On Oct. 2, 2024, four-time Men’s Physique Olympia champ Jeremy Buendia announced via social media that he’ll likely retire from competitive bodybuilding after the 2025 season. Buendia has already started his prep for the 2025 Arnold Classic (AC), scheduled for March 1, 2025, in Columbus, Ohio — his AC debut.
Buendia is laser-focused on his strategy, as showcased in the first workout of his prep — a push session.
After losing his Olympia crown in 2018, Buendia took a four-year hiatus from the competitive stage before returning in the 2023 Olympia, where he ranked eighth overall. The California native had high hopes for redemption at the 2024 Olympia, but they were tarnished due to re-injuring his Achilles tendon while running in April.
Buendia still needs to apply for and receive an invitation to the 2025 Arnold Classic. The rules differ from those of the Olympia, in which Buendia holds lifetime eligibility as a former champion, with the exception of a five-year gap …