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Meet Derek Lunsford’s New Trainer: Bodybuilding Legend Chris Cormier

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2023 Mr. Olympia Derek Lunsford is preparing for his Arnold Classic debut in 2025, which will be held from Feb. 28 through March 1, 2025, in Columbus, OH. This will be Lunsford’s first competition since placing third at the 2024 Mr. Olympia contest in Las Vegas, NV, and his first since his former coach, Hany Rambod, retired.

Lunsford has recruited another bodybuilding legend as his new trainer, Chris Cormier. Cormier, known as “The Real Deal,” is best known by modern fans as a media personality, analyst, and trainer. Fans of a previous generation may remember Cormer best as a top bodybuilding star who captivated fans with his combination of shape, size, and posing. Cormier was also one of the most successful athletes off the stage, thanks to being featured on several magazine covers and sponsored by various supplement companies.

Cormier placed as high as third at the Mr. Olympia contest in 1999 and was runner-up at the Arnold Classic six consecutive times. He was one of the most popular pro bodybuilders on the circuit throughout much of the 1990s and 2000s.

Cormier faced off against legends such as Dorian Yates, Ronnie Coleman, Jay Cutler, Flex Wheeler, Shawn Ray, Kevin Levrone, and many others. From 1994 to 2007, Cormier had 11 wins, most notably four Iron Man Pro championships. He graced the Olympia stage 10 times. The only athlete Cormier never beat was Yates. Cormier’s pro show history, as documented by Muscle Memory, is below:

Chris Cormier’s Pro Bodybuilding Results

1994

1995

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2007

Trainer and Mentor

Following his retirement, Cormier has taken on multiple roles to stay involved with the sport, including as an analyst and media personality contributing to various shows such as The Menace Podcast and Prime Time Bodybuilding. He began training current-era stars in the gym and with their posing, including two-time Mr. Olympia Mamdouh “Big Ramy” Elssbiay, two-time Classic Physique Olympia winner Breon Ansley, and Sergio Oliva Jr.

How Will They Do Together?

Lunsford and Rambod worked together throughout the former’s entire pro career. Working with someone else will be a big change, but Cormier is no stranger to training and competing at a high level.

We saw how the new relationship might go when Lunsford trained legs with Cormier in one of their early sessions. Based on that session, the duo could have a bright future together. If it works out as Lunsford hopes, he will win $500,000 and reclaim the title that Cormier never won at the 2025 Mr. Olympia.

Featured Image: @_c3tv on Instagram

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