Iain Valliere Announces His Retirement from Bodybuilding
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By Roger “Rock” Lockridge
2023 Toronto Pro Supershow champion Iain Valliere shocked the bodybuilding world on September 7th, 2023 when he posted a YouTube video titled “The Next Chapter...” announcing his retirement from competition, effective immediately.
In the video, Valliere revealed that this wasn’t an impulse decision. As a matter of fact, it’s been on his mind for over one year. Ultimately, a factor that helped him make a final decision was a lack of enthusiasm to be a part of bodybuilding’s biggest weekend.
“Competing at this year’s Olympia didn’t make me excited anymore.”
Valliere had qualified for the 2023 Mr. Olympia contest by winning that Toronto Pro Supershow event in June. The ten-year veteran would’ve entered his fifth Olympia in the last six seasons. His highest placing in those contests was seventh, which he achieved in both 2020 and 2021. He was 11th in the 2022 Mr. Olympia, held in Las Vegas, Nevada last December.
Valliere cited both excitement for his next chapter in life as well as his desire to have children with his wife, IFBB Figure Pro Melissa Bumstead Valliere. He also shared that he wanted to make sure his career ended on his terms as opposed to another reason.
“I never want to get pushed out of bodybuilding because of a health complication.”
He went on to say that he’s excited to watch the Olympia from the audience, indicating that he will not compete in the 2023 Mr. Olympia. His vacancy is not expected to be filled because only show winners can qualify for the Olympia this season. He expressed interest in maintaining his YouTube channel, possibly getting into judging, and enjoying the next phase of his life.
The 32-year-old's decade long run in bodybuilding saw him capture five pro wins, including the 2020 New York Pro, 2021 Tampa Pro and Texas Pro, 2022 Vancouver Pro, and the 2023 Toronto Pro Supershow. He was also second to Nick Walker in the 2021 Arnold Classic contest in Columbus, Ohio.
Aside from contests, Valliere is still a frequent contributor to Fouad Abiad’s Bro Chat podcast and works with several brands across the fitness industry. He was also the first coach of four-time Classic Physique Olympia champion, and brother-in-law, Chris Bumstead. Bumstead currently works with Hany Rambod.
A strong case could be made that Valliere is Canada’s greatest Men’s Open bodybuilder of all-time. If fans disagreed with that statement, they would have to acknowledge that he is at least in the conversation.
Muscle Insider tips a cap to the career of Iain Valliere and wishes him the best in whatever his future holds.
The video, titled “The Next Chapter...” can be seen below.
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