Chris Bumstead Gymshark – CBUM Reveals Why Quitting The Brand Was The Biggest Mistake of his Career.
Six-time Mr. Olympia champion and bodybuilding icon Chris Bumstead has revealed the biggest mistake of his career: leaving Gymshark.
The Canadian megastar, who retired from the sport last year, joined Gymshark as an athlete in 2018 – just months before claiming his first Olympia title.
However, CBUM parted ways with the brand, owned by British entrepreneur Ben Francis, after a four-year stint to focus on building his own apparel line.
In a new twist in their on-again, off-again journey, CBUM struck a deal last year to return to Gymshark in a dual role as both an athlete and shareholder.
Chris Bumstead Gymshark: Why Did He Leave?
During a Chris Bumstead Gymshark Miami Lift event last month, CBUM joined Francis and Gymshark’s Chief Brand Officer, Noel Mack, on stage to take questions from fans.
Addressing both CBUM and Francis, Mack said: “Chris, you won Mr. Olympia six times, you cultivated a community of over 20 million followers on social media, and you’ve captured the hearts and minds of pretty much anyone who’s stepped foot in a gym.
“Ben, you started off as a pizza boy with a dream to build the first-ever gym brand, and in doing so, you created Gymshark. I think it’s safe to say people consider you both pretty successful.
“So, my first question is, what’s the biggest mistake you’ve ever made?”
CBUM replied, “Leaving Gymshark.”
His response drew huge applause from the crowd and a wry smile from Ben Francis. The owner of Bum Energy then suggested he let other people sway his decision to walk away from the brand.
“Any mistake I made was from listening to outside influences rather than my own heart,” he continued. “In a way, that was why I left Gymshark.
“But then, coming back, talking to you guys, starting a business of my own, and seeing what you two have built—how Ben scaled the brand, what you guys stand for—I was like, wow.
“I was so much more impressed by what you had done, and it felt right in my heart to come back. It was a full-circle moment for me, realizing I should do whatever the hell I want in my life rather than listen to outside opinions.”
Mr. Chris Bumstead Olympia might be done for now, but it seems Mr. Chris Bumstead Gymshark is here to stay.
READ MORE: What does Chris Bumstead’s cheat meals look like?
