One of the most iconic bodybuilders of all time
Shawn Ray is a former IFBB pro bodybuilder, author, TV host, and successful entrepreneur. Born on September 9, 1965, in Fullerton, California, Shawn’s early life showed little inclination towards sports and fitness. However, his passion for weightlifting ignited during his college years when he started going to the gym and saw rapid improvements in his physique.
We are going to dive into Shawn Ray’s life, diet, and training routines.
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Full Name: Shawn Ray (IFBB Pro Bodybuilder) |
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| Weight | Height | Date Of Birth |
| 215-225 lbs | 5’5″ | 9/9/1965 |
| Division | Era | Nationality |
| Men’s Open | 1980s, 1990s, 2000s | American |
Shawn Ray Biography
His competitive journey began in 1983 when he secured second place at the Orange Coast Championships. His victory at the California Gold Cup later that year fueled his determination. By 1984, at just 19, Shawn had already claimed the titles of Mr. Teenage Los Angeles and Teenage Mr. California, marking the onset of a storied career in bodybuilding. His early successes continued with wins at the 1985 Teenage Mr. Orange County and the Teenage National Championships. The culmination of his amateur career came with victories at the 1985 Jr. World Championships and the 1987 Mr. California.
After winning the 1987 Mr. California, Shawn took some time away from the stage to further sculpt his physique. Almost a year later, he returned to compete at the 1987 National Championships, where his 196 lbs of pure muscle earned him his Pro card at the age of 22.
Shawn made his professional debut at the 1988 IFBB Night of Champions, embarking on a remarkable career that saw him consistently place in the top 5 at competitions, save for one instance during his 30-year career. His professional career is highlighted by wins at the 1990 Pro Ironman Show and the Arnold Classic, which he won consecutively in 1990 and 1991.
Despite his prowess and the moniker “Giant Killer” for defeating nearly every competitor of his era except Dorian Yates and Lee Haney, Shawn faced challenges at the Mr. Olympia. He competed in 13 Mr. Olympias between 1988 and 2001, placing as high as second in 1994 and 1996 but never capturing the coveted Sandow trophy. His tenacity and influence, however, secured his legacy as one of bodybuilding’s most iconic figures.
Shawn retired in 2001 after his last Mr. Olympia appearance, where he placed fourth. Post-retirement, he explored writing, publishing a book on bodybuilding, and appeared on various TV shows and magazine covers. Shawn also released a successful DVD series.
In his personal life, Shawn married Kristie in 2003, and the couple has two daughters, Asia Monet and Bella Blu. Asia has followed in her father’s footsteps, showcasing her talents by placing third in Abby’s Ultimate Dance Competition.
Shawn Ray Olympia Rankings
- 1988 Mr. Olympia – 13th Place
- 1990 Mr. Olympia – 3rd Place
- 1991 Mr. Olympia – 5th Place
- 1992 Mr. Olympia – 4th Place
- 1993 Mr. Olympia – 3rd Place
- 1994 Mr. Olympia – 2nd Place
- 1995 Mr. Olympia – 4th Place
- 1996 Mr. Olympia – 2nd Place
- 1997 Mr. Olympia – 3rd Place
- 1998 Mr. Olympia – 5th Place
- 1999 Mr. Olympia – 5th Place
- 2000 Mr. Olympia – 4th Place
- 2001 Mr. Olympia – 4th Place
Other Achievements
- 1983 California Gold Cup
- 1984 Mr. Teenage Los Angeles (Short & Overall)
- 1984 Teenage Mr. California
- 1985 Teenage Mr. Orange County
- 1985 Teenage National Championships
- 1985 Jr. World Championships
- 1986 Jr. National Championships 12thPlace Light heavy)
- 1987 Mr. California (Lightheavy & Overall)
- 1987 National Championships (Lightheavy & Overall)
- 1990 Pro Ironman Champion
- 1990 Arnold Classic Champion (lost title due to failing drug test)
- 1991 Arnold Classic Champion
- Inducted into the IFBB Hall of Fame of professional bodybuilding in January 2007.
Shawn Ray’s Workout Routine
Shawn’s training philosophy evolved over the years, incorporating a variety of methods and adhering to Weider principles. He emphasized the importance of varying exercises, changing workout orders, and utilizing intensity techniques like drop sets and forced reps to avoid plateaus. His rigorous training split included high volume and heavy weights, often training up to 3-4 hours a day, following a schedule of:
- Monday: Chest/Shoulders/Arms
- Tuesday: Back/Legs
- Wednesday: Chest/Shoulders/Arms
- Thursday: Back/Legs
- Friday: Chest/Shoulders/Arms
- Saturday: Back/Legs
- Sunday: Rest
Diet and Nutrition
Shawn also maintained a strict diet, even during the offseason, ensuring his meals were filled with quality protein sources, healthy and nutritious. His meal plan typically included egg whites, steaks, chicken breasts, ground beef, and a variety of vegetables and nuts, spread across six meals a day, as follows:
- 6AM: 10 egg whites, 3 yolks, large oatmeal, ground beef, whole wheat toast
- 9AM: New York steaks, baked potato, nuts
- 12PM: 3 large chicken breasts, steamed rice, almonds
- 3PM: 1 lb ground beef, pasta, mushrooms, peppers
- 6PM: 12 egg whites, 1 yolk, oatmeal with banana or strawberries
- 9PM: 2 slices whole wheat bread with jelly and peanut butter
Shawn Ray Wrap Up
Today, Shawn Ray remains a revered figure in the bodybuilding world, celebrated for his achievements and dedication to the sport. Ray is an ambassador with Mutant Nutrition. His legacy as “The Giant Killer” endures, inspiring new generations of bodybuilders.
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