Cedric McMillan (August 17, 1977 – April 12, 2022) was an American IFBB professional bodybuilder and United States Army Instructor. His last victory was the 2017 Arnold Classic.[1][2][3][4] McMillan was one of the leading bodybuilders of the 21st century, with a classic physique that recalls the 'golden age' of bodybuilding over the larger physiques of the present era.[citation needed]
Cedric McMillan | |
|---|---|
| Born | August 17, 1977 Maplewood, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Died | April 12, 2022 (aged 44) |
| Occupation | United States Army Instructor /IFBB Pro Bodybuilder |
| Height | 6 ft 1 in (185 cm) |
| Spouse | Patricia Worsfold |
| Children | 4 |
Statistics
- Offseason weight: 295 – 310 lbs (133.8 kg – 140.6 kg)
- Precontest weight: 280 lbs
- Height: 6’1” (185.42 cm)
- Age: 44 years
- Nationality: American
Early life and amateur career
McMillan was born in Maplewood, New Jersey on August 17, 1977. As a child, he took a real interest in muscular physiques and even drew comic characters that had impressive physiques. But his idol was the famous 7x Mr. Olympia legend Arnold Schwarzenegger, who really inspired him especially after watching Conan The Barbarian that starred Schwarzenegger.[5]
He started training around 13 years of age after his mother bought him a weight set. And it wasn’t long before McMillan learned that he definitely had amazing genetics and a passion for building muscle.
After high school, McMillan joined the US Army, moving to South Carolina. Not long after, he decided to enter his first bodybuilding competition after being convinced by a friend, (Mark Neil) who helped him gain a lot of size and learn about bodybuilding. After Neil saw how McMillan's physique developed after one month of training, he encouraged McMillan to compete in a bodybuilding show that was only four weeks away.[5]
Within four additional weeks of dieting and training under Neil's supervision, where he initially weighed 195 lbs, McMillan grew to 225 lbs and competed at 205 lbs. He entered the NPC South Carolina in 2007 of which he ended up winning the super heavyweight division.[6]
Professional career
McMillan was a top open division bodybuilder, with 8 Pro wins and has placed top 5 in major competition on several occasions. He earned his Pro card in 2009 and since then he has been in the conversation with the best open bodybuilders in the world.
His most notable victory was the 2017 Arnold Classic Ohio where he got to meet his idol, Arnold Schwarzenegger, earning praise from the former Mr. Olympia. And his most recent competition was the 2020 Arnold Classic Ohio where he placed 6th.[6]
Profile
McMillan is renowned for his aesthetic physique which stands out from the larger and blockier mass physiques that dominate the sport. At over 6'1', McMillan stands taller than most competitors and he has chosen to present a more aesthetic look, which he often presents though highly choreographed posing to classical music, that reminded many of the great bodybuilders from the 80s – a real contrast to mass monsters like Ronnie Coleman or Jay Cutler.[7]
With his combination of impressive size, height and aesthetic classic lines, McMillan has achieved great success particularly at the Arnold Classic. Indeed the contrast between his pleasing physique and the larger mass monster look of other competitors such as Phil Heath, led to calls by Arnold Schwarzenegger, to reign in the waistlines of bodybuilders on the IFBB stage.
However, despite setting the bar for a newer, more appealing look in the sport, McMillan is generally considered to have underperformed at the Mr Olympia finals, which often rewards the largest, most muscular physiques, placing the taller McMillan at a disadvantage. This is also a challenge that has been faced by bodybuilders of a similar physique and stature, such as Evan Centopani and Patrick Moore. Many critics consider him an uncrowned Mr Olympia and fan favorite. It remains to be seen whether he will ever live up to the hopes that have been placed on him at the Olympia.[6]
Personal life
McMillan resided in Columbia, South Carolina, where he was a Sergeant first class and an instructor at Fort Jackson, SC. He described himself as a family man and was still close friends with his childhood friends. A talented drawer and amateur artist, with an interest in music and culture, McMillan often showcased his artistic talents in high elaborate and highly choreographed posing routines.[7]
McMillan died of a heart attack on April 12, 2022.
Competition history
| Year | Event | Place |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Arnold Classic Columbus | 6 |
| 2019 | Japan Pro | 2[8] |
| 2019 | Romania Muscle Fest Pro | 1[9] |
| 2019 | Fitparade Hungary Pro - Grand Prix | 1[10] |
| 2019 | Mr. Olympia | 7 |
| 2019 | Arnold Classic Australia | 2[11] |
| 2019 | Arnold Classic | 4 |
| 2018 | Mr. Olympia | 9 |
| 2018 | Toronto Pro | 3 |
| 2018 | Arnold Classic | 3 |
| 2017 | Center Podium Ferrigno Legacy | 2 |
| 2017 | Mr. Olympia | 10 |
| 2017 | Arnold Classic | 1 |
| 2016 | Mr. Olympia | 7 |
| 2016 | Arnold Classic Australia | 2 |
| 2016 | Arnold Classic | 2 |
| 2016 | Levrone Pro Classic | 1[12] |
| 2015 | Nordic Pro | 3 |
| 2015 | Europa Atlantic City Pro | 2 |
| 2015 | Golden State Pro | 1 |
| 2015 | Arnold Classic South America | 2 |
| 2015 | Arnold Classic | 4 |
| 2014 | Arnold Classic | 3 |
| 2013 | Mr. Olympia | 12 |
| 2013 | New York Pro | 12 |
| 2013 | FIBO Power Germany | 1 |
| 2013 | Arnold Classic | 6 |
| 2012 | New York Pro | 1 |
| 2011 | Europa Orlando Pro | 1 |
| 2011 | New York Pro | 11 |
| 2010 | Europa Dallas Pro | 4 |
| 2009 | NPC National Championships | 1 |
| 2008 | NPC Junior USA Championships | 1 |
See also
References
- ^ BWW News Desk. "Cedric McMillan Wins the Arnold Classic!". BroadwayWorld.com. Retrieved 2017-03-07.
- ^ Alex (2017-03-05). "Cedric McMillan gewinnt die Arnold Classics 2017!". fitpedia - Fitness News, Medizin, Supplement Review, Nutrition (in German). Retrieved 2017-03-07.
- ^ "Cedric McMillan". FLEX Online. Retrieved 2017-03-07.
- ^ author, Nation News. "Belle finally wins Beckles Classic". www.nationnews.com. Retrieved 2017-03-07.
{{cite news}}:|last=has generic name (help) - ^ a b "Cedric McMillan". Greatest Physiques. 4 May 2017.
- ^ a b c News, World Today (May 19, 2021). "Cedric McMillan: The Bodybuilder Who Missed Conquering the World".
{{cite web}}:|last=has generic name (help) - ^ a b "Cedric McMillan – Complete Profile: Height, Weight, Biography". June 26, 2020.
- ^ Staff, IFBB Pro League. "2019 Japan Pro Scorecards | IFBB PRO".
- ^ Staff, IFBB Pro League. "2019 Romania Pro Scorecards | IFBB PRO".
- ^ Staff, IFBB Pro League. "2019 Fitparade Hungary Pro Scorecards | IFBB PRO".
- ^ "Cedric 'The One' McMillan: Athlete Profile | Arnold Sports Festival". www.arnoldsportsfestival.com.
- ^ "2016 Levrone Pro Classic".