs excitement, seasoned professionals like Cormier and El Guindy urge reflection. The ardent spirit of these bodybuilding stalwarts is beyond question. However, the physical demands of the sport, coupled with the ravages of time, present a unique set of challenges, making comebacks a delicate balancing act of ambition and well-being.
El Guindy on Legends’ Comebacks: Promote, Don’t Compete;“Promote the Sport”
Terrick El Guindy, an authoritative figure in bodybuilding, believes that while legends like Jay Cutler and Phil Heath have cemented their legacies on stage, their most valuable contributions to the sport now lie in promotion and mentorship.
“Here’s the deal, Phil Heath shouldn’t come back, Jay Cutler shouldn’t come back because they are already doing great stuff like Jay did at the Fit Expo and at the Masters Olympia it was awesome, he was on stage, people loved him the fans were on fire. That’s what they need to do. They have the ability to open a new avenue to promote the sport.
I don’t like the comebacks. I don’t. I’m going to be honest: I don’t like it. I think you have a period of time where you played the game you give it your best — even some of the greatest of all times, Muhammad Ali… his comeback was not good. Michael Jordan, I mean he played well for the Wizards but come on! That’s not the Michael Jordan from the Bulls from the 90s. Jay Cutler, man awesome what he’s doing. Phil, follow the same path,” said Olympia judge El Guindy.
El Guindy’s Take: Heath and Cutler’s Influence Extends Beyond the Stage
In the perspective of Terrick El Guindy, legendary figures such as Phil Heath and Jay Cutler, now retired, hold a unique power. Their most significant impact on upcoming athletes, he believes, won’t be from competing, but rather from the mentorship and guidance they can provide offstage.
“Let’s have these guys open a new avenue so that competitors when Nick Walker, when Derek Lunsford, when they get old they go hey man I don’t need to do comebacks, I don’t need to, I can do the Masters Olympia, I can look a little bit more downsized or I can be Jay Cutler and promote the sport and promote anti-aging rejuvenation, that’s what I’m talking about,” added Olympia judge El Guindy.
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Chris Cormier on Bodybuilding: A “Young Man’s Sport”
Adding his voice to the ongoing dialogue about the nature of competitive bodybuilding, Chris Cormier candidly remarked that the sport is inherently a “young man’s sport.” This acknowledgment aligns with sentiments expressed by other figures in the industry, suggesting a prevailing recognition of the physical demands and rigors uniquely posed to older competitors.
“It is a young man’s sport. The skin tone, everything that goes into competition. Plus when you get to the golden age as we are, I just feel like it’s something for someone of age to make it happen like that. You’re not going to get the best version of ‘The Real Deal’ at this age. So I won’t put you guys through it,” said Chris Cormier.
Masters Olympia 2023: Age Just a Number in Bodybuilding’s Grand Return
In a twist of fate, as the debate over the viability of older athletes’ comebacks ensues, the 2023 Masters Olympia made a triumphant return after an 11-year gap. And adding zest to the narrative, two contestants, aged 50 and above — Kamal Elgargni and Hidetada “Hide” Yamagishi — clinched top honors in the Men’s Open and Men’s 212 Bodybuilding divisions. Their victories stand as a testament to the enduring spirit and potential of seasoned athletes.
Yet, the allure of a comeback has its critics. Chris Cormier and Terrick El Guindy, while appreciating the allure of such stories, advocate a different path for the greats. They admire the approach taken by Jay Cutler, who has gracefully transitioned into a new phase after his competitive years, promoting the sport and nurturing the next generation.
For those interested in delving deeper into these discussions, the full dialogue is available on the Olympia TV YouTube channel:
Overview
In the world of bodybuilding, the topic of comebacks, especially among seasoned athletes like Jay Cutler and Phil Heath, stirs lively discussions. While their returns to the stage captivate fans, some influential voices like Chris Cormier and Terrick El Guindy advocate for their contributions offstage, emphasizing the role of legends in promoting and mentoring the next generation. Their sentiments parallel the recent comeback of the Masters Olympia, where age seemed no barrier to triumph, illustrating the sport’s enduring spirit.
Featured Image @tkguindy, @philheath (Instagram)
