Cedric McMillan, the 2017 Arnold Classic champion pro bodybuilder, has died at the age of 44, according to close sources at Generation Iron and family members. The devastating news comes just a few months after McMillan spoke openly about his previous heart difficulties and near-death experience in 2021.

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Sources say Cedric McMillan experienced a heart attack while on the treadmill, though the circumstances have not been confirmed. The pro bodybuilder had been putting off his return to professional bodybuilding owing to health difficulties, but he was confident about being ready to compete again in 2022.

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Cedric McMillan was born on August 16, 1977, in Maplewood, New York, and grew up infatuated with bodybuilding and muscles. He used to draw superhero cartoons as a kid by referencing bodybuilding and workout publications. “All Cedric used to do was talk about muscles,” his mother remarked.

After winning the NPC Nationals in 2009, McMillan went on to win the 2011 Orlando Show of Champions and the 2012 New York Pro. McMillan had a fantastic year in 2017. He went on to win the Arnold Classic in 2017 and establish himself as a prominent contender in the Men’s Open class.

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Cedric McMillan, to many, represented the return of the “vintage” aesthetic that so many fans desired to see in Men’s Open bodybuilding. His appearance, as well as his subsequent win at the Arnold Classic 2017, may have aided in the establishment of the Classic Physique division. McMillan remained in the Men’s Open division.

Arnold Schwarzenegger was a big fan of Cedric McMillan’s physique, and he regarded it as the peak of what current bodybuilders should look like. McMillan was never able to reclaim his Arnold Classic title or win a Mr Olympia competition.