To many, Cedric McMillan was the return of the “classic” look that so many fans wanted to see in Men’s Open bodybuilding. His presence, and his eventual win at the Arnold Classic 2017, may have helped in part bring the Classic Physique division into fruition. Though McMillan remained in the Men’s Open division himself.
In December 2021, Cedric McMillan spoke openly about a near-death experience he suffered due to heart issues. This ultimately kept him out of his planned competitions such as the Legion Sports Fest Pro and the Arnold Classic. McMillan was focusing on recovery but also saw the event as a wake up call for his health and future tactics in the sport.
Cedric McMillan shared even further details about the dramatic experience, speaking with Generation Iron’s Aretha Luz as he reflected on the entire situation. You can watch the interview below:
Cedric McMillan also provided commentary for the Arnold Classic 2021 alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger. The coverage was a reunion of sorts for the two athletes. During the broadcast, Schwarzenegger was also very critical of the Men’s Open physique sizes and stomachs. Whereas he praised the look of Classic Physique athletes as they stepped onto the stage.
Autopsy reports for late bodybuilders such as George Peterson and Dallas McCarver are not able to directly confirm that PEDs such as steroids contributed towards their passing. Though Peterson’s autopsy listed certain anabolic substances as a contributing factor. The fact remains that a direct line is hard to draw between these health concerns and substance use in the sport – particularly because of the long term nature of the health concerns they seem to contribute towards.
Arnold Schwarzenegger was very optimistic about Cedric McMillan’s physique – and held it up as the pinnacle of what modern bodybuilders should look like in the sport. McMillan was never able to regain another Arnold Classic trophy, nor win a Mr. Olympia event.In December 2021, Cedric McMillan spoke openly about a near-death experience he suffered due to heart issues. This ultimately kept him out of his planned competitions such as the Legion Sports Fest Pro and the Arnold Classic. McMillan was focusing on recovery but also saw the event as a wake up call for his health and future tactics in the sport.
Cedric McMillan shared even further details about the dramatic experience, speaking with Generation Iron’s Aretha Luz as he reflected on the entire situation. You can watch the interview below:
Cedric McMillan also provided commentary for the Arnold Classic 2021 alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger. The coverage was a reunion of sorts for the two athletes. During the broadcast, Schwarzenegger was also very critical of the Men’s Open physique sizes and stomachs. Whereas he praised the look of Classic Physique athletes as they stepped onto the stage.
The current health crisis in competitive bodybuilding
Cedric McMillan’s death is one of many that has plagued the sport over the past year. Most notably, former Mr. Olympia Shawn Rhoden and iconic pro bodybuilder George Peterson both passed away at young ages in 2021. While none of these deaths have been connected to any specific unifying connection – it has increased the discussion about health in bodybuilding considerably.Autopsy reports for late bodybuilders such as George Peterson and Dallas McCarver are not able to directly confirm that PEDs such as steroids contributed towards their passing. Though Peterson’s autopsy listed certain anabolic substances as a contributing factor. The fact remains that a direct line is hard to draw between these health concerns and substance use in the sport – particularly because of the long term nature of the health concerns they seem to contribute towards.
Competition history
- 2022 Arnold Classic: Withdrew
- 2021 IFBB Legion Sports Fest Pro – Withdrew
- 2020 Arnold Classic: 6th
- 2019 Japan Pro Men’s Bodybuilding: 2nd
- 2019 Romania Muscle Fest Pro Men’s Bodybuilding: 1st
- 2019 FitParade Pro Bodybuilding: 1st
- 2019 Olympia: 7th
- 2019 Arnold Classic Australia: 2nd
- 2019 Arnold Classic: 4th
- 2018 Olympia: 9th
- 2018 Toronto Pro: 3rd
- 2018 Arnold Classic: 3rd
- 2017 Olympia: 10th
- 2017 Arnold Classic: 1st
- 2017 IFBB Ferrigno Legacy Pro Men’s Open: 2nd
- 2017 IFBB San Marino Pro: Ist
- 2016 Olympia: 7th
- 2016 Arnold Classic Australia: 2nd
- 2016 Arnold Classic: 2nd
- 2015 Nordic Pro: 3rd
- 2015 Europa Atlantic City Pro: 2nd
- 2015 Golden State Championships Pro: 1st
- 2015 Arnold Classic Brasil: 2nd
- 2015 Arnold Classic: 4th
- 2014 Arnold Classic: 3rd
- 2013 Olympia: 12th
- 2013 New York Pro: 12th
- 2013 FIBO Power Germany: 1st
- 2013 Arnold Classic: 6th
- 2012 New York Pro: 1st
- 2011 Europa Orlando Pro: 1st
- 2011 New York Pro: 11th
- 2010 Europa Dallas Pro: 4th
