Jeremy Buendia Set to Retire Post-Olympia

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Four-time defending Physique Olympia champion Jeremy Buendia, just days before he steps onstage in Las Vegas in pursuit of an unprecedented fifth title, announced his retirement from the sport on Instagram Sept. 11. Buendia suffered a pec tear earlier this year. His message conveyed to fans and friends that he was nearing the end of his professional journey.

            “This is a very emotional week for myself,” he wrote. “This is my last time stepping on stage and there are so many things to say... I’ve lived, breathed this sport for over a decade. I’ve sacrificed a majority of my life to do what I do. There have been so many ups and downs, highs and lows, that it has really allowed me to dig deep and learn who I really am. I owe a lot to this sport. What we do isn’t easy. In fact, it’s probably one of the hardest things anyone can do. This sport has beaten me down to my knees, but it’s also taught me how to pick myself up and finish what I started. I’ve grown from a child to a man from start to end, and to look back at all the lessons I’ve learned and the life that bodybuilding has given me, I can’t help but sit back and smile. I smile because for the first time in my life I feel proud. Proud of the man I’ve become and proud of my understanding on life. This selfish sport has turned a selfish man into a selfless one. I use to be so wrapped up in myself that is all that mattered & unfortunately I had to learn the hard way in many cases. Fortunately, through it all I have found relationships/friendships (more so a family) that has stuck it out with me through it all. Granted, many people have come in and out of my life but there are a select few who have been here since day 1 & even through the struggles, they never quit on me….God willing I walk away from the stage undisputed as the 5x Champ, but whatever outcome I know is God’s Plan and a purpose behind it! I’m thankful and blessed.”
            Look for Muscle Insider’s exclusive coverage of the Olympia events this weekend.