Early beginnings (2008–2016)
Growing up, powerlifting was only a hobby for Bumstead. [11] He began weightlifting at age 14, and in the next 4 years, he went from 170 to 225 pounds (77 to 102 kg), growing his legs the most. [12] . His sister's boyfriend, Iain Valliere, saw Bumstead's potential and helped him prepare to compete throughout his high school years. After building a competitive physique under coach Valliere's guidance, Bumstead began competing. [13]
Bumstead made his competitive debut in 2014 at 19 years old. [14] Bumstead's first bodybuilding show was a regional level show in Ontario, in which he participated alongside his sister, Melissa Valliere. They both won their overall titles, with Bumstead winning as a junior. Following his success, he found himself in love with the sport of bodybuilding, and began to work with Iain first hand. [15]
Earning IFBB pro card and early success (2016–2019)
Bumstead obtained his IFBB pro card at age 21 after claiming the 2016 IFBB North American Bodybuilding Championship. He later placed third overall in his first professional show. [16]
In 2017, he won both the 2017 IFBB Pittsburgh Pro and the 2017 IFBB Toronto Pro Supershow. [3] [17] [18] That same year, Bumstead placed second in his first Mr. Olympia in the Classic Physique category. [19] [20]
Bumstead was hospitalized 4 weeks out from the 2018 Mr. Olympia due to severe water retention related to a kidney complication. After spending three nights in the emergency room, Bumstead continued to train, but this was a significant setback. [21] [22]
Mr. Olympia Classic Physique winning streak (2019–2024)
Bumstead won his first Mr. Olympia Classic Physique title in 2019, sparking a winning streak that lasted until 2024. He defended his title from 2020 to 2024, totaling in six total consecutive wins.
On September 13, 2021, Bumstead signed with RAW Nutrition, a supplement company. [23] Since then, Bumstead created his signature series, selling gym supplements such as pre-workouts and protein powders.
On October 19, 2022, Bumstead and Valliere formally announced they would no longer be working together as Valliere transitioned to also compete in the Open division. [24] Beginning in 2022, he was coached by Hany Rambod, a leading bodybuilding coach. [25]
In an Instagram reel published on September 6, 2024, Bumstead hinted at a significant announcement to be revealed on September 9. [26] On that day, Bumstead posted another reel, revealing that he had become both a part-owner and an athlete for Gymshark. [27]
Bumstead announced his retirement after winning his 6th Mr. Olympia Classic Division title on October 13, 2024, at the 2024 Mr. Olympia. [28]
On October 28, 2024, Bumstead announced that he will make his Men's Open Division debut at the 2024 EVLS Prague Pro. [29] He emphasized that this was because of his current conditioning from the preceding 2024 Mr. Olympia, calling it “One more run just for fun, giving the people what they want” before stepping into retirement. [30] He competed at the 2024 EVLS Prague Pro Finals, where he placed second. [31] [32] He confirmed his earlier announced retirement after the event. [33]
