American bodybuilder Jeremy Buendia boasts one of the most impressive records of any competitor in the Men’s Physique class. Although he stepped away from professional competition a few years ago, he never ruled out the possibility of a return. In a recent Instagram post, Buendia announced his plans to make his comeback at the 2023 Olympia and teased a battle with reigning champ Erin Banks on June 8 with a special collaboration.
Jeremy Buendia grew up playing football in his high school days. He found his passion for bodybuilding after suffering injuries to his neck and back. He earned his IFBB Pro card in 2013, the same year the Men’s Physique division was added to the Mr. Olympia competition. Buendia turned in a strong performance but fell short of the inaugural winner Mark Anthony Wingson.
Having narrowly missed out on the win, Buendia worked hard in the off-season and came back stronger than ever for the 2014 Mr. Olympia. He exacted revenge by dethroning Wingson to secure first. Then, Buendia managed to ward off the new crop of talent and went on a dominant run that saw him become a four-time Men’s Physique Olympia. His last appearance came at the 2018 Mr. Olympia, where he dropped the title to three-time winner Brandon Hendrickson.
Buendia teased a comeback to the Olympia stage in the final quarter of 2019. He teamed up with former Mr. Olympia Brandon Curry to get ready for the event. In July 2020, he offered a jacked physique update ahead of his anticipated return and later shared some of his best tips on training rear delts for muscle growth. Ultimately, his comeback was put on ice again.
The 32-year-old stunned with an impressive physique update in April last year. Buendia presented an improved package that sparked speculation about a potential move to the Classic Physique category. He confirmed his plan was to get back on stage bigger than ever before. Specifically, his goal was to bulk up to 225 pounds.
Jeremy Buendia and reigning Men’s Physique Olympia Erin Banks traded verbal jabs ahead of the 2022 Mr. Olympia last September. Buendia took issue with Banks disrespecting other contenders and Hendrickson stepped in to cool things down. As of late, Buendia opened up on his ambitions to win another Olympia contest following Banks’ victory in December. He believes the competition was razor-close and doubled down on his eventual return.
Jeremy Buendia announces comeback for the 2023 Mr. Olympia, teases battle with Erin Banks in June
In a recent Instagram post, Jeremy Buendia shared his plans to make a comeback for the 2023 Mr. Olympia. He also teased a battle with reigning Men’s Physique champ Erin Banks next month.
“I’m all in we are only 6 months away from the comeback!” he wrote. “Olympia Battle June 8th be sure to tune in to OlympiaTV.”
Jeremy Buendia gave his take on the current state of the Men’s Physique division four months ago. He recognized the danger presented by Banks’ height and believes that added size and conditioning could help him claim gold.
In addition, Buendia laid out a gigantic 4,600-calorie bulking diet he utilized to pack on 19 pounds in a span of two weeks last October. The off-season diet consisted of seven massive meals to keep him energized while still adding muscle mass.
It remains to be seen whether Buendia will follow through with his plan to step on the Olympia stage later this year, but all signs point to his return in November, where he’ll face off with Erin Banks.