Cedric Kennan 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]

Cedric McMillan
Born(1977-08-17)August 17, 1977
DiedApril 12, 2022(2022-04-12) (aged 44)
OccupationUnited States Army Instructor /IFBB Pro Bodybuilder
Height6 ft 1 in (185 cm)
SpousePatty McMillan
Children4

Statistics

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  • 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

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As a child, McMillan took a real interest in muscular physiques and drew comic characters that had impressive physiques. His idol was 7x Mr. Olympia Arnold Schwarzenegger, who inspired him, especially after seeing Schwarzenegger in Conan The Barbarian.[5] McMillan started training at thirteen after his mother bought him a weight set. It wasn’t long before he learned that he had good genetics for bodybuilding and a passion for the sport.

After high school, McMillan joined the US Army, moving to South Carolina. Not long after, his friend Mark Neil convinced him to enter his first bodybuilding competition. Neil helped McMillan gain a lot of size and learn more about bodybuilding. After Neil saw how McMillan's physique developed after just one month of training, he encouraged McMillan to compete in a bodybuilding show that was only four weeks away.[5] During those four weeks before the competition, he grew from an initial weight of 195 lbs to 225 lbs, competing at 205 lbs. He entered the NPC South Carolina in 2007 and won the super heavyweight division and overall.[6]

Professional career

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McMillan was a top open division bodybuilder with 8 Pro wins while placing top 5 in major competitions on several occasions. He earned his Pro card in 2009 and, since, had 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. His most recent competition was the 2020 Arnold Classic Ohio where he placed 6th.[citation needed]

Profile

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McMillan was renowned for his aesthetic physique which stood out from the larger and blockier mass physiques that dominate the sport. At over 6'1', McMillan stood taller than most competitors and he chose to present a more aesthetic look which he often presented through highly choreographed posing to classical music that reminded many of the great bodybuilders from the 1980s – 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 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 rein in the waistlines of bodybuilders on the IFBB stage.

However, despite setting the bar for a newer, more appealing look in the sport, McMillan was 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.

Personal life

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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. An amateur artist talented in drawing with an interest in music and culture, McMillan often showcased his artistic talents in highly elaborate and highly choreographed posing routines.[7]

McMillan died of a heart attack on April 12, 2022, at the age of 44.[8]

Competition history

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Year Event Place
2020 Arnold Classic Columbus 6
2019 Japan Pro 2[9]
2019 Romania Muscle Fest Pro 1[10]
2019 Fitparade Hungary Pro - Grand Prix 1[11]
2019 Mr. Olympia 7
2019 Arnold Classic Australia 2[12]
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[13]
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

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References

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  1. ^ BWW News Desk. "Cedric McMillan Wins the Arnold Classic!". BroadwayWorld.com. Retrieved March 7, 2017.
  2. ^ Alex (March 5, 2017). "Cedric McMillan gewinnt die Arnold Classics 2017!". fitpedia - Fitness News, Medizin, Supplement Review, Nutrition (in German). Retrieved March 7, 2017.
  3. ^ "Cedric McMillan". FLEX Online. Retrieved March 7, 2017.
  4. ^ King, Mike. "Belle finally wins Beckles Classic". Nation News. Archived from the original on March 7, 2017. Retrieved March 7, 2017.
  5. ^ a b "Cedric McMillan". Greatest Physiques. May 4, 2017. Retrieved April 13, 2022.
  6. ^ Merritt, Greg (April 13, 2022). "Cedric McMillan (1977-2022): The Life of the Arnold Classic champ". The Barbell. Retrieved December 18, 2023.
  7. ^ a b "Cedric McMillan – Complete Profile: Height, Weight, Biography". June 26, 2020.
  8. ^ Grech, Kevin (April 12, 2022). "Bodybuilding star Cedric McMillan dies at 44 on a threadmill ". Evolution of Bodybuilding. Retrieved April 13, 2022.
  9. ^ Staff, IFBB Pro League. "2019 Japan Pro Scorecards | IFBB PRO".
  10. ^ Staff, IFBB Pro League. "2019 Romania Pro Scorecards | IFBB PRO". Archived from the original on January 12, 2020. Retrieved February 29, 2020.
  11. ^ Staff, IFBB Pro League. "2019 Fitparade Hungary Pro Scorecards | IFBB PRO".
  12. ^ "Cedric 'The One' McMillan: Athlete Profile | Arnold Sports Festival". www.arnoldsportsfestival.com.
  13. ^ "2016 Levrone Pro Classic Results". muscleandfitness.com. February 27, 2016. Retrieved April 13, 2022.
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