The five-time Olympian will become a first-time father.
Written by Stephen Sheehan, CPT
As if winning his fifth consecutive Classic Physique championship at the 2023 Mr. Olympia contest wasn’t enough of a reason to celebrate, Chris Bumstead has even more motivation to remain at the top of his game as the calendar turns to 2024.
Coming off another successful showing at the biggest bodybuilding competition of the year, the king of the Classic Physique division can officially call himself a father-in-waiting. On Monday, Nov. 14, 2023, Bumstead and fiancée Courtney King revealed that they’re expecting their first child.
The power couple posted a four-part photo carousel with the simple caption “Baby Bum Coming 2024” to let the world know about their pregnancy. The third photo showed Bumstead and King holding a six-slide sonogram of their child.
While Bumstead brings big-name recognition and an impressive build that’s helped him reach the top of the Classic Physique mountain five years in a row, his partner also boasts impressive accomplishments and great genetics. A decorated athlete herself, King earned her IFBB Pro League Card in 2012, setting the stage for a highly successful run as a bikini competitor. The Chicago native didn’t reach quite the same level as her renowned future husband, but she did secure top-three finishes in 11 out of the 14 competitions she entered between 2013-16.
Notably, King capped off her career in epic fashion by capturing the 2016 Bikini Olympia championship over a crowded field that included three-time winner Ashley Kaltwasser. Two years later, she began dating Bumstead, who soon after started his run of dominance in the Classic Physique division. And just before he earned his fourth Olympia title, the Canadian native got down on one knee and proposed to King in October 2022.
[Related: Tia-Clair Toomey Works On Her Snatches For The First Time Post-Pregnancy]
As one of the most respected figures in the sport, Bumstead received plenty of support from his peers following the public announcement of his fiancee’s pregnancy.
“So so excited to meet Baby Bum! Kameron said he will babysit,” legendary coach Hany Rambod commented.
Seven-time Mr. Olympia Phil Heath also expressed his excitement about Bumstead’s announcement.
“Congratulations! Shurie and I are so overjoyed for you both!” wrote the 43-year-old retired bodybuilder.
Ironically, Bumstead isn’t the only multiple-time champion who will soon become a first-time father. Derek Lunsford, who became the first two-division winner in Olympia history by earning the Men’s Open title two years after taking home the 212 Olympia crown, announced the expectation of his first child back in July 2023.
In a touching moment that only added to the magic of making his Mr. Olympia dream come true, Lunsford kissed his wife’s stomach as he celebrated earning the Sandow trophy and a $400,000 prize that should go a long way in helping the couple set their baby up for success.
Featured Image: cbum / Instagram
About Stephen Sheehan, CPT
Stephen is an ISSA-certified personal trainer and nutritionist with an immense passion for health and fitness. A two-time University of Florida graduate and longtime rugby player, he brings more than a decade of strength training experience, plus a diverse writing and editing background. When he’s not creating content or hitting the gym, he enjoys traveling, cooking, and attending music festivals around the world.