British bodybuilding icon Ryan Terry made history at the 2026 Olympia final by equaling Jeremy Buendia’s four, back-to-back, Men’s Physique titles, but at a winners’ event held less than 24 hours later, Terry confirmed that an injury sustained during the latter stages of his prep almost took him off stage before the event even began.
Ryan Terry has become one of the world’s most popular bodybuilders, thanks to an inspirational journey that includes winning his first Olympia Men’s Physique title in 2023, on the ninth time of trying. Since then, the buff Brit has maintained a firm grip on the title and beat the best of the best to win his fourth consecutive trophy on Sept. 26, 2026. But less than 24 hours later, an emotional Terry shared that a serious injury almost saw him miss the final altogether.
Those who follow Ryan Terry on Instagram will know that his 2026 Olympia prep had initially started well, with the big man stating that shutting out negativity and being present had paid dividends in terms of his mental and physical progress. That positivity would soon be replaced by pain, however, when the RT Fit Gym Owner herniated the C5 disc in his neck just seven-weeks out.
Ryan Terry Herniated His C5 Disc Before Winning Fourth Olympia Title
“We can talk about it now,” said the humble bodybuilder at the Olympia Winner’s Seminar on Sept. 27 hosted at the Palms in Las Vegas. “This has been the hardest prep I’ve ever gone through.” Terry shared that suffering such a serious injury, so close to showtime, had put his fourth run at the title in major doubt. “There (were) times I was sat with my wife, in the kitchen, in tears thinking I’m not going to make the stage,” explained the inspirational athlete. “It’s the first prep, that I genuinely didn’t think I was going to make it,” he added.
Fortunately, the defending champion was able to make it to the stage despite being extremely uncomfortable. “I’ve trapped the median nerve,” he explained. “So, I’ve still got pins and needles in my fingers even to this day.” Terry shared that a combination of treatments, including MBST (using magnetic resonance technology to stimulate repair and recovery), acupuncture, and visits to the chiropractor had all helped him achieve success in Sin City. The champ also credited his best friend, who is a physical therapist, for his tireless work in order to get the champ back on the stage. “So, I just want to say just a quick thank you to everybody, to my team, supporting me and helping me get here today.”
Of course, Ryan Terry made the most of his moment on stage at the Orleans arena, beating a seriously tough group that included Ali Bilal, Kyron Holden, and Erin Banks, equaling Jeremy Jeremy Buendia’s four Men’s Physique titles in the process. “Massive, massive respect to Jeremy,” said Terry of the achievement. “That must have been a hard thing to watch, because although he was obviously very happy for me, to take the win and he made that very clear on social media, for me to match his record, and he’s held that since obviously the early days of Men’s Physique, it must have been a hard night and he took it so well. And he was the first to congratulate me and he genuinely meant it. So that meant a lot to me as well. And what a fantastic champion he is. I’m eternally grateful to be matching him now.”
During the event, Ryan Terry also confirmed that he will be making a run for a fifth consecutive Men’s Physique championship at the 2027 Olympia. The legend continues.
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