Jeff Seid defends his lifetime natty statements
In the first episode of the new video series, GI Conversation With Jeff Seid, Vlad Yudin sits down with Jeff Seid, a prominent figure in the bodybuilding world. Known for being one of the youngest bodybuilders to earn his pro card at just 19 years old, Seid has recently made headlines with a remarkable comeback. After an eight-year hiatus, he returned to the stage to claim victory at the 2024 Natural Olympia. The conversation delves into his journey, motivations, and aspirations, offering a detailed look into the mind of a natural bodybuilding pioneer.
A Comeback Eight Years in the Making
Jeff Seid opened the interview by reflecting on his recent triumph at the Natural Olympia, which marked his first competition since 2016. Despite stepping away from the competitive scene for nearly a decade, Seid never stopped training. He revealed that his love for the process of weightlifting and maintaining his physique never wavered. However, it wasn’t until this year that he felt the timing was right for a return.
When asked why he chose the Natural Olympia as his comeback platform, Seid candidly shared his concerns about the current state of the IFBB Pro League. He noted an increasing prevalence of drug use among younger athletes, a trend he believes is detrimental to their health and the integrity of the sport.
Instead of following the mainstream path, Seid decided to take a stand by competing in a natural bodybuilding league. His decision was driven by a desire to disrupt the industry and inspire others to embrace healthier and drug-free training philosophies.
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Bringing Star Power to Natural Bodybuilding
Vlad Yudin highlighted the significant boost Seid’s participation brings to natural bodybuilding federations like INBA/PNBA, which often struggle for visibility. Seid acknowledged the limited recognition these organizations receive and expressed his hope of putting natural bodybuilding on the map.
Initially, he underestimated the competition, believing that his experience against enhanced athletes would give him an edge. However, he was pleasantly surprised by the quality and dedication of lifelong natural competitors.
“I was really impressed by the physiques on stage,” Seid admitted. “These athletes proved that you don’t need enhancements to achieve incredible results.”
A Passion Born in Adolescence
Jeff Seid’s journey into bodybuilding began when he was just 12 years old. Although he initially started weightlifting without knowledge of competitive bodybuilding, his potential was soon recognized. At 17, Tanji Johnson, an organizer of the Vancouver Natural competition in Washington State, encouraged him to compete. Seid entered her show, won the overall title, and developed a passion for the sport.
Over the next few years, Jeff Seid’s natural talent and dedication propelled him to success. By 19, he had earned his pro card after winning the Junior Nationals in the NPC league. In 2013, he competed in three pro shows back-to-back, qualifying for the Olympia in Men’s Physique and placing 11th.
However, consistent setbacks at subsequent Olympias led him to reevaluate his goals. Feeling disheartened by the dominance of enhanced athletes in the untested league, Seid ultimately decided to step away from competition in 2016.
Rediscovering the Stage with Family Inspiration
This year, Jeff Seid’s father played a pivotal role in reigniting his competitive spirit. Encouraged by his father, who also competed at the Natural Olympia, Seid saw an opportunity to achieve his lifelong goal of becoming a champion. Sharing the stage with his father made the victory even more special, underscoring the personal significance of this comeback.
Looking ahead, Seid hinted at the possibility of transitioning to other divisions, such as Classic Physique or Men’s Open, to explore new challenges. “I want to have some fun and do something different,” he shared.
Defending His Natural Status
Throughout his career, Jeff Seid has faced relentless accusations of steroid use due to his impressive physique and success in untested leagues. In the interview, he emphasized that he has always been a lifetime natural bodybuilder. While he previously avoided addressing the rumors, he decided to create a video this year affirming his natural status, anticipating scrutiny after his Natural Olympia win.
Jeff Seid disclosed that he underwent rigorous testing by the INBA/PNBA, including blood and urine tests for HGH, to validate his claims. Despite his transparency, he acknowledged that some skeptics may never be convinced, regardless of evidence.
“I’ve been consistent,” Seid said. “From my first Olympia at 172 pounds to competing at the Natural Olympia at 185 pounds, my progress has been steady and natural.”
Inspiring the Next Generation
While Seid’s decision to compete naturally is a personal one, he emphasized that he holds no judgment toward enhanced bodybuilders, many of whom are his friends. His goal is not to criticize but to inspire younger generations to prioritize health and longevity. “Natural or enhanced, bodybuilders share a love for improving their physiques,” he explained. “I just want to show that you can achieve greatness without compromising your health.”
A Champion for Natural Bodybuilding
Jeff Seid’s story is one of perseverance, passion, and purpose. By choosing the path of natural bodybuilding, he has positioned himself as a role model for aspiring athletes. His victory at the 2024 Natural Olympia is more than a personal achievement—it’s a statement that natural athletes can compete at the highest level.
As the GI Conversation series continues, fans can look forward to more insights from Seid about his training, philosophy, and future plans. Episode one sets the stage for a compelling exploration of what it truly means to be a natural champion.
