Mike O’Hearn sits down with Professional Natural Bodybuilding Association founders Denny and Diana Kakos to discuss bodybuilding’s viable path to the Olympics
Mike O’Hearn has claimed to be a natural bodybuilder his entire life. Despite this, he has received much criticism and claims of lying throughout his stories career. The same accusations can and are made against pro bodybuilders who claim to be all natural. That’s why Denny and Diana Kakos decided to do something about it. With the creation of the Professional and International Natural Bodybuilding Associaion (PNBA/INBA), Kakos poured all of his energy into making bodybuilding 100% drug tested for a fair and even sport. In our latest episode of The Mike O’Hearn Show, Denny and Diana Kakos discuss their vision for the future of natural bodybuilding – including entry into the Olympics. Presented by Generation Iron and Barbend.
The PNBA/INBA is a natural bodybuilding organization that continues to grow. With now over 70 countries represented, the association is a truly global sport. It is also the biggest natural bodybuilding entity within the bodybuilding industry.
In 2020, the PNBA/INBA and natural bodybuilding as a whole was launched further into the mainstream with the release of Generation Iron: Natty 4 Life. The fourth entry in the bodybuilding documentary feature film series.
Much like the original Generation Iron, this film followed the top athletes in the league as they prepare to battle in the Natural Olympia. This time the athletes were all natural – and the film also went behind the curtain to show how the league ensures a truly drug free sport.
Now two years later, Denny and Diana Kakos continue to push natural bodybuilding into the mainstream – with a vision of bringing bodybuilding into the Olympics via their organization. Let’s jump into the conversation recap.
RELATED: Watch Generation Iron: Natty 4 Life on digital here.
The path to bodybuilding in the Olympics is through natural drug tested leagues
During the podcast conversation, Denny Kakos explains how he got his start in the world of bodybuilding. He was always a fan of the sport and eventually found himself owning a Gold’s Gym. Through this he built networking connections and eventually became a show promoter for the NPC league.
However, has drug use began to become more common in the league and no drug testing in sight – Denny decided to start his own league with a dedication to drug testing every athlete.
As a fan of bodybuilding first and foremost, Denny Kakos wants to respect athletes – and he understands that there are many bodybuilders who want to compete without feeling the pressure to use PEDs. This league not only provides that – it also allows for fans of the sport to know that it is a truly even playing field.
This is the only way that bodybuilding will even find itself a legitimate sport in the Olympics. Denny Kakos has gone through great lengths to bring the PNBA/INBA into the Olympics. He’s evolved the league to using WADA compliant drug tests – the same guidelines that the Olympics use for their events.
The world sees the Olympics as the pinnacle of athletic achievement. These events are rigorously drug tested by the Olympics organization – and no one sees this as an issue. So Denny Kakos doesn’t see why bodybuilding can’t grow in the same way. Why do non-tested leagues have to be the ones to find mainstream success and respect?
Denny Kakos has worked hard to make the PNBA/INBA truly a global league – and with 70 countries now represented, he sees this as the natural evolution to eventually becoming accepted as a sport in the Olympics.
RELATED:An Investigation Into Modern Bodybuilding, Health, & PED Use
Natural bodybuilding leagues help promote health and longevity in an increasingly sedentary world
While the PNBA/INBA is a truly competitive sport – it is also one that wants to promote wellness and longevity in society. Denny Kakos points out that many of the competitors in their league fall under the ages of 40-70 years old. Their masters divisions are at a very high capacity.
This is because the league offers a focused goal for those looking for motivation to transform their lives with weightlifting. Science has shown that weightlifting is vital as we age – and this is even more important now as we become more sedentary in the digital world.
The PNBA/INBA provides that outlet to help bring structure to a weightlifting lifestyle. Denny Kakos has heard and seen many stories of those who have transformed their lives, become healthier, and happier individuals.
This is the same kind of lifestyle Mike O’Hearn has tried to live his life by – and one he tries to help inspire via his platform. O’Hearn competed in a the PNBA/INBA for a short while – and even after competing he maintained a lifestyle dedicated to natural and consistent weightlifting in order to be as capable as late into his life as possible.
His incredible results is part of the reason why many believe he must use steroids – because that kind of dedication is so rare. We are used to individuals aging and becoming weaker. But if, at an early age, we dedicate to a consistent healthy lifestyle and focus on longevity – more can be accomplished later in life.
Wrap Up
Mike O’Hearn dives deep into the world of professional natural bodybuilding – and you can watch Denny and Diana’s full comments in our latest episode of The Mike O’Hearn Show above. Don’t forget to check back every Friday for new episodes of the podcast only on the Generation Iron Fitness Network or wherever you listen to podcasts.
