Tied with fellow Olympia Ronnie Coleman, Lee Haney shares the all-time record with eight Olympia titles.
With the Mr. Olympia competition fast approaching, the best competitors in the bodybuilding world will meet to walk the biggest stage in bodybuilding. With the top prize of first in the world on the line, this ultimate showdown is sure to be entertaining for all as these athletes seek that top place podium spot. Changes in event location and dealing with COVID restrictions made it difficult for organizers to plan this event, but with diligence and hard work, it was decided this contest will be held in Orlando, Florida. Excited to give fans a show they need and deserve, Mr. Olympia 2020 is gearing up to be quite the event.
While so much great talent exists right now, we thought it would be fun to go on a journey through Olympia history to relive the journeys of some of the greats to ever walk the stage. Our trip down memory lane so far has seen the likes of Arnold Schwarzenegger, Ronnie Coleman, and Dorian Yates. Along with Coleman, Lee Haney shares the all-time record for most Olympia wins with eight titles and is considered one of the greatest bodybuilders of all time.
Early Life
Growing up in South Carolina, Haney learned the value of hard work and humility at an early age. His father was a real champion for him and taught him to always give his best no matter what the cost. A fan of mythical giants like Hercules opened his young mind into the possibilities of what physical greatness could be. Active with sports, he gravitated towards football where he would get a scholarship to play at Livingstone College. By the time he was 21-years old, Haney had two fitness centers to his name and it seemed like fitness was a chosen path for this rising star.
Entering his first bodybuilding competition at age 16, those desired wins began to come to fruition during a time when many considered this era to be the golden age of bodybuilding. After he won Teen Mr. America, he was well on his way to being a stud in the bodybuilding world. At age 23, he finished in third place in his IFBB Mr. Olympia debut in 1983. Little did anyone know Haney would become the king of Olympia for the next eight years.
Mr. Olympia 1984-1991
From 1984-1991, Haney stood tall on the podium being crowned Mr. Olympia for eight consecutive years, a feat only accomplished by fellow Olympian Ronnie Coleman. Haney’s physical size and genetics coupled with his unique style of training put him above the rest in a sport where competition was more than strong. A firm believer in science, his unique methods of training never really saw him lifting big weights to reach that desired physique. In fact, when Haney would train heavy he realized the harm and added stress he was putting on his joints. The time needed to recuperate and recover fully was not happening and the overload led him to a fork in the road: either train harder for a short period of time, or keep his longevity and change his training style.
Through changing his training style, he was able to protect himself from the injuries potentially suffered through the damage caused by lifting big and working to succeed in the sport. In a sport plagued by injuries and careers cut short, his diligence to ensure his longevity stayed intact was impressive. By constantly pairing different muscle groups and working to not overload his joints, Haney was able to get to 250 lbs. with a 32-inch waist, literally changing the idea of what a champion looked like and revolutionizing the sport from the more classic physique to a large, more modern aesthetic.
And so his reign began. Year after year, Haney took down the competition and with each and every win, others sought to replicate Haney’s success. Keeping his integrity and humility he had at an early age, while also learning from others and adapting his style, Haney was able to consistently defeat some of the best in the world. Believing in power of the mind over all less, it was important for Haney to stay grounded and not let his dominating success turn into a flaw. Proving that a powerful mindset and intelligent workout routine is what it takes to be the best, Haney is a powerful role model for rising bodybuilders of all ages.
Lee Haney’s Legacy
Haney seeks to share his knowledge and experience with others in efforts to promote spirituality and lead aspiring bodybuilders down a healthy and effective road to growth without adding any extra harm to their bodies or longevity. Using his platform, he seeks to help others achieve their goals and his winning mindset has already helped so many in their quest for their own respective greatness.
Haney was appointed as chairman of the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports by former President Bill Clinton and hosts his own program on the Trinity Broadcasting Network where he teaches the importance of physical and spiritual growth. A pioneer for bodybuilding and a champion of those seeking change, Haney has become a role model for many looking to better their overall lifestyle.
Wrap Up
Lee Haney is considered one of the greatest bodybuilders of all time with eight consecutive Olympia titles. Known for his hard work, dedication, and humility, Haney has become a role model for many as he preaches on the importance of physicality and spirituality for those looking to better their overall quality of life. His unique training style saw serious growth and a new image of what a champion should look like while also promoting his longevity and keeping his body injury free in his quest for greatness. To be a champion you have to live like a champion and looking back on Haney’s life and career, that is something he most certainly did.
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*Images courtesy of Lee Haney Instagram
