Anderson had his leg amputated eight years ago but has not let that slow him down.
The sport of bodybuilding offers many opportunities for many out there regardless of factors like age, height, and upbringing. For Men’s Physique competitor Michael Anderson, it has allowed him to become a champion on stage despite missing his right leg.
Anderson has been a life-long fan of bodybuilding who has been training to build the best physique he can for decades now. In 2015, Anderson suffered an injury that eventually left him with a bone infection and peripheral vascular disease. He went through multiple surgeries before, two years later, making the decision to have his leg amputated.
At this point, Anderson could not train like he was accustomed to but did not give up. In fact, he used it as motivation to become the best version of himself.
“I wasn’t able to workout like I normally would. I licked my wounds with Ben & Jerry’s and Mike and Ikes,” Anderson said via Fox 8 Cleveland.
Anderson enjoyed a life of athletics. He is a former state champion in track and field and this led to intense training in the gym. Following his operation to amputate his leg, Anderson attended a bodybuilding question and was asked by a judge on when he was planning to return to the stage.
Michael Anderson Becomes Bodybuilding Champion
In 2018, just one year after losing his leg, Michael Anderson returned to bodybuilding and was competing against some of the best in the world. It began in 2024 and has continued into this season.
Last year, Anderson was crowned champion in the Masters 50+ division during the Chicago Pro. Anderson followed it up with the biggest win of his career in Pittsburgh this month. He was victorious during the 2025 Masters World Championships. After his victory, Anderson’s overall path to victory was something to behold.
“Satisfying doesn’t even begin to explain how full circle this is. Continuing to compete forces me to stay in a lane and I don’t hate how I look.”
Michael Anderson’s journey to the top of bodybuilding has been an inspiration for others. He has been training for decades but has hit his stride in his 50s after making one life-changing decision. Anderson will continue to work on his craft while helping others become the best versions of themselves.
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