On Oct. 22, 2022, reigning three-time Classic Physique Olympia champion (2019-2021) Chris Bumstead announced that the legendary Hany Rambod would be his coach for the final 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 same day.
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Rumors had circulated for a little 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 might be a wise one.
The coach/nutritionist has developed a reputation for being one of the best in the business. Rambod can say that thanks to a hand in helping bodybuilding legends like Phil Heath and Jay Cutler capture their vast assortment of Olympia titles.
Rambod can also boast of working with ascending stars Derek Lunsford and perennial Olympia contender Hadi Choopan. If there’s one person that can help Bumstead to a “four-peat,” it might be the coach in Rambod — who’s been a part of 20 different Olympia titles to date.
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To address the news from his perspective, Rambod said that he expressed initial surprise when Bumstead first contacted him in August 2022.
“It definitely came from left field,” Rambod explained. “A lot of people think this has been going on for a long time. It really hadn’t.”
According to Bumstead, Rambod had reservations about starting work with Bumstead at the beginning of his formal Olympia prep, rather than having extra months in the off-season to prepare. The two seemed to ultimately come to an agreement that they’re professionals and have been around the block in terms of 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 continue his streak of Classic Physique Olympia titles. The competitor he originally dethroned in 2019, Breon Ansley, will try to make his last run in this division a memorable one. Meanwhile, usual top-level performer, Terrence Ruffin, seems to be chomping at the bit to finally break through on the Olympia stage.
Whether Bumstead can hold off his similarly talented peers is a question that will only have an answer on Dec. 16-18, 2022, in Las Vegas, NV.
Featured image: @cbum on Instagram
