8-Time Mr. Olympia Lee Haney Undergoes Successful Kidney Transplant
Eight-time Mr. Olympia Lee Haney has shared some incredible news, revealing that he successfully underwent a kidney transplant after a months-long search for a living donor.
The bodybuilding legend announced the news in an emotional statement, explaining that his son Joshua launched a social media campaign approximately seven months ago in hopes of finding a compatible donor. After receiving support from around the world, Haney learned following a recent trip to Italy that a “perfect match” had been found.
Haney underwent a 12-hour surgery at Emory and woke up with a new kidney. The story became even more remarkable when he learned that his donor would be Richard Miller, a fellow bodybuilder whose relationship with Haney dates all the way back to 1985.
Lee Haney Receives Kidney From Fellow Bodybuilder Richard Miller
According to Haney, he first crossed paths with Miller in 1985 before the two met again decades later as bodybuilding competitors in 2014.
Now, more than 40 years after their initial meeting, Miller has given Haney a life-changing gift.
“My donor was Richard Miller, a young man whose path first crossed mine in 1985 and again as a bodybuilding competitor in 2014,” Haney wrote.
“Who could have imagined that all these years later, Richard would become the man who helped save my life?”
Haney said Miller told him that his faith played a major role in the decision to become his donor. The former Mr. Olympia expressed immense gratitude, referring to Miller as his “friend,” “Iron Brother,” and “hero.”
“My mother has a new son, and my grandchildren have a new uncle,” Haney wrote. “Richard, you are forever part of our family.”
Haney also thanked Dr. Cristea and the entire team at Emory for the care and support provided to him and his family throughout the process.
A Bodybuilding Legend Gets a New Lease on Life
Haney, 66, remains one of the most accomplished competitors in bodybuilding history. He captured eight consecutive Mr. Olympia championships from 1984 through 1991, establishing a record that was later matched by Ronnie Coleman.
His combination of size, symmetry, and conditioning helped usher in a new era of the Men’s Open division, while his famous “stimulate, don’t annihilate” philosophy continues to influence bodybuilders decades after his retirement.
Haney’s announcement did not detail the medical circumstances that led to his need for a transplant, but the successful procedure is welcome news for the bodybuilding community.
The eight-time champion closed his message by thanking everyone who prayed for him, shared Joshua’s campaign, or offered support during the search for a donor.
“I have always believed in treating people with kindness, patience, and love,” Haney wrote.
“Love always returns in ways we least expect.”
For Haney and Miller, a friendship that began during bodybuilding’s golden years has now formed an entirely new bond. More than four decades after their paths first crossed, one member of the bodybuilding community stepped forward to help save the life of another.
Image embed via Instagram @lee_haney_official
