Bodybuilding icon Chris Bumstead became popular not just because he conquered the Classic Physique division. Fans could relate to him, and the authenticity of his meticulously documented journey so far inspired fans. However, this wouldn’t be possible without the man behind the camera who knew how to convey CBum’s rawness through his videos. 

So, on the birthday of his cameraperson, Calvin Youttitham, Chris Bumstead and many other veterans of the sport wished him. Chris Bumstead was among the first to wish his dear friend and cameraman. The Canadian bodybuilding icon dug up an old photograph, taken when the filmmaker was just a child. The picture captured Youttitham posing with someone dressed as Captain America.

Chris Bumstead kept his message short and sweet. “Happy Birthday,“ he wrote on his Instagram story. Besides CBum, his coach, Hany Rambod, also wished Calvin Youttitham on his birthday. Rambod has been working with Chris Bumstead for nearly three years now and has led him to two Olympia titles. He uploaded a photograph with CBum and Youttitham in his story.

Besides filming Chris Bumstead and his 24-time Mr. Olympia-winning coach, Youttitham is a good friend to Courtney King. The Classic Physique icon’s partner often appears on Bumstead’s videos. She shared multiple images with Youttitham. “Happy Birthday to my guy!!! We love you,“ the former Bikini Ms. Olympia wrote in her birthday wish.

Renowned coach Matt Jansen also wished Calvin Youttitham on Instagram. “Happy Birthday homie,“ wrote Nick Walker’s coach. To top off the celebration, Youttitham’s girlfriend Haley Settles uploaded several Instagram stories featuring her partner. “You bring so much joy and happiness to everyone around you but especially to me,“ the competitive bodybuilder wrote. Youttitham reshared all their stories on Instagram.

The photographer is someone who never shies away from showing gratitude. He had done something similar earlier, penning something for CBum. 

Calvin Youttitham’s heartfelt note to Chris Bumstead

The videographer took to Instagram last year after Chris Bumstead won his fifth Olympia title. As the man documenting the champion bodybuilder’s journey, Youttitham couldn’t help but share his emotions with Bumstead. So he wrote a moving note to the Classic Physique icon and how he gave the filmmaker his purpose. Youttitham wondered where he would be if he hadn’t met Bumstead.

“Gratitude isn’t even a word that can properly describe it anymore,” he wrote. “My whole life I’ve tried figuring out what my life’s mission… it’s always been telling your story,” added Youttitham. The filmmaker further elaborated on how his mission is to show the world Chris Bumstead in his “truest form.” Although CBum won’t be competing forever, Youttitham pledged his lifelong friendship to the champion.

While Calvin Youttitham rarely appears on camera, it’s clear that not just Chris Bumstead, but everyone in the community loves and respects the man of the hour.