Phil Heath responds in reaction to Gunter Schlierkamp’s recent statements in Generation Iron interview.
Over the past few weeks, we’ve been releasing GI Exclusive interview segments from our conversation with Gunter Schlierkamp. Known for his mass monster size in his heyday, Schlierkamp is an iconic veteran bodybuilder who competed primarily in the 90s and early 2000s. In our latest released segment, Schlierkamp shares his thoughts on Phil Heath’s physique and reign as Mr. Olympia. The comments caught Heath’s attention – and Phil Heath promptly responded by fact checking Schlierkamp’s comments via Instagram.
Phil Heath is one of the most successful pro bodybuilders in the history of the sport. He’s earned seven Mr. Olympia championship titles – matching Arnold Schwarzenegger and only one behind the world record holders Ronnie Coleman and Lee Haney. Despite this, he received criticism in his later years, namely 2017-2020 due to his relaxed stomach. By 2018, he fell to second at the Mr. Olympia. Upon returning in 2020, he placed 3rd.
In our GI Exclusive interview segment, Gunter Schlierkamp praised Phil Heath’s physique but felt that he ultimately tried to put on too much mass in his later career. Schlierkamp commented that, in general, bodybuilders need to not build mass beyond their frame. He believes that Heath made this very mistake – which led to his lower placings in 2018 and beyond. He also stated that he thought Kai Greene’s presence may have forced Heath’s hand to put on more muscle.
Phil Heath seems to have watched the interview himself and noticed some inconsistencies with Gunter Schlierkamp’s opinion. He decided to set the record straight by commenting on Instagram:
“The sad part is that Gunter isn’t speaking real here. I weighted LESS from 2014-2020 than my heaviest in 2013 so this only illustrates the LACK of KNOWLEDGE, while disregarding the fact I was injured throughout 2014-2020 only to have surgery beginning after 2017 win. If people really put some thought into what I am saying they’d soon realize that everyone having their entitled opinion is not telling it truly how things transpired. I cannot wait to disclose ore once my podcast is launched!”
Phil Heath makes a great point here. According to his comment, he weight his most during his prime years. He also points out that he had been suffering injury as early as 2014. This injury, which seems to be referencing his hernia issues and eventual surgery, has been the main element in his struggles 2017 to the present.
Gunter Schlierkamp, of course, was responding to our question on the fly. He likely didn’t have all the facts other than the general sense of what he witnessed as a fan of the sport. Schlierkamp earlier in our interview admitted to not being deeply connected to bodybuilding via social media. Schlierkamp’s response is most likely what he honestly believed in regards to Phil Heath. This seems to be the reason why Heath wanted to set the record straight.
Phil Heath also makes quick mention to his own personal podcast. While it is not launched yet, it seems that the seven time Mr. Olympia champion is in the process of hosting and distributing his own podcast talk show. From his comments here, it seems that Heath will be sharing detailed and honest info about his career and some behind-the-scenes insights into bodybuilding.
You can watch our GI Exclusive interview segment with Gunter Schlierkamp and his thoughts on Phil Heath below. But certainly make sure to read and keep in mind Phil Heath’s side of the story as well.
Generation Iron will continue to update this report as more information becomes available. For more bodybuilding news and strength sports updates – make sure to stay tuned to the Generation Iron Fitness Network!
